Eating out alone might sound a little scary at first, especially if you’re newly single, but it can actually be a lot of fun! Since my divorce, I’ve gone solo dining more times than I can count, and I’ve learned it’s a great way to enjoy good food and treat yourself. Ready to turn solo dining into your new favorite adventure? Let’s dive into some tips to make it enjoyable and stress-free!
Dining alone is a wonderful form of self-care—a chance to pause and treat yourself. By dressing up and choosing your favorite restaurant, you create a space to relax, unwind, and savor a delicious meal without any of the work. It’s a little way to feel pampered and special, simply by taking time for yourself.
Many solo diners feel a bit nervous about eating out alone, worried about being judged or pitied for not having a companion. But according to an article titled Eating alone? The new American diner flies solo, about 57% of people dining out are solo diners. In reality, most people aren’t judging those of us who dine alone. And if someone does, that’s their issue—not yours. My advice? Ignore the noise and focus on taking care of yourself.
Solo Dining Tips
*Dress in a way that’s both comfortable and appropriate for where you’re dining.
*Want to chat a bit? Request a spot at the bar.
*It might not always be appropriate to bring your laptop to a restaurant during a meal. I’ve taken mine to coffee shops and wine bars to work while enjoying a drink, but at a restaurant, working on your computer can distract you from the experience—and might disturb the people sitting nearby as well.
*You could bring your phone along when dining solo. I’ve often found myself scrolling through articles or social media during meals. I avoid talking on the phone at the table, though, because it can disrupt those around me. I also like to snap photos of my food and the ambiance—but always without using flash to keep the experience pleasant for others nearby.
*Bringing a book or magazine is always a great option when dining alone—it feels perfectly appropriate in any restaurant setting. I’ve found myself enjoying a good book during many meals, making the experience both relaxing and enjoyable.
*Do your homework before heading to a new restaurant. I usually check out online reviews to get a sense of what to expect. I also look into parking options and browse the menu ahead of time to decide what dishes I might want to try.
If you’ve never tried dining alone, I highly recommend giving it a shot. Just the other day, feeling a bit down, I decided to practice a little self-care by treating myself to a solo night out. I visited a local restaurant, enjoyed a delicious meal and a glass of wine, then strolled over to a nearby wine lounge for a second glass. It turned into a truly lovely and refreshing evening.
When you dine out solo, make it an exciting experience to enjoy fully. You’re only accountable to yourself, so don’t be afraid to try something new—and definitely treat yourself to dessert.
Don’t stay home when you can enjoy a great dining experience—even when you’re dining solo!
KathieyV
2 responses to “The Fine Art of Dining Solo: A Divorced Woman’s Perspective”
Spoil yourself. You deserve it! Relax, enjoy, I would be at bar 😆
Hi Brian,
I do enjoy sitting at the bar and meeting people. In my next solo experience, I will have to do that. Wish me luck I have a meeting with a book coach and editor tomorrow. Prayers for wisdom, please.