Three places to eat dinner alone in Canberra (and not feel awkward about it)
Posted on
Hate the idea of eating alone? Wish you felt more comfortable saying ‘Table for one, please?’. I’m here to help.
If you wish you felt more comfortable eating alone at a restaurant – I totally get it. Before last year, I was exactly the same. Then I booked a six-month trip overseas that included some solo travel.
“How are you going to go with travelling alone and eating alone at restaurants?” someone asked me. Gulp. I hadn’t even thought of that. But many countries and solo meals later, it’s something I really enjoy and can safely say: the awkwardness is in your head.
You might think: ‘But when I go out for dinner with friends, I never see people eating alone. Everyone must feel too awkward, right?’ Wrong! Solo diners are everywhere, and once you start doing it yourself, you’ll see them too.
My favourite activities while eating dinner solo? Calling my sister in the UK while she’s en route to work, scrolling Instagram and catching up on messages or life admin. Been meaning to call your Nan or that friend who lives interstate? Got a great book you want to finish? Can’t think of anything worse than cooking or waiting for takeaway? Dining solo is for you.
Naturally, there are some places that lend themselves to eating alone, so here are three of my faves.
Verity Lane Market + Tiger Lane (City)
View this post on Instagram
With a sea of tables and oodles of options when it comes to food and drink, Verity Lane Market and Tiger Lane are super easy options and will mitigate any ‘table for one’ awkwardness you might feel.
Just rock up to one of the vendors, order, grab your food when your buzzer goes and find a table with your tray.
What to eat: I’m a total sucker for the Wan Tan Mee from Lim Peh Wan Tan Mee at Verity Lane Market. I’ve eaten it twice in the last week and it’s $16 for an enormous bowl of noodles, pork, vegetables and wonton with a side of wonton soup. Obsessed.
Tilley’s (Lyneham)
View this post on Instagram
Tilley’s is an Inner North institution and if you know, you know. But if you don’t know, Tilley’s is fitted out with a distinctly retro jazz club vibe and is a regular haunt for writers and creatives. And that means many, many people are alone. While Tilley’s used to be known for late-night eats, post-lockdown the hours have changed, so make sure you check before heading there.
What to eat: The Beef Burger is fab (and enormous) but if you’re looking for something lighter, the Nachos are yum.
PappaRich (City + Gungahlin)
View this post on Instagram
PappaRich is a solo diner’s dream. Why? Because you sit down, browse the menu and fill out an order card with your meal and drink of choice. Once you’ve done that, press the buzzer and a friendly staff member will appear and whisk your order off. Almost zero social interaction and delicious Malaysian food. Win/win!
What to eat: It’s always the Nasi Lemak with Beef Rendang for me, paired with whatever fun cold drink takes my fancy.
Feature image: Tiger Lane. Credit: Ben Calvert.
