"Dining out is predominantly viewed as a social experience. The table sizes and the menu specials tend to reflect that, as they're largely geared toward groups and duos. Sit at the table alone, and a server might just ask whether you're still waiting for somebody. But curiously, eating alone has become one of the coolest dining trends that is steadily on the rise, and it might become even more popular in 2026."
"According to a survey by Touch Bistro conducted in 2025, 29% of people in the U.S. dine alone at least once or more a week. Of that figure, 7% dine alone every day, 12% a few times per week, and 10% just once. Additionally, 8% of people dine alone at least once a month. These numbers show that solo dining is not a rare occurrence anymore, especially among younger generations."
"Clearly, solo dining is one of the food trends you can expect to see more of in 2026, but why is that? People's view of "alone time" seems to have changed - where it used to represent something lonely, it now presents an opportunity for peace amid a busy schedule. This is especially the case in metropolitan areas, where work dictates the pace of life and reflective moments with your own thoughts can be scarce."
Solo dining has become increasingly common, with 29% of U.S. people dining alone at least once weekly and nearly half of Gen Z and Millennials doing so weekly or more. Daily solo diners comprise 7%, a few times per week 12%, and monthly diners 8%. Changing perceptions of alone time reframe solitude as peaceful respite, especially in fast-paced metropolitan areas where reflective moments are scarce. Restaurants are noticing the shift and beginning to adapt menus, seating, and service to accommodate solo orders, which already make up a large share of eating moments.
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