Eat Alone Like A Pro: Tips to Prepare Yourself For Solo Dining

When I first started traveling alone in 2010, dining alone was something that made me uncomfortable AF.

Was everyone going to be looking at me? Would people think something was wrong because I was sitting there alone?

I let this sort of negative talk swirl around and around in my head for weeks.

Then I just did it. I was in Italy eating alone. And at first, I hated it. But by the end of the trip, I started to ease in a bit.

Cut to now, where I almost prefer eating alone after a long day of touring around! The trick is to prepare yourself for what to do at the table and choose better restaurants for solo travelers.

However, finding the best restaurants for solo dining can be a bit challenging, as not all establishments cater to solo diners with the same warmth and comfort as they do for larger groups. 

In this blog post, we will explore valuable tips and strategies to help you discover the perfect restaurants that make your solo dining experience exceptional.

10 Tips For Finding The Best Restaurants For Solo Dining

Below is my list of the best tips I have for finding restaurants when planning to eat alone. Use these tips while away or in your home city!

1. Search For Local Bistro Style Restaurants 

When I’m looking for a great spot for solo dining, I love exploring the local culinary scene, as it can be incredibly rewarding.

Instead of opting for familiar chain restaurants, venture out to discover local eateries!

These local cafes and bistros are the perfect place for single diners who are seeking unique and authentic experiences.

I find they embrace the concept of sharing their culture and cuisine with individuals from all walks of life.

So when you are searching for a place to eat, search “best bistro restaurants in city X”. This will help greatly to narrow your search to the perfect spot. 

2. Read Blogs & Online Reviews

The internet is a treasure trove of valuable information regarding finding the best restaurants for solo dining. But I would advise you to take websites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google Reviews almost with a grain of salt. 

Some of the feedback can be helpful, but I have noticed that people will leave bad reviews because they were having a bad day.

Not because the restaurant was bad; it was just not a good choice for them. 

A great example would be if someone found the restaurant to be too “hip” when looking for a romantic setting. The one-star review they leave has nothing to do with the restaurant, just how they felt about it at the moment. 

When I look for great places to eat, I look for the restaurant setting and the general feedback about the food. 

* When going to a bar or pub alone I do advise you to troll the forums to see what they have to say about the vibe, and if it’s safe.

I do also consider what fellow diners are saying about the service and whether they complain about long waits.

My best tip is to look on solo travel blogs for recommendations then I do secondary research myself. 

3. Ask Locals for Help

Looking for suggestions where the locals would eat alone? Ask them! I typically start my night in the best bars for a pre-dinner drink.

Then I just get advice from the friendly bartenders on where they would eat in the city. 

This tip works great if you are traveling in a city big enough where there are lots of places to eat and where you don’t need reservations in advance. 

4. Look For Restaurants Inside the City Center

I typically use Google Maps to first find a number of restaurants in the local area and then go through them to decide if they look good for eating alone. 

I’d really recommend staying in the city center when looking for restaurants to eat solo in. I have made the mistake of traveling outside the city center when looking for a good restaurant.

Maybe the reviews seem great, but if you get all the way there and for one reason or another you want to leave, it can be a bummer.

5. Find Restaurants With Tapas & Small Portions

A well-curated menu can be indicative of a restaurant’s commitment to solo diners. Look for eateries that offer a diverse range of dishes, including single-serving options or smaller portions of their signature dishes. 

Restaurants with “small plates” or “tapas-style” menus are particularly my go as a solo diner.

I like to try as much as possible so if I can order a bunch of apps I find it the better way to dine alone. Ordering multiple appetizer dishes is my way to do solo dining without overindulging.

Some pre-fixed menus are ideally for 2 so be search to research ahead of time. You don’t want to get there and find out all the meals are designed for 2 people to share.

6. Find Places With Counter Seating Options

My best tip when finding a restaurant for dining alone is to find a good place with a more relaxed and social setting.

For example, sitting in the bar area or at the counter is an excellent choice. For a more lively bar seating experience, perhaps try a wine bar or sushi bar. 

Counter seats not only provide an unobtrusive spot to enjoy your meal but also allow you to interact with the restaurant staff and other customers.

Nothing is more isolating to me as a solo diner than eating alone in the dining room of a romantic restaurant. Dining alone can feel lonely if you don’t have a dining companion in these settings. 

The best seat in the house for a solo diner like myself is on the bar stools in the lounge areas. 

7. Consider the Ambiance

Finding the right ambiance in a restaurant plays a significant role in enhancing the solo dining experience.

When it is your first time looking for solo-friendly restaurants, pick a place where a lot is going on. Maybe a place with a live event, definitely a welcoming atmosphere, and where, if you are the only solo diner, you won’t feel like anyone would notice.  

I look for places where I blend in and feel comfortable spending time with my own company.

8. Find Restaurants That Take Reservations

As a solo diner, you may be able to secure a table more quickly than larger groups. 

However, some restaurants might still have long waiting times, especially during peak social hours. Before heading out, call ahead or check online for reservation options or estimated waiting times.

This way, you can plan your visit accordingly and avoid unnecessary delays.

9. Join Foodie Communities

If you are a food lover looking for a good restaurant, the first thing you should do is join a foodie group.

This will help you find others’ favorite spots, and then you can determine whether you think it would be a great place to eat alone. 

Online foodie communities and forums are excellent resources for solo diners seeking recommendations. Platforms like Reddit, food blogs, and social media groups often discuss the best places to dine alone. 

Engaging with these communities allows you to tap into the collective knowledge of fellow food enthusiasts, who can point you toward hidden gems and solo-friendly establishments.

10. Find Restaurants For Solo Dining in Safe Neighborhoods

I have found plenty of places online that I wanted to eat but wasn’t comfortable getting there alone. It is important to prioritize your safety and convenience when choosing a restaurant for solo dining. 

Opt for well-lit areas, especially if you plan to dine in the evening. 

Additionally, consider the restaurant’s accessibility, especially if you rely on public transportation or have mobility challenges.

How to Find Cheap Restaurants for Solo Dining

Traveling solo on a budget and looking for tips to find the best affordable restaurants?

When I am looking for great food but don’t want to spend a lot of money, I always look to see if the city has a local food hall!

A food hall can be an excellent place to find a quick meal for under $10! Typically you get a mix of street food and a local specialty. Great craft beer can also be found in these market halls.

Just search for “market halls or food halls” on Google. My all-time favorite is called Reffen that I found on a solo trip to Copenhagen.

Tips to Keep Busy When Eating Alone:

1. Plan to have a project like editing your photos.
2. Text with friends and family.
3. Listen to a podcast (my favorite)
4. People watch, this is a good one too!
5. Plan another trip. I am very guilty of this!

Most Common Questions About Solo Dining

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