Solo dining is picking up in Aotearoa. For some, it’s a moment to enjoy food that friends and family might not be interested in. For others, it’s self-care, time alone with good food in a busy world – or maybe it’s just easier scheduling a dinner for one than for 10.

I certainly see the appeal. There’s something meditative about being left alone with your plate and the hum of restaurant noise… or eavesdropping on the conversation next to you.  

While countries where solo dining’s more common have restaurants that cater to the demand – think Japan’s ramen chain Ichiran with its private booths – our venues still largely cater to groups and couples. So, where should you go if you want to treat yourself to a nice meal?

We’re turning the spotlight on the capital, asking some of our favourite locals to point us in the right direction of solo-dining friendly spots in Wellington.

1154 Pastaria

Recommended by Sarah Gulley, sustainability consultant and founder of The Weekend Project

Solo dining is usually something I do out of necessity when I'm between meetings or (when I was employed) rushing from work to an event. For that reason, I love 1154 because it's quick, convenient and has the best pasta for price ratio in the city! Plus, the garlic and rosemary roll is the most delicious bread I've ever had. I would genuinely eat it every day if I could, so I'd go there for that alone. (Double plus: it's super close to Drapers Fabrics, which means I can carbo-load before hauling all of my new fabric home).

Capitol, The Ram, Scopa and Crumpet

Recommended by James Bush, designer and founder of James Bush

I am a huge fan of solo dining, in part because you never know what might happen. I was once at a restaurant in Paris with my friend Jacquline. The woman at the next table was solo dining and as the tables were so close we began talking. It turned out she was the editor of National Geographic. We ended up joining tables and had one of the most interesting evenings on record.

Just last week another friend of mine was solo dining in the South of France and two beautiful men entered the restaurant. They ended up buying her a drink or two and let's just say, her night didn't end there. So there's a LOT to be said for solo dining. Or maybe that's just the French?

What with the cost of living in 2025, solo dining is quite the extravagance and therefore not something I partake in particularly often. When I do I like somewhere with a secluded vantage point. It could be sitting behind the timber venetian blinds at Capitol, or perching on the bar, right in the corner by the orange lamp at The Ram. It could also be sitting in the window at Scopa, or at one of the side tables at Crumpet.

Ironically, for me at least, the point of solo dining is the other people. It's about watching the world go by, looking at what people are wearing and how they relate to the space around them. One becomes a voyeur, and sees the world slightly differently. In the immortal words of F. Scott Fitzgerald, one is both within and without, and there ain't no place I'd rather be. 

Nature Vegetarian

Recommended by Chloe Hill, photographer, stylist, and founder of Cool Pretty Cool

My go-to solo dining spot is a little vegetarian/vegan friendly gem tucked away out in Te Awa Kairangi: Nature Vegetarian. The sweet family who run it often find me creepily lurking outside the door when they arrive to open, ready to swoop in and order wonton noodle soup or nori fried rice. The soup is a failsafe meal to down when I'm feeling rundown and the fried rice is moorish and comforting. You'll never regret making the solo trek out for a quick meal (it's a 20 minute drive from Pōneke CBD). My tip: stash some tupperware in your bag and order a few dishes so you can have left overs to take home.

Kazu Sushi Train

Recommended by Tory Whanau, current mayor of Pōneke

I love the Kazu Sushi Train on Cuba. I often pop in on my way home after work or after an event. It’s a great way to unwind and be treated to an amazing range of Japanese food and drinks. Sometimes I’ll just zone out watching the sushi go around.

Taste of Home

Recommended by Hannah Sullivan, founder of Sully’s

I love to go to Taste of Home on Vivian Street - the best hot and sour soup dumplings I can slurp in up in peace! I know every time I eat there I’ll get splatters of soup down the front of my shirt but I’m ok with that - it’s that good. Another go to is the hot oil hand pulled noodles, also lots of slurping action.

Chocolate Fish Café

Recommended by Bryer Oden, food blogger and writer

I am a strong belieber in the fact that every single restaurant is solo-friendly – especially the teeny tiny places when going alone really hedges your bets for getting a seat! However, if I had to choose, I’d recommend a hungover Sunday brunch at one of the café’s around the bays – there’s nothing quite like taking yourself to the seaside to be cured like a hysterical woman in the 1700s.  

The Breakfast Burger at Chocolate Fish Café never goes amiss; the sun on your skin, the breeze in your hair and cheesy eggs are the only reliable ways to forget about all the things you weren’t meant to say last night. Sometimes it's important to photosynthesise in silence.

Editor’s note: Chocolate Fish Café is set to close next year; sad face!