Last updated on January 14th, 2024
Dining alone as a solo woman traveller doesn’t have to be lonely
By Nancy Simpson, Guest Writer
Eating alone as a solo woman traveller is not my idea of fun. I would often order room service or hide behind a newspaper in a trendy restaurant. But there comes a time when you just have to get out of your comfort zone.
I now know that eating alone doesn’t have to be lonesome. After retiring at age 55, I set out on a journey to try something new each week for an entire year. This included eating on my own! I have come to like eating alone and starting conversations. Nervous at first, I now feel comfortable. When you actually take the time to chat with people, you realize that everyone has a story to tell. I particularly enjoy talking to millennials, listening to their points of view on our world today and tomorrow.
Three ways to feel comfortable eating alone
Here are three ways I’ve found inspiration for eating alone when dining solo:
1. EatWith
One of my highlights in 2016 was discovering EatWith. My daughter told me about this unique opportunity to dine in a local home with guests from around the world. EatWith was started by two enterprising entrepreneurs in 2014, and today there are thousands of people who host on EatWith.
My first experience was at an Italian dinner on the Lower East Side of New York City. Among the eight of us around the table: A young model from Paris, a visitor from Argentina, two colleagues from CNN and two friends celebrating a 21st birthday! Feeling like the older matriarch at the table at first, I quickly relaxed. Everybody has a story, and once you realize that, chatting is fluid and fun. My EatWith experience roster now includes stops in Barcelona, Prague and Salzburg.
2. Quinta do Conde
There are many companies that follow a similar formula to EatWith for solo travelers.
A highlight of my summer this year: A farm-to-table event in Prince Edward County (Ontario, Canada) at Quinta do Conde, which hosts several dinners throughout the year. The experience: 25 guests exploring the farm, breaking bread together in the old barn, sitting on mismatched antique dining chairs at long tables, and enjoying an in-season, farm-fresh meal
For solo women, finding a restaurant with communal tables can help / Photo credit Qunita de Conde
3. Communal Dining Tables
If you’re not into booking a seat for dinner ahead of time, there are restaurants around the world that are now designed with communal harvest tables, often referred to as “family style” dining. You can also take a spot at any restaurant bar.
When visiting New Orleans this summer, I found myself hopping on a bar stool at Boil Seafood in the Garden District to join other solo diners, sharing vacation stories. In any case, you’ll be seated with others with the idea that you will be able to spark a conversation with the person next to you. Try it – eating alone gets easier as you go along!
More Food and Drink to Savour
The Ethics of Food and Travel: What to Eat, or Not Eat When You Travel
Horse, insects, rats, dog? How do you navigate the ethics of food and travel, while being respectful of local cultures?
Where to Eat in Florence, Italy, From a Culinary Expert
With thousands of restaurants in Florence, culinary tour entrepreneur Coral Sisk shares lesser-known places to enjoy in the off season.
How to Enjoy Dining Alone: 30 Tips from Solo Women Travellers
Solo women share their best tips on how to enjoy eating alone, revel in your own company and embrace the wonder of the moment.
Guest Writer
At JourneyWoman, we love receiving articles and tips from guest writers if they are part of our community!
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