Single Diner?

[ElliBelle]

Where can a single female diner go for a nice meal and not feel weird about it? Staying in Epcot area and want to get out for a nice meal (TS), lunch or dinner without listening to DS talk about how theres nothing he wants on the menu, I love him really but we will both be happier this way

 

[Stacy's a freak]

This depends on your comfort level. I have traveled solo and have no problems eating at a table service restaurant by myself. In the area you are staying, there are quite a few restaurants (Flying Fish is one that I have always wanted to try) but if you would feel more comfortable sitting at the bar and eating, you could try The Big River Grille (meh, not one of my favorites). Solo diners sometimes sit at the bar so it doesn't feel like you are sitting at a table by yourself.

You might also want to check out the Adults and Solos boards on here for more suggestions or moral support

 

[oldkey1]

....is how I often eat when traveling for business. I have eaten at the bar at Flying Fish and the bar at Wolfgang Puck's (sushi if my memory serves me corractly) and I enjoyed both.

 

[ElliBelle]

Thanks! I think I would be okay sitting at a table. I like the idea of trying one of the more upscale places.

 

[princssdisnygina]

Are you talking in EPCOT too? If so... I have eaten alone at Les Chefs de France and LOVED it! Great service, great meal!! It was peaceful and they sat me against a wall which helps but I don't really care. It has always been a pleasant experience!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Are you talking in EPCOT too? If so... I have eaten alone at Les Chefs de France and LOVED it! Great service, great meal!! It was peaceful and they sat me against a wall which helps but I don't really care. It has always been a pleasant experience!

I agree, Chefs de France would be a great choice! Other than that, Marrakesh might be fun.

 

[TDC Nala]

I would go over to Flying Fish and ask to either sit at the counter at the open kitchen, where you can watch the chefs work, or the bar, where you can chat with the bartenders and watch THEM work.

 

[PamelaKay]

Thanks! I think I would be okay sitting at a table. I like the idea of trying one of the more upscale places.

I am a single female and recently dined alone at both Jiko and Flying Fish. Both were wonderful experiences.

At the flying fish, I sat at the cooking counter on the end corner and was able to have great conversation with the chef who sent me samples of some of the items he was cooking. My meal was delicous. I had he Lobster Salad the Potato wrapped snapper.

At Jiko, I once again asked to be seated at the cooking place. It was great fun to watch the chefs prepare the appetizers and salads. Joshua was the chef that night and he stopped to answer many questions and to show me what he was making. He also made great recommendations for both food and wine.

I usually would sit at the bar to dine alone, but sitting at the cooking places gave me wonderful entertainment while I dined.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[ElliBelle]

Thanks for the ideas! sitting at the cooking counter sounds great! Im assuming I woudl still need to secure a reservation?

Im open to dining anywhere, especially within the Boarwalk/Epcot area. DSwill be happy enjoying room service while I treat my self to a fine meal, it is my birthday after all! and teenagers (at least mine) just will not appreciate fine dining!

 

[HelenParr]

I agree that Flying Fish (or Jiko) are great options for solo dining. Although not at Epcot area, consider going to California Grill (go to the check in area at 2nd floor) and ask to eat in the lounge or bar. The view and service are great if dining in the bar/lounge and you will not run out of things to look at or enjoy. Your DS may like it but why push your luck! If for any reason they don't let you upstairs, which is highly unlikely as a solo, you can go to the Wave on the lobby level and eat there. Neat place.

Epcot area: You might also wander over and take a look at Blue Zoo at the Dolphin. Attentive staff and lots of "venue" choices (bar, cafe area, dining room). Tons to look at while dining. If you like Sushi -- give Kimonos at the Swan a try. After 9:30, kareoke is fun to watch. And before then, pleasant, great service, great food. Neat venue.


Have a great trip!

 

[madalex]

Where can a single female diner go for a nice meal and not feel weird about it?

Anywhere! "Feeling weird" is more of a reflection of the diner than the restaurant. I frequently travel solo to WDW and, as a result, frequently eat alone at all levels of WDW restaurants (from counter service up to signature). I have been made to feel very welcome everywhere I have eaten alone and I have come to realize that other diners pay absolutely no attention to me when I eat alone (they are too busy interacting with their traveling companions and families to pay attention to me). So find a restaurant you want to go to and go there. It doesn't matter which restaurant it is, you will be fine.

 

[MickeyNicki]

I did a solo lunch at Chefs de France and Tutto Italia and it was great...I didnt feel out of place at all but I will admit the service at Tutto was very rushed and at Chefs my waiter encouraged me to relax and enjoy

 

[ElliBelle]

Did you all make reservations for one or just walk up?

 

[TDC Nala]

I have never had a problem acquiring counter/bar seating at Jiko, Flying Fish, Bluezoo or California Grill without a reservation (if you choose Ca. Grill you may want to plan to go up after, or well before, the fireworks at MK because it gets crowded at fireworks time).

If you can't access the cooking place seating at Jiko, there is a small bar in the waiting area with about 4 stools - it's possible to sit there and order a full meal. If the bartender is willing, you can even sit and eat at the small tables in the waiting area.

 

[BGK]

I would go over to Flying Fish and ask to either sit at the counter at the open kitchen, where you can watch the chefs work, or the bar, where you can chat with the bartenders and watch THEM work.

Right, but watch out if you sit at the corner of the bar closest to the kitchen. You'll likely end up having to sit near and listen to an irritating fathead who never...shuts...up...

Or something.

 

[creativeamanda]

Flying Fish, hands-down was the best experience I had eating solo last December. I sat at the chef's bar and really enjoyed my meal.

Also, chances are real good for a solo diner to be seated next to the fish tank at Coral Reef. I enjoyed my meal there, as well.

 

[ElliBelle]

Thanks you guys! I'm getting really excited about my solo dinner!

 

[jdisnut]

I commend you for dining solo and seizing a fabulous opportunity to explore the finest in Disney dining! As others have said, you should feel comfortable at any restaurant with counter or bar seating. I highly recommend Jiko, which offers fantastic food in a lovely setting. The "cooking place" area is especially conducive for solo diners!

 

[FireDancer]

Did you all make reservations for one or just walk up?

I usually walked up when eating solo. The vast majority of the time I was able to just walk right in or wait 15 minutes or less. I never tried to get LeCellier at 5:00pm on a Saturday, that might be pushing it, but if you go to less popular restaurants at non standard times I have walked right in almost every time.

 

[ElliBelle]

Well you guys got me so excited that I made a ressie for one at Flying Fish on Saturday evening that I am there. I really don't want to miss out on it and I'm afraid it might get busy since the Thanksgiving crowds may start arriving (my stay is Nov 17-21).

I think I may start a tradition of having one really nice TS or signature meal all to myself each trip (unless Im travelling with someone other than DS or his tastes develop and the teenage attitude improves ).

I'm starting a list; please feel free to add your ideas:
Jiko
Cali Grill
BlueZoo
Victoria and Alberts - Now seriously, I think this one might be odd for solo dining, anyone done it?