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Whenever I talk to someone about solo travel one of the first things I’m asked, is what I do when I want to find somewhere to eat? For people who have only ever travelled with their parents, partner or friends the idea of walking into a café or restaurant and sitting alone at a table can be almost unimaginable. If you want to head off on your own for the first time, it can seem hugely daunting, so here are a few of my tips for eating alone as a solo traveller and how you can enjoy some of the most incredible food and drink no matter where you are in the world.
Eating Alone as a Solo Traveller
Start With Coffee or Lunch
There are very few rules when you travel alone, if walking into a fancy restaurant and ordering a three course meal is too scary then you don’t have to. You can literally eat what you like whenever you like. Head to a café and order a coffee and some cake. Start small. Practice eating alone until it feels natural – it will get easier each time.
Don’t Pay Attention to Anyone Else
The main thing to remember is that nobody is watching or judging you for sitting and eating alone. They are far too busy enjoying their own food and drink. The only thing you need to do is try not to feel awkward and focus on your food, and becoming comfortable with your own company.
Choose Your Seating Wisely
More and more people are travelling solo nowadays and so restaurants and cafes are getting used to seating you in an optimum location. You may prefer to pop yourself in a corner and blend into the wall, or you may prefer to sit at a bar or near the door. Whatever your preference you are perfectly ok to tell the staff when you arrive (or make the reservation.)
Another option is to pick places that have communal seating, I know some people who hate these and avoid them as much as possible, but I have no issue. You might get the opportunity to chat with your neighbour if you choose to or you can engross yourself in your meal and ignore everyone else around you.
Chat to the Staff
I have found over the years that waiting staff are usually highly attentive if you are sat alone, mostly because you are more likely to be polite and less likely to cause a fuss or complain. You may also find that they are more likely to stop and chat, offer recommendations and directions.
Take a book/ newspaper/ laptop
If you’re concerned about sitting at a table alone, then take a book to read (a guidebook can be a good idea, but don’t make it too obvious that you’re a tourist in case pick-pockets are watching.)
Grab a coffee at a quiet time and you may be able to get your laptop out and do some work (start a blog post, upload photos, catch-up with emails, or plan more of your trip.)
Practice the Language
If you’re feeling confident practice ordering in the local language. If you’re not feeling confident and they’re not overly busy ask the waiting staff for a few tips and phrases that you can use throughout your visit.
Be Postive
As I said before, the great thing about solo travel is that you choose where to eat, you choose what to eat, you choose how much to spend, you choose how long you spend somewhere.
Now all you have to do is enjoy yourself.
Do you enjoy eating alone whilst travelling?
Do you have any tips to make it easier?
Let me know in the comments.
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Great tips here, thanks for sharing. I love eating alone & always get into conversations, especially with staff. I also always take something with me to distract me & keep me busy…but usually just end up people watching! 😉
thanks for your lovely comment. I love people watching and I’ve found that unless a place is crazy busy most staff are happy to talk, whether it’s giving directions or recommendations.
These are great tips! I used to travel solo for work all the time and the first time by myself was a little nervewracking. Now I miss it so much!!
Thanks Amanda. It is nerve-wracking the first time. I started eating out alone during my weekends at home so when I went on trips I was already comfortable. Now I barely think about it.
I used to avoid eating in a restaurants solo because I wasn’t comfortable with how other people looked at me. So, I was always buying sandwiches or salads at convenience stores which is not healthy. Now, I don’t mind because I always have my phone in hand to distract me if needed.
There is nothing wrong with finding a way to distract yourself. I was very self conscious about it in the beginning until I realised that actually nobody is looking at me.
I love eating alone! I actually try really hard to make those eating alone experiences a complete disconnect. I don’t bring my phone out the whole time so that I have more time to people watch and enjoy my own company without distraction!!
I used to use my phone in the beginning, and I still do occasionally if I want to use the time to look at maps or plan my day. Generally I just enjoy people watching and enjoying the atmosphere of where I am.
Great post, thanks a lot. As most of my travel is business trips, I travel solo a lot of times. In the beginning I didn’t feel very comfortable sitting in a restaurant on my own. I was fine with coffee / snacks during the day (and very often would have either laptop or notebook with me to catch up with work on the go). But a proper evening meal in a restaurant felt a little daunting. So I ever grabbed a quick dinner at a fast food restaurant (doesn’t go well with a healthy eating regime, so not a good idea) or stayed in the hotel for dinner. Obviously in Hotels (especially business hotels solo travellers are a common sight. And chances are that you are not the only one sitting on your own.
But over the years I got used to the idea of eating out alone and don’t really mind any more. Quite often I end up having conversations with fellow guests. Resulting in rather interesting evenings
Thank you for your lovely comment. Like everything it can be difficult in the beginning but practice makes perfect. I was always paranoid that everyone was watching me and thinking I was weird, but actually I realise that most people are too busy with their own lives to bother about me. Chatting with other guests can be very interested. I always just remind myself that if it gets too uncomfortable there is always the joy of room service.
Great tips, Gemma. I travel alone quite a lot and have no problem eating alone. I try to make sure that I am facing the room (even if they try to seat me with my back to everyone), so that I can people watch. If I get any funny looks, I just smile and people tend to smile back.
Thanks Larch. Oh yes, the weird table facing away from everyone… or worse, the one next to the toilets. I’ve had both. I always try to opt for one near a window, not too far from the door but not one that can be easily ignored. After a lot of practice I think I’m quite good at scouting out the decent table for one.