Why is it that we eat several times a day and go to restaurants as part of our normal routine, but all of a sudden we’re traveling and the thought of sitting there by ourselves is a big deal? You probably just spent the day navigating public transportation in a new city and figuring things out in a different culture and maybe even a different language, but somehow eating by yourself feels even harder.
It’s the part of solo travel most people find challenging or awkward, and one that can take the longest to feel normal. But you have to eat, so you might as well eat well.
You probably feel like you stand out more than you do
Walking into a restaurant and asking for a table for one can feel intimidating, like people might judge you. It might be one of those things you just have to do before it feels comfortable. But once you’re sitting at your table, the experience tends to be a lot less stressful. When you eat out with friends or a partner, you probably don’t take much notice of the people around you. It may feel like everyone is looking at you, but they probably aren’t.
- Solo Dining Tips: How to Eat Out Alone with Confidence [The Flashpacker]
- Tips for Eating Alone at a Restaurant [Solo Trips And Tips]
- Solo dining: 16 practical tips for eating out by yourself [Rachel's Ruminations]
Pick a restaurant that suits you
There are a few things you can look for when choosing the restaurant that might make you more comfortable. Try to find a table with a view or one in the middle of the action so that you have something to look at or watch. If you feel like talking, see if there is bar seating or a communal table where you might be able to strike up a conversation. Check if you can book a reservation online to make it smoother when you arrive. Some people find that eating lunch out or going at off hours when there aren’t so many people around can feel a little more casual.
- 11 Simple Tips For Dining Alone When You Travel Solo [Emily Luxton]
- When Traveling Alone, What’s Your Approach To Solo Dining? [One Mile At A Time]
- Dining Solo Isn’t Sad — It’s a Power Move [Food & Wine]
- 11 Nifty and Fun Tips for Eating Alone at a Restaurant [Wander with Jo]
The safety of a book
You probably know this strategy and that’s because it works really well. Having a book is a great shield for being solo. You have something to do and for some reason, it feels like people will judge you less if you’re reading. But you don’t need to perform for anyone by staring at a page or pretending to scroll. Sometimes it’s nice to just put down the book or phone and take in what’s happening around you. And if you’re into your book, go ahead and start the next chapter!
- Solo Travel Tips for Eating Alone & Enjoying your Travel Confidence [Grrrl Traveler]
- How to Take Yourself Out to Dinner: A Guide to Solo Dining [Wonder & Sundry]
- Learning to Eat Alone in Restaurants Without a Book as a Shield [The Trip Tales]
You deserve to enjoy the experience
Dining out is an experience and being alone shouldn’t stop you from enjoying it. If you want to try something without ordering a huge dish, ask if they’ll split a portion for you. Tapas spots or places with small plates make it easy to sample a bunch of different dishes. Food tours are also a great way to hit a bunch of restaurants, and guides usually know the best spots. I like going on a food tour and then heading back to places I liked later in my trip. That way, I know the food will be good and I’m already familiar with the atmosphere.
- How to Enjoy Dining Solo - from a Solo Woman Traveler [Jetset Jazzmine]
- The Complete Guide to Dining Solo Without Feeling Out of Place [Northsiderestaurant]
Embrace the experience of eating out on your own. You deserve a table with a great view just as much as anyone else, so don’t settle for the one in the corner. But you also don’t even have to go to a restaurant if you don’t feel like it. Eating street tacos or having a grocery store picnic can be just as enjoyable as a Michelin Star restaurant. And there’s nothing wrong with takeout or room service after a long day. The point isn’t to be able to endure any restaurant alone, it’s to not miss out on food you really want because you’re on your own.
- How to Enjoy Dining Alone: An Unexpected Lesson in Connection [Embracing Enough]
- The subtle joy of eating alone [Lonely Planet]
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