Done both but generally in the week during the afternoon. Rather not on a busy weekend night.
I find it’s not so bad in the city but not in the little market town I live in.
I don't see the point in going for a meal alone - I can do that at home quite easily - bit I'm happy to go to the cinema on my own. After all, I'm going because I want to see the movie
I always go to the cinema my self. I have went to a restaurant myself because I wanted dinner before meeting people. But I felt really self conscious during the whole thing so I never bothered again.
Been to see lots of films alone. A restaurant, though? Necessary on occasion when travelling for work, but I wouldn't choose to do it otherwise. Food is a social occasion.