Pepe Solla (José González Solla y González, born 18 December 1966 in Poio, Pontevedra) grew up in his family’s restaurant, Casa Solla, founded by his parents in 1961. After briefly studying Business Administration in Santiago, he returned home to work in the restaurant, starting in the dining room where he developed a strong interest in wine and sommelier studies. In 1994, he co-founded the Galician Association of Sommeliers, later winning the Galician Sommelier Championship in 1996.
In 1995, Pepe began working in the kitchen while continuing his front-of-house role, convinced that understanding every part of the restaurant would make him a better professional. He trained in pâtisserie in Paris with Cristian Felder and at elBulli with Ferran Adrià, among other specialized courses. Cooking soon became his true passion. In 1999, he took charge of the kitchen at Casa Solla, and in 2001, he assumed general management. He became the owner in 2003, leading renovations to improve both guest experience and working conditions.
In 2002, he co-founded NOVE, the association of Galician chefs committed to promoting modern Galician cuisine, regional culture, and education.
Alongside his work at Casa Solla, Pepe teaches at several hospitality institutions and regularly speaks at gastronomy congresses in Spain and abroad, always representing Galician cuisine. He is also the gastronomic director of Eventos Solla, a catering project that organizes events in historic Galician “pazos” and unique venues across Pontevedra.