9 Solo Dining Tips: How To Dine Alone Confidently

Planning a solo trip is all fun and excitement until it hits you: Oh no, I have to eat alone. Cue the mental spiral. But honestly? Dining solo doesn’t have to feel like a scene out of your worst anxiety dream. In fact, it can actually be an empowering experience—and not just because you get to keep the breadbasket all to yourself. Here are some solo dining tips for conquering the fear of eating alone, and hey, who knows? You might even enjoy it.

1. Other People Really Aren’t Paying Attention

A lot of the anxiety surrounding solo dining comes from overthinking. I know you probably know that and knowing it doesn’t make it easier the first time around, but it’s something to consider. Think about it – when you’re out dining with friends and notice someone eating alone, you might notice them for a second, but how long do you really dwell on it? Not at all? Exactly. Most people aren’t paying as much attention to you as you might think. They’re too wrapped up in their own meals or conversations.

2. Go Early to Dodge the Dinner Rush

Ease into it by heading to the restaurant before the crowd piles in. There’s something calming about a quiet, almost-empty space where the staff is still perky and not rushing around. Plus, you’ll get your pick of the best seat in the house.

3. Make the Bar Your Best Friend

If the idea of sitting at a table solo freaks you out, try the bar. There’s a casual vibe that makes dining alone feel a lot more normal, and bonus: bartenders are usually chatty. You can strike up a convo if you want or just people-watch.

4. Start Small: Try Solo Dining at Home

Before hitting the restaurant scene abroad, try it locally. Go to your favorite spot, snag a solo table, and see how it feels. Think of it like training wheels for your solo dining adventures. And the more you do it, the less of a big deal it becomes.

5. Window or Outdoor Seats = Built-In Entertainment

Ask for a window or outdoor seat where you can watch the world go by. It’s like free reality TV. People-watching takes the pressure off and gives you something to focus on other than your (delicious) meal.

6. Embrace the Comfort of Distraction

There’s absolutely no requirement that you raw dog it. Bring a book, your Kindle, a journal. Bring a small notebook and people might think you’re a food critic. Having something to do can help ease the awkwardness. And who knows? You might eventually get comfortable enough to ditch the book.

7. Take It To-Go & Find a Scenic Spot

If sitting in a restaurant alone still feels like too much, grab some takeout and head to a park or outdoor area. You get to enjoy your food with a view, minus the social anxiety of dining indoors. Win-win.

8. Treat Yourself

If you’re going dine solo, go all in. Order that appetizer, get a glass of champagne to start, and don’t even think about skipping dessert. Treating yourself like royalty turns dining alone from scary to indulgent real fast. Plus, when you’re dining solo nobody’s there to judge how much you eat.

9. Power Through: It Gets Easier

Like most things, solo dining gets easier with practice. The first time? Yep, it might (and probably will) feel awkward. The second time? Less weird. By the third time, you’ll be a pro. Keep going, because pretty soon, dining alone will feel like no big deal. It’s just what you do when you’re traveling solo.

Final Thoughts: A Girl’s Gotta Eat

Bottom line? You need to eat. Whether it’s grabbing a quick bite from a fast-food spot or going full-on gourmet at a Michelin star restaurant, food is fuel—and you deserve to enjoy it, solo or not. The more you embrace solo dining, the more confident you’ll feel, and soon enough, it’ll just be another part of your travel routine.

So, take a deep breath, grab a seat, and order that extra side of fries. You’ve got this.

Have you tried dining solo while traveling? I’d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below—whether it’s your first time or you’re a solo dining pro, let’s swap tips (and maybe some restaurant recommendations too).