The next time you’re on the fence about dining alone, think again.
A recent survey reveals that half of Torontonians are embracing solo dining in sit-down restaurants, surpassing the national average of 43 per cent.
The key drivers? Self-care (39 per cent), a desire to explore new spots (32 per cent), and work lunches (28 per cent). Forget the bar scene — 41 per cent of these solo diners are claiming regular tables, turning their solo outings into a bold statement. They’re not just eating; they’re people-watching (42 per cent), catching up on texts and emails (34 per cent), or simply enjoying some peace and quiet (41 per cent).
Lightspeed’s latest survey, which gathered over 7,500 responses from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, provides an in-depth look at the dining habits of adults who’ve visited a sit-down restaurant in the past six months.
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Lightspeed’s data goes beyond dining — 73 per cent of Torontonians are feeling the pinch of higher food prices, with nearly half (49 per cent) observing smaller portion sizes. To manage these changes, they’re adapting by taking home leftovers (33 per cent), choosing value meals (35 per cent), capitalizing on happy hour deals (31 per cent) and skipping dessert (39 per cent).
Yunnan Noodle Shack, which opened a year ago, is Toronto’s first solo dining restaurant. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Andy Su and Jane Yu, the restaurant is inspired by Su’s hometown of Kunming in China’s Yunnan province. The menu showcases Kunming’s signature rice noodles and chili peppers, sourced directly from Yunnan’s mountains. Su and Yu also developed blind boxes for each booth, adding a unique layer to the dining experience with guides explaining the symbolism and characters found throughout the restaurant.
Michelin solo dining in Toronto
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If you’re looking for a spot to dine solo without hitting up a fast food joint, there are some great Michelin-recommended and starred options that fit the bill perfectly.
Kitchen counter seatings and omakase are ideal for solo diners, and if you’re ready to splurge, try Toronto’s only two-starred Michelin spot, Sushi Masaki Saito. For a more budget-friendly option, head to his sister restaurant, MSSM Yorkville.
Recent Bib Gourmand recipient Rasa is another great spot for solo diners, thanks to its ample bar seating and friendly, engaging bar staff. If you’re in the mood to chat, they’ll keep you company when things aren’t too busy.
Another Bib Gourmand, Enoteca Sociale is ideal for solo diners because of its warm, homey atmosphere and the welcoming marble bar, perfect for enjoying a meal alone. And with everything made in-house — especially the standout pastas like cacio e pepe and bucatini all’Amatriciana—it’s a comforting spot for a solo dining experience.
So, the next time you’re second-guessing that table for one, remember — half of Toronto is doing it, and loving every bite.
