Cookies! They are not just something we eat. This site uses cookies so we can provide you the best user experience and deliver advertising and offers that are relevant to you. To read more about our cookie policy, including how to change your cookie settings, please read our Privacy and Cookie Policy. By continuing to use the site you are agreeing to our cookie policy.
I accept
VIEW PHOTOS
VIEW PHOTOS

Host: Defne

Lisbon, Portugal

USD
$89-$129 per person

Large Group Lisbon Cooking Class or Dining Experience

Host offerings
  • Cooking studio
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Defne

Defne is a global traveler with roots in Istanbul and a passion for connecting people through food. Her journeys around the world have shown her the power of the table to build community, empathy, and meaningful connections. In Lisbon, she invites you to experience Portuguese cuisine as a bridge between cultures. With her guidance, your team will cook, taste, and share stories that highlight how food fosters connection across differences. Growing up around long family tables filled with food, laughter, and conversation, Defne learned that meals are about more than eating — they are about belonging.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (8-50 guests) Discover the flavors of Portugal during a private dining experience in Lisbon, designed for corporate groups, families, and friends traveling together. Hosted by Defne, a global traveler and culinary storyteller, this experience combines authentic Portuguese cuisine with connection and culture. During this 2.5 hour dining experience at a creative event space (indoors or outdoors, weather permitting), your group will enjoy a multi-course Portuguese meal featuring classic dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Each course is paired with carefully selected Portuguese wines — or local craft beers if you prefer — with four thoughtful pairings that highlight the diversity of Portugal’s vineyards and brewing traditions. Beer or wine are included in the cost of your experience. Perfect for large groups, this experience is ideal for team building, milestone celebrations, or simply sharing an unforgettable evening together. Defne creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages conversation, bonding, and cultural discovery. More than just a meal, this dining experience connects people to the stories and traditions behind Portuguese and Mediterranean food and drink.

Cooking experience: (8-40 guests) Join a hands-on Lisbon cooking class and learn to prepare authentic Portuguese dishes with Defne, a passionate host and culinary storyteller. You will learn about Portuguese culinary traditions and techniques as you help prepare a meal. Cook with fresh local ingredients, pair your meal with Portuguese wines or craft beers, and enjoy a private dining experience. Ideal for corporate team building, families traveling together, or friends looking for a unique cultural activity in Lisbon. Whether timing, menu, activity, this experience can be fully customized to cater to your group's needs.

Market visit: (8-30 guests) On your guided Lisbon market tour, Defne invites you to experience the market like a true local. Stroll together through lively, colorful stalls, meet friendly vendors, and discover the freshest seasonal ingredients the region has to offer. From the day’s catch at the fish counter to vibrant, farm-fresh produce and beloved Portuguese specialties, you’ll thoughtfully select the ingredients you’ll later transform into a delicious meal. After shopping, enjoy a short 5–10 minute walk to an art co-working space, Defne’s cooking studio, where your hands-on culinary experience begins. Together, you’ll prepare an authentic Portuguese meal, bringing the flavors of the market to life. An immersive farm-to-table experience that beautifully connects you to Lisbon’s food, culture, and community.

Notes:
1. This experience can be fully customized to suit your group’s schedule, preferred menu, and activities.
2. Because this is a large group and your host needs to prepare in advance, a 1-week cancellation policy applies. The standard 48-hour cancellation policy does not apply.
3. This venue is wheelchair accessible.

Languages spoken: English, Turkish

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Variety of appetizers | Tremoços (pickled beans) and olives, cheese, chorizo a bombeiro
  • Pasteis de Bacalhau | Cod Fish Fritters
  • Grao Bico Bacalhau | Chickpea salad with cod fish
  • Caldeirada de peixe | Traditional Portuguese seafood stew with fresh fish, herbs, and tomatoes
  • Cholate salami
  • 3 Portuguese wine pairings

Traveler reviews

5.0 (2)
Love of life….and food! I’ll keep it brief, Don’t miss this experience. Defne is knowledgeable and caring. Her love of food and life shows naturally through her time with us. She knows family and friends matter and sharing a meal with her reminded me of how special everyday family dinner can be.
- mvpom October 22, 2025
Traveling Spoon organized a last minute booking for my large group of 22 guests in Lisbon with Defne - they LOOOOOOOOOVED her!!!
- Esther, FORA travel advisor October 06, 2025

