Eating alone in restaurants is one of the toughest things everybody should get used to when travelling alone. Usually no one has any problems when buying a sandwich and eating it alone while walking. But when the deal’s about seating down and eating alone in restaurants, it’s usually more complicated. But don’t let it stop you! Tasting all the delicatessens from a new destination is one of the best parts of any trip I take.
My first time eating alone in restaurants
I may have been around 17yo when I went to Rome with my Highschool. We all had tickets for the Capitoline Museums and my friends run through them without ever stopping to actually see anything, so… I decided for the first time to separate from them and re-visiting the museums at my own pace. Not sure about how long it would take, we arranged to meet again in the late afternoon. And… I never realized that would mean I had to eat on my own.
Once I left the museums, I wander for a bit through the centre of the city. And then I thought about whether buying a sad sandwich and seating on any bank park, or grow some balls and choose eating in a restaurant on my own. And then I saw her (yes, it’s a her).
That masterpiece.
An amazing pizza of coppa, roquette, gorgonzola and tomato souce. Oh the beauty. And of course, why eating a cold pizza out of a carton box when you can enjoy it right out of the oven? And so, I stayed and had lunch on my own for the first time. And oh dear how much I enjoyed it. After eating alone, I walked the beautiful streets of Rome for several hours until I met with my friends again. It was also the first time I did some hours in a foreing land on my own and … I guess I don’t need to say I loved it, right?
Eating alone in restaurants, what will other people think?
In reality, when you go to a restaurant and ask for a table for one, most of the times they won’t look funny at you, or think anything specially out of the ordinary. Even though many of us still think that we are a weird breed, the truth is that we are more common that we are aware of. But why don’t we notice when there’s someone else eating alone? Well, when people go to restaurants they are mostly focused on either eating or the people they are with. For that reason, it’s important you know something: the only person who cares is you. And probably that won’t even be for long.
Best tips for eating alone in restaurants
Some times, for some people, eating alone in restaurants feels weird the first time only. For others, it’s maybe necessary to go through it a couple of times, or practise it for a few months. In any case, here are my tips to get better at it.
First tip: decide the type of restaurant where you want to eat
To start, it is always a good idea think about the type of restaurant you are going to select. If your main worry is feeling alone in a restaurant filled with couples, don’t go to a romantic cafeteria. If you think you will be missing your family, your parents, or your children, don’t go to a familiar place. Take as a standard goal to avoid whatever could make you feel unconfortable. Common table restaurants are always a safe choice.
Second tip: when do you want to eat
The moment of the day when you are going to have lunch, or dinner, or whatever, it’s also something to take into account. If you are worried about being watched by everybody else, skip rush hour. You can go earlier or later, maybe it will match perfectly with your jet lag! Or maybe you don’t want to feel like you are the only person at the restaurant, so find a place with plenty of people and get comfy. In any case, again, think about what makes you feel comfortable and go with it.
Third tip: where to sit in the restaurant
Even though it may seem quite silly for some, the location within the restaurant is VERY important. After years of eating alone, I have come to realize that every time I seat outside the main zone of a restaurant, waitresses tend to overlook me. Some twisted mind may think that since their tip will be smaller they care less. But, I won’t be that mean and I will think that maybe that’s only because we occupy less space that people goes on without actually seing us. Let me tell you that trying to attract the server’s attention every time you want something can make the most comfortable person quite desperate.
Last tip: find a distraction
To finish, nowadays we are so used to have distractions while having lunch or dinner, that eating alone in restaurants can be somehow boring. In these cases, it is always a good idea to bring along a book, or some crosswords. Just a single distraction to have lunch in a more relaxed way. It helps a lot! In any case, try just for once to focus all your attention in every single bite you take, it can make the whole experience of eating just magnificent.
Your opinions
Do you have any other adive I should add? Do you enjoy of eating alone in a restaurant? Anything out of the ordinary has happened to you? Please, let me know all about it in the comments below!
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As I have gotten older, eating alone has become a delight. Yes, I enjoy eating with friends and family more of course but when I’m traveling, eating alone just gets me the opportunity to write in my journal, contemplate, plan, and relax. I think if you’re eating alone, a journal can be your dining partner. You are so correct – savor the moment.
I have come to the conclusion that eating alone actually allows me to palate more the food and the surroundings. I agree with you though that it could be a great moment for updating a journal, but since I do plenty of train time daily, I usually spend that time doing it. In any case, I’ll take that into account! Thanks!
Ever since I started to travel alone on business, eating out alone had become a very pleasant experience. Occasionally I do a little reading or planning but generally just enjoy my meal while people watching. I also have discovered that going to movies alone is just as enjoyable as going with friends. I am usually lost in the plot, cinematography, or music anyway and when alone don’t need to concern myself with anyone else’s response or opinion. Learn to enjoy your own company!
I couldn’t agree more! I have been to the theater, the cinema and some concerts alone and I have realized that at the end, you go to these places to enjoy the show. It really doesn’t matter who you are with or without. Moreover, at the end you will remember the movie or whatever you have watched, not your company. Everybody should be comfortable on their own and the society should stop judging people for doing thins differently (although that is a very slow process!). Thanks for stopping by Jane =)
I have no problems whatsoever for eating alone in a restaurant, particularly while travelling. I always travel alone.
This is so helpful! I eat alone in restaurants a lot, and it’s always interesting to see how many people in the restaurant think it’s weird. And I’ve definitely had waitresses ignore me before, so I’ll have to make sure I don’t sit off to the side anymore!
A nice guide for people that may have to eat alone and may be feeling unsure of how to pick the right place.
This is seriously soooo helpful! Every time I travel solo and I eat alone at a restaurant I feel so weird 🙈
I’ve never had dinner on my own but it seems so scary to me! Definitely taking a book with me if I ever eat alone in a restaurant.
I have never thought twice about eating alone in a restaurant before. I didn’t realize it was a big deal until I read this article. Maybe because my second job at age 17 was in a restaurant. I saw people eat alone all the time. I never ignored them. I ate alone on my break at a small table in the back of the restaurant. Maybe I am weird for thinking this should be a normal thing. More people should feel comfortable spending time with themselves and not sharing every moment or meal with the internet. Savor the serenity of your own company:) You might discover a new best friend!