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Solo Dining Tips

Do you have any restaurant recommendations or general dining tips for solo travelers? For the centers of major cities Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome? Many of the restaurant recommendations I've been reading are for small restaurants with just a few tables which would probably prefer to serve to couples and groups. I do plan to join an eating tour here and there (that was one tip I picked up so far).

Posted by
7280 posts

I’ve traveled without my husband on several Italy trips, and found many wonderful restaurants, where I dined by myself. Large or small, once you’re seated, the restaurant has given you the table for the evening. No need to feel rushed, or that you need to make way for any larger group. Unless you aren’t staying very long … your choice.

One other tip, a table outside also means you’re sitting in the smoking section. For smoke free (or at least less smoke wafting in from outside), get an inside table.

Posted by
12 posts

Hi rwreads! I unfortunately can't speak specifically to the major cities you've mentioned, but I've been traveling solo around smaller towns/cities in Italy for the past 5 weeks. What's worked for me is to go for dinner when a restaurant opens (usually around 7:30 p.m.) I know I likely missed out on some of the lively, local-heavy atmosphere later in the evening, but I like to do this so I'm not taking up a two person table at peak hours. If there was a specific restaurant I wanted to eat at on a specific day, I'd usually call or message on Facebook to make a reservation. Depending on your preferred dining style, a "ristorante" is usually the most formal and a "trattoria" is usually the most casual. Enotecas are a great option if you want wine and something light-- at these you can usually try wines by the glass along with various antipasti (usually charcuterie/cheese, bruschetta, etc.)

I've also loved frequenting tavola caldas (the closest equivalent I can think of is a Whole Foods hot bar type situation) for quick takeaway lunches or dinners. Picnics are another great option for a solo traveller. At a salumeria or grocery store, ask for "un etto" (100 grams) of your favorite cured meat, add on bread, olives, cheese, etc, as you like and you're set. Aperitivo in a bustling piazza or side street is, I think, perfectly suited to being on your own because it's such such excellent people watching. From Florence upward, aperitivo can be as light as some chips and nuts with your drink to "apericena," where you can eat a full dinner from a buffet of snacks and dishes.

I know some people have had poor experiences as a solo diner, but from Sicily to Liguria, I've always been treated with kindness and respect. (If it's at all relevant, I'm a woman in her 20's.) If it works out timing wise for your trip, I've found a very warm welcome when I returned multiple times to the same restaurant or cafe. I always like to bring my journal or a book when I eat alone, but that's just a personal preference. The biggest obstacle I had as a solo diner was wanting to sample more dishes than I could possibly eat. Your idea of an eating tour sounds like a great way to get that variety without a mountain of extra food!

Posted by
3812 posts

Sit at the bar if they have one

Out of Venice, I have Never eaten at an Italian proper sit-down restaurant with an US style bar.

I've also loved frequenting tavola caldas

It's been ages since I saw a real tavola calda. I'd appreciate some names and addresses, if possible.

Most trattorias seem just restaurants with an hipster name and high prices these days, but it's just me.

Posted by
14812 posts

In all my years of traveling, I can count on one hand the number of times I have been refused a table because I am a solo diner. And none were in Italy.

If you see a place you like, make a reservation. Of have your hotel do it for you if you are worried about the language barrier. A reservation shows them you want to eat at their establishment and are not just walking by. (For some establishments, you will need to make a reservation. For others, they might not accept them.)

Eating in Italy is not like eating in the USA. You will not be rushed. Your food will not be brought out in seconds. The check will not be put on the table until you ask for it. The servers will not come around every few minutes asking if everything is okay. They are paid a decent wage and don't rely on tips.

All of the above goes out the window for "tourist" restaurants. Try to avoid them.

Posted by
583 posts

My recent practice is to eat out for lunch and eat in (or picnic) for supper. I enjoy stopping for lunch in a restaurant / trattoria/ etc while touring because I prefer to have my larger meal earlier in the day, it serves as a rest break for my feet and mind, it’s cheaper, and I feel inconspicuous as a solo diner.

Posted by
86 posts

I have never had any trouble anywhere. One noticable difference is the time of day Italians usually eat compared to most in the United States. Typically their breakfast and noonish meal are light. Big meal is around 7 to 8. You may notice the big difference is waiting for the check. Never have I felt rushed. Keep in mind any specific recommendations, may be old news. They too have had, are having a turnover in staff.

Posted by
592 posts

Whether I’m on a tour or traveling solo I’ve regularly had occasion to dine alone. In 40+ countries I have always been welcomed as a solo diner. My presence has never been treated as an inconvenience but rather as a guest. My restaurant preference is local, traditional, family owned and operated establishments. Just made an email reservation for dinner at a renowned small establishment in Nuremburg for July 9. The reply was very personal and quite welcoming.

Posted by
16 posts

Thank you all for the suggestions and thoughtful responses!!! I've pretty much never felt self-conscious dining solo stateside, though I'm not eating in touristy areas at home. I had a bad experience during the lunch rush off Edinburgh's mile - but it was more me panicking (and being self-conscious) than the waitstaff being willing to seat me. As suggested, I will probably mostly choose restaurants at lunch time (avoiding tourist areas) and picnic in the evenings. And I'll be sure to make reservations! Somehow I've imagined that the places I'm headed to in Italy are more crowded than the other places I've visited in other countries.
Thank you, Cyn, for the smoke free tip!