New Restaurant ‘Solo’ Lets You Dine Alone in Reflective Orbs. Is This the Future of Dining?

by Vivian V., Food and Culture Writer for The Witless Wire

NEW YORK, NY – Solo, the new restaurant that’s making waves in the city, offers a dining experience like no other, because it doesn’t want you to dine with anyone else. Yes, the concept here is simple: each guest is escorted to a shiny silver orb where they sit alone, reflecting on their life choices while, presumably, eating food. The food? Well, it’s there, but as the orbs claim, it’s the introspection that’s the real draw.

When I was invited to review this restaurant, I’ll admit, I had my doubts. After all, I’m Hugo V.’s niece, and I’ll be the first to admit that it was thanks to his connections in the industry that I landed this gig at The Witless Wire. It’s not exactly a family secret, but when you have a big-name editor as an uncle, sometimes things fall into place a little too easily. Still, I’m here to provide you with the truth (and some honesty about the experience), whether it’s because of a family connection or just plain good food writing.

Now, in case you’re wondering why I approach the world with such a keen sense of the culinary experience—yes, it’s true, I’m not just any critic. I’m a chimpanzee. It’s probably why I have such a good nose for food… and an appreciation for the strange and absurd. But let’s get back to Solo, shall we?

The Restaurant: A Dining Experience in Isolation

Arriving at Solo, I was greeted with an aesthetic that seemed to be designed for people who wanted to spend time alone, but didn’t want to be seen doing it. The entryway is filled with sleek, futuristic design—think minimalism taken to its extreme. No tables. No chairs. Just orbs. Big, shiny silver orbs that are designed to hold one person each. It’s as though the architect said, “Why dine with others when you can sit alone in a reflective bubble and really get to know yourself?”

I was escorted to my orb, which looked like a mix of a spaceship and a high-tech meditation pod. It was completely sealed, with only a small viewing panel and a table set for one. The moment I sat down, I noticed that being inside the orb made the food’s aromas feel intensely concentrated—there was no outside distraction, no conflicting smells of other diners’ stank-ass fish or their overly-sweet scented candles. The air inside was purely culinary, amplifying every note of the meal as though I were diving into a dish with my senses fully engaged.

The Dining Experience: Life-Changing for Some, Exhausting for Me

The food arrived shortly after I adjusted to the solitude. Solo’s menu is designed to make you “feel the food,” not just eat it. Each dish is served with a side of philosophical commentary (on a card), encouraging you to ask yourself deep questions like: What does it mean to experience food? and Can a plate of food reveal more about you than a therapy session?

My first course, the Vegan Inferno, was essentially charred cauliflower with aioli. The charred bits looked suspiciously like burnt remnants of my inner fears—but I tried to enjoy it, in spite of the vibe the orb was giving off. Was it the food? Was it the orb? Was it me?

Banana Rating: 3/5
It was good, but I couldn’t help but think it needed a little more depth, like banana chips or something to liven it up.

The main course, The Not-So-Secret Beef Tartare, was served in an elegant, minimalistic fashion, surrounded by an almost too-perfect smear of mustard. While I appreciated the delicate balance of flavors (and the artistic presentation), I couldn’t help but notice that my orb was distorting my reflection, making me question everything about my food choices. Was the tartare really raw? Or was it just a metaphor for my raw emotions in this bubble? Honestly, I was overthinking everything.

Banana Rating: 4/5
The tartare was bold and raw in its own right, but again, my reflection was just too much to process for the moment.

And that’s the problem with Solo. It’s not just a meal, it’s a journey. You’re forced into deep self-reflection while eating, as though each bite was a revelation. But, personally? I was more focused on what time I’d be done so I could leave and just go home to a good old Netflix binge.

The Verdict: Solo Is Not About the Food, It’s About… Well, You

In the end, I realized that Solo wasn’t about the food. It was about the orb. The food? Good, but secondary. The orb? An opportunity for reflection, or at least for me to come to terms with the fact that I was spending an absurd amount of money on a meal that was questionably both beautiful and ridiculous. I only need the food to fill my stomach, not necessarily my soul, but in the end, I got both.

Overall Dining Experience Banana Rating: 2/5
Yes, it was an experience, but a little too introspective for my taste. I’ll stick to a simple meal with a side of TV for now.

Final Thoughts

Solo is a place where you are the experience. The food? Good, but secondary. The atmosphere? A shiny orb that reflects your confusion back at you, distorting your face and your thoughts. It’s an experience, sure, but it’s an experience that makes you wonder if it’s all just another attempt at forcing meaning into something that doesn’t need it.

Would I go back? If I’m in the mood to be alone with my thoughts, sure. But, like the meal, I’ll leave thinking: maybe the real journey was inside my orb all along.