Eating alone in restaurants

[FormerlySpeckledyHen]

Would you, or have you, had lunch alone in a London (1 Michelin star) restaurant?
A seat at the chef’s counter looking into the open kitchen.

Trying to decide whether I am brave enough.

Absolutely do it! I’ve done it at Michelin star restaurant elsewhere but not in London (yet) but not at the counter - that would be even better

Why miss out? People won't care. Do it.

Absolutely, there's something very calm and freeing about eating out on your own. Lots of great people-watching (and lovely food!)

I haven't, but if the opportunity arose, I would no problem.

Absolutely.. don’t have a problem with it

I've not done it in that scenario but I do eat in nice restaurants alone when shopping or away for business

I wouldn’t like to sit at the counter (I’m not sure why but I would feel more exposed!) but I often eat out alone and enjoy it.

I would love to do this! I'd probably be nervous. It's London you'll be anonymous, I bet loads of people do it.

That sounds brilliant and being at the counter or chefs table will mean you have a lot of interaction with the staff so I doubt you will feel like you are solo dining anyway!

Yep, enjoy

I did! But in Copenhagen. It was fantastic. Please do it.

Of course I would! You don't need to be "brave", because it's a perfectly normal thing to do.
I often eat alone in restaurants, and nobody turns a hair.
No man would ever ask this question, so why do women think they have no right to spend their money on an enjoyable, but standard activity?
Just do it, OP, you'll love it!

I ate out all the time when I travelled for work. But I would hate a counter place, regardless if it would be just me or with company.

I like a proper table rather than the counter (but have sat at the counter when it's the only available space,) No problem with eating out aline, though, do it fairly often. Don't think I've done a Michelin starred restaurant alone, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't.

Quite often, over the years. No courage needed, it’s a perfectly normal thing to do!

I've done it recently (at a table). It was very peaceful and relaxing, they staff made an extra fuss of me and the food was incredible.

I would never have booked it for myself but I was given a voucher as a gift and felt obliged to use it. I'm glad I was brave, and I'd do it again...it was bliss!

Why do you need to be brave? Do you really think you are that attention worthy that other diners and staff are not getting on with their own lives and whatever they are doing there themselves

I've eaten in restaurants alone quite often but generally only for a quick'ish lunch when on business or similar rather than a social activity. No, I wouldn't be brave enough to sit alone at the counter. I'd feel too exposed but that's me!

I LOVE sitting at the counter - often get freebies to taste. I think they’re really well designed for solo dining too.

I don't understand why you need to be brave to do this? It's a completely normal thing to do

No, but I would, why on earth shouldn't I?

No. I wouldn’t do it. It’s not the sort of thing I’d feel comfortable doing alone.

Can I ask why? It's never crossed my mind to think of eating alone as anything vaguely unusual so never understood why anyone would feel uncomfortable about it.

Sure definitely. I’m not sure I’ve been to many Michelin star restaurants, but I’ve eaten in many higher end restaurants by myself. I love food and I love to travel solo, and definitely eat where I fancy.

I couldn’t count the number of times I’ve done so. It’s an entirely usual thing to do. When I’m in London by myself, I often eat at Bocca di Lupo in Soho — similar set-up, counter seat looking into kitchen, nicely buzzy atmosphere. Also a good place for people-watching.