Eating Alone While Traveling: Tips For Solo Dining

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I’m not going to lie, going for dinner is the scariest part of traveling alone for me. Maybe it’s the irrational feeling that by eating alone I’m telling the rest of the patrons that I’m incapable of forming human relationships by remaining friendless. Maybe it’s because I think they will feel bad for me. Or it could just be that I’m a ridiculous introvert who prefers other people to take the lead when finding somewhere to eat and now all eyes are on me. Whatever it is, dining alone has been an uphill challenge for me.

But as far as spending time on my own goes, I’m pretty good at it. I’m an only child so already used to not having siblings to play games with as a child. I am happy being in my own company. So traveling solo, while some find it lonely and boring, I actually enjoy it. Of course I like to travel with friends or my boyfriend, but I’m not going to let having no-one to travel with for a particular trip, stop me from going on said trip. I think everyone should travel on their own at least once. Enjoy time with yourself. But of course traveling alone leads to eating alone. And we’re back to crippling anxiety starting at around 3pm each day. But it doesn’t need to be this way. Take it from me.

Eating alone while traveling

So how do you go about being more comfortable dining alone? Or even staying safe while dining alone? As a solo female traveler I have of course come across situations that don’t just make me feel awkward, but make me feel concerned. But dining alone needn’t be one of those bad situations if you follow some of these tips. Preparedness is key, and realizing that you are in control.

Finding a restaurant

The hardest part for me is plucking up the courage to walk into a restaurant and say the words “table for one”. Once that’s over with, I’m actually OK. But part of this anxiety is going up to a place and feeling rushed into sitting down before I’m ready. I want to check out a menu first, see if this is where I want to eat. When you’re with other people, you can play off each other and it’s easier to walk away. But for some reason when I have someone standing there looking at me to see if I will decide to eat there, walking away feels like a personal “I hate your food” vibe. So one of my tips is to stay away from restaurants that have people standing outside pulling people in. A good restaurant shouldn’t need to do that.

I also take time walking around, looking at restaurants. Then perhaps checking them out online in advance. Yes, you guessed it, I’m one of those people who knows what I’m having before I go into a restaurant (because I’ve already looked at a menu). But for one, I’m vegetarian, so that takes away a lot of options already. So finding somewhere I want to eat is a big deal to me.

Choose where you want to eat

You know when you travel (or even at home) and you can’t decide where to eat? It’s usually not that you don’t know what you want, it’s that you and your friend or partner can’t decide on a place that you both want right now. You know when that’s not a problem? Solo traveling, that’s when. That’s right, anywhere you want to go, you can go. With no-one to answer to the choice is all you. Every day of your trip. If that’s not a win-win I don’t know what is. No compromising on a place you only half want to go to. Want to dine at the chocolate and cheese place? Do it! Want breakfast at a dessert place? No one’s judging you. Except you. But you’re awesome, you’re dining alone!

Pick the best time to dine

If you’re concerned about dining alone, how about going at a different time when it’s not as busy? Have an earlier (or later) dinner. Or perhaps have your big meal at lunch time and your evening can be a quieter affair. Finding a seat in a busy restaurant is never easy if it’s popular, so since you’re the only one you have to please, you can choose when to eat. Hungry at 4:30 pm? Then go eat. Nothing says you have to wait until later because that’s dinner time. You have no-one to answer to but yourself when you’re traveling solo.

Choose an optimal seat

Dining alone isn’t something everyone feels comfortable. But I think finding a good seat is half the battle. If you want somewhere quiet and kind of out of the way then look for that. But my ideal spot is finding a window seat, or a patio seat if it’s nice weather. All the better for people watching. A great pastime of any great traveler, I love nothing more than to stare out onto the street and watch the people pass by. While you might be tempted to find a hidden seat for fear of embarrassment of dining alone, don’t. Find somewhere visible with a great view. After all, no one puts Baby in the corner, am I right?

Be careful where you put your things

You walk into a restaurant with friends and you might sling your jacket or bag over the chair as you sit down. No problem. But if you’re eating alone you might want to rethink where you put your valuables. Perhaps travel lighter and fit your items in your pockets. Return to the hotel before dinner and leave your day bag. If that isn’t an option, just put your items somewhere you can see them.

My favorite helpful item is Bagnet. It’s a magnet that clips to your purse and is really powerful. I use to it attach my bag to the underside of the table, or the table leg. That way my bag is in front of me, I can usually feel it, but it’s not on the floor. Also, the magnet is strong enough that no-one can just swipe your bag without budging the table too. Believe me, I’ve been walking past many a metal object and heard the telltale THUNK as my Bagnet latches on with great power. I have bought Bagnet for pretty much all of my friends, I love it! Check out my top solo travel safety tips here!

Order a drink

You’re on vacation, enjoy yourself. Take the edge off of your feelings of awkwardness and get yourself a nice glass of wine, a cocktail or a beer. I love nothing more than ordering a fancy drink and watching the world go by. Courage is key to overcome your worries, so a little liquid courage can’t hurt. Of course safety first: if you’re a solo traveler in a new city you might not want to try all the drinks in one night. Know your own personal limits.

