Table for one? That was often met by a surprised, often sympathetic look from a restaurant host - and interpreted by many a solo diner as a sign the host pitied them for not being able to produce a dining companion.

But that has changed as solo dining is more common these days. The number of solo diners in Germany's restaurants rose by 18% between August 2023 and July 2024 compared to August 2022 and July 2023, according to the reservation platform OpenTable.

"Eating alone has become much more socially acceptable," says Nicola Easterby, a travel and food blogger from London. She says restaurants are now generally accommodating to solo travellers.

Some offer seats at the bar or a table that several people can share, so that eating alone can feel less uncomfortable.

Special solo seating

Cornelia Poletto created extra individual seats when she renovated her namesake restaurant in Hamburg two years ago.

"There are niches by the window from which you can enjoy the view," says the top chef. Three such window seats and two other cosy corners provide a sheltered space so that diners are not on display. "The concept has proven very successful and is well received."

Because while it may now be socially accepted, the entrepreneur believes it still takes courage to eat alone.

Eating alone should not be embarrassing. You can try cuisines some of your acquaintances wouldn't touch - or go for well worn comfort foods, like this chicken soup. Photo: Andrea Warnecke/dpa-tmn/dpa

To reduce inhibitions, she relies on a trained team to advise and chat with individual guests.

There are also various wines available by the glass rather than by the bottle, and starters that can be adapted in terms of quantity and size. "As restaurateurs, we have to ensure that a guest who comes alone feels comfortable and that no one looks askance at them just because they are sitting alone," Poletto says.

After all, a single person could come back with friends or family next time.

Good preparation helps

If you are worried about getting bored during the meal, you can take a book with you, suggests Easterby. Or you can take the opportunity to chat to the waiters or bartenders.

Poletto also advises her guests to familiarize themselves with the menu beforehand to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Easterby's tip: Don't order a huge portion that you can't finish on your own. It's best to ask the waiter or waitress what they recommend for one person.

If you do end up with leftovers, you can always ask for a takeaway box.

Reservations are appreciated

Poletto occasionally goes out to eat alone. She enjoys it and finds she can switch off from her daily routine, but likes to talk to the staff or the chefs.

A reservation is essential in her own restaurant and she recommends that as a matter of practice, individual guests should make reservations when they eat out.

Easterby also recommends that people dining alone generally book in advance to avoid unpleasant situations. "This way, you don't have to queue or wait alone for a free table," says the blogger.

It's best to let them know in advance that you're travelling alone and would like a suitable table. You might also like a large table for a group, to encourage you to communicate.

"The more you know, the better you can prepare," Poletto notes.

Did you end up at that side table?

In some restaurants, however, you can't reserve a table for one person, says the entrepreneur.

Everything is set for several people because otherwise it's not profitable for the restaurateurs. This is because a table is never a single table, so to speak, but can be occupied by at least two people.

She says this is more common in New York or in top Scandinavian restaurants, for example, than in Germany.

So if you don't want to get the seat that no one else wants, you can deliberately choose a restaurant where you know there are seats at the bar or shared tables.

And if you do end up at "one of those tables" just ask nicely and without reproach whether there is anything else available.

Mixed tables for more community

The mixed table, which the Bavarian Hotel and Restaurant Association Dehoga is promoting, meets the needs of individuals who are looking for company while eating. More than 100 businesses are now taking part.

The concept: Individuals are brought together at one table – whether spontaneously or as a conscious decision.

At least one mixed table is designated for this purpose in participating cafés, restaurants or bars and they are marked accordingly.

So far the response has been positive, according to Thomas Geppert, regional manager of Dehoga Bavaria - so positive, in fact, that the Saxony regional Dehoga association has since adopted and successfully launched the project.

Another important aspect for them is that the mixed table setting brings older people together, thus preventing them from becoming isolated. – By Bernadette Winter/dpa