Dining alone as a solo traveller for the first time can be… interesting. How can the simple act of eating become so incredibly awkward?!
What on earth do I do while I’m waiting for food?
Why is that person staring at me?
Everyone will think I’m sad for eating alone.
All very real thoughts that crossed my mind the first couple of times I dined alone while travelling solo. And if we’re being honest, they can still creep into my mind from time to time.
Why is dining alone so difficult?
Humans are social. And sharing a meal is such a core principle in society, that
Confidence levels can play a huge role in what it feels like to dine alone. The issue is the worry about how others will view you (the empathetic looks, the extra attention), and the simple trick is not to care.
Yet confidence isn’t something that appears magically. It’ll grow over time, the more you experience ‘life’. So what can you do in the meantime?
Luckily, there are so many things you can do to make dining solo a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Below, I share some personal experiences and some of the things I’ve picked up on while dining alone as a solo traveller. From dining alone in Denmark, Malaysia, Vanuatu and more. These solo dining experiences have truly helped me and shaped how I travel today.
1. Pick the Right Place
My first time dining solo was in Stockholm, Sweden. Eating a bowl of yoghurt and granola in a little cafe at breakfast, and. It . Was. Exhilarating. That feeling of freedom is hard to beat.
Yet, compare that with a few days later. Dining solo at a restaurant in Copenhagen, Denmark. Empathetic looks from my waitress, constant staring from two women sitting opposite me. It sounds ridiculous, but it was honestly a nightmare.
The main difference? The type of place I was dining in.
The little Swedish cafe was casual and relaxed. The Danish restaurant? A much more formal dining experience with dressed tables, wide spacing and a slick interior.
Casual, cosy places, like cafes, markets, or street food spots, are often MUCH more relaxed spaces for solo diners.
But these options may not always be available, and sometimes, that just might not be what you’re craving! So this rolls us onto the next dining solo top tip…
2. Pick the Right Seat!
No matter which place you choose to eat. The table you choose can make a big difference to the experience. For solo travelling, I’ve always found that window seats, bar seating, or even outdoor tables help you feel more at ease. They’re also pretty great for people watching too!
In that Danish restaurant, I was seated in quite a central spot, and although it was a small table, I stuck out very clearly as a solo diner, and it made me feel self-conscious.
Yet for lunch the next day, I went for a stylish cafe and an outdoor table that overlooked a fountain on the famous shopping street Strøget. Great coffee, delicious food and a wide open space to watch city life roll by.
And obviously, if you can, factor in that it’s better to choose small tables. You don’t want to feel guilty about holding up a table for four when a group walks in.
3. Bring Something to Do
When you’re dining solo, conversation isn’t there to keep you engaged, so writing, reading, or a little bit of scrolling gives you something to focus on. Plus, it gives your hands something to do and keeps you relaxed.
Of course, we can always fall back on the phone. But carrying a book or journal is a great way to mix things up. Use the time to plan must-see spots for your next destination, write notes from your day or simply use it as a bit of time to unwind.
I HIGHLY recommend journaling, or at least note taking, as you travel, here’s why.
4. Dine at Off-Peak Times
If you’re nervous about finding a table or being amongst crowds, dining earlier or later than typical ‘peak hours’ can make the experience a little less overwhelming. This is especially true in heavily touristic areas.
This also gives you more time to test out the next tip…
5. Tell Your Server You’re Travelling Solo
If it feels right and they seem friendly, chat with your server and let them know you’re travelling solo. They’ll likely have amazing insights and can offer local tips, recommend dishes, must-see spots or highlights you may not have heard of.
6. Food Tours
If you don’t have long to spend somewhere (or even if you do!) a food tour can be a perfect way to dip into the local culture and dine as a solo traveller.
You can enjoy a guided dining experience with a group of other travellers or curious foodies, many of whom will also be solo travellers!
It takes out the fear of heading out to dine completely alone, plus you’ll get amazing tips from a guide who knows the area, and can even suggest other restaurants that are ideal for solo travellers.
Bonus tip: Walking tours are not only a great way to get a great oversight of the
7. Communal Dining Options
Hostel kitchens are one of the ultimate places to dine as a solo traveller. Hit up the local supermarket (one of my favourite things about travel) and cook and dine in a kitchen with other travellers.
If you’re on a budget, make sure to check out what’s already in the hostel kitchen, as so many travellers leave ingredients behind. There’s often salt, pasta or rice in the ‘free food’ boxes!
Eating alone in a hostel kitchen is 100% normal (you won’t get any curious stares from people who just don’t get it!). It’s a space fully dedicated to solo travellers. And with those other travellers around, you’ll find it much easier to fall into conversation with others, and even dine together, if that’s what you want.
Aside from hostels, a quick search online for communal dining restaurants should bring up some popular places with communal-style tables or even local supper clubs.
8. Embrace the Freedom
Solo travelling comes with a whole heap of emotions. The fear of being alone and the complete responsibility for your own well-being. But one of the joys of solo travelling? Being in control.
You get to do exactly what you want, when you want, at your own pace. And that means choosing where to eat, what to eat and when. There’s no one else to consider, no compromising, and no choice fatigue.
Just remember that the first few times are going to feel a little strange, but the more you do it, the more natural (and enjoyable) it becomes.
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