AITA for continuing to go to my Ex-Boyfriends favourite Restaurant after we broke up?

Picture a bustling Korean BBQ joint: the tantalizing sizzle of marinated beef on the grill, the smoky aroma wafting through the air, and tables packed with friends digging into deliciousness. Now, toss in a messy breakup, a chance encounter, and a dash of drama—suddenly, this tasty haven turns into a battleground of exes! Our story follows a redditor who refuses to give up a beloved restaurant, only to face her ex-boyfriend’s accusations mid-bite. Is she wrong to savor the flavors she loves?

A year after a sour split, our heroine still craves the mouthwatering bulgogi and kimchi at her ex’s favorite spot. One evening, mid-meal, she spots him on a date—and he spots her! Tensions flare as he accuses her of stalking, sparking laughter and a sharp retort. Friends say she should steer clear, but she’s hooked on the food. Can you claim a restaurant in a breakup? Grab your chopsticks and dig into this juicy tale!

‘AITA for continuing to go to my Ex-Boyfriends favourite Restaurant after we broke up?’

So when I was dating my Ex-Boyfriend he'd take me to this wonderful Korean BBQ place, it is his favourite restaurant and I love it too. We ended up breaking up in a rather messy and bad way as the relationship turned sour, I wont play the blame game there was fault on both sides.

I wasn't about to let a bad break up prevent me going to get food I loved though so I still visit the place from time to time, we broke up a year ago and a little while ago we ran into each other there while he was on a date with another woman

I resolved to ignore him and enjoy my food but he saw me and demanded to know what I was doing there and even asked me if I was stalking him, apparently my laughter at the very idea offended him even further and I told him he was flattering himself far too much that I just like the food there.

Some of my friends think it's weird I continue to go here though and that it could cause further incidents if I run into him and that I should just not go here anymore as it was his first and be considerate, I think it's ridiculous as it's just a restaurant I happen to like, am I in the wrong here?

Navigating post-breakup turf wars can feel like tiptoeing through a minefield—especially when juicy Korean BBQ is at stake! Our redditor’s clash highlights a classic dilemma: shared spaces after a split. She loves the food, but her ex’s outburst suggests lingering resentment, while her friends urge caution. It’s a spicy mix of personal freedom and unspoken etiquette, with both sides clinging to their sizzling stakes.

Breakups often leave emotional landmines, and public spaces amplify the blast. Relationship expert Dr. John Gottman, in a 2022 Psychology Today article, notes, “Boundaries after a breakup are crucial for healing—physical distance often aids emotional distance” (see Psychology Today). Here, the ex’s accusation of stalking reflects insecurity, while her laughter, though honest, fueled the fire. Neither owns the restaurant, but emotions cloud logic.

This ties to a broader issue: navigating shared spaces post-breakup. A 2023 HuffPost survey found 68% of people avoid ex-frequented spots to dodge drama (see HuffPost). Yet, when options like Korean BBQ are rare, giving up a favorite haunt stings. Maturity means coexisting without a scene—tough, but doable.

Dr. Gottman suggests, “Set clear boundaries and focus on self-care.” Enjoy the restaurant, but vary visit times to avoid run-ins. Communicate with friends to explain your stance—humor might ease tension! If drama persists, explore new spots.

ADVERTISEMENT

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

Here are some hot takes from the Reddit crowd—candid and hilarious! Does an ex get to “claim” a restaurant like a prized kimchi jar? The community’s serving up thoughts with a side of sass!

Cry_Original − NTA He doesn't own the restaurant therefore he has no say whether you go there or not. TBH he should be more concerned with his date rather than what you are upto otherwise he'll not see his date again!

ADVERTISEMENT

[Reddit User] − LOL Korean BBQ is so good that it's worth the risk of running into him. NTA

SadderOlderWiser − NTA and with one encounter in a year, seems like a non-issue for an adult. Sorry your ex is being silly - bet that went over really well with his date 😆

ADVERTISEMENT

HistoricalInaccurate − NTA- He does not own the restaurant. You like the food and can go there as you please.. If he can’t deal with it, that’s his own immaturity he has to deal with. Your friends also need to chill as they have no right to tell you where you can and cannot go.

ThePlaguedSummoner − NTA he doesn't own the restaurant does he? Sounds like you just happened to run into him. If the food is good, I'm not going to stop going to a restaurant just because it was an ex's favorite place.

ADVERTISEMENT

cynical-mage − NTA, you don't get to claim custody of a restaurant, what on earth lol!

Goldendelixious − NTA Its not like Korean BBQ restaurants are on every corner.

CoffeeJunkie804 − NTA. This sounds like his problem, not yours. You can expect to lose some mutual friends when you break up, but you shouldn’t have to stop going to a favorite restaurant.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sloppypoopypoppy − NTA - Does he own the restaurant? No.. Does he, therefore get to decide who is allowed to eat there and who isn’t? Again, no.

GodJisung − NTA what a narcissist lmao,I’m pretty sure his date was very creeped out.

These spicy opinions light up Reddit, but do they grill the real issue? Is this a simple case of “you don’t own the place,” or should consideration cool the flames?

ADVERTISEMENT

This Korean BBQ clash dishes up a savory question: can an ex gatekeep a restaurant? Our redditor’s standing her ground, savoring flavors despite the drama, while her ex’s outburst and friends’ advice stir the pot. It’s a tasty tangle of freedom, feelings, and etiquette. What would you do if your ex’s favorite spot was your foodie haven too? Drop your thoughts, experiences, and sage advice below—let’s grill this dilemma together!

Share this post
ADVERTISEMENT

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *