‘I used to be embarrassed dining alone, now it's my Friday night ritual'
Napier Quarter, Fitzroy
A fabulous wine list and welcoming vibe. The bread is to die for, too. I recommend the raw fish, shiitake and buddha hand. I sit at the bar, chat to the bartender over a dirty martini and soak up the atmosphere.
Clover, Richmond
Service is excellent. I recently took my book but ended up chatting to a funny, engaging bartender. The bolognese tartine is a must. I had a glass of the 2021 Karim Vionnet Cuvee KV Beaujolais − divine.
Embla, CBD
This is the coolest, loudest vibe of the three. I sit at the bar and watch the kitchen. The Abrolhos Island scallop with vadouvan and blood orange is my favourite. Embla gets bonus points for its extra dirty martini.
My favourite Sydney solo dining spots
Continental Deli Bar Bistro, Newtown
The perfect spot for a snack and a martini. They make their own adorable branded martinis in tins called 'mar-tinny'. (It's so cute I kept mine as a candleholder.)
L'Avant Cave, Paddington
This place doubles as P&V's bottle shop, with one of the best wine selections in the city (arguably the country). Head to the rear courtyard terrace and order something random from the list, with guidance by the excellent team. It's always serving easy solo dining food, too.
Jamie Bucirde is a sexologist, founding director of On the Cusp, which delivers workshops on sexual violence awareness to hospitality businesses, and behind Not So Hospitable, an Instagram account encouraging people to share experiences of assault and harassment in bars and restaurants. She is the 2025 Age Good Food Guide Cultural Change Champion.
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