The secret recipe for complete dining satisfaction is to go solo

Boca Tapas & Wine Bar, Lobster Bar & Grill, Big Ernies Diner, Mak's Noodle

Everyone should go out and dine alone now and then. This might sound strange in a culture that is largely unappreciative of solitude, but eating out alone is a great way to slow down, collect one's thoughts - and truly enjoy the food. When alone you do focus on the food, without the distractions of conversation.

Some may argue that you might as well stay at home. But in a restaurant you get ambience, special attention from the waiters and the pleasure of watching people. All you need is the right place. Finding a suitable restaurant, then, is the issue.

There are quite a few places in town that are ideal for solitary dining, and they range from affordable to extravagant.

Tapas is a great style of cuisine for solo dining, especially at Boca Tapas & Wine Bar (G/F, 65 Peel Street, Central, 25481717). While it is a fine place for small groups, it also has a couple of tables at the open entrance that are perfect for just you.

As you watch the SoHo crowd stream past, you dip into traditional tapas such as grilled sardines with sea salt and garlic (HK$58), gambas al ajillo (prawns, artichokes and spinach sauteed in paprika, HK$72), albondigas (spicy beef meatballs in rosemary and tomato sauce, HK$56) and deep-fried mozzarella sticks with picante sauce (HK$48). Add a couple of glasses of great wine and your evening is complete.