Act like you belong

Like I said, confidence is key. So fake it ’til you make it and just own your dining alone experience. Don’t be afraid to request a seat, a space or anything else that will make you feel more comfortable. Sit outside with your sunglasses on so no-one can see how panicky you look when you’re eating alone. Plus you can people watch easier. I’ve traveled to Paris alone a few times (because it’s my favorite city and I love to go back). The city of love doesn’t seem geared towards solo travelers but their outdoor cafes are perfect for people watching.

Take your time

I think the first time I ate alone in a restaurant I was so looking forward to getting it over with that I raced through dinner just to get out of there. But you’re on a trip and you deserve to enjoy your meal. Don’t feel rushed to order, or to finish your meal. Take your time, select your perfect dish and savor every bite. Just because you finished your meal doesn’t mean you have to knock back the rest of your drink and bolt. Order another, sit and enjoy.

Use your time to catch up with friends

Still not comfortable being alone? Worried that all eyes are on you? Why not use your time in a restaurant catching up with your friends, family or significant other back home? Send an email, text or give a quick call to them as you wait for your food or drink to arrive. Maybe you’re traveling for work, so this could be a good time to answer a couple of work emails and leave the rest of your evening free.

Write about your day

Dining out actually gives me time to reflect on my day. I use it now to note down what I did that day, or look back on some of my photos. I keep a notebook with me, and I’m always writing down ideas. It’s almost like I’m a travel blogger or something! But while you’re waiting for your food, or finishing your drink, this is the ideal part of the day to write and remember all the fun things you did. At the very least maybe the restaurant will see you taking notes and think you’re a restaurant reviewer. I’m sure they’ll take extra care of you then.

Take a book

Rule number one of traveling alone: always carry a book. That’s my golden rule anyway. If I ever want to take a break in a cafe during the day, sit on a bench in a park and enjoy the sunshine, or wait for my food in a restaurant, I read my book. It gives me something else to think about, something to enjoy and a place to lose myself for a while. Plus, I find it really difficult to read a lot at home between work and a borderline unhealthy Netflix obsession. So I actually look forward to taking a trip for all the reading I get done.

Talk to someone

See someone else dining alone? Say hi. If you run into another solo traveler, ask if they want to join for a drink. I’ve been on many a trip where I have had someone ask me that, especially if I’ve been in a hostel bar/restaurant which is where a lot of solo travelers will be. But if you see someone looking a little nervous about being by themselves, remember your first time dining alone and be nice to them. They will appreciate even a smile.

Don’t let yourself miss an experience

Is there a restaurant or local food you want to try? Then go for it. Do it now or you’ll be sad if you missed out on what you wanted to do just because you were worried what people would think. I was in Riga, Latvia, and found an amazing looking medieval restaurant that was in an underground cavern. No way was I missing that just because I had to say “table for one”. So with my aforementioned safety rules out of the window I descended into a deep, dark cave in search of a good beer. It all worked out great, and I’m so glad I went.

Be nice to your server

I mean, this is basically just an all the time rule, but especially when you’re traveling (and dining) alone. Your server, or the staff at the restaurant you choose, are someone to talk to or share a joke with. They’ll be busy I’m sure, but as a former server a customer can make your night by being that little nicer. I find I often get a little more attention when dining alone as the server doesn’t feel like they are interrupting a conversation. And they might be a little kinder if they know a lot of people don’t like dining alone.

Ignore everyone else

Honestly, the other people in the restaurant don’t actually care that you’re eating alone. The only person who ever really cares is you. And we’ve already covered that you’re a bad-ass solo traveler. When I see someone dining alone I don’t think “Wow, they have no friends, that sucks”. I see someone enjoying their food and move on. Everyone else is wrapped up in their own table talk and taking pictures of their own amazing food that they are eating because they actually went in the restaurant unlike you who might be hovering at the door. They’re not judging you, and even if they are it will be for a fleeting second until something takes them back to their own conversation. In short – suck it up!

Write a review

Help future solo travelers by writing about an amazing dining experience. Did you feel safe? Comfortable? Looked after by the staff? Then tell others. Did they welcome you with open arms when you were eating alone? Let people know. A lot of that is hard to know from a quick glance at the door and an online menu. But I’d always be happy to go somewhere recommended with friendly people when I’m on my own.

Take a food tour

Hesitant about eating alone in a restaurant? Why not book a food tour your first day in a new place, which we did in Ho Chi Minh City. You get to try local restaurants, learn about local food, maybe even meet some new people if you choose a public tour. Then for the rest of your trip you at least know a little about some of the foods you might want to try and the kind of restaurants in that place that will appeal more to you. It might be a little less daunting than figuring it all out on your own. Browse some fun tours including food tours on Take Walks.

Rules of eating alone

There are no rules, you make your own rules up. Why? Because you know you best. You know whether you’re likely to want to strike up random conversation, or read your book. To sit inside or outside and people watch. But I hope this has given you some ideas of how to make the experience better for yourself. Because the real shame would be missing a restaurant or dish you really wanted to try because you couldn’t sit alone for an hour. Solo travels are the best. Get comfortable hanging out with yourself. You’re awesome!

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What things do you do to make yourself feel more comfortable eating alone? Do you like solo traveling?