Solo dining recommendations in Columbus
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We recently told you that tables for one are trendy. But what makes a restaurant solo-friendly depends on why you're going in the first place.
Dining the news: Eating alone is increasingly a choice, not a stigma to avoid, especially among younger diners.
- We talked with Matt "Monty" Montgomery, owner of Columbus-based food-and-beverage marketing agency RMD Advertising, about what solo diners want — and a few of his recommendations.
What he's saying: Solo diners generally fall into two camps.
🤝 Community builders want connection, making places with bars, counters or large, shared seating a natural fit.
- His picks: Food halls like Budd Dairy, Windward Passage in Upper Arlington or the cozy Katalina's in Harrison West.
😌 Escapers are after some alone time — a break from work or simply an hour to themselves.
- His picks: Diners like Scotty's Cafe in Bexley, the quiet ramen counter at Mizu No Kaori in the Brewery District, or spacious spots like Seventh Son and Stauf's.
Between the lines: The same person can fit either category depending on the day, Montgomery says. He visits DK Diner in Grandview for quiet time, but seeks out communal restaurant experiences while traveling.
The bottom line: Columbus is primed for this shift, given its younger population and history as a testing ground for new food concepts.
- But for restaurants looking to capitalize, it's not just as simple as slimming down portions — the atmosphere, seating and overall experience matter too.
📬 What are your favorite solo spots? Email [email protected] with your recommendations.