Where food, people, and place come together
Meet Chef João Aguilar
“
Food is love. I learned this
from my grandmother Benvinda.
Now I share it with others.
At the heart of every Solo experience is Chef João Aguilar — a Lisbon native whose journey to the kitchen began around his grandmother Benvinda’s table. She taught him that food isn’t just about ingredients or technique — it’s about sharing love, stories, and connection.
Originally trained as an architect, João shifted paths in 2010 after enrolling in a healthy lifestyle and cookery course. What started as a personal exploration soon became a calling. By 2016, he was preparing and delivering homemade meals from his own kitchen, that’s how Solo started. In 2018, he opened a boutique restaurant in Lisbon. And in 2022, he discovered a hidden warehouse between Principe Real and Bairro Alto — a space he transformed into a dedicated cooking studio, designed for experiences.
João brings the same care, creativity, and warm hospitality to every group he hosts — whether it’s a team-building evening, a birthday celebration, or a group of friends visiting Lisbon.
Why the name “Solo”?
The nameSolo comes from the Portuguese word for soil — the ground where things grow. It’s a tribute to nature, to origin, and to the ingredients that begin in the earth before ending up on our plates.
But Solo also means alone — and in that, there’s truth too. This project began with one kitchen, one chef and his vision: to bring people together through food.
Today, Solo is still rooted in those ideas — of simplicity, care, and creating something meaningful from the ground up.
It all starts with
the soil.
And sometimes,
it starts with just
one person.
The studio
Tucked into the historic and colorful neighborhood of Bairro Alto, on the edge of Príncipe Real, João’s studio is both a destination and a home for unforgettable culinary moments.
What was once a warehouse has been thoughtfully redesigned to serve a new purpose — connection. A central cooking island invites guests to cook side by side, guided by João. A long wooden dining table anchors the room, where groups sit together to enjoy what they’ve prepared, share stories, and raise a glass.
Every detail reflects João’s background in architecture and his passion for hospitality: minimal, warm, and designed for shared experience.
Step into João’s kitchen for a hands-on Portuguese cooking class — an immersive journey rooted in tradition and local flavors.
Each experience begins with a tasting: white Port wine, João’s signature marinated olives, rustic sourdough bread, and creamy Azeitão cheese — a local delicacy rarely found outside Portugal. From there, you’ll cook together, using fresh, seasonal ingredients with traced origins.
The menu typically includes:
- Two starters, such as codfish and shrimp in traditional Lisbon style
- A main dish, like João’s beloved cockles rice — flavorful and comforting
- A homemade dessert, honoring Portuguese tradition
Throughout the class, João shares techniques, stories, and plating tips. You’ll receive a printed recipe guide, and the experience ends with a relaxed sit-down meal around the communal table, enjoying everything you’ve created together.
Whether you’re colleagues, friends, or celebrating something special,
Solo offers more than a cooking class — it’s a culinary experience with heart, craft, and soul.
The experience
Our mission
We believe in the power of food to bring people together.
Our goal is to create a welcoming and vibrant environment where guests connect through hands-on learning, meaningful conversation, and shared meals — while discovering the richness of Portuguese cuisine.
Want to join us?
and let us host your next gathering