Table of Contents
Eating Out Without Feeling Awkward: Introduction
One of the questions I get asked quite a lot about my solo travelling is how do I really enjoy eating abroad out without feeling awkward? I’ve been going out by myself to eat for the longest. I have always enjoyed my own company. In fact I would argue that if you struggle to do things by yourself or be alone, then how do you think people feel about you when their around you? It’s all abour prospective for me.
I have always, always enjoyed treating myself to a solo dinner and now living abroad has made that a very easy task while exploring Morocco, and then while I’ve been in London, I casually enjoy eating out without feeling awkward. My fave spot in London used to be the restaurant PingPong (rest in peace). But I still get asked the questions:
“How do you eat alone? Isn’t it awkward?”
The quick answer is no. But of course, I am going to give the longer answer in this blog post. The longer answer is that it’s so much more simpler than one thinks because I am about to teach you how to enjoy eating out without feeling awkward in this step-by-step guide.
It’s funny right? How something as simple as eating solo a meal on your own can feel like such a big deal when you’re doing it solo in another country. Yet we tend to eat and do things alone more than we think. We mostly go to work alone, church alone, meet our friends alone, and if you work in the office you may sometimes go out and eat lunch alone. But it changes for many women when we are travelling. And when we travel solo it’s even more a taboo!
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a country through its flavours, this is for you. Grab my Taste the World eBook – 59 pages of foodie tips, cultural insights, and itinerary inspiration.
Eating Solo While Travelling
Eating solo is a part of the solo travel experience. I mean eating solo while travelling gives you more confidence to travel solo more around the world. I get it, it does at first feel scary, but honestly. With a bit of practice and mindset shifting, it becomes not only normal but really enjoyable. And I’m being really honest.
These days? Dining alone is one of my favourite things to do when I travel. I tend to have a solo dinner even when I’m travelling with people. Why? Well because, it’s quiet, it’s peaceful, and it’s a chance to people-watch, savour new flavours, and reflect on my journey. Many times someone will spark a conversation with me and we will chat for a minute or so. It gives me a chance to do some journaling, read a book that I haven’t been able to get around to and simply just be still.
If you’re someone who finds the idea of eating solo intimidating, here are my top solo travel tips to help you ease into eating solo abroad and actually how to enjoy eating out alone without feeling awkward, because let’s be honest there is really isn’t any room for feeling awkward.
1. Start Small at Home
If the idea of sitting alone at dinner feels daunting while travelling solo, start in your own town or city. Go somewhere close to home, or a little further if you don’t want anyone to see you, LOL. It can be breakfast, brunch or a quick lunch. Make it nice and dress up for it. You can look good for it too. If you go in your local area for either breakfast or lunch, then you will see that the meals are more casual, restaurants are usually quieter, and you’ll blend in without feeling like all eyes are on you ( because honestly they really aren’t, looking at you).
2. Research Spots Beforehand
I love planning out my day over a crisp glass of cold water. And if I have a filled Stanley bottle of water even better. In the morning I will spend 5-10 minutes looking up restaurants or food tours in the area and check their vibe. If you like cafes you can also do this also. See what type of seating there is, check for good reviews, or what their atmosphere is. Planning ahead helps you walk into a place confidently knowing what to expect.
3. Sit at the Bar or Outdoors
One of my fave tricks when you are eating alone in a restaurant and you want to be low-key and not draw attention to yourself? Because who really wants to be the centre of attention is to sit at the bar. It’s less awkward; you’ll probably see other solo travellers dining there, and the bartenders are usually up for a chat if you feel like being social. Outdoor tables are also great if you want to people-watch or just enjoy the views. I did this recently in South Africa and absolutely loved it!
4. Order Early, Pay Early
Now this is for when you are travelling to a new country where the language is unfamiliar to you. I always say learn a few words if you can so you that you can order with ease, and check the menu online and decide what to eat before you go. That way you can order confidently and even ask for the bill early if you’d rather avoid sitting around once you’re done eating out solo.
If you like to look at things visually, then head over to TikTok. Type the restaurants, cafe spot in the search engine and get a good view of the food, atmosphere and more. Trust me if it’s worth going it will be on the clock app.
5. Pack Your Confidence (and a Book)
If you’re nervous, bring a book, or your Kindle, I have a list of books I have read on my Amazon Storefront here. I also journal a lot when I travel or use my phone to distract me. Journaling during meals allows me to recap my day, plan my next destination, or just write whatever’s on my mind. You can also read, scroll, or call a friend. You’re not awkward, you’re just enjoying your own company.
6. Try Something New
One of the best ways to turn dining alone into a fun experience is to try local dishes you wouldn’t normally order when you are back home. Give yourself a little food challenge for every country try the street food, go to that tiny restaurant recommended by a local, or ask the waiter what their favourite dish is. You might be surprised.
7. Embrace the Moment
Honestly, I believe something is empowering about taking yourself out to enjoy eating out alone. Whether it’s casual street food or a glass of wine at a beautiful restaurant, you’re treating yourself because you truly deserve it. On a day-to-day, you work hard, you deserve to treat yourself. You have to say to yourself that you are the moment! If champagne makes you feel powerful? Order it and drink it. Just don’t get drunk. If French Fires, Chips make you feel happy? Then eating solo abroad the foods you want are necessary. Go for it and order it and just embrace the moment.
8. Remember: No One Cares As Much As You Think
This is the tip I wish someone had drilled into me on my first solo trip: people are not watching you like you think they are. Honestly. No one really cares and if they do then that’s a them problem and not a your problem, Most people, if they have a life and know how to mind their business, are way too busy with their own food, conversations, or phones to care about your enjoying yourself eating out solo. And even if they notice you, so what? You’re living you came to enjoy eating. You’re exploring the world. That’s something to be proud of. Because not everyone can do things alone.
Tips To Enjoy Eating Out Alone Without Feeling Awkward
- Go during off-peak hours if crowds make you nervous. This is what I tend to do because my social anxiety makes my social battery dry out quickly.
- Dress in something you feel good and confident in. Honestly, one thing I have learnt eating out alone in Morocco is that how you present yourself changes your whole energy.
- Use Google Maps to check if a restaurant is busy or quiet at different times. It’s actually a game changer.
- Don’t want to eat alone? Try food tours with Airbnb Experiences, GetYourGuide, Viator or Eatwith for communal dining with other travellers. You might me like minded friends which is always a plus!
Eating Solo Views
And there you have it. 8 tips on how to enjoy eating out alone without feeling awkward. Have I honestly convinced you to take your first solo trip and be confident when eating out solo too? I hope so because I really want you to enjoy your own company and your life too. Why? Because my love you really do deserve it.
Eating out solo doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, it can become one of the most freeing and delicious parts of your trip. Whether you’re sipping wine in Italy, trying injera in Ethiopia, or nibbling on sushi in Japan do it boldly, do it joyfully, and most of all, do it for you.
Got your own solo dining stories or tips? Share them in the comments I’d love to hear from you! In fact I love to hear from all of you.
Meet you in the comments, and if you enjoyed this blog post and would like to become even more confident with solo travelling then join my 5-day solo challenge. Be quick as there are only a few seats left! – click here to get your boarding pass!
Speak soon,
MBV xx
