Dining alone…it’s an art form. I remember being 24 years old and deciding to go to dinner at Applebee’s by myself. It was a big deal to me at the time. The hostess came to the table and asked if I was waiting for someone. I confidently told her no. I was dining alone that evening. Something about looking at the menu without small talk, chatter or any distraction was soothing to me. Upon ordering, I could sit and just people watch until my food arrived. This was before smartphones were really in the mix, so there was absolutely nothing to do but sit in the moment. I could hear bits and pieces of other conversations. I noticed things about the decor I had never observed before, and being there by myself made me feel fully like an adult.

I quickly realized how much I enjoyed my own company and how the random smile of a stranger, a question from the table nearby about my appetizer or a compliment about my scarf were the accessories to these moments. Making them all the more genuine, warm and relishing. These solo dining experiences have varied, and I have eaten some of the most delicious cuisine all over the world – totally alone. Each time, the meal, restaurant, the ambiance, sound, aroma, and overall vibe have acted in concert providing me with some of the best memories I have as a person who tends to fly solo.

After many years of dining solo all over the world, I have acquired a bit of etiquette that I’d like to share for those who have never dined alone but would like to. Or maybe you have, and it was a less than desireable experience and so you’re timid about doing it again. Here are a few tips to make the most of your solo dining experience.

But first, a few solo dining visuals…

Do Your Homework: All of my advice could technically fall under this header, but I will stick to broad tips here. If you are visiting a restaurant for the first time, familiarize yourself with its hours of operation, parking availability (especially if you’re headed downtown or into the city) and the general aesthetic of the restaurant. There’s nothing more frustrating than pulling up and realizing they are cash valet only or circling the block 5 times hoping a spot opens up. After I park, if I have a good vantage point, I like to sit for a minute and watch people enter and exit. Something as simple as knowing the correct door to walk into, if it’s push or pull or appears to be heavy can make all the difference. This allows you to walk in confidently. I literally almost walked through a glass wall once because I didn’t see it and finally saw my reflection when I got up close! I was so embarrassed but relieved I didn’t get seriously injured.

Look up reviews, photos, and customer feedback so you can have a general idea of what to expect. A good portion of restaurants have become cashless since the pandemic. Not handling physical money helps decrease the spread of germs and viruses as it allows for contactless payment transactions. If you’re going somewhere a bit fancy, make sure you understand the dress code. Make reservations if required or encouraged. OpenTable and Resy are fabulous options for reservations and booking.

Understand the Menu: A quick glance at the food offerings – appetizers, entrees, cocktail lis​t will make your experience that much more enjoyable. If you have food allergies or significant dietary constraints, this will help you understand your options without having to ask too many questions. Take a note of pricing – I don’t know about you, but I don’t like surprises when it comes to my wallet. If you’re out of the country, definitely understand the local currency, ​the USD conversion if you’re using a credit card, tipping norms, and other cultural nuances.

Culture is Everything: Grabbing a sandwich at a crowded New York deli is different from sitting down to a fancy southern brunch in Midtown, Atlanta. Ordering gelato at a corner spot in Florence is different from ordering an espresso in the 6th District of Paris. These are all things I’ve done and let me tell you – understanding cultural nuance is everything. Now if your only plan is to dine stateside, that’s fine. It’s still important to read the room and understand basic regional etiquette and social norms. Check out my Solo Gem on Instagram about building confidence.

Be Seen for the Right Reasons:​ When it comes to solo dining, being seen for the right reasons means embracing the confidence to enjoy your own company. It’s about showing that dining alone isn’t something you do because you have to​, it’s something you do because you genuinely enjoy it. It shifts the narrative from “oh, they’re alone” to “wow, they’re comfortable and happy in their own ​company.” That’s the right reason: choosing solo dining as a form of self-care and self-celebration.

Enjoy yourself:​ In the context of solo dining, enjoying yourself means truly savoring the experience. It’s about relishing that meal, treating yourself to a dish you love, and enjoying the ambiance on your own terms. When you find joy in the moment, you turn solo dining into a mini-adventure. It’s a reminder that you can be your own best company and that every meal is an opportunity to celebrate yourself.

Make that reservation. Go treat yourself.

Xoxo,

Tina B.