Table for One? Turn Solo Diners into Repeat Guests with These Tips

I don’t think this is something restaurants typically consider, but how can you make a solo diner feel more comfortable? Listen, I know when it comes to revenue, attracting a crowd is your top priority.

But did you know that online reservations for solo diners have increased by 8%? A survey of 2,000 consumers found that 60% had dined alone recently, with 68% of those being Gen Z and Millennials.

This means many of your potential customers are dining solo. So, it's crucial for you and your team to be prepared to make their experience unforgettable.

And yes, I understand that solo diners may not seem as profitable as groups, but what if I told you that by making solo guests feel special, you could attract even more groups in the long run?

Without further ado, let's dive into how to enhance the solo dining experience and increase your revenue.

Tips to attract solo diners

By the end of this section, you’ll be fully equipped to create campaigns and generate creative ideas to attract solo guests to your establishment.

1. Create an online community

This year, the buzzword is "community." If your restaurant doesn’t have one, can you even call it a business? A community has become a cornerstone for success in the restaurant industry and beyond. But how can you ensure your restaurant builds one?

Building a community isn’t easy, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. It may take time, possibly months, but it’s worth the effort.

Tip 1: Consider hiring a community manager. They can manage your social media channels and interact with your guests online. Their primary role is to become your guests' best friend, someone they can rely on and who will always make them feel like part of the family.

Once you have a dedicated person in place, start creating online groups on Facebook and Instagram (Instagram now has a community broadcast function). Use these groups to share promotions and events tailored to solo diners.

Pro tip: Avoid spamming your community. Instead, focus on crafting messages they won’t want to miss. Over time, you’ll get better at understanding what excites your guests and what might make them disengage. Monitor this at least once a month. Thankfully, most social media platforms now offer detailed analytics at no extra cost.

Here are a few Instagram broadcast message ideas to attract solo diners, keeping it casual, engaging, and inviting:

• "Solo dining, but never alone!"
  Whether you're here to enjoy some "me time" or treat yourself to a delicious meal, we've got the perfect cozy spot waiting for you. Stop by and say hi – we're here to make you feel right at home! 🥂✨ #SoloDiningVibes #TreatYourself
  
  
• "Got an hour to yourself? We’ve got the perfect plate!"
  Take a break, escape the hustle, and enjoy a meal that’s made just for you. You deserve this moment of peace, and we're ready to serve up something amazing. 🍽️ #SoloEats #MeTimeMoments
  
  
• "Solo diners, we see you and we love you!"
  Come unwind, work, or just chill with some great food and an even better atmosphere. No reservations needed – just bring yourself. 🍷🍝 #DiningAloneButNeverLonely
  
  
• "Because some meals are best-enjoyed solo!"
  Drop by for a solo dining experience that feels anything but lonely. We've got the perfect set up for you to relax, recharge, and indulge. 🥗📚 #SoloDiningGoals #RechargeWithUs
  
  
• "Alone, but never unnoticed."
  Whether it’s a quick bite or a full meal, we love catering to solo diners! Swing by, grab a seat, and let us treat you to something special. 🍲 #SoloDiningDelights #JustForYou

Pro tip: Try and also add a special promotion to the message to make them extra excited about visiting your venue. 

By creating messages that highlight the solo dining experience as both welcoming and comfortable, you’ll make solo diners feel noticed and appreciated. Keep monitoring engagement to refine your approach based on what resonates best.

2. Get clever and creative with your concept ideas

When it comes to catering to solo diners, creativity is key. Consider creating cozy nooks, single-seater tables with a view, or offering a “Solo Special” menu. Providing fast Wi-Fi or soft, calming music can enhance the atmosphere for those looking to work or relax. You could even host “Solo Nights” with discounts or perks for solo diners.

By thinking outside the box, you can turn a solo visit into a memorable and inviting experience.

Here are a few restaurants that have perfected the solo dining concept:

Ichiran Ramen (Japan)

• Concept: "Flavour First"

Ichiran Ramen has perfected the solo dining experience with private booths for one person. You can eat alone, with minimal staff interaction. Each booth has a small window for food delivery so introverted diners can eat in peace and enjoy real ramen.

