A new-style solo dining space: Eat alone without awkwardness or loneliness

▲ The dining experience planning team Surprise Lab. launches a space designed specifically for solo diners — "table for ONE 一人餐桌." (Photo / Provided by Surprise Lab., the same below)

Reported by Huang Shiyuan / Taipei

Following the 2016 dark pop-up dining experience "Dining In The Dark," the dining experience planning team Surprise Lab. launched a space designed specifically for solo diners in the autumn of 2017 — "table for ONE 一人餐桌." During the experience, participants must switch their phones to airplane mode, temporarily disconnecting from the outside world. It’s just you, yourself, and the strangers around you, sharing about 90 minutes of dining time.

When people think of eating alone, the common scenarios that come to mind usually involve scrolling through a phone or tablet, squeezing into a small booth, or quickly grabbing fast food. "table for ONE 一人餐桌" aims to provide a space where, in an era of increasing social connectivity and emphasis on groups, people can slow down, temporarily disconnect from the outside world, and rediscover the importance and romance of "being alone." The space also features 24 single seats, so even though you come by yourself, you won’t feel lonely thanks to the presence of fellow diners.


▲ The 24 single seats in "table for ONE" face different directions and offer varied views.


The 24 single seats in "table for ONE" face different directions and offer varied views. The seats are divided into three main zones, catering to different needs of those dining alone. Some seats allow you to be an observer, quietly watching pedestrians outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, while also becoming part of the scenery for passersby. Some seats offer solitude just for you. Others are surrounded by other seats, allowing you to enjoy the company of nearby strangers or even interact with them.

The set menu for "table for ONE 一人餐桌" is designed around the concept of "five notions of solitude," consisting of five courses, each paired with a specially designed interactive activity. The goal is for participants to savor each ingredient carefully and experience the everyday act of "eating alone" in a whole new way.

Menu: Offers both meat and vegetarian set meals, with the specific ingredients remaining a secret for now.
Reservations: Made via the official website with online prepayment and booking. Reservations open every two weeks for the following two weeks.
Price: From September 29 to October 29, trial promotion price is 880 TWD (excluding drinks) / $1,050 TWD (includes one drink of your choice)
Address: No. 9, Jiankang Road, Songshan District, Taipei City
Phone: (02) - 2719-2960