Dining alone is becoming more popular, with more restaurants adapting to accommodate single diners, the Associated Press reports.
Parisa Imanirad, a scientist from San Francisco, enjoys dining alone once or twice a week, finding it to be a relaxing experience similar to going to the spa. She is one of a growing number of solo diners in the United States, where solo dining reservations have increased by 29% in the last two years, according to OpenTable. Similar trends are emerging around the world, with solo dining increasing by 18% in Germany and 14% in the United Kingdom.
In Japan, solo dining, known as “ohitorisama,” has become so popular that many restaurants are redesigning their spaces and menus to accommodate single diners. This shift reflects broader social changes, such as an increase in people living alone and a greater emphasis on self-care and independence. OpenTable CEO Debby Soo attributes some of this trend to remote work, but it also reflects a cultural shift toward enjoying one’s own company.
The pandemic also had an impact, making social interactions less central to dining out. Anna Mattila, a professor at Penn State University, observes that the stigma once associated with solo dining has faded as societal norms change.
Restaurants are responding in different ways. Some restaurants are adding counter seating and smaller portion sizes for single diners, while others, such as Avant Garden in New York, are providing specialized menus and experiences for individuals. This demonstrates an understanding that solo diners, despite occupying smaller tables, can become loyal and frequent customers.
However, not all restaurants are as welcoming. Some restaurants, such as the Michelin-starred Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal in London, have come under fire for charging solo diners the same as two patrons. Despite this, many restaurateurs see value in catering to solo diners, who frequently value the independence and unique experience of dining alone.
According to Shawn Singh, a Houston-based content creator, solo dining is an excellent way to try new restaurants without having to accommodate others. He suggests going at quieter times, such as lunch or early evenings, to ease into the experience.