Defne

$89-$129 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • No waiting! Booking confirmed instantly
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 8+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered Not offered $89
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered Not offered $109
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered Not offered $129
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 8+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered Not offered $89
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered Not offered $109
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered Not offered $129
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:00pm-3:00pm 7:00pm-10:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:00am-3:00pm 5:00pm-9:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 11:00am-4:00pm 4:00pm-9:00pm

Meet Defne

Defne is a global traveler with roots in Istanbul and a passion for connecting people through food. Her journeys around the world have shown her the power of the table to build community, empathy, and meaningful connections. In Lisbon, she invites you to experience Portuguese cuisine as a bridge between cultures. With her guidance, your team will cook, taste, and share stories that highlight how food fosters connection across differences. Growing up around long family tables filled with food, laughter, and conversation, Defne learned that meals are about more than eating — they are about belonging.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (8-50 guests) Discover the flavors of Portugal during a private dining experience in Lisbon, designed for corporate groups, families, and friends traveling together. Hosted by Defne, a global traveler and culinary storyteller, this experience combines authentic Portuguese cuisine with connection and culture. During this 2.5 hour dining experience at a creative event space (indoors or outdoors, weather permitting), your group will enjoy a multi-course Portuguese meal featuring classic dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Each course is paired with carefully selected Portuguese wines — or local craft beers if you prefer — with four thoughtful pairings that highlight the diversity of Portugal’s vineyards and brewing traditions. Beer or wine are included in the cost of your experience. Perfect for large groups, this experience is ideal for team building, milestone celebrations, or simply sharing an unforgettable evening together. Defne creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages conversation, bonding, and cultural discovery. More than just a meal, this dining experience connects people to the stories and traditions behind Portuguese and Mediterranean food and drink.

Cooking experience: (8-40 guests) Join a hands-on Lisbon cooking class and learn to prepare authentic Portuguese dishes with Defne, a passionate host and culinary storyteller. You will learn about Portuguese culinary traditions and techniques as you help prepare a meal. Cook with fresh local ingredients, pair your meal with Portuguese wines or craft beers, and enjoy a private dining experience. Ideal for corporate team building, families traveling together, or friends looking for a unique cultural activity in Lisbon. Whether timing, menu, activity, this experience can be fully customized to cater to your group's needs.

Market visit: (8-30 guests) On your guided Lisbon market tour, Defne invites you to experience the market like a true local. Stroll together through lively, colorful stalls, meet friendly vendors, and discover the freshest seasonal ingredients the region has to offer. From the day’s catch at the fish counter to vibrant, farm-fresh produce and beloved Portuguese specialties, you’ll thoughtfully select the ingredients you’ll later transform into a delicious meal. After shopping, enjoy a short 5–10 minute walk to an art co-working space, Defne’s cooking studio, where your hands-on culinary experience begins. Together, you’ll prepare an authentic Portuguese meal, bringing the flavors of the market to life. An immersive farm-to-table experience that beautifully connects you to Lisbon’s food, culture, and community.

Notes:
1. This experience can be fully customized to suit your group’s schedule, preferred menu, and activities.
2. Because this is a large group and your host needs to prepare in advance, a 1-week cancellation policy applies. The standard 48-hour cancellation policy does not apply.
3. This venue is wheelchair accessible.

Languages spoken: English, Turkish

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Variety of appetizers | Tremoços (pickled beans) and olives, cheese, chorizo a bombeiro
  • Pasteis de Bacalhau | Cod Fish Fritters
  • Grao Bico Bacalhau | Chickpea salad with cod fish
  • Caldeirada de peixe | Traditional Portuguese seafood stew with fresh fish, herbs, and tomatoes
  • Cholate salami
  • 3 Portuguese wine pairings

Traveler reviews

5.0 (2)
Love of life….and food! I’ll keep it brief, Don’t miss this experience. Defne is knowledgeable and caring. Her love of food and life shows naturally through her time with us. She knows family and friends matter and sharing a meal with her reminded me of how special everyday family dinner can be.
- mvpom October 22, 2025
Traveling Spoon organized a last minute booking for my large group of 22 guests in Lisbon with Defne - they LOOOOOOOOOVED her!!!
- Esther, FORA travel advisor October 06, 2025
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 8+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered Not offered $89
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered Not offered $109
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered Not offered $129
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 8+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered Not offered $89
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered Not offered $109
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered Not offered $129
Alcohol
 $0 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:00pm-3:00pm 7:00pm-10:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:00am-3:00pm 5:00pm-9:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 11:00am-4:00pm 4:00pm-9:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can't make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host's profile doesn't work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host's family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the "Notes" section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.