By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
In a rapidly evolving dining landscape, solo dining is no longer a niche experience but rather an increasing lifestyle choice for many Australians and Belgrave’s ‘Cognoscenti Food and Wine’ is listed as one of the top 50 places for solo dining in recent research conducted by OpenTable and KAYAK.
The research revealed a striking 12 per cent increase in solo dining reservations over the past year – with nearly half of Australians (43 per cent) dine solo at least once a month 72 per cent of Australians planning to enjoy a meal alone this year.
Cognoscenti, co-owned by head chef Kevin Cerquiglini, prides itself on providing an exceptional dining experience that merges great food with warm, personal service.
The restaurants managing director Adrien Gomes said the recognition came as a complete surprise.
“I didn’t even know such a title or recognition existed, so it was a pleasant discovery,” Mr Gomes said.
“We didn’t specifically apply for it, but it feels like a natural result of our ongoing commitment to making every guest feel welcome – whether they’re dining solo or with family and friends and we’ve worked hard to build that sense of comfort and connection with the community, and we’re grateful to see it acknowledged in this way.”
“Our unique menu, which Kevin constantly evolves, combines accessibility with intriguing flavours and textures – this commitment to freshness and variety keeps diners coming back for more, with over 70 per cent of our diners being regulars.”
The directing manager said this spirit has helped forge strong connections with the community since the restaurant opened its doors just over two years ago.
And in this short period, the restaurant established itself as a local favourited, with a curated wine list featuring over 200 selections and popular weekly traditions like Sunday roasts and Thursday steak nights – these offerings provide a sense of comfort and belonging that resonates with guests.
“The journey hasn’t been without challenges, with rising costs of fresh produce, meat, and operating expenses have prompted the restaurant to adapt its menu regularly while maintaining accessibility for guests,” Mr Gomes said.
“Evolving booking trends have led to increased last-minute reservations, requiring us to stay flexible and cross-train staff to ensure high service standards are met.”
Mr Gomes said creating a welcoming atmosphere for solo diners is particularly important at Cognoscenti.
“People dine alone for a variety of reasons. Some solo diners are simply grabbing a quick bite after work, while others are savouring a moment of self-care – we’re also mindful that solo dining can feel daunting for those seeking connection in an increasingly online world,” he said.
“Regardless of the reason, solo diners bring a unique energy to the restaurant, contributing to the sense of community that makes our space feel like home – we have quite a few solo diners, some of whom visit weekly, allowing us to build a special rapport with them.”
“It’s great to see our regular guests come back and feel comfortable dining alone, many start by visiting with a group and then return by themselves, enjoying the friendly atmosphere. They often chat more with our staff, which helps us customise their experience—like remembering their favourite dishes or drinks and this personal touch is key to making everyone feel valued, and we work hard to create a welcoming space for all solo diners.”
According to the research, 38 per cent are now choosing to head out for a solo dinner when taking a break from socialising instead of staying at home to recharge their social battery.
Interestingly, the research also found that, ‘table for one’ meals are most likely to be an early lunch at 11am or 12pm, or a later dinner at 8pm, with Monday, Tuesday and Thursday having the highest proportion of solo diners.
As solo dining trends continue to grow, OpenTable’s Top 50 Restaurants for solo dining list serves as a guide for Australians looking to embark on their own culinary adventures.
Mr Gomes said the recognition is not only a testament to their dedication to exceptional service and community connection but also a celebration of the empowerment that comes with solo dining experiences.
With solo dining becoming an integral part of Australian culture, Belgrave’s Cognoscenti Food and Wine stands out as a prime destination for those looking to explore new cuisines or simply enjoy a moment of self-care.
“At the end of the day, it’s about making everyone who walks through our doors feel welcome, valued, and at home,” Mr Gomes said.
