Dining alone is a reality of a critic’s life, but for the rest of the population, the experience can be awkward at best. It shouldn’t be. I like to think of it as a way to be truly mindful during my meals. Eating without a companion allows me to pay attention to every aspect of the repast I’m enjoying.
Whether you’re dining solo for the first time or the thousandth, here are my best tips on how to do it for optimal comfort.
Don’t Sit at the Bar
My first tip is probably my most controversial. I know many people who, when dining alone, always choose the bar, including fellow critics. They like making small talk with the bartender and fellow solo fliers. For me, though, the very expectation of making friends when dining as a party of one adds a level of discomfort.
Catch Up on Your Reading
I used to lug around heavy volumes to restaurants. That was before I discovered the Books app on my iPhone. I’ve read everything from Les Misérables in French to Sapiens in the palm of my hand. But it’s not all lofty literary fodder. Sometimes, I follow my moods for true crime, palatability of the content be damned.
Go Somewhere You Like
This is a luxury that I don’t always have, but chances are, you do. Going to a familiar restaurant means that you may already know the staff and the menu, meaning there’s less room for confusion about your intentions. Another plus: You get to order precisely what you want at a favorite haunt.
Choose a Quiet Restaurant
This one is as much for the restaurant’s benefit as for yours. It’s not fair to take up a two- or four-top table yourself at a busy eatery — unless you’re planning to order for two or four. On the other side of things, sticking to a less harried spot will allow you to relax and go with the flow without feeling rushed.
Don’t Be Afraid to Go Upscale
You deserve it, right? Just because nearly everyone else is there for a date or family event doesn’t mean you don’t have something to celebrate. Because the servers are well-trained, you’ll get the star treatment without so much as a bat of an eye.
Where to Eat Alone
The truth is that pretty much anywhere is fair game, as long as you enjoy the food and feel comfortable there. Here are a few places where I’ve had especially memorable meals on my own.
L’Auberge Chez François
Do it! Eat all of that warm bread yourself, then order a steak from the prix fixe menu. The multi-course meal is a lot of food for one person, but this spot is all about indulgence. 332 Springvale Rd., Great Falls
Jerusalem Mediterranean
I broke my rule of keeping to myself here. The service was simply too friendly not to pay attention to the tales of the Holy Land while I sipped harira and dug into kabsa. 3400 Washington Dr., Falls Church
Banjara
Another great way to dine sans companion is to hit a buffet. I like the weekend offerings at this Indian restaurant — I can eat all the butter chicken I want (or as little as I want) without the prying eyes of a friend. 44050 Ashburn Shopping Plz., Ste. 191, Ashburn
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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