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Top 10 restaurants for solo dining in Brisbane

Natascha Mirosch

The Bar at Montrachet is a perfect spot for solo diners.
The Bar at Montrachet is a perfect spot for solo diners.Supplied

In days of old, once it had been established that yes, Sir or Madam was dining alone, the solo diner would be led to a small table near the toilet or within elbow-poking distance of a waiters' station. The second place setting would be ceremoniously removed while floor staff averted their eyes and radiated both curiosity and pity.

Today, the stigma of solo dining has all but disappeared, and the lone diner is a confident habitue at some of the best tables in town.

Plenty of Brisbane restaurants are welcoming to singles. Here are our top picks for a table for one.

Solo dining is on the rise, according to Dimmi data.
Solo dining is on the rise, according to Dimmi data.Stephen Baccon
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1889 Enoteca

This restaurant is a magnet for serious lovers of fine Italian wine and trattoria fare (and yes, date-nighters). Leave the couples to their red velvet booths and nab a stool at the marble-topped bar or a table in the wine room, and try a traditional Roman cacio e pepe or genuine (sans cream) carbonara.

12 Logan Road, Woolloongabba, 07 3392 4315, 1889enoteca.com.au

Anise

If you don't live in the area, you'll probably leave with a bad case of suburb envy, wishing this was your local. Small in size but big in spirit, there's a European menu, interesting wines poured by the glass and friendly staff-diner banter.

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697 Brunswick Street, New Farm, 07 3358 1558, anise.com.au

Bird's Nest Yakitori

There's no slipping in under the radar here. Everyone is greeted by the same traditional shouted welcome of "Irasshaimase!" as they enter. Sit up at the bar with a beer or sake and watch the action as skewers of chicken and pork are grilled over smoky coals. Servings and prices are perfect for one.

Shop 5, 220 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, 07 3844 4306, birdsnestrestaurant.com.au

Coppa Spuntino

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This elegant Italian-accented bar may be in the middle of the CBD, but it feels as approachable as your neighbourhood local. "Spuntini" – small dishes designed to accompany drinks – are the perfect size for one. The negroni makers are accomplished and the vibe unhurried and friendly.

88 Creek Street, Brisbane, 07 3221 3548, coppaspuntino.com.au

Esq

You might have to forgo the roast Chinese duck for two unless you're particularly hungry, but just about everything else on the menu, from one perfect scallop to a coal-roasted rib with perilla and horseradish, is single-friendly. The river views are a bonus.

145 Eagle Street, Brisbane, 07 3220 2123, esquire.net.au

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The Euro

Choose a table at the light-filled laneway end or bag a bar stool. The food comes from the same kitchen as the two-hatted Urbane next door, although it has more of a casual bent. There are plenty of libations available from a well-stocked list and accomplished barkeeps to keep 'em coming.

181 Mary Street, Brisbane, 07 3229 3686, theeuro.com.au

Gerard's Bar

Choose a seat at the sit-up bar, a cosy table inside or head for the tree-shaded courtyard. Graze on a selection of house-made charcuterie hanging in the window, oysters or pick and mix from the European-influenced menu. Almost all of the wines are offered by the glass, too.

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Shop 13a, 23 James Street, Fortitude Valley, 07 3252 2606, gerardsbar.com.au

Happy Boy

With co-working spaces to rent at Little Tokyo Two next door, the spicy Sichuan diner acts as a bit of a staff canteen come lunch time with a well-priced menu and constantly changing verbal drinks list. It's more of the same in the evening, with a slightly lengthier menu but the same chilled vibe.

Shop 2, 36 Mein Street, Spring Hill, happyboy.com.au

Montrachet

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Classy but unpretentious, this French stalwart feels like it's been lifted completely from Paris's Left Bank. The marble-topped bar-comptoir offers the perfect perch for solo diners, whether you fancy a chat with staff or a neighbour or want to sup your bouillabaisse in peace.

224 Given Terrace, Paddington, 07 3367 0030, montrachet.com.au

Sake

Sit up at the sushi bar at this attractive, contemporary Japanese riverside restaurant and watch the talented chefs' precision knife-work. There is plenty of choice, from two or four-piece sushi sets to bar snacks, or more robust, Robata-grilled meats. There's also a comprehensive cocktail and sake list.

Level 1, 45 Eagle Street, Brisbane, 07 3015 0557, sakerestaurant.com.au

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Solo dining on the rise in Brisbane

According to a recent survey by booking service Dimmi, the number of solo diners in Brisbane has swelled by 56 per cent over the past year. Good Food surveyed some restaurateurs to see if they had noticed a change.

"I have noticed it more in the past three months," says Montrachet chef-owner Shannon Kellam.

"Even during the day. There are a lot of people on days off who want to enjoy fine food and wine as a treat to themselves and spend some time alone."

The Euro and sister venue Urbane in Brisbane's CBD get their fair share of solo patronage too, says owner Andrew Buchanan.

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"Sometimes they'll just come in for a quick bite, but at other times solo diners will come into Urbane and have the whole [degustation] menu with a couple of glasses of wine."

Brisbane-based wine consultant Peter Marchant, who frequently travels interstate, says he considers dining on his own a "treat".

"I do it quite regularly. I spend a lot of time with others for work, so it is good to spend some time on my own. Sometimes I do some work or read, but more often than not, I just watch the restaurant and see how it all works."

The trend for restaurants to offer bar dining as well has helped make dining out more convivial for those on their own who do want some company.

"Some solo diners prefer to sit at the bar and engage with waitstaff if they're on their own, but just as many prefer to have a table and keep to themselves," Buchanan says.

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