Is there still a stigma for dining alone? Yes and no . Even though it is liberating to head into any eatery and not worry about what friends think of your eating choices people who go solo are still treated somewhat badly. Why is that? what's so bad with just having a good meal by oneself?
Regular contributor and chef Priya Kirshna wrote about this in yesterday's New York Times Wednesday Food section. There is nothing wrong with dining for one. Many think of it as an adventure to try different cuisines or just have a relaxing meal with out the distraction of talk. It shows in numbers taken from Open Table, a site that takes restaurant bookings from all over the world.The percentage of people eating alone rose sixty-four percent in 2019 while between 2022 and 2025 it only jumped to twenty percent.The increase is probably even greater now since many people just walk into a restaurant sans reservations.. Yet more solo dining doesn't necessarily mean better accommodations. Many feel that they're taking up valuable table space by sitting at a full table. there's also the feeling of fearfulness this can bring along with the feeling of being judged by other diners.According to Rajika Shah, a Los Angeles lawyer the host or hostess's whole demeanor changes when just one walks in.It's either a look of panic as in what to do with this person or a look of sympathy.
Some places do accommodate the solo eaters Bar areas often have tables for one, Mind they're those mile high ones with stools people have to clamber up on. Bar dining has been the default way to go, providing there is space and seating. Many independent restaurants are taking reservations for the bar area but a majority does not. Luckily there are the chain restaurants like Olive Garden and Applebees that are happy to serve just one person.Tiktok features videos of people eating alone at the OLive Garden. Their restaurants are designed with a bar in the center to make customers feel more comfortable instead of feeling isolated.Other restaurants , both private and chain should take notice, There is a level of comfortableness in eating alone according to the interviews done for the article.Of course they' felt more at ease in a chain restaurant than a fancier high priced one.It's also easier to dine alone in big cities where there is always a level of anonymity. Still it's a trend to catch on throughout the country.
Dining olo should be a fun experience. There's no friends and their prejudices to weigh upon order selection.It's just the diner alone enjoying quiet time with good food.
Posts
