“We’ve only got seats left at the bar. Is that OK?”

Once upon a time, wait staff would say this to guests asking for a walk-in table at a bar or restaurant with an apologetic tone, almost as if to imply that a seat at the bar wasn’t quite the same as a seat in the dining room proper. That time seems very, very distant.

Whether you want to point the finger at the continued deformalisation of dining out; an aversion to making reservations; our increasingly time-poor society; or a growing interest in high-back bar stools and foot rails, eating at the bar – and the freedom and flexibility that comes with it – has been more or less accepted as par-for-course by both sides of the WA hospitality community.

Business owners now write dedicated bar food menus and set aside sections of their venues solely for walk-in guests while some diners specifically ask to be seated at the bar.

The rise in bar dining is also excellent news for those that find themselves eating solo. (And, according to data from booking platform OpenTable that says 72 per cent of Australian diners planned to dine solo in 2024, it seems that parties of one are more design than accident nowadays.)

Rather than sitting conspicuously by themselves at table 14 by the waiter’s station, solo diners can now shoehorn themselves into an opening up at the bar and enjoy real-life conversation with bartenders and fellow diners rather than scrolling through their phone.

There are of course, other perks that come with dining solo. Being able to order exactly what you want without having to compromise and negotiate with others in your party, for instance.

There are also those that regard taking themselves out for a meal as sacred me-time and a modern form of self-care. While dinner table conversation is one of life’s true pleasures, eating by yourself allows a diner to really focus on the experience. The food, the room, the machinations of service, the music.

And let’s not forget that, when it comes to venues that don’t accept reservations, it’s far easier for staff to find a spot for a single diner in the queue than it is to sit a party of four.

In short, what was once seen as something of a pity party has now been reframed as a win-win for both guests and operators. The following are some of the places that do a great job of making solo diners feel welcome. I’d love it if you hit me back with some of your favourites.

Yakitori Washokudo, CBD

Nab one of the seven stools ringing the open kitchen and enjoy dinner and a show as chef Naoyuki Suzuki meticulously grills chicken skewers till their juicy and charry in all the right places. The $28, five-stick tasting menu makes a fine introduction to our man’s handiwork.

Rockpool Bar & Grill, Burswood

Sure, Perth’s hamburger scene has grown tremendously since the opening of Rockpool Bar & Grill in 2011, but the David Blackmore wagyu burger still remains one of this city’s finest burgers. Exclusively offered at the bar, it’s one way to get a taste of that Rockpool razzle-dazzle without (necessarily) blowing your budget.

Lalla Rookh, CBD

Go directly to the wine store and bags one of the stools up at the handsome marble bar. Other than applying for a job at this long-standing pub, this is the best way to get an audience with veteran sommelier Jeremy Prus and his grape-loving fellows: your best source for A1 intel on what wine pairs best with Calum Mackechnie’s assured Italian cooking.

Yip, Victoria Park

The springy noodles made by octogenarian cook Erich Wong are worth the wait. While the line outside this Albany Highway hotspot can occasionally get hairy, queuers are generally good-natured and happy to swap dining tips. Alternatively, visiting on weekdays and/or arriving before the store opens are two ways to beat the crowd.

Wines of While, CBD

While Wines – as it’s known locally – is a terrific destination to bring a posse, solo diners are equally welcome. There’s always a spot at the communal blond wood table at the heart of this natural wine stronghold while a $35 weekend pasta and glass of wine special is on-hand to save the decision-phobic.

Fin’s Bicton, Bicton

Seafood shop. Small bar. Friday night treat for the kids: this neighbourhood corner store from one of WA’s favourite fishmongers can be enjoyed in many ways. While much of Seth James’ cooking is designed to be shared, thrilling seafood sandwiches – that tuna cheeseburger! His crayfish-filled croissant! – make a perfect lunch or dinner for one.

Ah Um, CBD

Dimly lit, intimate and full of tasty things to eat and drink, Astral Weeks’ 25-seat restaurant spin-off has date night central written all over it. Solo eaters – and not to mention hopeful couples that couldn’t land a reservation – can still get in on the action by making a play for one of the four spots up the bar.