The Thrill or Fear of dining alone

Anyone who often travels alone may relate to certain dining room experiences: a table surrounded by couples or noisy groups, three courses in under 20 minutes, or too many sharing menus. After booking my seat at KOKS Restaurant, I realised I might have made a mistake. A two-star dinner, alone, in a restaurant full of lively conversation or romantic hush—where would I fit in? Could I ask for a seat by the window? Should I bring a book to read? I couldn’t imagine how this would unfold.

Strangers Turned Dining Companions

The evening finally arrived. (How does one dress for this?). Diners trickled into a tiny “antechamber” cabin next to Lake Leynavatn. Each arrival made the waiting guests shuffle around until the cabin was full with eight guests. Then we realised—we were the ‘Shared Table’ diners. Three couples and two solo travellers. A relief, I wasn’t the only one audacious enough to book this for myself. We enjoyed KOKS’ own ale and cod crisps, alongside a short pamphlet about the Faroe Islands ecosystem and its incredible produce.

Next, we were led to a Land Rover waiting outside (I wished I hadn’t worn heels). We took a short, bumpy ride to the KOKS restaurant. By this point, I knew I was in for an enjoyable evening with wonderful company. Upon arrival, the kitchen staff lined up outside the blackened turf-roofed cabin, with a surreal mountainous backdrop.

Along with intrigue and Nordic theatre, smell is one of the magic ingredients at KOKS Restaurant. A fire burned outside, filling our nostrils with smoke before we stepped inside the timber cabin, offering warmth and the Nordic hygge we’ve all come to love. Our shared table seated all eight of us—just the right distance for group conversation, but with enough personal space for those of us who (ahem) needed it. These once strangers who were united in their appreciation of food, were about to embark on a six-hour journey together. Some even said they would have enjoyed it less had they brought their friends, as the diners here had travelled from all corners of the globe—UK, USA, Netherlands, Australia, and Norway—to experience this.

A Taste of the Faroe Islands’ Natural Bounty

Our server was young, charming, and exuded Faroese warmth—a dimpled smile and slightly crooked posture, due to his height, which proved challenging in this low-ceilinged space. He led us through 20 courses of Faroese flavours, some of which challenged even the most experienced food lovers. This menu was heavily focused on the sea, as KOKS points out: the Faroes are 99% sea and just 540 square miles of land. The wild Atlantic Ocean provides 10 of the 20 courses, including clams, scallops, mussels, Halibut, whale, and cod.

The langoustine with fresh Faroese wasabi was a standout dish for me. Our server grated the wasabi and mixed it with cream to create a delicious, instant sauce. Fermentation (ræst in Faroese) added another magical element to the meal, deepening the flavours. It’s a signature of this mic, made possible by the unique ecosystem around them. The smell and atmosphere created by fermentation are unique to these islands.

The meal ended with Faroese sweets—a comforting plate of waffles, handmade chocolates, and the first good coffee I’d had in a while.

Sustainability at KOKS Restaurant:

A quick note on sustainability: this michelin-starred resterant is deeply committed to its environment. Many ingredients are sourced locally, including seafood and foraged items. The restaurant’s focus on fermentation, local agriculture, and responsible sourcing shines through in the dining experience, making it not just a meal, but a celebration of the Faroese landscape.

We arrived at KOKS in individual taxis but departed in shared cars—symbolic of the newfound friendships, however short-lived, formed over the course of the evening.

Tips for Booking a Seat at KOKS Michelin Starred Restaurant

Practical tip: Booking a seat at KOKS can be challenging—it’s highly recommended to reserve well in advance. Depending on the time of year, the restaurant can get fully booked months ahead. If you are planning a tailor-made visit the Faroe Islands, it’s essential to plan accordingly, but the experience is certainly worth the wait.