The increasing trend of solo dining, as exemplified by Parisa Imanirad’s experience, speaks to a significant cultural shift. It is a shift not just in behavior but in how individuals engage with themselves and society. Imanirad, a scientist and cancer researcher, uses her solo meals as a form of mental escape—a brief respite in which she can reflect, detach from external pressures, and even avoid technology, enjoying the rarity of silence and introspection. This kind of experience, she claims, feels akin to a “spa” of the mind, providing the peace and stillness necessary to recharge amidst a hectic life. The experience of solo dining is more than just eating alone; it is a complex, layered phenomenon that touches on identity, autonomy, self-care, and societal expectations.
The sharp rise in solo dining across the U.S. and beyond supports the idea that Imanirad’s practice is far from an isolated experience. According to OpenTable, solo dining reservations have increased by 29% in the United States in just the last two years, indicating a broad and growing acceptance of the practice. What is especially interesting is that this is not a uniquely American phenomenon; countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom have seen similar increases in solo dining. In Japan, where solo dining is often culturally encouraged, the term “ohitorisama” not only normalizes but honors this act. Derived from the word “hitori” (meaning “one person”), “ohitorisama” adds honorifics, turning what might be seen as a lonely or isolated experience into one that is respected and dignified. Japan’s embrace of solo dining is significant in the sense that it shifts the social perception of solitude, transforming it from something to be avoided into something to be celebrated.
The act of dining alone was once viewed with suspicion or pity in many cultures. Society has long valorized communal meals as a sign of social bonding, connection, and interaction. Eating together is often seen as one of the most fundamental rituals of human community life. To eat alone, therefore, has traditionally been stigmatized, particularly in public spaces like restaurants. It is not uncommon for solo diners to feel awkward or uncomfortable, conscious of being judged by others as lonely, unlikable, or friendless. This perception has deep roots in Western society, where independence is often conflated with loneliness, and autonomy is paradoxically celebrated only when framed in a context of social success or wealth.
However, the surge in solo dining reservations indicates that these old assumptions are changing. Increasingly, solo diners are not lonely but instead are reclaiming the act of dining as a form of self-care and autonomy. As Imanirad illustrates, solo dining offers an opportunity for quiet contemplation and mental relaxation. In a world that seems to demand more and more from individuals—socially, emotionally, and professionally—the ability to disconnect for even an hour or two becomes a form of rebellion against these demands. It is a way to claim personal space, both literally and figuratively, in a world where space—whether physical, mental, or emotional—seems to be shrinking.
What is particularly interesting about this trend is the way it intersects with modern technology. The rise of smartphones and social media has paradoxically increased the pressure on individuals to be constantly engaged with others, even when physically alone. Notifications, messages, and social media platforms create an environment where solitude is rarely experienced in its purest form. The ability to be “alone” is often compromised by the constant expectation of virtual interaction. Yet, Imanirad makes a conscious decision to avoid her phone during these solo dining experiences, choosing instead to read, think, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. In this way, her experience is not just about solitude but about intentional solitude—choosing to disconnect from technology and external pressures in a way that many modern individuals rarely do.
This makes solo dining not just an act of physical separation from others but a form of mental separation from the relentless noise of modern life. The significance of this cannot be overstated. In a world where productivity and connectivity are often prioritized over well-being, taking time to be alone, disconnected, and reflective becomes a revolutionary act. It is a form of self-care that goes beyond the surface-level practices typically associated with wellness, such as spa days or meditation apps, and instead addresses a deeper need for mental space and emotional autonomy.
The cultural embrace of solo dining in countries like Japan offers a revealing contrast to the way solitude is often viewed in the West. In Japan, the concept of “ohitorisama” is deeply rooted in the culture’s approach to individualism and community. While Japanese society places great emphasis on group harmony and social cohesion, there is also a deep respect for personal space and solitude. The act of dining alone is not viewed as sad or pitiable but is instead framed as a dignified, intentional choice. The honorifics in the term “ohitorisama” are significant in that they elevate the individual’s decision to dine alone, offering a form of cultural validation that is often absent in Western contexts.
This Japanese approach to solo dining can be seen as part of a broader societal trend that values mindful living and intentional actions. In Japan, many aspects of daily life—such as tea ceremonies, flower arranging, and even commuting—are imbued with a sense of mindfulness and attention to detail. Solo dining fits neatly into this cultural framework, offering individuals a way to engage with food, their environment, and their own thoughts in a mindful, intentional way. This contrasts with the often rushed and distracted way that meals are consumed in the West, where even solo dining is frequently accompanied by a smartphone, tablet, or other forms of digital distraction.
In this sense, the rise of solo dining may also signal a shift towards more mindful eating practices in general. As people increasingly seek to carve out time for themselves in their busy lives, the simple act of sitting down to a meal—alone, undistracted—becomes a form of mindfulness. This can have profound implications for how people relate to food, their bodies, and their mental health. Mindful eating, which emphasizes being present and aware during meals, has been shown to reduce stress, improve digestion, and foster a healthier relationship with food. Solo dining, particularly when done in a mindful way, can offer similar benefits.
Moreover, the rise of solo dining also speaks to broader societal trends around self-care and mental health. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health, with more and more people seeking ways to manage stress, anxiety, and burnout. Solo dining can be seen as part of this larger movement, offering a simple yet effective way for individuals to prioritize their mental well-being. By taking time to be alone, to reflect, and to disconnect from the demands of the world, solo diners are engaging in a form of self-care that goes beyond the surface-level trends often promoted by the wellness industry.
The increasing popularity of solo dining also reflects a shift in the way people think about independence and autonomy. In the past, independence was often framed in terms of financial success or social status. However, the rise of solo dining suggests that people are increasingly defining independence in terms of emotional and mental autonomy. Dining alone offers a way to assert one’s independence, not just from others but from the expectations and pressures of society. It is a way to carve out personal space in a world that often demands constant engagement and interaction.
In this sense, solo dining can be seen as part of a broader movement towards reclaiming autonomy and personal agency. As people become more aware of the ways in which their time, attention, and emotions are commodified by modern life, they are seeking ways to take back control. Solo dining offers a simple yet powerful way to do this, providing individuals with a space in which they can be truly alone, free from the demands and expectations of others.
Of course, it is important to recognize that the rise of solo dining is not just about individual choice; it is also shaped by broader societal changes. The increasing number of single-person households, the rise of remote work, and the growing emphasis on personal well-being all contribute to the popularity of solo dining. As more people live alone, work from home, and prioritize self-care, the need for spaces in which they can enjoy solitude becomes more pronounced. Restaurants, once the domain of social gatherings, are increasingly adapting to this shift, offering more accommodating environments for solo diners.
The rise of solo dining is a reflection of broader societal trends towards self-care, mindfulness, and autonomy. As people seek ways to manage the pressures of modern life, solo dining offers a simple yet effective form of mental and emotional self-care. Whether viewed as an act of rebellion against the demands of productivity, a form of mindful eating, or a way to reclaim personal space, solo dining is a powerful reminder of the importance of solitude in an increasingly connected world. As this trend continues to grow, it may well reshape the way we think about dining, independence, and the role of solitude in our lives.
