Dinner for 1?

[stephielela]

What do you think about dining solo? Best restaurant to not feel out of place at? I am planning (way in advance) for my solo trip to the 2011 marathon, and I want to have one nice dinner, and will be (finally) seeing the World solo!

 

[madalex]

I have taken many solo trips to the world and have never felt out of place anywhere while dining on my own. Pick a place you have never been to and give it a go!

 

[stephielela]

I was thinking about Jiko, and I thought I had read somewhere there was a counter or kitchen bar type seating area...

 

[maxiesmom]

I did a solo dinner at the California Grill, and didn't feel out of place at all. The wait staff is attentive, but not obnoxiously so. Plus they have an open kitchen, and I found it fun to watch them work. And the view from up there is great!

 

[Hootch]

I have taken many solo trips to the world and have never felt out of place anywhere while dining on my own. Pick a place you have never been to and give it a go!

does have some seats overlooking the bar. These cannot be reserved ahead of time, but being a solo diner makes it a little easier to get a seat. Flying Fish, California Grill (small), Kimonos and Blue Zoo also have some seats overlooking the kitchen.

I think there are a lot of restaurants that would be fine to eat at solo. A window seat at say Artist Point would be nice. The communal tables at Biergarten with the lively atmosphere or a table at Crystal Palace would also work.

There is a solo at Disney board on this site. I'm sure they have even more ideas.

 

[Planogirl]

I have a friend who sometimes mentions eating at the bar in some WDW restaurants. If that would make you more comfortable it's certainly doable.

I once toured WDW alone while DH was at a convention. I made it a point to eat at places where I could easily people watch which kept me entertained.

 

[ftwildernessrick]

If you like talking with people, eat at the Biergarten in Germany. They seat you at long tables with other people.

 

[Forever Fairy]

Try also Teppan Edo in Epcot. Last year my DH and I went there for dinner and met a solo traveler. We had a great conversation with him and he was able to enjoy a great dinner as well.

 

[AppleSister1]

I find I feel more comfortable if I can sit at the bar with my book when dining alone. You can chat with the bartender, etc. Others have already pointed out some spots with bars....there is also The Wave at the Contemporary, which is excellent. Narcoosee's also has a bar and I believe you can eat there.

 

[Greg K.]

Flying Fish at the Board Walk has a counter where you can sit and watch the chefs at work -- I've dined there solo, and it's very comfortable and fun.

California Grill, likewise, has a counter where you can watch 'em work, and sometimes they'll offer you free samples!

I also had a nice late dinner one time, solo, at Artist's Point (no counter, but a comfortable table and friendly wait staff.)

 

[Dolce27]

I've eaten solo at several places on property: Flying Fish (not at the bar) 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickey's, Le Cellier, Garden Grill, Liberty Tree Tavern, Boma .. I can't remember where else. Lots of places. I've never felt uncomfortable or out of place at any of them.

I'll also be running the 2011 marathon and will be back at WDW solo. Thanks to my inability to stay OFF this forum to stop looking at all of the food porn and thanks to eyes that are much larger than my stomach, I'm pretty certain that I'll be at Jiko, Yack & Yeti and Flying Fish solo in January. (I am slightly concerned that I won't be able to fit into my running shorts on January 9, 2011. This may be a problem. )

Go. Enjoy. Have fun. Eat lots of good food. Don't worry.

 

[Spacemonkaay]

I recommend the bar at Wave, the bar at Jiko, and getting a table for one by a window at Citrico's. Citrico's is a great place to sit and stare, and you won't feel rushed . . . plus, the food is great. It would be a great option to consider after a physically exhausting event. Hope you have fun, no matter what you choose!

 

[honeydiane1953]

What do you think about dining solo? Best restaurant to not feel out of place at? I am planning (way in advance) for my solo trip to the 2011 marathon, and I want to have one nice dinner, and will be (finally) seeing the World solo!

I eat here in my hometown alone lots of times. It has never bothered me one bit. But that's just me. I would love to go solo just once. lol when I plan one my family members can't believe I would want to go alone. Believe me I would. Everyone has bad days and on some of those fiasco meals I have witnessed I would rather be alone. lol

 

[J.Richyson]

I don't think that there is anything wrong with eating alone. It always gives you the opportunity to meet new and exciting people all over the place. Plus, it is a great way to go out and immerse yourself in the environment without having anyone nagging you in the ear! Am I right? Go out and enjoy yourself and do not worry about other peoples opinions because no one really minds solo eaters and no one thinks that it is odd so don't feel self conscious. Have fun.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I was thinking about Jiko, and I thought I had read somewhere there was a counter or kitchen bar type seating area...

After my last experience with communal dining as a solo, I avoid it. I was seated next to a teenaged girl at Teppan Edo who was not happy about her family vacation and wouldn't talk at all (I think she just wanted to be back with her friends). The resturaunt was too loud to talk to anyone except your closest neighbor, and so she was it. At the end of the meal, I don't know which of us was happier to leave. I've eaten lots of solo dinners at WDW-I loved Jiko, Coral Reef (asked for and got a tankside table), California Grill, Sci-Fi, and Rose and Crown (on the porch) the best.

 

[stephielela]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I have been out to eat alone a few times, but since I have had my son, I never go anywhere alone, lol! I am really looking forward to experiencing Disney solo, and I figure I will be spending most of my meals at counter service locations, but I just wanted one "congratulating myself" nice meal after the marathon! Thanks for the advice, some of these options look fantastic! I think it might be ahrd to decide!