Top Six In The 6: Best Restaurants To Dine Solo

The original Guu created a maelstrom when it first opened its doors seven years ago. The first true Izakaya experience came to Toronto and we lined up for hours for a gauntlet of snack plates. Years later the restaurant renamed, but the spirit is still the same. Kinka remains a loud, bombastic eating experience that can be enjoyed regardless of whether you’re with a large group or dining alone. The extensive bar setup allows for quick meals, and Kinka has a sprawling menu of small to medium sized plates that are designed so you can extend your experience from a quick stay to an evening of people watching.

A buzzy atmosphere and some of the city’s best Thai food make Pai an excellent choice for solo diners. Grabbing a table in the restaurant’s below-ground dining room can be tough during peak lunch and dinner hours, putting solo diners at an advantage. While larger groups are still waiting in line, you’ll already be snagging a stool at the bar and deciding between pad gra prow and gaeng masaman. Pai’s constant hum of activity and quirky, street-market-inspired decorations are all the mealtime entertainment you’ll need.

Victor Restaurant, located inside Le Germain Hotel, includes a cozy bar-lounge area and a relaxed cafe. While the restaurant's location makes it an ideal choice for the hotel's guests, its goal is to become a go-to spot for locals as well. Hotel restaurants tend to get a bad rap, but don't let this deter you from giving Victor's menu a chance. Many of the menu items are family style and can be shared – but don't have to be. Because of the location, it's not uncommon for solo diners to frequent the establishment. If you choose to eat out at Victor's alone, you might not be the only one. 

Noodle soup and congee cravings peak in this icy season and this venerable Chinatown eatery is the place to satisfy these needs. Ignoring the usual norm of seating independent diners at tables for two, King’s adopts the Hong Kong habit of combining smaller parties in larger tables for speedier service so you might find yourself chatting up (or minding your business) next to fellow solo eaters. Their barbecue meat selection is among downtown’s best, including an incredibly tender and moist steamed chicken.

If your only experience with Lakeview is inhaling a plate of poutine after a few too many drinks, just hear us out: While Lakeview certainly doesn’t offer the city’s finest fare, it hits the spot when you’re craving comfort food. Bar stools along the front counter are comfy spots for tucking into one of the 24-hour brunch specials or a burger with all the fixings, and the chilled out atmosphere is welcoming for solo diners. You get the feeling that servers have seen it all here dealing with the late night crowd, so you don’t have to worry about getting side eye for choosing to enjoy a companionless meal.