How to Feel Confident (and Even Enjoy!) Eating Alone While Traveling Solo
Dining solo can feel like one of the most intimidating parts of solo travel, especially the first time. You walk into a cute café, glance around, and suddenly wonder if everyone’s staring.
But here’s the truth: eating alone while traveling solo is not just something to “get through”, it can actually be a liberating and delicious parts of the experience.
Whether you’re grabbing a casual bite or sitting down for a multi-course meal, here are ways to feel more confident, connected, and yes, even joyful when dining solo on the road.
1. Reframe the Narrative: Eating Alone ≠ Being Lonely
There’s a huge difference between being alone and being lonely. One is a fact; the other is a feeling. Solo meals can be moments of quiet reflection, creativity, or observation. You’re not missing out, you’re tuning in.
Try this mindset shift:
You’re not alone at a table, you’re free to fully savor your meal, the atmosphere, and the experience, without distraction.
2. Pick the Right Spot for Your Vibe
Where you dine can make all the difference. Choose restaurants that feel welcoming and relaxed, or spots where solo diners are common. Some ideas:
- Counter seating or communal tables (great for striking up a conversation)
- Cafés with outdoor seating (ideal for people-watching)
- Wine bars, ramen counters, food halls, and tapas spots, perfect for solo grazing
- Places with entertainment (live music, open kitchens, scenic views)
Look for places with bar seating where you can chat with the bartender or other solo travelers.
3. Have a Plan (Even If It’s Loose)
Walking in with purpose helps with nerves. Do a bit of research in advance so you’re not stuck aimlessly scanning menus. You might even:
- Make a reservation so you feel expected
- Read reviews that mention solo diners (or social bartenders if you eat up at the bar)
- Bring a book, journal, or sketchpad for comfort (but don’t hide behind your phone the whole time)
4. Be Present Not Self-Conscious
It’s normal to feel a little self-aware at first, but the more present you are, the more it fades. Observe the flavors, the people, the sounds. Write down what you’re noticing. Make it a personal ritual.
Prompt idea:
“If I were writing about this moment in a travel journal, how would I describe it?”
5. Make It Social…If You Want To
Eating solo doesn’t always have to mean being solo. Solo travel is what you make it. If you’re craving interaction:
- Join a food tour, cooking class, or wine tasting
- Use platforms like ToursByLocals
- Sit near others and strike up a conversation with someone else dining alone
- Ask the server or bartender for a local recommendation. They often love to chat!
6. Celebrate the Freedom
You get to eat what you want, when you want, how you want. No compromise. Want dessert first? Go for it. Want to linger over a single dish for an hour with a glass of wine? Absolutely. 🍷
This is your time. Make it special. Make it yours.
Table for One Can Be a Power Move
There’s something quietly powerful about a woman sitting alone and enjoying herself, on purpose. Confidence comes with practice, and so does the joy of doing things solo.
