When people learn that I’m a solo traveler, I usually get bombarded with questions like, isn’t it lonely doing things alone? Are you worried about traveling solo as a woman? Plus, the unfathomable–how do you eat in restaurants alone?
I’ll be honest, I used to fear dining alone as well, but it’s not quite so nervewracking as we’re led to believe. Plus, I’ve discovered a lot of tips to get over the hump and shake off those insecurities.
For me, hunger trumps my fear above all else–you can convince me to do anything as long as food is involved!
But truthfully, eating alone is part of the solo traveling experience. You can’t deny yourself the experience of an authentic, local meal just because you’re afraid of how it looks to others. Plus, eating alone in your Airbnb or hotel room can be pretty sad.
So, I’ve collected a few tips to make the whole experience less nerve-wracking and more rewarding. Here is my anxiety-proof guide to your first solo eating experience.
Plan ahead and make a reservation
If embarking on your first solo eating experience is frightening, then plan out your excursion ahead of time. Research the best restaurant recommendations in that city (check out my recs for Lecce, Italy), pick a night in the near future, and then make a reservation.
Another tip: look at the menu online beforehand so you know what you want to eat before arriving at the restaurant. But remind yourself to be open to changing your mind. Don’t limit your foodie experience.
I usually plan to make a little conversation with the waiter (I’ll ask about their favorite wine or dish on the menu), and remind myself that I’m here to celebrate my travels.
Don’t let your fear get in the way of a good time.
Bring a book or activity to do
The best way to overcome the hurdle of eating alone is to bring a book with you. It occupies your time in between courses, and you get to hit your page goal for the day. Plus, now you’re giving off mysterious, main-character vibes.
If you’re not an avid reader, you can look at your phone, but it doesn’t make the experience feel quite as special.
If I don’t bring a book, I immerse myself in the foodie experience. I eat very slowly, savor each bite, and sip on my wine like I’m solving a murder mystery in my head.
The point is to embrace the dining experience and simply soak up delicious non-American food.
Dinner and a Show
The best way to eat out by yourself is to plan a whole evening out of it. I fully committed to my first solo-eating experience by eating out at a nice restaurant before going to a West End Show.
Having somewhere to go after dinner means there’s a designated end time. You also appear as a cultured dinner guest in high-demand.
Put on a fancy outfit
This goes with the above, but do yourself a favor and dress up! Put on one of your favorite outfits and remind yourself to feel damn special. Dressing up will help you enjoy the whole dining out experience and show that you’re treating yourself to a fancy evening out.
Don’t mind the looks
Most of the time, your fellow dinner guests and waiters won’t give a damn about you eating alone. But, I have gotten the occasional perplexed look as I sip on a glass of Italian wine.
I’ll even get looks of admiration and jealousy mixed with stares of pity and disgust. It can really run the gamut, but I swear to you those looks are few and far inbetween.
You’ll also get weirdos who become incredibly interested in the fact that you’re eating alone. They usually start up a conversation with you and ask a million and one questions.
These people don’t understand that you’re traveling solo for a reason. Like for the fact that you enjoy your own company and are (mostly) comfortable doing things alone.
I usually entertain these weirdos for a few minutes before burying my nose back in my book.
Final Takeaways:
Honestly, traveling solo can be scary at times. But, a little risk begets a big reward.
Eating alone has allowed me to eat some of the best meals of my entire life, make friends from countries all over the world, and prove to myself that I can do scary things.
Don’t let a little societal norm stop you from experiencing the wonders of life (and food.)