Why You Should Treat Yourself to an Upscale Steakhouse

After the call, I began thinking about my journey to falling in love with the luxury of taking myself out to dinner, and I realized it all started with one question — at an upscale steakhouse.:

What’s more sad—going to an amazing restaurant alone, or not going to the restaurant you want to go to because you have no one to go with? 

Like many others, I used to think eating alone in a restaurant was strange. Movies and TV shows have taught us that eating alone means something is wrong. Think of the teenager hiding in the bathroom at lunch, the person waiting for a date who never shows up, or the man eating quietly after losing his spouse.

The idea of being seen alone, without choosing it, is scary. We’re afraid of being judged. We’re afraid people will think we’re lonely.

What We Fear the Most Is Pity

I remember the first time I went out for a nice dinner by myself. I was in London with my partner, but he had business school classes in the mornings. That meant I had time to explore the city alone. It was my first solo trip abroad. It was easy to visit museums and shops by myself. Those places are often explored alone.

But Going to a British Tea Alone Felt Scary

I had my heart set on Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, but with the upscale flair of a steakhouse. The tea service lasts an hour and a half, so it’s not something you can rush through. I almost paid the £30 cancellation fee just to avoid going alone and sitting at a table by myself for that long.

But I Love Tea So Much That I Decided to Go

It turned out to be the best meal of my whole trip at the upscale steakhouse. It was relaxing, fun, and felt fancy. I picked the savory tea menu instead of the one my partner would have chosen. I read the whole newspaper. I watched people and listened to their conversations. I ate a bunch of Scotch Eggs without feeling embarrassed. After that meal, I felt proud and satisfied. I knew I wanted to enjoy solo dining more often.

Why You Should Enjoy Dining Alone

Pay Attention to the World Around You

When you eat alone, you can really notice the restaurant’s vibe, the people, and the staff.

I like watching the people nearby and those walking past the window. I wonder about their lives. I try to guess their relationships—are they on a date? Friends? I listen to their conversations (yes, I eavesdrop) and enjoy the little human moments. I don’t let myself check my phone.

Enjoy Your Food More

I’m not striking small conversations, so I can concentrate on the cuisine. After closely reading the menu, I decide exactly what I want. I taste the dish truly and sip wine gently. I order items I have never tried before. I appreciate every bit without rushing and eat at my own speed.

Practice “Me” Time

We’re always busy, always available, always doing something. But when I eat alone, I don’t have to talk or be “on.” I can think about my day, check in with myself, or let my mind wander. It’s important to feel comfortable being alone and enjoy our own company.

It’s too bad that people feel like they always need someone else to dine with. For me, eating alone is a way to treat myself. In today’s loud and busy world, quiet time alone is a real gift.

Embracing the Joy of Solo Dining

You don’t have to feel lonely when you eat by yourself. It’s a chance to use your senses and connect with your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It’s a beautiful way to feel free and independent.