EATING ALONE AT A RESTAURANT: The Ultimate Guide to Solo Dining for New Solo Travelers

[@KRodCollective]

Have you ever eaten alone? If not, do you have any fears about it? If so, share any tips you have in the comments! Safe travels everyone! ✈💕

[@kellikakes81]

I have eaten alone...I DO eat alone...and I have no problem eating alone. My friends think I'm crazy for this (they don't like me going to movies alone either lol)

[@KRodCollective]

@@kellikakes81 hahaha SAME!! I actually think I enjoy going to the movies by myself more than with other people. 😂😅

[@Leza1121]

For this year's dining alone adventure I plan to get dressed up and eat at a fabulous restaurant!

[@KRodCollective]

@@Leza1121 Oh! I'm just seeing this! I love that idea, did you do it?

[@AmberFromVancouver]

A key moment for me several years ago in getting over my anxiety of dining solo was REALLY finally realizing that nobody is paying attention to me or anyone else. Most people are self-focused and only paying attention to their own situation. I've met so many nice people from all over the world while sitting at the counter and had some great conversations. And of course some great meals. I go to a variety of places from casual to fine dining, and have never been treated as out of place. One of the main highlights of travel is going to all the amazing restaurants that destination offers. I always have my phone if I want a distraction, and it's never weird. Thanks for the video! 🥰

[@KRodCollective]

Thank you for sharing this Amber! So true! We can miss out on meeting so many people and having beautiful experiences because we are afraid of what other ppl think and like you said, most of the time they’re self-focused anyway. 😂I love that you have had so many amazing connections!! 💕

[@leahgn9069]

Firstly, what I've learnt is that IF people look at you while you're eating alone, it's not because they're negatively judging you - they are actually inspired by your confidence to dine alone. Secondly, I agree with you on the casual breakfast & lunch - no one will care. Third, if you're at a more upscale restaurant for dinner, make small talk with the waiter/waitress and if you feel comfortable, tell them that you are visiting from out of town and they'll be extra nice to you, share tips on spots to check out etc. At the end of the day, these people will never see you again, AND solo travelling is becoming so popular that people are getting used to seeing solo diners.

[@KRodCollective]

Love all of this and couldn’t agree more! Thank you!! 💕

[@lindab5789]

When I used to travel for work, I absolutely hated eating alone. I had all the emoitions you described. Now that I am in my 'wiser' years, I know that nobody cares what you are doing and no one is paying any attention to you. I know when I go out to eat with other people, I never concern myself with the people around me and most other people don't either. You have provide a lot of thoughtful an accurate advice!! Thank you!

[@KRodCollective]

Thank you Linda! It’s so true! Most of the time, no one is paying attention to us so we should enjoy our meal and have a good time! 💕

[@Twogirlsabroad]

I’m a server so for me eating alone is no big deal. Millions of people eat alone. Don’t sweat it. Just walk in and do your thing. It’s all good don’t be afraid. It’s a mind thing really. Be confident and you’ll be fine!!!!! All around the world people eat alone and it’s not just you!!!

[@KRodCollective]

Yes!!! Love this! Thank you! 💕

[@simoneking6724]

I’ve eaten in the main dining room on a cruise and looked around the room and everyone at other surrounding tables were on their phones. Of course they could have been looking at the menu online etc but I actually felt sad that there was no communication that I could see and those people were not sat alone.

[@KRodCollective]

Thank you for sharing! I know what you mean. Sometimes ppl are eating together but not connecting with each other at all. 😔

[@cynthiagreene9013]

I really admire that you adjusted your dinning plans based on your emotional needs at the time and figured out how to do what you wanted and still enjoy your trip. I think we all need to take time to acknowledge that however we are feeling is ok and our emotions are valid.

[@KRodCollective]

Aww thank you Cynthia! 🥰This is so true. It’s so important to have self-compassion and take care of ourselves physically and emotionally. ❤️

[@angelac8343]

I’ve traveled solo a bunch and don’t mind dining alone at all. On a more recent solo trip to NYC I noticed I was always sat at the bar. At first, I was irritated by it,like they didn’t know what to do with me, but I actually ended up loving it. The tv was a nice distraction and it felt less formal. Also, I am not a chatter or interested in meeting people when I travel, so the bar can be imitating for people like me.

[@elnamayberry]

Sitting at the bar is very easy and comfortable as a solo - you can usu talk to staff as they go by or ignore them, and either way, no one cares. It also means that if they are busy, you probably won't have to wait for a space.

[@KRodCollective]

Yes! That's happened to me before too: where they will just sit me there without even asking. LOL But lucky for them, I enjoy it. haha 💕

[@KRodCollective]

The not waiting for a space is the best part! I have bypassed so many lines on trips and in life because I sit at the bar. 💕

[@oliviatrelles]

Great tips! For me I don’t find that people strike up conversations with me as I solo travel. I’m pretty social so this can be a bit disconcerting. However eating alone is usually a no fail time when people will respond to a smile and start chatting. Some of my most memorable conversations have been had when I was eating alone and the table next to me struck up conversation.