August (New York City, USA)

• Concept: "Books and Bites"

August is a cozy cafe with a small library. Solo diners can grab a book while they eat. The vibe is relaxed and friendly so eating alone doesn’t feel so weird.

Dai Pai Dong (Hong Kong)

• Concept: "Shared Tables"

Many dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls) in Hong Kong have long shared tables where solo diners sit with locals. This type of seating makes it easy for solo diners to blend in without feeling alone and if they want to, they can strike up a conversation.

Scandinavian Embassy (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

• Concept: "Bar Seating with a View"

Scandinavian Embassy has bar seating by large windows so solo diners can sip on artisan coffee or eat while people-watching. This layout keeps solo diners entertained by the view so they don’t feel self-conscious.

Barrafina (London, UK)

• Concept: "Counter Dining"

Barrafina has counter seating around an open kitchen so diners can interact with the chefs. This setup keeps solo diners entertained by the staff or watching their meal being prepared so it feels more engaging.

Zoku Hotel Rooftop Restaurant (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

• Concept: "Co-working and Dining"

Zoku has a hybrid space where solo diners can bring their laptop, sit at communal tables and work while they eat. So eating alone doesn’t feel weird as others may be there working or studying too.

Bar Reyna (Toronto, Canada)

• Concept: "Solo Diner Perks"

Bar Reyna has special perks for solo diners, discounts and free desserts. The lively atmosphere and treatment of solo diners makes eating alone not so bad.

Okonomi (Brooklyn, USA)

• Concept: "Personalized Omakase"

This tiny Japanese restaurant does omakase (chef’s choice) and is perfect for solo diners. Sitting at the counter, you get to experience the chef’s attention firsthand. The personal service and quiet vibe makes it a cozy experience for solo diners.

Solo Per Due (Vacone, Italy)

• Concept: "The Smallest Restaurant in the World"

Solo Per Due is designed for two people only but often has solo diners looking for an ultra-personal experience. The restaurant offers the ultimate private dining experience so solo diners feel treated like royalty.

PublicUs (Las Vegas, USA)

• Concept: "Community Tables and No Judgement"

PublicUs has a chill vibe, community tables where solo diners can sit with others or grab a quiet corner for themselves. No fuss, no judgment, perfect for eating alone without feeling weird.

Here’s how design, atmosphere, and service can make eating alone not so bad. Turn a lonely experience into a personal, special, or interactive one.

3. Make sure the experience is exceptional 

You never know why someone is eating alone at your restaurant. Maybe it’s a solo traveler on a road trip who chose you based on great reviews. Or maybe it’s a diner testing you out for a future “date night” or even a proposal. Or maybe it’s someone on business, and just wants to eat a big meal and a good glass of wine.

That’s why every guest should feel special.

Don’t assume solo diners just want a quick meal or to get in and out. They want the same special experience as a family of five or a big group of friends.

Customer service plays a big part here. Make sure your staff is trained to interact with all your guests, especially the solo diners. Some solo diners may want to be left alone, but everyone should feel “seen” when they’re in your restaurant. A little bit of chat or personal attention goes a long way.

If you become a go-to spot for solo dining, your customers will market your restaurant for you. User-generated content is powerful in today’s digital age, especially with online reviews.

Consider sending digital comment cards to your guests as soon as they leave. You can share the positive feedback on your website or social media and ask them to leave a review online, post a photo, or recommend your restaurant to their friends. Word of mouth is priceless and often more effective than any marketing budget.

With solo dining becoming more and more common (thanks to busy lives, changing lifestyles, and personal choices) make sure to make every solo diner feel welcome. Do this and you’ll be solo-friendly in no time.

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Takeaways

With solo dining on the rise, restaurants must focus on creating a welcoming, comfortable experience for individuals dining alone. By providing thoughtful service, engaging atmospheres, and even special perks, solo diners can feel valued. 

Ultimately, making these guests feel special leads to positive reviews and word-of-mouth marketing, which are crucial in today's digital age. Restaurants that embrace this trend will not only attract more solo diners but also foster a loyal customer base.