The Art of Dining Alone

By Betty Liao

My first time was a couple of years back. The actual experience is all a murky blur (as all ‘firsts’ generally are), but I vividly remember how intimidated I was as I heard the awkward words come out of my mouth: “Yes, a table for one.” Sure, I’d eaten alone plenty of times; at Chipotle, the school cafeteria, and some random hole-in-the-wall, but this was completely different – this place had a hostess, tablecloths, and a leather-bound menu.

Eating alone in a restaurant setting isn’t as solitary as you might imagine; fellow customers attempt to give you empowering smiles, almost as if to say, “You’re so brave doing this alone – because I sure couldn’t,” the typically icy hostess seems to give you a kinder smile, and the wait staff goes that extra mile to make you comfortable – perhaps offering a complimentary cocktail, a glossy magazine, or some light banter. Indeed, once you get used to it, dining alone is really something to be savored.

 

Betty’s Five Reasons to Dine Alone: 

1. Get the hottest table in town. There are few who are brave enough to dine solo at the hottest new restaurant in town, but those who do are rewarded handsomely with a near guarantee of getting a table either via reservation, or simply by walking in.
2. Be remembered. A striking young lady or hunky young man dining alone is sure to leave an impression. Having the staff recognize you at a restaurant means better service, free food, and massive street-cred in front of your friends.
3. Meet interesting new people. I have found that fellow lone diners are truly fascinating individuals, after all, it takes a certain type to be comfortable dining alone. Obviously do not intrude on their solo dining experience, but be friendly and let the conversation flow naturally.
4. Feel free to be a dork. I need a good solid minute or two to take food porn, which is too much for most of my dining companions, who want to dive straight in. I also have a friend that dines alone who can spend 30 uninterrupted minutes studying the wine list.
5. You’re worth it. Conversation and company are great, but sometimes you just need some ‘me’ time. Why not celebrate your time alone with a special meal?

 

Betty’s Five Tips for Dining Alone:

1. Bring some reading material. Nothing too serious (food and drink will distract you), but engaging nonetheless, preferably nothing you’d be embarrassed to read in public (like Fifty Shades of Grey – ahem). I like to read from the Kindle app of my smart phone, which means I can bring a smaller bag.
2. Sit at the bar (and befriend the bartender). Bar seating is usually less formal (and therefore more fun), you don’t need reservations, and nowadays even the fanciest restaurants serve their full menu at the bar. Have an alcohol base in mind (rum, whiskey, gin etc.) and ask the bartender to make something special for you – it’s a great way to get a conversation going.
3. Embrace leftovers. Eating solo can be limiting in terms of the number of dishes you can try. Sometimes, I will order with the intention of having leftovers for the next few days. Leftover steak is great in cold salad or a grilled sandwich. Pasta also tastes great reheated with a little fresh Parmesan and pepper flakes on top.
4. Take your time. You got all dressed up and came all this way to enjoy a nice meal. Relax and savor the experience.
5. The only thing to fear is awkwardness itself. If you don’t think eating alone is awkward, no one else will. Act confidently – like you do this all the time, and look forward to a great meal!

 

Bon Appétit!

 
Born and raised in Hong Kong, with a brief detour in London, Betty Liao has grown up loving the fast pace of city life. She enjoys fine food, travel, design, and extreme sports – evident in her founding of Penn Gastronomy Club and her Master Scuba Diver certificate. She is a senior at UPenn Wharton and working part-time at Marc Jacobs in NYC.