{
  "id": 3768922,
  "title": "Actually, Dining Side-by-Side in Restaurants Is Good",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/actually-dining-side-by-side-in-restaurants-is-good",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-27T16:20:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Eater",
    "slug": "eater",
    "url": "https://www.eater.com/dining-out/981844/is-it-ok-to-dine-side-by-side-in-a-restaurant"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The practice of dining side-by-side at restaurants has garnered attention for its perceived corniness and codependency. However, this arrangement can actually enhance the dining experience, according to some. A side-by-side table allows for better communication between diners, reducing the need to shout over background noise. Additionally, sitting next to one's companion eliminates the risk of their clothing or accessories appearing in food photographs. This seating style is not as taboo in other cultures, such as France. The author of this piece, who recently dined at Cynthia, a New York City restaurant, found that a side-by-side table provided more privacy and a more intimate atmosphere. She even noted that it helped them feel more like a team rather than isolated individuals. Ultimately, the author believes that embracing the corniness of side-by-side dining can add romance and enjoyment to an otherwise routine meal.",
  "summary": "All this week, the Eater Today newsletter is dedicated to editor Hot Takes, a way to release the pressure valve of crankiness that comes with sweating your way through the end of summer. This story was previously published as part of that series. Subscribe to Eater Today to see more of our editors’ boldest opinions […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Side-by-side dining enhances communication between diners.",
    "Reduces risk of clothing or accessories in food photos.",
    "Provides privacy and intimate atmosphere in New York City restaurant."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}