Journey Insights

There’s something about midweek in Ella. The mist lingers in the mountains a little longer, the air feels cooler, and there’s that tiny voice in your head whispering, “You deserve a break.” I listened to that voice last Wednesday and ended up at Cafe One Love—a place that feels less like a restaurant and more like a warm hug.

I’ll be honest: I wasn’t planning on making a big night of it. But when you step into a place where the music is flowing, the staff greet you like old friends, and the menu reads like poetry, well… the night has other plans.

The Heartbeat of One Love

Cafe One Love sits right in the heart of Ella, but once you’re inside, the bustle of the road fades into the background. The space glows with warm lights, the kind that make you look around and think, “Yes, I’m staying here for a while.” There’s a mix of backpackers swapping travel tales, locals dropping in for their favourites, and couples leaning closer over cocktails.

It’s not fancy in a stiff way—it’s alive. The kind of place where laughter rolls out of the open windows and you can’t help but smile back.

Midweek Magic

Now, why Wednesday? Because midweek at One Love has a rhythm of its own. It’s not the wild chaos of a Friday, but it isn’t quiet either. It feels perfectly balanced—buzzing enough to keep your energy high, relaxed enough that you don’t lose track of your own thoughts.

I grabbed a table near the balcony, where the night breeze carried a hint of wood smoke and spices from the kitchen. Within minutes, a cold drink appeared in front of me. No hard sell, no rush—just friendly service and a cheeky grin from the bartender who clearly enjoys his job.

The Food That Steals the Show

Here’s where things really get interesting. I’d promised myself I’d go light, but have you seen the menu here? It’s impossible.

Grilled Fish with Potato Wedges

The grilled fish arrived first. Golden fillets, still steaming, with that faint charred aroma that makes your stomach growl even before the first bite. The flesh was tender, falling apart with the nudge of a fork, and paired beautifully with crispy potato wedges that crunched with every bite. A squeeze of lime brightened everything, and suddenly I was eating slower than usual, not wanting it to end.

It wasn’t just dinner—it was comfort. The kind of dish that feels both homely and special, like something your best mate might cook if he had a little extra flair in the kitchen.

One Love Special Pizza

Then came the pizza, and let me tell you, this wasn’t just any pizza. The One Love Special is topped with dry sautéed wild mushrooms, fresh tomato slices, and generous layers of mozzarella that melted into strings of happiness. Each bite had that earthy richness from the mushrooms, balanced by the freshness of the tomato. The crust was thin and slightly chewy—the way I like it—holding everything together without stealing the spotlight.

I shared a slice with a traveller at the next table (because pizza is meant to be shared, right?), and his face lit up in agreement: “This is proper pizza.”

Drinks that Keep the Night Flowing

It wouldn’t be a Wednesday night without a good drink in hand. One Love doesn’t overcomplicate things—they just know how to make a solid cocktail. I went for something refreshing with a splash of citrus, and it did exactly what it needed to: kept the conversation lively and my smile wide.

What struck me most was how easy it was to lose track of time. The drinks kept arriving at just the right pace—not too fast, not too slow. It felt like the staff had an unspoken rhythm with the crowd, adjusting the tempo of the night as naturally as the DJ adjusting the music.

The Music and the Mood

Ah, the music. That’s the secret ingredient here. It wasn’t blasting so loudly that you had to shout over it, but it was enough to make your foot tap under the table. A mix of reggae beats, acoustic covers, and a few songs that everyone knows the words to.

At one point, a small group started singing along softly, and instead of feeling awkward, the whole place leaned into it. Strangers smiled at each other; heads nodded in time—it was like being part of a moment that belonged to everyone.

Why It Felt Different

I’ve eaten plenty of grilled fish in Sri Lanka, and I’ve tried more pizzas than I can count, but this night at Cafe One Love stood out because of how it all came together. It wasn’t just about the food or the drinks. It was the way the place wrapped everything in warmth: the friendly nods from the staff, the easy chatter between tables, the music slipping into the background like a heartbeat.

By the time I looked at my watch, I realised hours had passed. The mountains outside were cloaked in darkness, the air cooler, and I had that lovely, content feeling you get when you know you’ve spent your evening exactly right.

A Place That Invites You Back

Leaving wasn’t easy. I lingered over the last sip of my drink, stretched the moment out, and promised myself I’d be back. Because that’s what One Love does to you—it makes you feel like part of the family, even if you’ve only been there once.

Maybe next time I’ll try something else on the menu. Maybe I’ll stick with the grilled fish and pizza because, honestly, they were spot on. But one thing’s certain: Wednesday nights won’t ever feel the same without a little bit of One Love.

Ella is full of charm—tea plantations, waterfalls, mountain views. But tucked among all that beauty is this cafe that somehow manages to make a simple Wednesday night feel like a celebration.