Solo Restaurant Reservations Surge 22% in 2025, Reflecting Shift Toward Dining Alone

A recent Toast technology report shows solo restaurant reservations jumped 22% year‑over‑year in the third quarter of 2025, though they still represent less than 1% of all bookings. Brandwatch data cited in the af&co. and Carbonate 2024 Hospitality Trends Report confirms a 7% rise in interest for single‑person dining. The trend spans both quick‑service and full‑service venues, with Gen Z and millennial diners driving demand for convenience and personal enjoyment. Denver private‑chef MileHighCook reports that 15% of its reservations are now for one guest, a figure that has grown annually, and some customers book on a weekly or monthly basis. Restaurant operators note that bar seating, smaller tables, wine‑by‑glass options, and menus that do not assume sharing appeal to solo diners. Experts emphasize that treating solo guests with the same care as larger parties can turn them into regulars, while some venues are banning phones to reduce distraction. The data signals a clear market shift and an opportunity for restaurants to adapt their layouts, menus, and service models to capture the growing solo‑diner segment.