[@KRodCollective]

Thank you so much for sharing! I understand that! I’m an extrovert and social as well and that can be disconcerting for me too. I love that. It’s always nice to be able to chat with someone while you eat, especially when it’s unexpected. 💕

[@WONDERFULLYMADE2009]

I solo dine and go to bars alone but it really bugs me when ppl come up to me and ask me why I'm on my own... it happens quite often and I usually say because I'm thirsty or hungry n they offer me to join them which I find irritating, they don't ask men these questions only women it's quite chauvinist ..I actually enjoy solo dinning

[@KRodCollective]

Oh no! Ugh, that’s the worst. Yup, exactly! I bet men never get asked those questions or get bothered while they’re eating. Thank you for sharing! 💕

[@Jujugw]

Omg I find great satisfaction in eating by myself😊 thank god I don’t have a problem with that! My own company is the best company 😊

[@KRodCollective]

I love that so much! 💕

[@mancunianinlondon]

I have been travelling solo since 1998. I was forced into it because of the nature of my job. I had to travel internationally every 8 weeks in the first year. Half of the trips were solo. I can't even explain how anxious I was in my first few times out of the UK. On my second occasion dining alone, I went into a lovely restaurant in San Diego. Unfortunately they insisted on seating me right in the middle of the room. What's worse, they had a solo guitarist playing music and he made a beeline for me and started playing at my table. Everyone in the restaurant was staring at this point. I have never felt so embarrassed and was cringing, hoping he would go away asap. As time went on I learned to choose a seat that was more comfortable for me and my needs and I grew a thicker skin. You do occasionally catch the odd stare, but largely, no-one cares and often, you'll get talking to other diners and the staff who are curious about your being alone. Women want to be strong and independent? Great, put it into action!

[@KRodCollective]

Oh my!! 😳 I love everything about this comment. Thank you so much for sharing. I love that you now know what works for you and have grown thicker skin. I have tried to do the same over the years. As soon as I walk in a restaurant, I can usually tell which seat will make me feel comfortable. I've also learned not to take things so personally. Thank you so much for sharing! 💕

[@mancunianinlondon]

@@KRodCollective It's tricky to travel alone and if women (in particular) want to develop their confidence and independence, travelling alone will certainly do that. Almost every woman I know looks astonished when I tell them I travel alone. I'm immediately hit with "I couldn't do that!". Yes they can and one day, when they are widowed or don't have a partner to hold their hand, they can either travel or sit at home watching Netflix being envious of everyone else going on holiday. We only live once. I am visiting Thailand in 5 weeks time and can't wait

[@Tyrannosaurus_Wrexx]

I understand others have anxiety about it, but I LOVE solo dining. It’s an indulgent form of art for me. I really get into my meal, moving slowly and taking time to savor every bite. It feels strangely posh.

[@KRodCollective]

YESSSS!! I love this! Thank you so much for sharing! This will be encouraging for others. 💕

[@kellikakes81]

Great video!

[@KRodCollective]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!! ❤️❤️

[@mireyamacias4444]

Thank you for your tips , yes I have experience the same thoughts. I was always worry people judging me for eating alone or that I was a weirdo lol... is scary I admit. but taking baby steps is the way 🙂

[@KRodCollective]

Hi Mireya!! Yes!! I have felt the same! But we aren’t weirdos, we just want to eat. 😂😂❤️

[@margeheskett3791]

Thank you so much ❤️ 🎉❤

[@KRodCollective]

Thank YOU for watching! 💕

[@lisas5346]

I like to bring a magazine when I go out to eat alone. It’s easier to handle than a book.

[@KRodCollective]

Yes! Magazines are nice to bring. 💕

[@nata5162]

really useful and encouraging. Thanks!

[@KRodCollective]

Thank you! Thanks for watching! 💕

[@Leza1121]

Happy New Year! These are some amazing tips! Thank you for sharing them with us. 😊👍

[@KRodCollective]

Happy New Year!! Thank you! 🥰Thanks for watching! 💕

[@PurpleHazel]

Love your channel!!

[@KRodCollective]

Aww thank you! Thanks for watching! 💕

[@sparklyharu]

Might be a dumb question: do you usually get reservations? Do waiters give you a weird look when you get there and want a table instead of always eating at the bar ?

[@KRodCollective]

Not a dumb question at all. It depends. Sometimes I do make reservations, for example if it’s a weekend or if that restaurant seems really popular and I can’t get to it early. I have had times where I’ve walked in and they will ask me if I want to sit at the bar because I’m by myself, sometimes I’ll take it, and other times I won’t because I prefer to sit at a table (at that moment). The good news is, times have changed and a lot more people are eating by themselves now, so I find I don’t get as many strange looks that I used to get a few years ago. I also care less now so my outlook has changed a bit too as I’ve gotten older. Hope this helps! 💕

[@pauljuliuskinyaga7290]

🎉🎉🎉

[@chefbongoutedge4194]

Happy New Year. I am always self conscious when eating alone in a restaurant. Amazing tips. 🙏💕

[@KRodCollective]

Happy New Year!! I totally understand that. 💕