Share
It is true that eating out alone can be haunting for most of us, we usually not think of going to a fancy restaurant to dine alone. It’s common to have a partner while eating out, we love a companion or so, to have social acceptance in a fancy restaurant.
But if you’re like me, who likes to travel alone then I believe you often face this kind of situation in which you have to dine alone. If you’re in an unknown city, wants to eat then you may feel anxious but to enjoy the real essence of solo dining, you have to leave this kind of preconception about solo dining.
It does not always depend on the restaurant to have a complete dining experience, you as a customer also plays a prominent role in it.
You’re planning to travel to a new city, then eating out alone can be a big challenge for you. Most of the time, the main problem uses to be what others would think about me, how am I going to face those people alone, be assured that everyone is busy in their own life.
In this busy life schedule, people do not have time to think about others, so clear your mindset about what people would think. Just pack your bag and start to explore what eating out feels out, maybe it can be just the thing you need to boost your life. Most of the ideas come when you’re alone.
If you’re dining alone then you may know certain rules to be followed, but to have a complete solo dining experience I would suggest to keep the following tips in mind.
Be selective
Always try to be more selective about the place and timings, you do not want to face the rush if you’re alone, waiting is something you would like to avoid if you’re alone.
Do some research about the area, try to go in family hours when things are bit informal and you can have a good meal peaceful. If you know a restaurant you want to go then try to have an advance booking to avoid unnecessary problems, normally lunchtime use to be less crowded, opt for lunch instead.
Remember, you’re going alone so you don’t want to waste your time in the queue, select the restaurant and timings accordingly.
Be relaxed
Eating out alone can be stressful, try to be relaxed, don’t treat your dining as punishment to you enjoy the food and your surroundings. Try to have a refreshing start by ordering something familiar, do not overthink about your choice.
Along with food pan to do something you would do after eating like to go for a movie or shopping. Take it as a reward to be more comfortable about eating alone. You can also add something to drink in your menu, like a beer or wine. It helps to feel relaxed, have a beer and enjoy your meal.
Dressing
Dressing plays an important role to enhance your personality and your confidence. So, when you’re planning to eat out alone always try to go for something comfortable, remember you’re going to enjoy not on a date with someone.
This mostly happens to ladies, try to be as simple as possible about your dress. Be confident, wear something which you think looks good on you and boost your confidence.
Focus more on food than your dress, so try to avoid something new so that you don’t need to think about how you look instead of what you’re going to eat.
Be occupied
Eating out alone can be pretty boring sometime, take a book along to read while you have supper. Always try to keep your mind busy so that you won’t feel boring, entertain yourself with something like a novel.
You can also watch your favorite TV show on your mobile to keep things entertaining. Remember, the key to having a good dining experience is being busy while you’re alone, you can also listen to your favorite artist while having your lunch.
Just don’t let boredom to spoil your solo dining, come up with some ideas to avoid it.
Don’t assume
One of the main problems you have eating out alone is that you assume, everyone is judging you. Don’t worry no one has time to focus on you, everyone is self-absorbed.
Try to be confident and remind yourself that you’re not the center of attraction, most of them have their own stuff to think of. Just be sure you’re feeling good and confident, let others do what they’re doing.
Be aware
Always try to be aware of your surroundings, notice what is going on around you. This can be entertaining, take a look at the couple sitting next to you or a family nearby.
You can also start a conversation if you want, you can talk about the specialty of that restaurant or the area to visit if you’re a visitor. Make sure to know what you’re doing, try not to offend someone or be in trouble.
Read Wonderful cities for the differently-abled traveler
Read The Ultimate Tipping Guide For Travelers