As a food writer and restaurant critic, I often find myself eating alone in restaurants. This sometimes occurs when I stumble upon a place that looks interesting or when I have a deadline and fail to persuade someone to join me. Given the choice, I would almost always prefer to eat with others, as the joy of food lies in the shared experience. However, solo dining can be a valuable endeavor.
Travel is All About the Food
When reviewing restaurants, the common rule is to indulge in two starters, two mains, two desserts, alongside cocktails and wine. This approach allows the restaurant to showcase its strengths rather than being judged on a single dish. Thus, dining alone often leads to ordering enough food for two, which can be both embarrassing and revealing, especially in my hometown.
Interestingly, dining solo in a high-end restaurant can be a delightful experience—especially when there is a tasting menu. Expensive venues are accustomed to hosting business travelers dining alone and know how to make them feel comfortable.
While I endure slightly awkward yet enjoyable experiences for the sake of my work, many female travelers actively embrace the experience of eating out unaccompanied—something that traditionally causes low-level anxiety for many globetrotters. Here are some insights from these travelers.
Perks of Dining Solo
Martha de Lacey, a cook based in Margate, emphasizes that travel is all about food. Her enthusiasm for exploring diverse cuisines—from kebab joints in Istanbul to taco spots in Puerto Escondido—is evident. She says, “Eating alone while traveling doesn’t faze me at all.” For Martha, solo dining allows her to concentrate on the food without any compromises.
She shares, “Eating alone means you can explore adventurous dishes without worrying about another person’s preferences.” Moreover, she eliminates distractions and can focus entirely on the culinary experience.
Holly Pratt Kelly, a solicitor, shares her love for the independence that comes with solo travel. She often relies on recommendations from acquaintances or travel bloggers to find the best places to eat. While she occasionally felt uncomfortable in bustling places like Kuala Lumpur, she found joy in vibrant hawker markets where the atmosphere buzzes with activity.
Eat Local but Consider Your Safety
Dr. Mairead Ryan, an expert in behavioral epidemiology, emphasizes the importance of safety while dining alone. During her solo trip across South America, she discovered that eating locally is essential to truly experiencing the culture. “In South America, the restaurants cater mainly to tourists, which skews your culinary experience,” she notes.
When dining alone, especially as a woman, it’s crucial to consider safety when returning from restaurants. Dr. Ryan advises asking locals for recommendations rather than relying solely on hotel staff, who may have affiliations with certain establishments.
Ultimately, whether at home or traveling, solo dining can unlock new culinary experiences. As you embark on your next journey, consider making it a table for one. You might find that dining alone is more enjoyable than you ever imagined.
