Where to eat solo?

[sas1674]

I am going on my first ever solo vacation in about 5 weeks and was wondering where are the best places to eat as a solo diner? I have the quick serve dining plan but don't want to eat every meal at a quick serve place. From what I gather buffets, and places with bars would be good but don't know where they all are. Also as a solo diner, would it be easier to walk into places without a reservation? I want to go at my own pace and not be tied down to reservations if I don't have to be. I enjoy places like Sci-Fi cafe and the Plaza, but I do want to try new places. When it comes to food though I am not at all adventerous. Any suggestions would be great!

 

[Joolish1313]

I am not a buffet fan, unless it is served family style (they cook it for the table when you sit down, like at Whispering Canyon, Liberty Tree or Ohana for breakfast). The traditional buffet bar usually isn't that tasty and I feel like I could get better food elsewhere.

As for where to eat, anything you would eat at with company, is just as good solo. I would recommend Les Chefs de France, Tutto Italia and Tony's. Tony's is my fave place to eat. Also for an evening stop, maybe try out the bar at the Boardwalk; they serve food there but it's really the atmosphere I like. Leather chairs, bookshelves and an old radio show plays in the back ground. I could sit in that place for hours and always find someone to talk to. Oh, and there is a great muscian that plays at Scat Cats bar at POFQ who is talented and funny - he's a one man band. And I think I would try San Angel, because it's a fun place any time of day.

All in all, do what feels right to you and that includes ressies. If you have your heart set on a place (or places), then I would recommend making a reservation. If you are okay if you miss eating at a place, then play it by ear and see what they have open.

Happy traveling!

 

[spiceycat]

buffett my favorites are Cape May Cafe - it is a character breakfast in the monring - and at night a seafood.

it is small - so it is changed pretty often.

also like Trail's end at FW - it is hard to get too - the easiest way is to take a boat from MK (or CR or WL) to FW - it is a short walk from the lake.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I am going on my first ever solo vacation in about 5 weeks and was wondering where are the best places to eat as a solo diner? I have the quick serve dining plan but don't want to eat every meal at a quick serve place. From what I gather buffets, and places with bars would be good but don't know where they all are. Also as a solo diner, would it be easier to walk into places without a reservation? I want to go at my own pace and not be tied down to reservations if I don't have to be. I enjoy places like Sci-Fi cafe and the Plaza, but I do want to try new places. When it comes to food though I am not at all adventerous. Any suggestions would be great!

I loved Chef's de France for lunch. If you specify that you're alone and would please like a good view, they're pretty accomodating, and you can watch all the tourists go by. Coral Reef is also very accomodating-I've always gotten a tank-side table so I can watch the fish. Just be aware that you're probably going to get visited by (MUCH) younger men, and women, children who also want to see the fish. I enjoy their company, however. Jiko, the cooking place, has a nice counter/bar to eat at and watch salads being made.

 

[iluveeyore]

For my solo trip, I tried dinner at the Cape May Buffet - and loved it! I did the short walk over from Epcot's international gateway, and it was a lovely time - good food, the server saw I was alone and seated me out of the way at a booth for two in the corner where I could observe everyone else and not feel like 'look at me, I'm alone!' Buffets are great because you can get up and serve yourself and not feel like you sat alone the whole time. I took this time to catch up on my journal for the day and just people watch while I enjoyed my food. Dessert there is to die for as well.
If you want to do a character buffet, try the Crystal Palace at MK - lunch is cheaper and the food is great. The cast members will gladly take your photos with the characters, or you can just observe them coming and then head to the buffet when they get near your table if you don't want to pose with them.
Dining solo is no problem at all - I loved my solo trip and hope to go alone again someday. I could eat where I wanted and take as much time as I needed to enjoy my meal. I would suggest ressies for sit-down meals though. Have a great trip - I'm jealous!!!

 

[annmorr]

I'm going on my first ever solo trip to WDW in early May also..... and I'll also be on the quick service dining plan. In the past my favorites were Flame Tree Barbecue in AK, and any of the World Showcase quick service counters. I also love Wolfgagng Puck express in Downtown......
If we're there at the same time, we can always share a table!

