Table for 1: single-person reservations at restaurants up 29%

More people are choosing to dine solo at restaurants worldwide, with single-person reservations skyrocketing by 29% in the United States over the past two years, according to data from reservation platform OpenTable.

This growing trend is not confined to the US; countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan are also experiencing a surge in solo dining.

In the UK, single-person dining has risen by 14% this year, while Germany has seen an 18% increase.

In Japan, approximately 23% of people now regularly dine alone, up from 18% six years ago, according to the Hot Pepper Gourmet Eating Out Research Institute.

What's behind this solo dining trend?

The rise in remote work and an increasing emphasis on self-care are seen as significant contributors to this trend. OpenTable CEO Debby Soo notes a "broader movement of self-love and self-care," suggesting that people are more inclined to enjoy their own company in public settings.

The shift towards remote work, which often encourages flexible schedules and a more personalised approach to daily routines, is further influencing this trend.

This change in societal norms is making solo dining more socially acceptable, with fewer people viewing solo diners as "loners."

Covid pandemic has a role in it too

The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in normalising solitary behaviours, as people became accustomed to spending more time alone.

Anna Mattila, a professor at Penn State University who has studied solo dining, highlights that "the social norms have changed."

The use of smartphones and other devices has enabled solo diners to remain connected while dining alone, reducing the potential stigma associated with the practice.

The combination of these factors is reshaping how dining alone is perceived, with many now viewing it as a normal, even desirable, experience.

How are restaurants adapting?

Recognising the growing demand for solo dining, restaurants are adapting their spaces and menus to better accommodate these customers. Avant Garden, a high-end vegan restaurant in New York's East Village, is one such example.

The restaurant has introduced a dedicated table for solo diners and a special $65 four-course menu designed specifically for one person.

Drew Brady, owner of Overthrow Hospitality, which operates Avant Garden and ten other vegan restaurants in New York City, views this adaptation as an investment in customer loyalty.

Solo diners now represent about 8% of their clientele, and Brady believes catering to them will foster long-term customer relationships.

Diverse motivations for dining solo

While many solo diners enjoy the convenience and flexibility that dining alone offers, others see it as an empowering experience.

Jill Weber, founder of Sojourn Philly, a hospitality group that reserves communal tables for solo visitors at events, describes dining alone as "brave."

For some, overcoming the initial intimidation of dining alone becomes a rewarding experience, adding a sense of adventure to the activity.

The act of solo dining thus offers a range of motivations, from practical considerations to the desire for personal growth.

For those new to dining alone, experienced solo diners suggest starting with lunchtime or early weekday dinners.

Shawn Singh, a frequent solo diner, recommends dining out at quieter times to avoid crowds and long wait times.

He finds that arriving at restaurants around 5 p.m. ensures a more relaxed experience, adding that "I haven’t been denied at one place ever" during these off-peak hours.

By choosing the right time and place, solo dining can become a more enjoyable and stress-free experience.