phedre

I travel frequently on my own and haven't had many issues. Gary Danko stands out as a fantastic experience for me as a single female diner, the attention I got there was fantastic.

I'm not at all uncomfortable eating alone, never have been. I love having just me, a good book, and some peace and quiet to enjoy a good meal. And I've eaten at everything from top end Michelin starred places to hole in the wall dives.

I think a lot of it comes from being self-conscious - are other people going to stare and wonder? No, they won't. People really aren't as interested in you as you think they are

And when you travel solo, what's the alternative? Exiled to the hotel's room service every night? No thank you!

Even when travelling with colleagues, I often want time to myself in the evening. I've made it quite clear that it has nothing to do with my coworkers or my lack of being social, just that I need some alone time. I haven't run across too many issues yet. Generally I'll do dinner out with everyone at least once a week, sometimes twice depending on my mindset at the time, but the rest of the week I make it clear that I need to recharge my batteries.

I don't get it. What's so terrible about eating alone?

obscure2k

^ Well said. Also, now that I always have my Kindle tucked into my purse, I never lack for a good book.

MisterNice

Personally I avoid places such as this.

MisterNice

phedre

I've been resisting the Kindle. I still love my paperbacks! Though I am considering an iPad.

dchristiva

I'm usually happy to dine alone somewhere, but I'll take a seat at the bar or in the lounge if possible, rather than in the main dining room. Otherwise, I figure that's why they invented room service.

phedre

Why not use the main dining room? I find sitting at the bar uncomfortable in most locations - those high chairs just aren't made for shorties like me.

In a lot of hotels, the room service menu isn't the same as what you'd get in the actual restaurant - my current location for example has a TON of options that just aren't available on the room service menu, including many tasty appetizers. Not to mention that the quality can vary widely, probably because it's so much more hassle to return an item via room service and wait for a replacement.

PSUhorty

While introversion may be a contributing factor, I wouldn’t necessarily pin it all on that. I’m quite extroverted but yet, I prefer to dine alone. Now, what I don’t mind doing is heading to a bar/pub alone and sitting at the bar and hopefully get into good conversation with the bartender or person seated next to me. That, I do enjoy.

elll

I frequently travel along, so I frequently dine alone.

I will usually research iDine restaurants in the city I'll be visiting, read reviews so figure out which ones will be solo-friendly, and try those. Or I will get take-out and bring back to room. Or I will dine at hotel restaurants as other have mentioned.

GodAtum

I sometimes find when reading a book in an expensive restaurant I get wierd looks!

antirealist

Really? From other patrons or staff? Just ignore them. I don't really pay much attention to other diners myself, and the staff ought to be used to solo diners - good restaurants often offer reading material.

I find the idea that there's something odd about reading and dining alone quite strange. It's a pretty common phenomenon in Paris, for example. Why would anyone be offended by it?

phedre

I don't know about offended, but I do know people who think it's strange that I read all the time, and some people who simply CAN'T be alone, they just feed off the social interaction and need someone else around for reasons I can't fathom.

Personally, I think THEY'RE the weirdos.

MisterNice

Most expensive restaurants I go to have few, if any people reading books but usually they have an extensive 2 ft x 3 ft menu. Why not read it before, during, and after the meal and dont forget to post your findings.

MisterNice

TMOliver

I agree whole heartedly based on half a century of (a) substantial business travel alone, and (b) having acquired a bride 46 years ago who believes that breakfast only attracts the Devil's spawn, and that hidden beneath the covers is the way to spend part/all/most of the day before Noon.

Breakfast alone is for newspapers (and breakfast alone is one of life's great mercies). Lunch alone is for travel guides, maps, etc.. Dinner alone in a US city, especially after a day of travel or intense interaction with fellow workers/clients/customers/etc., is surely a moment for a good book. There are a few, old friends, occasional new acquaintances, a client twisting my arm or his/hers being twisted, with whom I really enjoy protracted dinners. I do enjoy dinner on the road with my wife, since we share all courses, doubling the experience and pleasure in really good restyaurants, but who wants to share plates with a stranger (or even a friend)?

indianwells

I enjoy dining alone. If I dine with someone else you can pretty much guarantee I will pick the wrong thing and spend the next half hour wanting what my companion chose.

If alone I tend to eat at the bar if I want company, and a table if I don't. I have never felt self conscious either. Restaurants sell food, I buy it.

mosburger

In Asia, that is the basic requirement for human interaction.

That said, I have my solitary restaurants where it's nice to escape from the World and set schedules. There is one that does an excellent pasta with mussels and a cheese plate afterwards, another with an outstanding cheeseburger and fries, a conveyor belt sushi place and last but not least, a haven for Korean grilled pork.