The Rising Trend of Dining Alone at Restaurants: What’s Behind It?

In the past year, there has been a 23 percent increase in the rate of booking tables for solo dining at restaurants, according to recent data. Analysis from the OpenTable app reveals that customers dining alone spend an average of $94, which is higher than the amount spent by customers dining in groups. Those who dine alone often view the experience not as a sign of loneliness but as an opportunity for mental peace and self-focus.

The number of individuals dining solo at restaurants is steadily growing today. According to new statistics from the reservation app OpenTable, the rate of solo table bookings has increased by 23 percent over the past year. While many may interpret this trend as a sign of loneliness, solo diners tend to see it as a chance to enjoy themselves and find tranquility.

Veronica Selzler, a 36-year-old from Washington D.C., regularly dines alone at restaurants. She sits at the bar, bringing along her book or sketchpad. She refrains from using her phone and enjoys watching the cooking process unfold in the kitchen. According to her experience, being alone and without conversation allows her to focus more on the taste of her food and savor her meal slowly.

OpenTable’s analysis shows that solo diners spend an average of $94, which is a 7 percent increase compared to the previous year. Typically, customers dining in groups spend about $60 per person. The rate of solo bookings on Thursdays has risen by 25 percent. There is a growing trend of solo bookings at 3 p.m., though 6 p.m. remains the most popular time. Dining alone at a restaurant requires confidence. Rather than being viewed negatively by others, sitting alone can make people feel more peaceful and centered. These findings were derived from OpenTable’s analysis of online restaurant booking data across the United States.