The crowd isn't usually a good indicator of how good the food is. It could just be the price and serving. Since I'm a big eater, I would usually prefer a good cheap restaurant that has big servings over an expensive one with small servings, even if the latter tastes much better.

I do like eating with others, but only up to a certain number; maybe up to 6. Any more, and it can become too noisy, and it is harder to listen to everything. I am perfectly fine with eating alone though, lets me focus on my food and the taste.