I'd rather just go with a friend than with some random. Seems like it'd be much more enjoyable that way. Nothing wrong with going alone too. "Table for one" should not be embarrassing.
It's not the same dynamic. Even when I'd met someone I wasn't clicking with - I still made an effort to make the experience pleasant and it would make the dates I was into smoother.
Also when I moved to another city was a great way to get out of the apartment since I knew nobody there.
Going solo is counterproductive if your goal is meeting new people.
A suggestion for next time: try the bar. Even if you’re not a drinker, it’s a great way to meet people, romantically or otherwise. After all, if they didn’t want to talk to random strangers, they’d be drinking/dining at home (or a table).
Also when I moved to another city was a great way to get out of the apartment since I knew nobody there.
Going solo is counterproductive if your goal is meeting new people.