How to confidently eat alone while traveling.
Let’s be honest—one of the most intimidating things about solo travel isn’t navigating a foreign city or figuring out public transit. It’s sitting down at a table, ordering a meal, and eating alone. For many first-time travelers, this quiet moment can feel unexpectedly loud. But what if eating alone wasn’t something to dread… but something to savor?
If you’ve ever felt nervous about dining solo on the road, you’re not alone. And more importantly—you’re not weird for feeling that way. It’s a real fear, but the good news is you can conquer it. Throughout my career, I’ve had to travel. In the latter part of my career, as I climbed the managerial ranks, I had to do a great deal of traveling by myself. At one point, I was responsible for covering all or part of 11 states. As you can imagine, this involved a lot of flights, long drives, hotel stays, and, yes, dining alone. I used to feel self-conscious about this. However, I eventually found it productive. Knowing I’d be eating alone most nights, I developed a few habits and employed a few tools. Some of them are listed below, like eating at the bar.
My noise canceling headphones were one of the tools I loved the most. It served three purposes: the first is that it proactively let everyone know that I was the one choosing to dine alone. Why else would someone put on noise canceling headphones in a public space? It puts you in control. In other words, I looked like someone who had confidently made a specific choice. It kept everyone, except the most determined diner, from breaking my concentration. And if someone was that determined to talk, well, then you can always choose to engage. That has happened once or twice.
My laptop was my other tool (used in concert with the headphones). Those two items employed together sent out vibes that I could be a blogger, writer, author, or almost anything. But, again, it gave the appearance of choice. You are no longer someone with no choice but to eat alone or a stranger traveling alone. You have transformed into someone who purposefully chooses to dine alone in service of something bigger.
Here are a few additional ways to feel more confident and enjoy dining out while traveling.
1. Ask to Sit at the Bar or a Communal Table
This seating choice can totally change the experience. Sitting at the bar or a communal table creates a low-pressure social atmosphere that feels more casual and connected than being seated at a quiet two-top in the back corner.
Bartenders and baristas often double as cultural guides. They’ll chat with you, recommend dishes, or give you tips on where to go next. You might even strike up a conversation with someone sitting next to you.
Pro tip: If the menu feels overwhelming or unfamiliar, say something like, “What’s your favorite thing here?” It breaks the ice and gives you a local perspective. I regularly ask for recommendations. Usually, the server will ask if you prefer meat or fish, wine or beer, etc. Earlier today, at a padaria (bakery) in Aveiro, I asked the waitress to choose a pastry. She smiled, went inside, returned, and asked me if I liked apples, nuts, or chocolate. I chose apples. She came back with a delicious apple tart for me to have with my Meia de Leite.
2. Take a Food Tour as a Warm-Up
If you’re nervous about dining alone on night one, Join a food tour instead. Food tours can be a fantastic way to meet other travelers, sample local cuisine, and build comfort in your surroundings. You’ll walk, eat, laugh, and learn without the pressure of figuring out where to go or what to order. Plus, you might make friends you can meet with again later in your trip. Once you’ve been introduced to the local food scene through a group, returning to one of the stops on your own will feel familiar instead of intimidating.
3. Try Eatwith, Traveling Spoon, or Local Supper Clubs
These platforms connect you with locals who open their homes for small, authentic dining experiences.
Imagine sitting around a table with strangers-turned-friends, sharing homemade meals, stories, and laughter. You’re technically eating alone—but not really. These dinners feel like a warm invitation and are designed to be inclusive and conversational.
Check out:
• eatwith.com – Dinners and cooking classes hosted by locals
• travelingspoon.com – Private meals in real homes around the world
• Airbnb Experiences – Search “food + your destination” to find something magical
4. Use Apps to Connect with Other Travelers
Feeling chatty but don’t want to commit to a big group? Try apps that help travelers find casual meetups:
• Couchsurfing Hangouts – Great for spontaneous connections and local insights
• Backpackr or Travello – Match with other travelers nearby
• Meetup – Find language exchange groups, café meetups, or foodie gatherings
You don’t have to dine alone every night. One shared dinner or coffee chat can ease the loneliness and build your confidence when you decide to go solo.
5. Start Small with Café Culture
If sitting down for a full dinner feels too much, start with a coffee, pastry, or casual lunch at a café or street-side table.
Cafés are perfect for solo dining: they’re built for people-watching, reading, journaling, or just enjoying the vibe. You’ll be surrounded by locals doing the same thing—and no one will think twice about you sitting alone.
Pack a book, bring a notebook or laptop, or just sip slowly and take in the view. Think of it not as dining alone but as being present with yourself.
6. Take a Cooking Class
Book a cooking class in advance of your travel, as many of then can fill up quickly. I found that out the hard way on my first trips to Venice and Lisbon. Some classes are very popular and are in high demand. If you’re curious about class details, email and ask as many questions as you can so you’ll feel comfortable. During the class, you may make friends with some fellow solo travelers. At the very least, you’ll have some good food and have developed some new skills.
Final Thoughts: Make the Table Yours
The first time you eat alone abroad, it might feel awkward. The second time, a little less. The third time? You might realize it’s a gift.
Dining solo gives you the freedom to eat when and where you want, the space to observe, and the chance to connect more deeply—with yourself, your food, and the world around you.
So, the next time you step into a restaurant alone, remember you’re not missing out—you’re showing up.
Pull out the chair, place your order, and take a deep breath. Like me, the more you do it (like anything else), the more comfortable you’ll become.
You belong at the table, so pull up a seat!
0 Comments