Osteria del Sole — Restaurant in Bologna

This is a must stop in Bologna! My husband, I came here during a week-long visit. We truly stumbled across this place while looking for somewhere to grab a glass of wine. Since we saw only locals inside, we opted to go in and I’m so glad we did. We found out later that this is the second oldest Osteria in Italy!

The photos on the wall depict some of its amazing patrons who have been here in the past. We both got to try to very different types of amazing wine, local to the region. We decided to bring food with us from the Butcher just a few stalls down. And I’m so glad we did. The local meat and cheese paired well with the wine that we had, and offered a great respite from the afternoon heat.

There is a bathroom, you don’t have to pay to use, if you are staying and enjoying a drink. There is plenty of seats and tables inside. And there are a few spots outside for smokers as well.

The two gentlemen behind the bar were more than accommodating, and offered us a great deal of options to choose from for our wine. I was deciding between two that was suggested, and I was able to get a sample of each to try. The gentleman made sure I finish my entire sample before he poured me a fresh glass, fuller than I anticipated.

The prices were more than fair and with this laid-back atmosphere, I felt I could stay there for hours, enjoying wine and a meal. This place is also good for groups, as they have a good amount of space to accommodate.

You don’t have to dress up, or feel uncomfortable in wearing something more casual here. It’s not a very fussy place, which is why I think it should be on everyone’s list to visit. No reservations needed, you just walk in and find a spot.

When my husband and I returned to Bologna, you can be sure I will be...

My wife and I were traveling through north central Italy when we stopped in Bologna and were lucky enough to find Osteria del Sole. This isn’t just a wine bar. It is a living piece of history that dates back to the 1400s. You can feel the centuries in every corner, from the worn wooden tables to the old clock that quietly watches over the room.

There is something beautifully simple about this place. No menu, no fancy food, just good local wine and great conversation. The locals still bring their own food, as they have done for generations, and the energy is warm, genuine, and unmistakably Italian.

Osteria del Sole is one of those rare places that stays true to itself. It has no need to modernize or pretend. It offers what travelers crave most, an authentic moment that connects you to the past.

If you ever find yourself in Bologna, stop here. Have a glass of wine, share a laugh, and enjoy being part of a story that has been unfolding for over five...

Stopped in as part of a food tour, so the experience was probably different than it would be if we had just popped in.

Ultimately, it's a vibe. It seems exclusively at this point to service food tours, which they seem to do well. We walked to the back by many other tables reserved for other groups. It's somewhat divey, which I think they lean into. The wines were pretty good and curated well for the tour. You're allowed to bring your own food, which is seemingly the thing to do. Would I venture here outside the tour? Probably not. But definitely serves the purpose...