The stigma around dining alone has faded, with more people making reservations for solo meals. The growth in solo dining can be attributed to the convenience of not cooking or cleaning up, as well as the desire to try new restaurants. Millennials and Gen Z are driving this trend, with social media making it easier for people to find suitable restaurants for solo dining. The rise of fast-casual restaurants has also made it simpler for individuals to feel comfortable dining alone.
Dining trends reflect larger social behaviors, with a record 30% of Americans living alone and people marrying later and less frequently. Surveys show that attitudes towards dining alone have changed, with a majority of respondents feeling comfortable eating alone at casual dining restaurants. For some solo diners, a meal alone is a way to unplug and treat themselves. Me time and much-needed alone time were cited as top reasons for dining out alone in recent surveys.
Many solo diners see dining alone as an opportunity to experience new cuisines, interact with staff, and make connections. The rise of food bloggers on Instagram has made it easier for individuals to discover intriguing places to dine alone. Restaurants are noticing the solo dining trend and adjusting their strategies, such as adding more chef’s tables and countertop seating arrangements. From the restaurant’s perspective, it’s an opportunity to fill seats and sell seats rather than tables.
Restaurants are adapting to the solo dining trend by adding more seating options for single diners, such as smaller booths designed for individual guests. The trend towards solo dining has shifted from being looked down upon to being seen as peaceful and a way to disconnect from the world while enjoying food. Restaurants like Malai Kitchen are seeing an increase in single reservations for lunch and late-afternoon meals, with solo diners preferring more private tables or booths. Servers and bartenders are trained to give additional attention to single diners, offering explanations of new menu items and engaging with them.
Solo diners are often more interested in engaging with staff and asking questions, presenting an opportunity for restaurants to provide a special experience. Restaurants like The Smith and Parla are focusing on catering to solo diners, with staff trained to provide additional time and information to single guests. Solo dining is seen as intentional, with diners curious about the dining experience and eager to engage with the restaurant staff. Overall, the trend towards solo dining reflects larger societal shifts towards living alone and prioritizing individual experiences.
