Even couples get split up – A new experimental space for solo dining

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Worried about eating alone or concerned about what others might think? Beyond the popular one-person seating at Ichiran Ramen, some businesses are now redefining the solo dining experience. Following their 2016 "Dining in the Dark" experience, the Surprise Lab. team launched "table for ONE," a dining space designed specifically for solo diners, in autumn 2017.

Participants in “table for ONE” must put their phones in airplane mode and are restricted from using internet and communication apps during the meal. The reservation system does not allow bookings for more than one person. All seats are individual, and sharing tables or grouping multiple guests together is not permitted to ensure the best solo dining experience.

The “table for ONE” space features 24 individually positioned seats with varying views. The set meals are inspired by five concepts of solitude, divided into five stages, with each dish paired with a specially designed interactive activity.