Hello everyone, this post is about my first terrible experience of solo dining in Antigua, some solo dining tips for you and 5 recommended restaurants for eating alone in Antigua.
My terrible solo dining experience
I first dined alone overseas in Antigua a few years ago. The restaurant at the high end, all-inclusive resort was filled with couples and honeymooners and I was the only person dining solo. My former self worried that I stood out like a sore thumb. I was anxious about walking in, lacked confidence and felt incredibly embarrassed. A medley of thoughts penetrated my mind... everybody feels sorry for me, they wonder why I am here on my own, why would I want to come away by myself?, she probably doesn't have any friends, she must be really lonely... As I was led to a table in the centre of the restaurant, I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. I felt as if everyone was looking at me. The waiter asked if I wished to wait for my partner before ordering which didn't help. Instead of appreciating that I was having dinner in a fancy restaurant in the Caribbean, I bolted down my food as if in a fast food restaurant and left. I couldn't get out fast enough.
How to improve a solo dining experience
For me, every negative situation is a time for reflection. I pondered on how I could have a better experience the next day. So I arrived at 6:30pm when the restaurant was less busy instead of at the peak time of 8pm. Head held high I asked for a table for one to eliminate questions as to where my partner was. I asked for a table by the water's edge rather than in the middle of the restaurant so I didn't feel that all eyes were on me. It worked. Once I stopped focussing on myself I noticed that some couples were looking at mobile phones, others deep in conversation, probably most people hadn't even noticed me. I relaxed and looked out over the Caribbean sea, just me, my thoughts, good food and a glass of wine. This time I spaced out my meal and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Benefits of a date night for one
I now think of dining alone as a real treat, as if I am taking myself on a special date. There are other benefits too. I can be selfish about where to dine, how long I stay and who I chat to. The more I do it, the more confident I become. The last time I went on holiday to Antigua, I chose a room only option so I could explore the local nightlife and try a different restaurant each night. Thoughts about eating quickly are long gone. Instead I take time to browse menus, ask questions, discover new dishes and really savour the food. Most of all, I take in the ambience and feel blessed to be in Antigua overlooking sparkling water with scenery that some people only dream about. I have learnt to love my own company and dining alone.
Solo dining tips
Be confident when asking for your table for one as if you do it all the time. Hopefully you will after a good first experience.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes - not something you have to fiddle with such as a skirt that keeps riding up or shoes with heels so high you twist your ankle as you walk in. Walk with confidence to your table.
Window seats are best. If you can pre-book ask for a table seated around the edge of the restaurant or by a window so you have a view. Avoid being seated in the middle of the restaurant where you may feel centre of attention.
If you prefer to strike up conversations with people then ask for a counter-top table if there is one. The seats are often located around an area used for food or drink preparation which can be fun to watch and offers a chance to speak to bar staff or other solo diners.
Dine at a less busy time such as 6:30 pm or 9 pm. There will be a greater chance of snapping up your preferred type of seating area with fewer diners around.
Ask reception staff for recommendations of places where they think you may have a good experience dining alone.
Take a book so you can relax and space out your meal and don't have to treat it like a fast food venue.
I have dined at all of the restaurants on this link alone and had enjoyable experiences at all of them.
Further Reading