Tips for eating alone
Whether you are single, travelling solo or eating away from home, it's often no fun eating out alone. You see it in the waitress's eyes as you ask for a table for one and in the not so subtle pitying glances sent your way by neighbouring diners. Society tends to send out a message that if you are eating out alone something must be wrong.
Having spent large periods of time travelling solo and now working in a role that requires frequent business trips, I have had my fair share of independent dining experiences. Some great, others not so great.
I’ve even been refused tables at times because I was eating alone!
A lot of the solo-dining experience does come down to being self confident and assured within yourself, however I wanted to share my top tips for surviving when eating alone.
Take a book or a kindle to read
One of the easiest tricks in the book is to take some reading material to keep the time passing and help you to enjoy your meal without stressing. This is probably one of the best moves when you are new to eating out alone and aren't quite that comfortable or confident in being with your own company. Distract yourself in a good novel and the time will pass you by.
Make new friends
Is there anyone else around you eating alone?
Introduce yourself as they might also be looking for company. It's not the end of the world if they say no and you might make a new friend out of it.
You can also chat with the waiter, waitress or bar staff while you order or sit at the bar which can be a good way to find out what's the best on the menu or for their recommendations.
You may also discover new things about the area you're in, places to see and visit that you weren't aware of previously.
People watch
Perfect for busy cities with lots of people walking past, people watching is always an entertaining way to pass time.
Whether it's looking at clothes, watching people interact or imagining what sorts of conversations they are having, people watching can definitely keep you entertained.
Find a seat at the bar
Especially if you're new to eating solo, sitting at a bar on your own can be a less intimidating choice.
Chances are someone will come sit next to you at some point or you could choose to tell your whole life's story to the barman.
Choose your restaurant
Some restaurants and bars are easy to eat alone - I've frequented places like Wagamamas, Chiquito or Las Iguanas on occasions because it's easy to eat solo. But then I've also gone to more upmarket places that were also quotes accommodating. It all depends on the mood I'm in.
Some people like silence while others prefer a bustling and busy atmosphere. Choosing a restaurant that suits your personality and mood can make things easier.
Consider the time of day
When I visited Venice solo, I was refused service at some restaurants because I attempted to get a table at peak hour alone.
I have found that if you instead try and get a table (especially last minute) for a sit-down meal outside of peak hours, you are more likely to be met with success.
Eavesdrop
The conversations of nearby diners can also be a free entertainment source.
Awkward first dates, difficult life-decisions and stories about how someone cut their own hair can keep you well entertained.
Just try not to stare at them and laugh too loud if they say something completely ridiculous and give yourself away!
Pick the restaurant YOU want
Eating alone is great for anyone who likes to experiment and eat different cuisines or try new local dishes. This is fantastic if your friends or family have plainer tastes or different expectations of food than you.
Without having to compromise, you are free to pick exactly what you want to eat that day. Make the most of that!
Self-confidence
Confidence is key to eating alone!
If you don't quite have it yet, Fake it till you make it as they say. Yes you are sure you want a table for one, you wouldn't have asked otherwise!
As a paying customer you deserve to be able to spend just as much time in a cafe or restaurant as a couple or groups of friends.
It can be easy to get into the trap of feeling ashamed if you don’t have an eating partner and thinking that you have to eat as fast as possible and get out.
Not so.
Don't rush and spoil your meal. Take your time, eat at your normal pace and enjoy the time rather than thinking of getting back to the hotel room as soon as possible.
Gemma
Gemma Sampson RD APD
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