Berlin, February 25, 2026 – “A quiet table for one, please!” – This used to be considered an exception, but today it is completely normal for many: 53% of people in Germany have eaten alone in a restaurant with table service. What used to be seen as an inhibition threshold is now becoming a recognized form of self-care, efficiency and enjoyment. Generation Z and millennials in particular are driving this trend. The figures here are above average. A recent study by Lightspeed, one of the leading providers of cloud-based POS systems and payment platforms, sheds light on the motivations and behavioral patterns surrounding the trend towards solo dining – and shows: Those who eat alone do so consciously.
Between self-care and business lunches – why people eat alone
Eating alone does not mean being lonely – quite the opposite. The most common reasons for solo dining are:
- To do something good for myself (39 %)
- Lunch break at work (26 %)
- I like to eat alone (23 %)
- Business trip (23 %)
Other reasons include the desire to discover new restaurants (18%) or to eat efficiently between meetings (15%). In times of high living costs, 11% also cite the desire not to burden friends or family financially as a motive.
Quiet instead of small talk – what guests do when they dine alone
Those who dine alone use the time consciously:
- 46 % want to find peace and quiet and relax above all else
- 39 % like to watch other guests
- 33 % consciously eat at a normal table instead of at the bar
Digital companions such as Instagram (17%) or messenger services (15%) are present, but not dominant. Only 10% are actively looking for new contacts – solo dining is primarily a space for yourself. But where do you actually find the right place?
The best spots for every type of solo diner
Not every restaurant space feels equally good for solo diners – too prominent, too loud, too secluded. Here are some suggestions for spots for every type, with the best conditions for a successful solo dining experience:
- Small talk fan
Favorite place: At the bar
It’s all about being there, not just the culinary delights. Ideal for anyone who likes to strike up a spontaneous conversation – with the bar team, with people sitting next to you or simply with the drink of the day. - Daydreaming
Favorite place:Sittingat the window
with a view outside. For anyone who likes to watch the world go by while they eat, observe the hustle and bustle or pursue their thoughts without having to go anywhere. - Me-Time-Master
Favorite place: In the niche
Don’t need a stage, just peace and quiet. The best place for anyone who just wants to be themselves in peace between pasta and a break (or with a book or podcast). - The everyday professionals
Favorite place: At the classic table
This is where people eat, work, read or simply enjoy themselves in peace. The “single table” is not a makeshift solution here, but a deliberate place for independence. - People-Watcher
Favorite place: Looking into the restaurant or mirror
Always with an overview – never left out. For everyone who likes to be in the middle of things without being the center of attention. The mirror? Just to be on the safe side – in case you can’t make eye contact.
Germany leads the way in me-time – a European comparison
At 53%, Germany leads Europe in terms of solo dining experience. The figure is 48% in the Netherlands, 45% in Belgium, 38% in the UK and 35% in France. It is striking that the desire to treat oneself is particularly pronounced in Germany. The study also shows that solo dining is gaining social acceptance – across generations and lifestyles.
Flexibility and personal service – what solo dining can mean in everyday hospitality
Individuals often need smaller tables or special seating, e.g. at windows or the bar. Sinahn Fabian Sehk, Regional Senior Director DACH Hospitality at Lightspeed, knows how digital tools can support the hospitality business:
“A good POS system should make it easy to quickly adapt table layouts, clearly record individual guests and coordinate them flexibly. With dynamic table sizes in the system, capacity utilization can also be planned much more precisely “, says Sehk.
“Guests who often come alone can be recognized in the system: For example, POS systems with a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) function can help to store preferences such as favorite place, favorite dish or choice of drink. This enables a personalized service, which in our experience is particularly appreciated by regular guests. In addition, POS systems with analysis functions can help to identify when solo diners visit most frequently, e.g. at lunchtime on weekdays. This can be used to develop targeted offers and marketing measures, such as lunch promotions or table-for-one reservation options,”the Regional Senior Director adds.
Conclusion: Eating alone is the new going out
Whether with a book, smartphone or a view of the restaurant – solo dining has long been more than just an emergency plan. It is an expression of self-determination, flexibility and a culture of enjoyment. For restaurants, this results in a new target group: guests who come alone – and are no less demanding. Restaurateurs who make room for this trend create places for individual experiences – and signal a modern, inclusive hospitality culture.
Methodology
In May 2025, Lightspeed conducted a consumer survey together with the market research provider Medallia. The report for Germany is based on around 1,000 respondents. Participants had to be over 18 years old and have visited a restaurant in the past six months. All responses were collected anonymously and subjected to a quality check to ensure an appropriate margin of error.
About Lightspeed
Lightspeed (TSX | NYSE: LSPD) is the leading global provider of a cloud-based, end-to-end POS and payment platform and financial services for the restaurant and hospitality industry in over 100 countries. Lightspeed was founded in Montreal in 2005 by CEO Dax Dasilva. Today, Lightspeed customers serve more than 1 billion meals in a year to over 300 million diners around the world. For more information, visit lightspeedhq.com. Follow us on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X.
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