When it comes to eating out, many people seem to find it sad if you admit you ate alone. Even admitting that you were solo at home can inspire looks of pity and sadness (we don’t get this one but we have seen it happen). But the reality is that eating alone is actually a wonderful experience (although it may not be something we want to do all the time).
While we love a date night dinner just like anyone else, there is something to be said about eating alone once in a while, especially if you are a foodie. In fact, we would have to say it may be one of our favorite ways to dine when we really want to enjoy our food. Being a foodie in general is about trying new things and exploring beautiful foods, so enjoying a solo dining experience can really enhance these aspects of eating at a restaurant alone.
The reason we feel this way stems from the fact that all of our attention is on our food and ourselves. There is no conversation that needs to be upheld or even sharing (or possibly stealing) of your food. Instead, your entire focus gets to be on the important part of the table – the meal itself.
Sure, company is nice, but if it is a dish you have been dying to try to savor, or a restaurant that has been on your list for what feels like forever, being alone is relaxing and stress-free. And while you might be wondering if you will be bored as you sit and enjoy your meal in peace, there are other things you can do to keep yourself from getting restless. We are big fans of people watching (it comes with the territory as a writer). You could even bring a book if you want to really make sure you are occupied beyond the food.
Eating alone as a foodie can be seen as therapeutic. You get to enjoy your meal, savor the food, and realize that being alone is okay. No one is bothering you or trying to snag something off your plate. And if you have had a bad day, it can actually be a great way to decompress.
Living in big cities has made the idea of eating solo more than just something to consider, it is something we have done on multiple occasions. Sometimes it happens while waiting for someone else. Other times it is about convenience. And still there are the times that being a solo foodie had more to do with just wanting to be alone. And really, being alone in a big city is never quite as alone as you might think.
Whatever the reason for that solo dining experience, there was always something so invigorating about eating alone. Sit at a sushi bar and watch as your chef works their magic and makes your rolls and sashimi right in front of you. Go to a Hot Pot restaurant where you get to prepare your food at the table, and try new things. Or head to a restaurant with a lovely bar that you can eat at where you won’t have a long wait and don’t have to feel weird about taking up an entire table.
Picking the right dining experience is just as important as anything else when it comes to being a solo foodie. But really any restaurant works for eating alone, as long as you are open to trying something new.
Our Recommendations:
- Don’t let anyone make you feel uncomfortable about not having a dining partner (including the waiter or waitress).
- Pick a restaurant you have always wanted to try or even one you enjoy the most.
- Choose a meal that you find indulgent or comforting.
- Enjoy the solitude and being able to eat a meal alone.
- Don’t be self-conscious about your solo status.
Basically this is about trying new things and enjoying a dining experience unlike any other. Savor the meal, enjoy your own company, and remember that being a foodie means getting the most out of your dining experience. So, take those pictures, eat the food, and remember you don’t need company to appreciate a delicious meal.