Stigmas around dining solo are shifting as more people embrace alone time and restaurants recognise the value of welcoming all customers. The result is a more inclusive dining culture and, in some cases, a sense of personal empowerment.

“Solo dining was recommended to me by a therapist to gain some confidence and a bit of independence,” says tertiary student Sarah Cowley.

“I started trying out different places and I found that it was really helpful. It’s an investment in yourself and experiencing something just for you.”

She leaves her phone at home or turns it off, forcing her to embrace being alone. “There’s no armour, it’s just me,” she says. “It’s part of getting over the fear and normalising the action of eating by yourself.”

Cowley tends to choose small venues − such as Flint on Smith Street − where she can sit at the bar or kitchen counter.

“You can have intimate and informative chats with the staff,” she says. “Conversation makes you feel welcome and you get to learn about the produce and processes. I’ve been given new dishes to try and new wine to taste.”

Has it worked as therapy? “I do feel more confident and it feeds into other areas of my life,” she says.

Flint owner Nicki Morrison is thrilled to welcome solo diners. “I go crazy for them,” she says.

“Having been single for five years now, one of my major drivers is to go above and beyond. If you want a half serve, half a bottle of wine, we will do that. If you want to eat and be quiet, that’s fine, but if you’re open to a chat, we’ll go all out.”

Part of the reward is the attentiveness of solo diners. “I know if I go out with a group, I’m not as focused on the food or the experience but when I’m on my own I take everything in,” says Morrison.

If you want to eat and be quiet, that’s fine, but if you’re open to a chat, we’ll go all out.

Nicki Morrison, Flint

Vue de Monde chef Tristan Spain says solo diners are his favourite guests because of their focus.

“They don’t book for an occasion or social reason but purely to appreciate the food, beverage and service that we offer,” he says. “I love taking them dishes and giving explanations, and they often appreciate our insight and detail more than other diners. It gives us an opportunity to be more engaging and stimulating in our methods of hospitality.”

He recalls one occasion where a man dining alone requested a photo with the whole team. “We had a manager take his photo at the table while all of us from the kitchen crept up behind him. He didn’t notice until he saw the photo himself.”

At a recent lunch service at Cicciolina in St Kilda, owner Barb Dight was surprised to notice that six of the 12 tables were solo diners.

There was a time that she worried singletons may spend less than larger tables, risking the day’s profits.

“Not anymore − you never know,” she says. “We had a solo diner enjoy a negroni, entree, steak, dessert and wine in two hours while five women at the next table shared one bottle of pinot grigio.”

Tresna Lee is building Gemini Bar & Pantry in Coburg for a winter opening. Welcoming solo diners is integral to the design and concept.

“We will make this space accessible and joyful for everyone, including if you’re on your own,” she says, pointing to countertop seating and dishes that are satisfying and substantial as standalone meals.

“Venues should create a sense of community. It’s not just transactional − we want to be woven into people’s lives and sense of belonging.”

Solo specialists

Bowltiful

The late-night Lanzhou soup noodle specialist has special solo-slurping nooks along one wall. If it’s not too busy, you can also ask to be seated at a table with a mesmerising view of the noodles being hand-stretched by talented chefs in the glass-walled kitchen.

382-384 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 0460 822 222, bowltiful.com.au

Hazel

The city restaurant and its downstairs sister bar Dessous make special efforts for solo diners. “They made me feel so comfortable by suggesting half serves so I could try more of their menu,” says research coordinator Vivien Yii. “As someone who is hyper aware of overstaying my welcome, I felt like I was so fine to sit there with my journal for hours.”

164 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, 03 9070 4938, hazelrestaurant.com.au

Trader House group

All of Andrew McConnell’s Trader House restaurants come up again and again when chatting solo wins with frequent diners. Lawyer Sarah Harvey reports that she was offered a book to read at Cumulus Inc and says, “I’ve had the best table at Gimlet most times I have been there by myself.”

Supernormal’s long bar and snack-happy menu is often mentioned by hungry solos, too.

180 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, 03 9650 8688, supernormal.net.au

We Live For Hotpot

“Alone doesn’t mean lonely” is the motto at this Japanese hot pot restaurant, which has partitioned nooks for solo diners and a menu of sukiyaki soup sets that works for leisurely dining experiences for one.

Level 1, 217 Russell Street, Melbourne, 0431 498 890, weliveforhotpot.com.au

The Woodhouse Restaurant

Bendigo steak specialist Tony Panetta allocates a number of solo bookings every service, noting that the large health sector in the regional city means many diners come on their own.

“We seat them against the wall looking over the whole restaurant so they can enjoy the service and feel celebrated,” he says. “We’ll do menu adjustments for sides, such as reducing portions and coupling it with a second option for the price of one, if that’s preferred.”

101 Williamson Street, Bendigo, 03 5443 8671, thewoodhouse.com.au