I had never dined alone back home (Canada) unless it was for breakfast and I had a newspaper, but being on exchange in France right now it's remarkable the amount of people you see alone. And not get in get get out kind of alone, but out there on the patio, slowly having a glass of wine with an entree. Made me feel a little more at ease. I find it interesting that people have said that high end is more awkward. For me it is less awkward, not only because it allows me to really slowly eat, taste all of the ingredients, and just focus on the food and the wine, but because it shows "Hey, I appreciate high quality food so much damned if if I can't get anyone else to go with me it's going to stop me". I kind of think it almost shows the staff that in a way, you're proud to be alone and not have anyone else take away from the experience (assuming this dining experience is more about the food than anything else) and that you went out of your way to go to them specifically. In one case, because I went alone and had made a reservation for one, I ended up with the best table in the entire restaurant with a stunning view. For all intents and purposes, I say this in reference to the Michelin starred restaurants I've been to alone, and based on what has been defined as high end in this thread so far it seems worth differentiating. I do agree with the point that in a busy establishment it is respectful in a way to eat at the bar should one be available. While we all have a right to a table, given that we live in a Capitalist system, we should respect the ebb and flow of the same system that puts money in our pockets to go out and dine. Sounds a little philosophical I know, but if I owned a restaurant I'd want people to do the same for me. This being said, I think in a way it's one of the ultimate tests of a waiter when you dine alone and take up a table for two, or even four. If the waiter provides me with the same level of service they would a full table and not resent me for potentially taking away from their tip on more bodies in his or her section, I'll respect that with a bigger tip to help keep the dine alone sentiment going.