SPENDING THE HOLIDAYS IN YOUR OWN COMPANY

While the holidays are typically associated with being around friends and family, sometimes it’s also a nice way to spend time with someone you’re around all year long: yourself.   

Having a solo holiday meal at a restaurant may seem like a scene straight out of break-up movie, but there can be many benefits to dining for one: eating alone means only catering to what you want to eat and ensuring you eat at your own pace.   

Here is a list of places around the region where solo dining for the holidays would strike up a cozy vibe.   

Arabella Park  

Located in Kitchener’s Belmont Village, this classic beer bar serves bar food that pairs swell with their 18 rotating taps.  

Having a holiday dinner on their mezzanine floor is a good way to soak in the holiday vibes while having your own little slice of the restaurant to yourself.  

I always enjoy having their feature burger and pairing it with a non-alcoholic beer.   

Loloan Lobby Bar  

This taste of the tropics will serve as a palmy balm for the wintry soul. Located in Uptown Waterloo, this is the place to go for Southeast Asian inspired cuisine.  

Known for their well-versed staff, enjoy sitting at the bar or the dining room. Feel like chatting? Their friendly bar staff would be happy to tell you about their menu while you’re sipping on a classic pho cocktail. Whether thirsty for a unique holiday drink or hungry for a pan-Asian tasting menu, Loloan is a treat for the senses of a solo diner.   

Hooland Cafe  

If you’re looking for something more casual, look no further than Waterloo’s premier destination for Hong Kong street eats.  

They have classic neon lights, the snacks and the atmosphere that transport you to Hong Kong. Enjoy their black truffle cream sauced chicken wings alongside ice cream coffee. The Hooland Cafe also boasts a robust vegetarian menu. 

Rhythm and Brews  

For lovers of beer and music, this rustic Cambridge-based bar is just for you. Having a few sips while enjoying food at their bar or having wings while enjoying live music, a dinner here will never leave you wanting stimulation for your five senses. Their venue was specifically designed with acoustics in mind, so sit back and enjoy holiday tunes while munching on locally sourced food. 

Oh! Bombay  

I enjoyed a dinner at Oh! Bombay on my own and I was not disappointed. This authentic Indian and Hakka food is just what the solo diner needs to warm their soul after a long winter’s day. Their honey chili chicken momos made me feel right at home while I was sitting and enjoying the rain outside.   

East Africa Cafe  

This cozy retreat where tradition meets taste is a great place to be if you’re looking for a cozy and unique dining experience in Downtown Kitchener. I went here for a cozy solo break from my day, and I enjoyed a nice la pisma with mango juice.   

This year has been particularly challenging for me in my personal life. I have learned to take breaks from the everyday and make time for myself. It’s important to be able to sit down and have a meal on your own, no distractions, just you and the food.  

Helps you think and unwind. So I encourage you all to do the same this holiday season. Who knows, maybe it’ll help you stay present and enjoy the holidays more.  

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