8 Best Toronto Restaurants Where You Can Dine Alone & Not Feel Awkward
Spending time with yourself is such a win. 🏆
The bar at Aloette in Toronto. Right: Mandy's Gourmet Salads.
Eating alone can be intimidating sometimes, especially in Toronto, where restaurants are constantly bustling with date nights, business chats and girl dinners. But the city is surprisingly accommodating to those looking for a table for one — you just have to know where to go.
While Toronto cafes are usually packed with people sitting alone, it can feel a little tougher to go to a restaurant solo, but it shouldn't! Taking yourself on a date in a city you love should be something everyone does, because it's so beautiful to love yourself.
We understand that sometimes walking up to the host and asking for a table for one can feel stressful, but honestly, once you pass that obstacle, eating alone is a great time.
Not only can you order whatever you want, but you can also leave right after you're done. It's great.
So, if you were hoping to try something new this year, then add dining alone in Toronto to your bucket list. To help you out, here are eight Toronto restaurants you can check out that hopefully won't make you feel so awkward to dine by yourself.
Yunnan Noodle Shack
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Noodles
Address: 43 Baldwin St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This Toronto restaurant is actually a solo dining spot where they encourage people to eat alone.
The restaurant has cubicle-like tables where you can sit and eat delicious noodles while enjoying your own company. You can order through your phone and call your server over using a button on the table.
This dining experience might be the first of its kind in Toronto, but it's quite popular in Japan. Nevertheless, if you're afraid of eating alone but want to try it, this Toronto restaurant might be a good way to start.
Mandy's Gourmet Salads
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Salads
Address: Various locations
Why You Need To Go: Mandy's Gourmet Salads is a perfect place to take yourself on a lunch date because it has the cutest decor and super tasty, healthy food.
Mandy's just opened a new location in The Well, and their other Toronto location is on Ossington Avenue, where they have an outdoor patio during the summer and the most welcoming indoor vibes.
Also, make sure you treat yourself to a cookie for dessert, because those things are just too good.
La Carnita
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: Various locations
Why You Need To Go: La Carnita is a Mexican restaurant with four locations in Toronto. Even though they are a great place for social outings and gatherings, they also have space at the bar for people dining alone and those wanting to stay away from the loud crowds.
They have a whole bunch of tacos served as single servings so it's the perfect place to eat alone and still get to try a bunch of flavours without having to share.
Aloette
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: French
Address: 163 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Aloette is a famous Toronto restaurant, and as a result, it's sometimes difficult to find a reservation. But if you're a party of one, your chances are slightly higher because they have a bar that seats people in small groups.
Aloette is a Michelin-recommended neighbourhood bistro run by Michelin-starred chef Patrick Kriss. So not only will this be a great chance to try an often-booked neighbourhood gem, but you'll also be treating yourself to a delicious meal on your solo date.
Aloette Menu
Ikkousha Ramen
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Ramen
Address: 249 & 257 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Ikkousha Ramen Toronto is one of the best ramen restaurants in the city, and they have two locations just a few doors down from each other, each with a specific menu. One restaurant only serves chicken-based ramen and the other serves pork.
The restaurants have quick service and overlook Queen Street, which is a great way to spend an hour as you eat a delicious and hearty dish.
Both locations have a one-sided bar along one wall that allows for more privacy and the ability to dine on your own.
The Lobby
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Snacks
Address: 51 Camden St., Toronto
Why You Need To Go: The Lobby is located on the first floor of the Ace Hotel in Toronto, and it's the perfect place for a date with yourself.
The Lobby has breakfast as well as snacks and drinks that are perfect for any time of day. The aesthetic is immaculate and the architecture is so dreamy.
You won't want to miss out on the delicious Alder Burger and fries, but you might want to leave room for dessert. Apparently, the coconut cream pie is to die for and locals say it's the best dessert in the city.
Joey Eaton Centre
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: International
Address: 1 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Joey is a nationwide chain, but it always serves up thirst-quenching drinks and good food, especially after a full day of shopping at the mall.
Joey Eaton Centre in Toronto has a huge bar that is friendly for solo diners and high-top stools that welcome smaller parties too.
If you sit at the bar, you can enjoy friendly conversation with the bartender while watching sports on one of the many TVs.
The service is prompt, so if you're nervous about hanging out on your own at a Toronto restaurant because it could feel so long, this would be a good place to start.
Make sure to try the California chicken sandwich and fries, it's delicious!
Leña Restaurante
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: South American
Address: 176 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This Latin American restaurant is also located near the Eaton Centre and serves up dishes that are bursting with flavour.
The restaurant interior is beautiful and there is cozy seating around the bar, which is perfect if you're dining alone.
You can indulge in empanadas, beef tartare, albacore tuna crudo, burgers, spaghetti and so much more.
Also, if you happen to be there during happy hour between 2:30 and 5 p.m., you can treat yourself to refreshing cocktails for cheap.
Hopefully, these ideas can help you get out of your comfort zone and try something new this year that doesn't have to be so nerve-wracking.
Enjoy dining solo, Torontonian.