Where food, people and place come together
Solo is a place where strangers become guests, guests become friends, and every gathering begins around food. Nestled between Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real, our kitchen was designed for cooking together, sharing stories, and creating memories that last long after the table is cleared.
The founder
João Aguilar
“The best memories are rarely about the recipe. They’re about the people around the table.”
João Aguilar is the founder of Solo, a private cooking studio in Lisbon created around a simple belief: the best moments happen when people cook, share and eat together. Every experience is designed to bring guests around one table through authentic Portuguese food, meaningful conversation and genuine connection.
After an earlier career as an architect, João chose to follow his passion for food and create a place where visitors experience Portugal in the most authentic way possible by cooking, sharing stories and enjoying a meal together. Solo is not about learning recipes; it’s about creating memories through food.
Today, João personally hosts every experience, welcoming corporate teams, families and groups of friends from around the world. His approach is simple: create an atmosphere where everyone feels part of the table, leaves with new skills, and takes home memories that last far beyond the meal.
The studio
Designed for people to gather
Hidden between Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real, Solo is a warm, light-filled kitchen designed for shared experiences. Every detail encourages people to slow down, cook together and enjoy the simple pleasure of being around the same table.
Whether you’re joining a cooking experience, celebrating a special occasion or hosting your own event, the space naturally brings people together.
Rooted
In Portuguese ingredients with traced origins, and in the traditions of Lisbon home cooking.
Hands-on
Guests cook side by side around the central island, guided by João himself throughout.
Together
Every experience ends around the long wooden table - a shared meal, shared stories.
Philosophy
Why Solo?
Every meaningful gathering begins with something simple
Solo takes its name from the Portuguese word for soil, where everything begins. It reflects our belief that the best experiences grow from simple ingredients, genuine hospitality, and people coming together around one table.
It’s also a reminder that every gathering starts with one person choosing to bring others together. Everything else follows naturally.
YOUR NEXT GATHERING
Bring people together around the table
Whether you’re celebrating with friends, organising a team event or simply looking for a memorable experience in Lisbon, Solo is a place where food creates genuine connection.