Complete Guide to Eating Alone While Traveling

Updated on February 26th, 2025

Today I head off on my latest Namibia adventure and I can’t wait to share with you how we get on. I’ll be travelling with my partner, but we will be driving ourselves and planning to do a bit of camping along the way. If you’re not already, follow our progress via Instagram and Facebook but of course, I’ll be back in your Inbox next week with the latest instalment too! 

But this week, I have decided to focus on more solo travel advice. Traveling solo as a woman can be an incredibly empowering and rewarding experience. However, one aspect that often feels daunting, especially for first-time solo travellers, is eating alone. 

The idea of dining solo can be intimidating, but with the right mindset and strategies, it can become one of the most enjoyable parts of your trip. I must admit that through the last 10 years of travelling alone I have gone through all the emotions while going out to a restaurant solo. It has gone from being worried that everyone is looking and judging me to feeling totally powerful walking through a restaurant to be seated on my own.

So, I thought this week to give you my top tips on how to embrace eating alone and make the most of your solo dining experiences.

1. Shift Your Mindset

The first and most important step to enjoying eating alone is changing how you think about it. Instead of viewing solo dining as awkward or lonely, see it as an opportunity to savour your own company, enjoy your meal, and observe your surroundings.

• Reframe the Experience: Think of dining alone as a form of self-care. It’s a time to relax, reflect on your day, and indulge in a meal without distractions. Remember, you’re not eating alone because you have no one to join you—you’re choosing to enjoy your own company.

• Embrace the Freedom: When you dine alone, you get to choose exactly where, when, and what you eat. There’s no need to compromise on cuisine or timing, so use this freedom to explore new foods and restaurants that appeal to you. Which brings us onto…

2. Choose the Right Restaurant

Where you eat can significantly impact your solo dining experience. Some settings are more conducive to solo diners than others, so choose wisely.

• Opt for Casual and Cozy Venues: Small cafes, bistros, and casual eateries often have a more relaxed atmosphere, making them perfect for solo diners. These places typically have a variety of seating options, like bar stools or small tables, that can make you feel more comfortable.

• Seek Out Restaurants with Communal Seating: Communal tables or bar seating can be great for solo travellers. They offer a social dining experience where you can engage in casual conversation with other diners or the staff, without the pressure of a traditional table setting.

• Explore Outdoor Dining: Al fresco dining allows you to people-watch and enjoy the ambiance of your surroundings, making the experience more engaging. Whether it’s a sidewalk cafe in Paris or a beachside restaurant in Bali, outdoor dining adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

3. Bring a Distraction

Having something to do while you wait for your food can help you feel more at ease. Whether it’s a book, journal, or simply your phone, a small distraction can keep you occupied.

• Read a Book or E-Reader: A good book is a classic companion for solo dining. It’s a great way to pass the time and gives you something to focus on besides your meal. An e-reader is especially handy as it’s lightweight and can hold multiple books, depending on your mood.

• Keep a Travel Journal: Use your dining time to jot down notes about your day, your thoughts, or the places you’ve visited. It’s a productive and meaningful way to reflect on your travels.

• Use Your Phone Wisely: While it’s tempting to scroll through social media, consider using your phone to explore something related to your trip, like reading about the local culture, finding your next destination, or even learning a few phrases in the local language.

4. Engage with the Restaurant Staff

As a solo diner, you can connect more deeply with the people serving you. Engaging with the restaurant staff can enhance your dining experience and make you feel more connected to the place you’re in.

• Ask for Recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for their recommendations. Whether it’s the best dish on the menu or a local specialty, they can provide valuable insights that enhance your meal.

• Learn About the Cuisine: Use this opportunity to learn more about the food you’re eating. Ask questions about the ingredients, preparation methods, or the story behind a particular dish. This can turn your meal into a learning experience.

• Practice the Local Language: If you’re in a country where a different language is spoken, try practicing a few phrases with the staff. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and shows that you’re making an effort to connect.

5. Savour the Experience

One of the joys of eating alone is the ability to fully immerse yourself in the dining experience. Without the distraction of conversation, you can focus entirely on the flavours, textures, and presentation of your food.

