Dining out alone in nice restaurants taught me to enjoy my own company, without the need to check my phone at the table.
When I step into cozy Orianna in Milan’s pulsing design district, my table is set for one. I feel an undeniable temptation to scurry back to my apartment with a giant burrata and tomatoes from the market, or maybe a pizza. Though I’ve lived abroad and travelled solo since my 20s, dining alone after dark is a challenge and a somewhat recent experiment in self-confidence.
“The narrative in the hospitality industry seems to be shifting from ‘alone and lonely’ to ‘independent and adventurous,’” says Yulia Saf, a frequent solo traveller and the founder of the blog MissTourist.com. “Dining alone is less of a taboo now, and in some cases, it’s even seen as a chic and empowered choice.”
Though the stigma of eating alone seems to be waning, it can still be anxiety-inducing for those concerned about how they’re perceived. This spotlight bias may be driving the popularity of spots such as the Yunnan Noodle Shack in Toronto, where library-style cubicles are fitted with phone stands and call buttons that let guests decide when to interact with the staff.
Solo dining is also an opportunity for mindful eating and being in tune with our body’s hunger cues, especially when we focus on the food and ambiance. “What I like best is the uninterrupted time I can dedicate to savouring every flavour or simply being with my thoughts,” says Saf, the blogger, who also appreciates not having to rush to make her menu selection when she is unaccompanied. “The experience is far more personal and contemplative. It’s a moment just for me.
Bailey Hayward, co-owner of Gary’s, a Michelin Guide restaurant in Vancouver’s South Granville neighbourhood and one of Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants in 2024, says connecting with solo diners is a highlight for their establishment, which was inspired by dinners hosted for friends in their home. Half-portions are a must according to Jen Agg, owner of Bar Vendetta, Le Swan, Grey Gardens and several other Toronto restaurants.
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