^ One of the most valuable tips above IMHO is the “bring a book for eating” one. I travel alone a lot and therefore spend lots of time alone in restaurants. And I hate just sitting there and looking around doing nothing while I wait for my food.

But instead of a book I generally bring a magazine (Time, The Economist, etc.). A magazine is easier to put on the table next to your plate and read while eating (having both hands free). With a book I always need one hand just to keep it open. (And also, if I drop some sauce, I’d rather drop it on a magazine that I will throw away anyway... )