Solo Dining Grows in Popularity Worldwide as Data Shows Higher Spending, Despite Occasional Restaurant Resistance

Tue, 05 May 2026 14:12:00 +0200

Solo dining is experiencing a significant global surge in popularity, particularly among travelers and in major business hubs, according to data from OpenTable. The reservation platform reported a 19% year-over-year increase in solo reservations worldwide in 2025, with parties of one outpacing all other group sizes. Solo diners also spend substantially more, averaging $90 per person — 54% higher than the overall average. This trend reflects growing comfort with independent experiences and self-care, even as some restaurants in places like Seoul, Barcelona, and Liverpool have turned away single diners due to preferences for larger groups or communal dining customs. In South Korea, where single-person households exceed 36%, certain eateries have faced backlash for signs or policies discouraging solo customers, citing shared-dish traditions like Korean barbecue. However, many other venues, especially in business districts, actively welcome solo diners with dedicated options. Experts highl