In praise of dining alone

I know it’s kind of ironic, on a blog that intends to focus on shared experiences, to talk about solo-dining, but here we are.

I find people generally fall into two camps - those who are happy to go to a restaurant or cafe alone, and who couldn’t think of anything worse.

I’m definitely in the former camp.

I enjoy dining alone for two main reasons - it feels like a little luxury, to have someone else make and serve you food and to people watch. People watching is my absolute favourite.

I think it’s what the Parisian’s get so right. All those little corner bistros, with their little round tables and lines of chairs all facing the street. To sit and watch the world go by is so relaxing.

In Auckland, there might not be quite so much to see - but there’s something nice about still being able to rest and enjoy the atmosphere of a place and relax.

It’s kinda like scrolling social media feeds in real life - you catch snippets of people’s lives and it can be quite entertaining.

As for the experience being a little luxury - I guess that’s just about me being able to enjoy food that I wouldn’t make just for myself.

I love to cook, but for me, I really only put in the effort to make a nice meal when it’s to share. And often (but not always) I’m the one doing the cooking - so it’s nice to be on the receiving end of hospitality.

Today I went to Bestie Cafe on K Road. It’s a favourite of mine because the food is simple, but delicious. I do lament the fact they’ve taken their mixed mushrooms off the menu — they were divine — but the chilli fried eggs I had today were lovely.

I also really love the setting — being in the arcade, it always feels light and airy - and if you’re lucky enough to get a seat in the big window, you get a great view of the city over Myers Park, which in itself can bring some entertaining people watching!

More than anything for me, stopping into places like this is just an opportunity to unwind and melt a little into your surroundings.

That’s the thing. Sitting in the cafe, I am not really alone. I am connecting into the collective experience of a particular time and place - and that to me, is an experience I really enjoy.

St Kevins Arcade, Auckland (Photo: Daz Martin)

Bestie Cafe, St Kevins Arcade, Auckland (Photo: Daz Martin)

Chilli Fried Eggs on Grainy Toast (Photo: Daz Martin)