Canada may not be known for solo dining in the way somewhere like, say, Japan is, but the nation's biggest metropolis is climbing the ranks as far as the trend is concerned, at least according to some new research.

As social as people in Toronto can be, they are apparently happier to experience the city's restaurant scene solo these days than the rest of Canada is. 

A recent survey shows that about half (50 per cent) of diners in the city now regularly take themselves out to sit-down meal dates, versus 43 per cent across Canada at large.

The figures come from POS system firm Lightspeed, which also says that more customers in the city are unabashedly eating alone at regular tables versus the bar (41 per cent vs. 19 per cent).

What do diners do when eating alone? Data suggests they're most often people watching (42 per cent) while chowing down, and catching up on virtual communication with loved ones (34 per cent).

The solo dining habit is also a very deliberate one, with 41 per cent of respondents revealing that they simply delight in the peace and quiet of having a table for one at their favourite establishments.

"The rise in solo dining reflects a broader trend towards investing in personal well-being and the importance of having a bit of 'me time.' At a time where restaurants are competing for hard-earned dollars, the solo diner is an untapped market with plenty of opportunity," reads the study, released on Wednesday.

It adds that, based on the data, Toronto will likely see more curated solo eating out experiences pop up in the years to come, like those already flourishing in places like New York and like the existing Yunnan Noodle Shack, which opened last year.

Other interesting points from the study include the fact that 73 per cent of participants noticed that restaurant meal prices have skyrocketed in Toronto, while 49 per cent note smaller portion sizes.