Solitary refinement: dining alone

If I were to believe scenes in romantic comedies, dining solo would have to count as one of life’s top ten horrors — next to over-waxed eyebrows or going to the movies alone. Indeed, entering a restaurant by yourself can feel intimidating, especially when it seems everyone else is dining together.

Our culture seems to herd everyone to the communal table, but with our busy lifestyles, and even busier brains, solo food adventures can be not only fun but also rejuvenating — especially if you’re an introvert. And sometimes, you’ve just gotta eat (and not in the drive-through).

It’s the unspoken restaurant aesthetic that makes this tough: fancy places with white-glove service seem to only cater to romantic couples on date nights, while rowdy Italian trattorias with their huge portions are havens for families. But any establishment can be refuge — or even a delight — for those going it solo. Think of leaning back in your chair and lingering over a cup of coffee and pastry, or noshing on your fries without having the share, or even double dipping your spicy tuna rolls. Bliss!

Whether you’re there for an adventure, find yourself unexpectedly by yourself, or just need a quiet moment away from the office (and don’t worry — Conversational is here for you for your something to read while you eat), here are my suggestions for the best kinds of spots for enjoying dining solo.

The French bakery

If you can’t swing Paris, every city has its own version of the French bakery. Whether it’s a corner in a gourmet grocery store, their displays of macarons and aroma of strong coffee beckoning you away from the necessities, or a standalone boulangerie, the French bakery is the perfect place to order a Croque Madame and Cafe American to linger versus a croissant to go. For a lunch hour, I love to pretend I’m a member of the Lost Generation, jotting down notes like Zelda Fitzgerald, all while watching the intriguing strangers stroll by. 

If you’re in Atlanta, meet us at: Highland Bakery, Alon’s Bakery

The pub, preferably English

An English pub is a great place to socialize with the neighbors, where you are sure to either run into at least one friend or make a new one. The movement towards craft beer is well-established now, and with that comes a yen for the Gastropub — and tasty food that is lovingly made and happily paid. It’s perfect for the gal who comes solo with a novel, fully intending to prop up the end of the row with a nice summer lager and the best burger in town. You may find yourself leaving with a new acquaintance, buzzing with the glow of a great, completely random conversation (which may or may not involve the book). 

If you’re in Atlanta, meet us at: Steinbecks, The Brickstore Pub

The Sushi Bar

If what you desire is the sheer joy of immersing in the cuisine itself, the sushi bar is a spot where you can have the most one-on-one attention with the chef. I like to surrender myself to the chef’s culinary whimsies, asking him to create something for me from the ingredients he received that day. Only he would know if the uni would be more delicious over rice or by itself. Much like the Starbucks secret menu, the sushi bar is a double-whammy of discovery. By trying new flavor combinations I never would have considered on my own, I discovered that I actually love octopus. [editor’s note: always try the eel.]

If you’re in Atlanta, meet us at: Sushi Hayakawa

The Gourmet Food Hall

The gourmet food hall beckons the food adventurer who likes to wander. Sit-down restaurants can be difficult to window-shop, and you take a big chance with a significant time and money investment if it’s the wrong fit. Instead, food halls are perfect for when I find myself without plans, suddenly hungry, and wanting to be carried along by my cravings.

How about a steaming bowl of fresh miso ramen cooled off with a double scoop of berry ice cream? Do I fancy propping up a wall to eat my pizza standing up like a New Yorker or sidling down in the middle of a communal table where I might strike up a conversation with a fellow foodie? For anyone who likes to blend in with the rush and cacophony of the buzzing crowd, and disappear as an introvert in a sea of other introverts, this is our mecca. 

If you’re in Atlanta, meet us at: Krog Street Market or Ponce City Market

We hope these ideas inspire you the next time you find yourself without a dining companion — on purpose or by surprise.

Now, get out there for your next food adventure and share it with us on Instagram @convosHQ with #ConversationalSolo. Let us know in the comments below: What are your favorite places for dining solo?