Dining solo: the best spots for eating alone around Melbourne

Lulu’s may not cater to large groups, but it’s the perfect spot for a solo meal. On sunny days, grab a spot on the footpath and watch the world go by with one of their signature char koay teow variations. Then if you’re not ready to call it a night, pop into their sibling venue, Pandan, for dessert.

Family-style serving sizes are a menace for the solo diner. At Lucky Corner*, you pick exactly what and how much you want, paying only for what you choose. The Chinese-style buffet offers everything from tomato egg and mapo tofu to braised beef brisket and fried noodles – all priced at $2.90 per 100 grams. It’s a budget-friendly option for anyone dining alone and craving variety.

*This article refers to the eatery at 398 Elizabeth Street.

Pasta night doesn’t need to mean forking out $40 for a plate. This customisable pasta bar in QV offers bowls starting at a reasonable price, ideal for those spontaneous moments when only carbs will do. With counter service and a relaxed atmosphere, it strikes the perfect balance between food court convenience and restaurant ambiance.

Ramen is a dish best enjoyed solo, and Hakata Gensuke is the place to indulge. With multiple locations around Melbourne, it’s an easy choice when ramen cravings hit. For those wanting a bit more variety, head to their Healey’s Lane venue for a dinner set that includes a mini ramen, onigiri and your choice of side.

This CBD diner specialises in one-plate counter meals like burgers, parmas and steaks – perfect for solo guests. Weekly specials like $20 pasta and wine on Mondays or $20 cheeseburgers on Thursdays sweeten the deal. If you’re up for a chat, grab a seat at the bar and if you’d rather people watch, sit near the window overlooking Bourke Street.

Step away from the buzz of Hardware Lane and up to Hardware Club, a modern Italian trattoria. With window seats overlooking the laneway, it’s the perfect spot for solo diners. The menu offers pastas for every taste and budget, and their Montenegro Sour is a must-try.

With window seats looking onto Flinders Lane, this all-day eatery is a wonderful spot to enjoy your own company. Their menu includes bar snacks like gildas and trout mousse-topped rosti, ideal for solo dining. If you're in the mood for a drink, their dirty martini with saltbush bitters is a standout.

In the tradition of Tokyo’s intimate eateries, Katsuretsu is the kind of place where dining solo feels just right. Their specialty is tonkatsu (panko-breaded fried pork cutlet) made from pork that’s cured and aged for three to four days. For $11 more, you can make it a set with rice, miso soup and a bottle of Kirin.

In Korean cuisine, many dishes come with banchan – a rotating assortment of side dishes – offering plenty of variety even when dining alone. Sot offers an elevated take, serving stone-pot rice bowls, soups and noodles with four seasonal sides. If you’re after a dessert you don’t have to share, their red bean-stuffed walnut bread is also perfectly portioned for one.

Burgers starting at $14.50, daily specials like club sandwiches or French dip rolls, and an all-day menu make Butcher’s the perfect solo dining spot no matter the occasion. While tables fill fast here, parties of one will move faster in the queue, perfect for when you need a bite in a pinch.