Many of us are so busy with life’s commitments; it is hard to get a big group together for a meal. Sometimes, we have to try eateries alone. Hawker centers are always an option. But many still feel shy about eating solo at restaurants. Here are some tips on how to eat fancier meals by yourself, without feeling awkward.

Pick places with communal tables.

They allow lone diners to blend in and even strike up a conversation with other groups. Casual places like Wild Honey and Jones the Grocer have long shared eating spaces that are welcoming to single parties. Their simple menus are also ideal for one person. Have a warming skillet of Tunisian eggs with red pepper, tomatoes and chorizo at the former spot. Or get a mix of tastes at the later space with their stellar cheese plates (3-5 varieties). Their range of cheese is held in a temperature controlled cheese room for optimum quality.

Wild Honey 333A Mandarin Gallery, #03-02, Orchard Road, Tel: 6235 3900, #03-01/02, Scott’s Square, 6 Scott’s Road, Singapore 238897, Tel: 6636 1816, Opens: Monday to Friday 9am-10:30pm, Saturday, Sunday 8am-10:30pm

Jones the Grocer Block 9 #01-12 Dempsey Road, Dempsey Hill, Singapore 247697, Tel: 6476 1512, Monday to Sunday 9am-11pm, 333a Orchard Road, Level 4, #21-23 Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 2328897, Tel: 6836 6372, Monday to Sunday 9am-11pm

Live music is a worthy distraction

Places with live entertainment are another good choice. Music acts can provide a distraction so you don’t feel awkward. Spots like Timbre bar at the Arts House have live performances daily by bands like EIC, 53A and The Goodfellas. You won’t even miss having company while snacking on crisp thin crust pizzas with toppings like tandoori chicken, smoked salmon or even fried eggs.

Timbre @ Arts House 1 Old Parliament Lane #01-04, Singapore 179429, Tel: 6336 3386, Monday to Thursday 6pm-1am, Friday, Saturday 6pm-2am

A room with a view

For a more relaxed experience, sit by the waterfront. Robertson Quay offers a range of eating spots with views of the Singapore River. At coffee joint, Toby’s Estate, you can opt to sit outside or seat yourself by the counter at the window. The pretty view will keep you occupied. And their espresso, made from just ground specialty beans can’t be beat.

If you still need some human contact, restaurants that allow you to “people-watch” are the best bet. Eateries like the Crossroads Cafe at the Marriott are right on the street and you can stare at passersby to your heart’s content. So, you won’t feel alone as you chow down on a juicy Wagyu beef burger or some golden fish and chips.

Toby’s Estate 8 Rodyk St. #01-03/04, Singapore 238216, Tel: 6636 7629, Monday to Sunday 7am-6pm

Crossroads Cafe 1/F Singapore Marriott Hotel, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865, Tel: 6831 4605, Monday to Wednesday, Sunday 7am-1am, Thursday to Saturday 7am-3am

Have a well-varied meal

You can also get lots of variety, even solo, at places with set lunches. At high end Indonesian restaurant, the Moluccas Room, you can get the Rijsttafel weekend brunch set. It allows you to taste 10 dishes. The sambal prawns are especially good and have a firm “crystal” like texture. So, eating alone doesn’t mean consuming one big monotonous dish.

The Moluccas Room The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, #01-81, Singapore 01897, Tel: 6688 7367, Monday to Sunday 11:30am-3pm, 6.30-10.30pm.

Take out

If you are short on time, you can even eat out at takeaway spots like Da Paolo Gastromnia. The chain usually has a few benches or bar seats for those who want to sit down to eat. Get a gourmet sandwich with thoughtful fillings like goat cheese and strawberry balsamic jam.

Da Paolo Gastromnia (Holland Village). 43 Jalan Merah Saga #01-56, Singapore 278116, Tel: 6476 1332, Monday to Sunday 8am-9pm

Dine by the bar

If you choose to sit at bar counters, even pricier establishments can be tackled solo. Luke’s Oyster Bar and Chop House, for instance, has bar space with table settings. You can order from the full menu. Try the weekend lunch menu. Egg dishes like the Hangtown Fry (fluffy eggs with thick cut bacon and fried oysters) are ideal for one.

Luke’s Oyster Bar and Chophouse. 20 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069256 Tel: 6221 4468, Monday to Wednesday 12pm-10:30pm, Thursday to Saturday 12pm-12am

Book Ahead

For multi-taskers, there are spots like the Orange Thimble where you can admire and even buy the art on the walls. The more literary among us might like the Book Cafe where books and magazines are provided for you to peruse as you eat fresh sandwiches and treats like apple pie (made on-premises).

Orange Thimble 56 Eng Hoon Street, 01-68, Singapore 160056, Tel: 6223 8068, Tuesday to Thursday 8am-9pm, Friday to Saturday 8am-10:30pm, Sunday 8am-9pm

Book Cafe #01-02, 20 Martin Road, Seng Kee Building, Robertson Quay, Singapore 239070, Tel: 6887 5430, Monday to Thursday, Sunday 8:30am-10:30pm, Friday, Saturday 8:30am-12:30am

With all these options, there is no reason to feel shy about reserving a table for one. Indeed, eating on your own, you can concentrate better on the food and experience. It can help you appreciate the meal more, making it truly enjoyable. What are some of your fave places to dine alone?