I've recently been reviewing the Paris Zagat's guide in preparation for my upcoming solo trip in August. It has a section of restaurants considered acceptable for "Dining Alone." Out of curiosity, what makes a restaurant acceptable for dining alone, and how do these restaruants differ from any other restaurants? Thanks.

Hi Iregeo!
I guess the most obvious would be the candlelit romantic restaurants but all of our trips to Paris, all the restaurants we have eaten in, I have seen people eating alone and never thought anything of it, as I guess, neither did they!
I say, if you want to eat somewhere, go!
Where are you staying? How long will you be there? How excited are you?

Are the restaurants listed in the section referred to as "acceptable" for dining alone, or are they recommended for those dining alone? It's a big difference...

Having dined alone in many European countries, I have never asked myself whether I would be "acceptable" as someone dining alone.

I have tended to avoid restaurants that have communal tables; I prefer my own company to that of people with whom I may have nothing in common.

I have rarely dined in the "top" restaurants: Taillevent or La Tour d'Argent in Paris, Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence, etc., partly because I do not like to eat that expensively.

I have dined in restaurants that were considered among the best in the city; almost invariably, I have been very well treated.

My suggestion would be not to let Zagat or any other guide dictate to you the restaurants that are "acceptable."

I'll keep watching this post Iregeo to see if any could give a logical reason why there would even be "acceptable for Dining Alone".
I think its idiotic! "Suitable for dining alone"? Who? Males? Females? The assumption being females? Steams my cookies that idea!
OH GASP... I sometimes enjoy dining alone.
I'll continue to ignore other posters who fail miserably at trying to be witty.

stholm - wow, thanks! Why didn't I think of that...JERK...crawl back in your hole.

Perhaps I chose the wrong words for my post. I know the basic "rules" for dining alone...earlier rather than late, don't accept a bad table, avoid the "fancier" restaurants... I frequently do eat alone in restaurants and do not have the slightest hesitation about it.

I guess what I meant to ask is, what quality do you think Zagat's imputes to a restaurant it includes in its "dining alone" section?

Hi Scarlett! Yes, I'm very excited!! I'm going for one week, so far with a reservation at LeRegent in the 6th. I am still looking into other places, hoping for some more summer promotions to be announced!!! Don't know how I'll make it to August. Will you help?

I have dined at many, many starred Paris restaurants..one to three. I usually dine alone, and I usually travel alone. I have always been extremely well cared for in every way.

I have a Zagat guide at home for Paris, so will have to view this section to figure it out. ONe would think they should have at least a blurb as to what they mean by that statement. The only thing I can think of would be to eliminate obviously candlelit romantic dining restaurants where literally everyone is a couple or something like that.

I don't know Zagat's standards so it could be something silly. I dine alone a lot and don't follow any "rules" imposed on me by others. I think that's a bunch of nonsense. I dine wherever I want and whenever I want. I certainly am not going to dine at an early hour if I don't want to because I'm alone. Is this supposed to imply single people aren't fit to mingle with the rest of the world, sort of like servants who have to use the side entrance. I don't like dining early and I never do if I don't want to. Where did this supposed "rule" come from.

Iregeo, I will do my best

I have a friend back in NYC who owns a very posh Designer boutique, she goes to Paris every year for buying trips. She stays at the Lotti and eats room service every day because she is afraid to go to a restaurant alone..not afraid but feels awkward being alone.
Funny thing is, she will eat alone in NY.
I would think it would be easier in another country- you are obviously from elsewhere..they will serve you as courteously as anyone and most likely, be a bit more attentive and helpful. That has been my experience even with someone!
Remember, Zagats is just surveys..we have no idea what sort of experience the people who fill them out have with travel and eating in the world.
I think Fodors is a much better place to get this information
I will give you lists of small lovely comfortable places to eat and so will all the other lovely Fodorites, with the exception of the occasional pathetic troll with no manners

OK, I am looking at teh Dining Alone section and the list of restaurants .. Why would Petit Marguery be on the list but not Allard? There are all the cafes and sweet places like Laduree, where ladies lunch? I don't like this list at all, it should not even be in the book.
Feh~

i'm sure they just mean the kinds of places where people dining alone is more common and where you wouldn't feel out of place. i travel to paris for work and eat alone all the time.

i'm not defending zagat but i don't think the purpose was to imply any sort of rules or anything just a section like place to take a date or whatever they would use in a restaurant guide.

LOL, well it did make me angry so I went over to Zagats and registered for $4.95 for 30 days so that I could write them and ask them...

Nope, no can do.

I think I completely support Christina, Scarlett and everyone else...it is just an extremely stupid some how elitest and I sure hope not sexist ... differeniation.

I don't much trust them anyway...they gave a GREAT rating to a couple of really crappy restos here in my home town.

Thanks, Scarlett. I'll take any receommendation you have to offer!

It seems everytime I try to clarify, I'm digging a deeper hole...Let me try once more.

I am not intimidated to eat (and drink)alone, in the states or in Paris. I, too, will generally go wherever and whenever I choose, assuming I assess the place and think that I will feel comfortable. I do not intend to eat at Michelin starred restaurants. That is an experience I prefer to reserve for traveling with my husband.

Since I will be dining alone, I am simply intrigued by the intent of the listing "Dining Alone" within the "special feature index" contained within the Zagat Guide. Other listings within the special feature index, such as "meet for a drind , "entertainment", and "private rooms available" are self explanatory.

Any ideas?

I have my Zagats here too and looked at that catagory. I know many of the places they mention, but I see many restaurants in the whole book that would be great for a single person but are not on the list....so I give their list very little credence.
Especially if you are used to and comfortable eating out alone.
Maybe if they list the places where men go to find women LOL ..
Take Allard for example..a great old bistro, good food and comfortable .. we have seen couples of women as well as women alone eating there, Americans and neighborhood people.
Zagats says there are "too many Americans" (horrors!) and it is listed under Family Dining..
Makes no sense to me.
I sound cranky, don't I?