Solo Female Diner

[sserver]

I will be in Vancouver for the day on Monday. I'm hoping to miss the traffic going back home to Seattle so I'd like to have dinner before I head home. Any suggestions? Where can a solo diner feel comfortable?

[Mooshmouse]

Without knowing what your culinary preferences are, I'd suggest Cru on West Broadway at Granville. Touting itself as a "wine bar restaurant, it serves West Coast cuisine in a hip yet cozy small room. It's open at 5:00 p.m. daily for dinner, so you can dine early enough that you're not starting your drive back to Seattle at an unreasonable hour. If you don't feel like sitting at one of the tables along the banquette, you can always dine at the bar; even if owner Mark Taylor isn't on the floor, the friendly waitstaff will help you feel more than comfortable.

Fabulous small plates selection. I'm a big fan of their Wild Warm Mushrooms, Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio, Tuna Tartare, and Pan-seared Nova Scotia Scallops. Three-course prix fixe at $34 is a steal. The Roasted Halibut is some of the best I've had anywhere. If you're a chocolate fan, their Bitter Chocolate Torte is, quite simply, to die for. Diverse "colour-coded" selection of wines by the glass for easy pairings.

Each of my dining experiences at Cru has been excellent, and I wouldn't hesitate to dine there solo if the occasion ever arose.

[lemon curd]

I ended up one lunchtime, dining solo at Feenie's on Broadway. I was hesitant going in, but was made to feel very welcome by my server (and actually the table beside me as well!).

I've never dined solo at Cru, but agree with Mooshmouse that you would feel welcomed there as well and the food is excellent.

[Viola da gamba]

I've never actually had a problem dining solo anywhere in Vancouver - although I think some places (Le Gavroche, for instance) may be better experienced as part of a couple due to ambience, etc.. But as a solo female diner, I've never felt unwelcome or awkward, regardless of the price point of where I eat.

That being said - Cru really is fabulous (or was, last time I was there! Having moved north, it's been a few months ).

[barolo]

I eat solo a lot in Vancouver and for the most part find it very pleasant. Recently Parkside, Feenies and West have all been good experiences. I agree with the Cru rec too.

[Coop]

Fiction on West Broadway is excellent. I have sat at the bar alone and had a great time there.

[barolo]

Bin 941 and 942 would work as well.

Tell us about your dining preferences and we can fine tune our suggestions.

[little ms foodie]

What about at the raw bar at BlueWater?

[jmc8y]

I ended up one lunchtime, dining solo at Feenie's on Broadway.  I was hesitant going in, but was made to feel very welcome by my server (and actually the table beside me as well!). 

I've never dined solo at Cru, but agree with Mooshmouse that you would feel welcomed there as well and the food is excellent.

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i'm new to the area but was thinking of trying feenie's. how far in advance would you guys suggest making reservations for dinner? is there generally a wait at lunchtime?

[jamiemaw]

i'm new to the area but was thinking of trying feenie's.  how far in advance would you guys suggest making reservations for dinner?  is there generally a wait at lunchtime?

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You can walk-in at lunchtime but a same-day reservation is useful for dinner early in the week. For Thursday through Saturday, give a couple of days notice.

Jamie

Edited October 4, 2004 by jamiemaw (log)

[jmc8y]

You can walk-in at lunchtime but a same-day reservation is useful for dinner early in the week. For Thursday through Saturday, give a couple of days notice.

Jamie

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thank you!