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Portobello's and House of Blues at DownTown Disney both have bars, full menus at the bar. Very comfortable to dine solo. I haven't tried the new Paradiso 37, but it is worth a try...post your experience.

Have also dined at WL's bar, the bar at the Wave in the Contemporary, and the bar at Yak 'n Yeti. Unfortunately, Yak 'n Yeti has caught on, and walk-in was impossible last time I went (this past December).

Please don't neglect the Swan/Dolphin venues, if you aren't using the DP for your meals. The Fountain at the Dolphin has KICK-butt onion rings and tuna burgers (I hear the other burgers are really good, too), and Kimono's at the Swan has very nice sushi...did as a walk-up rather late in the evening, sat at the sushi bar. Very comfy.

 

[DebºoºS]

Flying Fish is a great solo dining spot. They have a bar where you can watch the cooks. If you enjoy conversation try the regular bar where you could chat with the bartenders. Both are a full serve dinner. Friendly, foods wonderful and worth a try.

 

[Brocktoon]

As mentioned, Both Jiko and Flying Fish are great recommendations for restuarants where you can sit solo at the bar/counter area and watch the food being prepared. Cali Grill may be a decent possibility as well, but their bar area can get pretty crowded. The 50's Prime Time cafe has nice bar seating where you can get a drink and food, although it's harder to find a seat at dinner than lunch.

If you like sushi, there's also a sushi bar next to the Kona Cafe in the Poly. When I've gone wandering solo, I've many times dropped into places like the 50's Prime Time for a drink and always ended up having decent conversations with the bartenders, families, or other solo travellers.

 

[ahoff]

I was down in January solo and went to the Biergarten and Teppan Edo by myself. No reservations, just walked in, and was seated rather quickly. Of course both places were at a table with other guests, which I thought turned out well both times.

btw, in about five weeks there will be a good size group from here down there if you want to share a table.

 

[FLDisneyFan]

I had lunch today solo at Les Chefs of France today and it was great. I had a windowside table and got to see the Flower Ladies pull up in their jalopy and then they came up and stared into the window. Also had a visit from Remy.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I like Biergarten.

You will be seated with others.

 

[disney_mommy]

I came back from my first solo last month. I ate at Boma in AKL and Kona in the Poly. Boma was nice because I didn't have to sit and wait, I could go ahead and start eating, plus the decorations are entertaining enough to look at. When I went to the Poly to check in, I asked for a table against the wall and they went out of their way to get me one.

I would definitely do both places again solo.

 

[Laurabearz]

I really enjoyed my meal at Le Bistro France... sat buy the window and had a long leisurely lunch with several glasses of wine

 

[Beauty908]

While in WS I highly recommend the fish and chips--so so so so so good!!

 

[Lorenski]

my faves are Ohana and Sci-Fi but anywhere is great.

 

[BilltM]

I'll add Big River Grille & Brewing Works at the Boardwalk and Cap'n Jacks at Downtown Disney as good places is your solo (or duo). ESPN Club would work as well if you like sports.

 

[honeydiane1953]

Le Cellier if u can get it. The Wave, Narcoosee's or Citricos or the Flying Fish. Just got back and Woofgang Puck downstairs dining room was a big disppointment.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I just got back from a solo trip, and I was reminded of what a pain it is to try to find a place to sit after you get your food at CS places. Partially because of that, I go against the majority and usually eat at TS at lunchtime. Last week, I ate at Sanaa and loved watching the animals while I ate, but I saw that you're not an adventerous eater, so that's probably out for you. But at lots of places, I could get reservations by calling that morning. Also, for seating at CS places, when in AK, try Pizzafari-they seem to have lots of seating. Go to the CS places in the resorts at lunchtime if you want CS at lunch.

 

[ahoff]

If you want CS, Flame Tree in AK always has tables, there are many and i have always found one by the water. And the food is not bad either.....