Eating alone at a restaurant: how to enjoy it (or find company)
More people eat alone than ever: travellers, remote workers, people on a lunch break, people new to a city. Nobody is looking at you as much as you think.
Some days you want the table to yourself. Other days you would happily share it. Both are fine.
Make it easy for yourself
- Go at lunch: it is the most natural time to eat on your own
- Pick the counter, the bar or a long shared table
- Choose places with a relaxed, order-at-the-counter style
- Bring a book, or don’t: watching the room is half the fun
When you would rather have company
Often the person two tables away is also eating alone and would not mind a chat, but nobody wants to be the one who asks.
Notai is made for exactly this moment. At a Notai place, you scan the card on your table and see who else there is up for company right now: lunch, a coffee, a workout or just a chat. A chat only opens if they say hi back, you agree who comes over, and you share a table. No sign-up, no swiping, and you disappear when you leave.
For restaurants: welcome the solo diner
Solo diners come back when they feel welcome. A shared table, counter seats and a weekly open table at a fixed time make a place feel social. Notai is free for places, and places see totals, never names, photos or chats.
Questions
Is it weird to eat alone at a restaurant?
No. Eating alone is common, especially at lunch, at the counter or at shared tables.
How can I find someone to eat with?
At a Notai place, scan the card on your table to see who else there is up for lunch or a coffee, say hi, and share a table if they say hi back.