Dining alone is becoming a new trend, and when done right, it’s a delightful experience whether you’re a traveler or just want someone else to cook for you. For beginner solo diners, here are 10 tips for eating out alone.
- Choose a restaurant well. Do your research instead of wandering around looking for the perfect spot. Find it online, book a table, and make sure it’s easy to get to.
- If you’re intimidated by having dinner alone, start with breakfast or lunch when many people dine alone.
- Choose your time. Don’t arrive at peak time when restaurants are less eager to give up a table to a solo diner. Eat a little earlier or a little later.
- Dress comfortably. Eating out solo can be stressful, so don’t add to your stress with the wrong wardrobe choice.
- Don’t let your hostess seat you with strangers. You deserve the server’s undivided attention.
- Take a few props to keep you busy if you’re feeling self-conscious. A book, your smartphone, a notebook, a camera … it doesn’t hurt if the restaurant thinks you’re a food journalist. You can also use less-valuable items as a seat-holder should you need to step away from the table before finishing your meal.
- Have a glass of wine or a beer to relax a bit—but don’t overdo it.
- Remind yourself that nobody is staring at you. Sure, people are curious, but most of the time they’re too absorbed in themselves to think about you for more than a few seconds!
- People-watch! Play this fun game: try to spot the first dates, the affairs, the anniversaries, the lunch interviews, the awkward family dramas. People-watching takes your focus off you!
- Ask for the bill early so you’re not awkwardly sitting there making conversation with nobody after your meal is finished.