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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

WIBU to eat in a restaurant alone?

49 replies

MissClarke86 · 02/08/2016 23:31

Not so much an AIBU but more of a would I feel awkward?

I've never eaten out alone but am having serious cravings for an Italian meal!

Do other people do it?

OP posts:
OreosAreTasty · 02/08/2016 23:32

"Would I feel awkward?" How would we know??
I've done it,
I'm sure others do too. It's fine. Enjoy :)

acasualobserver · 02/08/2016 23:32

Yes, why not? Take a book.

LurkyLurkerMcLurkface · 02/08/2016 23:34

Done it many times, phone/kindle/book and off you go!

Tangfastics · 02/08/2016 23:34

Do it!

I love a meal in peace and quiet, reading or mumsnetting, having someone else cook and clean up after me......

1Catherine1 · 02/08/2016 23:35

I think it would depend on the restaurant personally... A chain like Frankie and Benny's - I think you wouldn't feel awkward, its like a posh McDonalds really... But the small romantic italian with its dimmed lights and music - I think I would feel a little out of place...

I'd take a book though...

Dutchcourage · 02/08/2016 23:36

I love it.

Take a book, some thing to read. Glass of wine and sit back and enjoy a meal in peace!

yorkshapudding · 02/08/2016 23:37

A meal in a restaurant alone with a good book sounds like absolute bliss to me.

CalleighDoodle · 02/08/2016 23:37

Ive eaten alone at la tasca a couple of times. No issues and got great service!

elephantoverthehill · 02/08/2016 23:38

Through going on courses etc. work related, on my own. I have had to do it a number of times. I have also found other lone diners in these situations and asked to join them. They are also away from home on work things too. It's a normal thing to do IMO.

RoosterCogburn · 02/08/2016 23:38

Do it! I'd always shied away from eating alone then on holiday DH had a migraine and wasn't able to eat so I entered up eating alone - it was lovely, me and my book and good food.

Since then I've often done it, as others have said it's very relaxing.

Mycraneisfixed · 02/08/2016 23:40

I'm antisocial so for me it's iPad and headphones to listen to Audible and shut out the world.

LilacInn · 02/08/2016 23:41

I've eaten alone in basic places and high-end destination restaurants while away on business. No one bats an eye.

Eatthecake · 02/08/2016 23:41

I have done it often when I've been away for work on my own

Rarotonga · 02/08/2016 23:51

Not at all. Like others have said, take something to read and you'll be fine. I was forced into this whilst travelling on my own on my gap year and was initially very reluctant but no one really seemed to notice or care. Now I do it all the time!

BettyCrystal · 02/08/2016 23:54

I do it all the time! I like doing lots of things by myself, even though I'm also quite social. I need me time. It's great for people watching too!

DamsonGinIsMyThing · 02/08/2016 23:55

Ooh it's lovely.
Even better when teamed with a night alone in a hotel.

Original poster
MissClarke86 · 02/08/2016 23:57

Thanks everyone! I'll go for it.

Next question is which is your favourite Italian chain? I'm angling towards Carluccios...

OH doesn't like Italian so we don't go to them when we eat out.

OP posts:
IggyPopsicle · 03/08/2016 00:03

Yes loads of people go to restaurants by themselves, myself included. I often have to travel for various things and there's no way I could spend every evening sitting in my hotel room with a Sainsburys meal deal, night after night. Sod that.

Honestly, once you give it a go for the first time, you will wonder why you worried so much. I always take a book to read, or my tablet. Its great fun.

PovertyPain · 03/08/2016 00:04

Thank you for posting this, OP. I used to enjoy eating out by myself, but got used to eating out with my dear husband. One if the things I miss, since losing my husband, is eating out in 'naice' restaurants. I loved enjoying the flavours, savouring the wine and sitting over a cup of coffee. I don't want to go out with those that don't do the same. I'm going to start going out by myself again.

BennyTheBall · 03/08/2016 00:05

I would feel really awkward, but I don't know why. If I stay in hotels for work, I always order room service.

I could only do it if I had an iPad or a book.

Original poster
MissClarke86 · 03/08/2016 00:06

Lovely to hear that PovertyPain. I shall think of you over my lasagne tomorrow! Smile

OP posts:
toomuchinternets · 03/08/2016 00:15

I'm 30 and have a wife and a kid but eating at a restaurant alone is one of my all time favourite things to do when I have a rare evening alone!

Shizzlestix · 03/08/2016 00:18

Did it on honeymoon when the DH had food poisoning and was out of action for 2 very worrying days (Caribbean, no English speakers, out of the way place). Not comfortable, but necessary.

It's easier these days, take a prop as pp say, a phone or tablet would be handy.

MrsJoeyMaynard · 03/08/2016 00:31

I've done this before when away with work. Having a book or kindle with you is handy if you feel self conscious about it.

MaisieDotes · 03/08/2016 00:34

Everyone's saying take a book. You don't have to take a book.

You can just eat and look around, if you like.