Table for one? Yes, say Kolkata youngsters embracing solo dates

Gone are the days when stepping out solo raised eyebrows. Today, more young Kolkatans are embracing the freedom of solo dates – from cafés and cinemas to city strolls. We speak to the city’s solo daters who say it’s not just about confidence; it’s a personal power move.
Rediscovering the city, one solo date at a time

For many youngsters, solo dating didn’t start with a plan; it began when life hit a pause. Friends moved away, relationships ended, and social plans fell through. Influencer Sneha Sarkar recalls, “All my friends were out of town, so I thought, why not spend time with myself? It felt liberating.” Marketing professional Dhruti Sharma adds, “It was awkward at first – to place an order and sit alone – but slowly, I started enjoying the solitude.” For lawyer Ananrita De, it was a conscious decision. “A date can be just you and your thoughts – no romance required.”

‘Don’t care about what people think; it’s about me, not them’
Once seen as unusual, going solo no longer draws as many stares. “Solo dates used to feel odd, but I realised it was all in my head. People don’t care as much as we think they do,” says Dhruti. Sayan Chakraborty, a banker, agrees: “You don’t have to care about what people think. Just go out and explore. That’s how it starts.” The main takeway? The discomfort fades with time, so take the first step.

Cafés, culture, and confidence
For many, solo dates are now about reflection, rest, and quiet indulgence. Kolkata’s café-lined streets, riverside spots, and cultural corners offer ample escapes. From Ballygunge to Salt Lake, rooftop cafés and cosy nooks are drawing solo-goers with their ambient music, warm service, and the welcome absence of social pressure. While some enjoy bustling spots to people-watch, others, like lawyer Ananrita De, seek more soulful escapes – boat rides on the Ganges, theatre shows, museums, and even indulging in delicious food.

Popular solo date spots:

• Quaint cafés near city parks with outdoor seating
• Independent bookstores with reading nooks and coffee counters
• Matinee shows at less-crowded cinema halls
• Art galleries or cultural centres
• Boutique stores & pop-up markets
• Scenic walking stretches like lakesides or botanical gardens
• Rooftop eateries with panoramic city views
• Libraries and work-friendly cafés
• Boat rides along the Ganges during the golden hour
• Museum visits, theatre performances, or live gigs

Solo dating allows me time for myself. Everyone should have their space, be it with or without a companion – Dhruti Sharma, marketing professionalBe it planned or spontaneous, don’t doubt yourself. You can be good company for yourself – Ananrita De, lawyer