• Take Your Time: There’s no need to rush through your meal. Eat slowly, savour each bite, and appreciate the culinary experience. Enjoying your food at a leisurely pace can make the experience more pleasurable and satisfying.

• Be Mindful: Practice mindfulness while you eat. Pay attention to the taste, smell, and appearance of your food. Being fully present can turn a simple meal into a memorable experience.

6. Try Different Dining Times

I’m a huge fan of this one! If you’re nervous about eating alone during peak dining hours, consider adjusting the time of your meals.

• Dine Early or Late: Eating at off-peak times can reduce the number of people in the restaurant, making the experience feel less daunting. Early lunches or late dinners can be quieter, more relaxed times to enjoy your meal. It also means the staff are less busy and can be more willing to engage.

• Explore Breakfast and Brunch Options: These meals are often less formal and more casual, making them ideal for solo diners. Plus, they’re a great way to start your day with a good meal before heading out to explore.

7. Connect with Fellow Travellers

If you’re craving some company, there are ways to meet other travellers or locals, even when dining alone.

• Join a Food Tour: Food tours are a fantastic way to experience local cuisine while meeting new people. They offer a social dining experience with the added benefit of a guided introduction to the best local eats. For more on this, check out my favourite food tour experiences in Saigon (Vietnam),Singapore and San Sebastian (Spain).

• Attend Communal Dining Events: Some cities offer communal dining experiences where strangers come together to share a meal. These events can be a fun way to meet people and enjoy a meal in a social setting.

• Use Social Dining Apps: There are apps and websites designed to connect solo travellers with locals or other travellers for meals. This can be a great way to share a meal with others without the formality of a traditional dinner party. Check out Eatwith as one option if this sounds appealing for you.

8. Embrace the Solo Dining Experience

Finally, embrace the solo dining experience for what it is—a chance to enjoy your own company, explore new cuisines, and experience the world from a different perspective.

• Be Confident: Hold your head high and walk into the restaurant with confidence. Remember, solo dining is becoming increasingly common, and people are more focused on their own meals than on whether you’re eating alone.

• Enjoy the Solitude: There’s something truly special about having a meal all to yourself. It’s a time to relax, recharge, and relish the independence that comes with solo travel.

Eating alone as a woman traveling solo doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable experience. With the right mindset, preparation, and a few simple strategies, dining solo can become one of the highlights of your trip. It’s an opportunity to indulge in new flavours, engage with the local culture, and enjoy some much needed “me time”. Therefore, the next time you find yourself dining alone, take a deep breath, savour the moment, and remember that this is your time to enjoy the journey—one delicious bite at a time.  For more top tips, then check out my blog post on eating alone HERE.

So, what do you think? What worries you most about the solo dining experience? Or what are your favourite strategies if you are a regular lone eater? Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (​Facebook​, ​Instagram​, ​YouTube​, ​Pinterest​, ​Threads​ or ​LinkedIn​) to get any answers to your questions.

And if you find this kind of advice and guidance useful then don’t forget to add yourself to the list of my upcoming Find Your Way Course: The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Travel Journey. We will take 6-weeks to overcome any other fears that are holding you back from taking those first steps, either solo or with others. You will have access to myself and a supportive community to help guide you through planning your first trip, as well as being there to wave you off and hold your hand every step of the way (metaphorically speaking). Follow THIS LINK to add your name to the ever-growing list and make the most of my launch offers when the time comes.

This week, over on YouTube, it’s finally time to join me on Day 1 of my Camino de Santiago journey! In this video, we embark on the first leg of our 100km pilgrimage, from Vigo to Redondela. Whether you’re planning your own Camino or just curious about the experience, this video will give you a taste of what it’s like to walk the Camino de Santiago on the Portuguese route. Click HERE for breathtaking coastal views, charming villages, tips, highlights, and my personal reflections along the way!

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Until next time, 

Bon appétit, Mucho gusto and Safe travels

Sue x

This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.

Blog – Eating Alone in a Restaurant – 21 Essential Tips for Solo Travellers

Video – Pintxos in San Sebastián The BEST Food Tour & What to Order

Video – Camino de Santiago Portuguese Day 1 – Walking from Vigo to Redondela

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