Originally Posted by
Gallus1
I’m very appreciative of the advice I’ve been given for my upcoming trip. However, does anyone know about the cultural attitude towards a lone female dining in Naples. I would like to experience everything from street food (obviously not a problem), traditional taverna, Michelin star (some I know refuse table for 1 bookings). I’ve been given so many heads-up on where to eat but I’m now concerned about cultural assumptions for my being on my own. Am I taking on another’s comments too seriously. It’s not something that normally bothers me but someone’s put a worry in my mind.
Aside of a potential issue with high end restaurants not accepting reservation for one, I cannot see any “cultural assumptions” as such. More relaxed places may actually feel A bit sorry for you and try to be more talkative/of company (there was a great article a while ago written by a northern Italian journalist about such an experience he had in Naples and how he came to love the Neapolitan more friendly approach to strangers).
when I travel back I often have lunch (and some times dinner) by myself (male) and did notice a more talkative attitude, but not too noticeable. As far as I know, my sister that still lives there, also some times eat out by herself and has never reported anything worth of note. Again as a foreign tourist you may be offered a bit more support. Politely decline the attention if it happens to you and does not make you comfortable and that should be enough.