Osteria del Sole, Bologna
A historic Bologna osteria in the old centre where guests drink the house wine and bring their own food to share at wooden tables.
Photo © Osteria del Sole
- WhereVicolo dei Ranocchi 1/DBetween Via Orefici and Via Pescherie Vecchie, near Piazza Maggiore
- CuisineWine, bring-your-own foodWine and beer; bring your own food
- Opening hoursOpen 11:00–21:30
- Contact+39 347 9680171Official website ↗
Why go
About Osteria del Sole
Osteria del Sole stands in Vicolo dei Ranocchi, in the Quadrilatero, the old market quarter of Bologna, a short way from Piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers. Its first documents date from 1465, and an archived floor plan shows rooms that have kept the same layout ever since. The Spolaore family looked after it for decades, until 2009, and new keepers carry it on today. Outside, a sign says only "Vino".
The house idea is simple: the osteria pours wine and beer, and guests take care of the food. You can bring your own and eat it at the big wooden tables, perhaps gathered from the nearby market stalls. There are no soft drinks, but the wine list runs from local reds and whites to sparkling wines, Champagne, fortified wines and a few beers. Dogs on a lead are welcome.
Services and dietary options
Good to know at Osteria del Sole
- Bring your own food
- Dogs welcome on a lead
- Gluten-free beer
- Reservations by phone
Gallery
Inside Osteria del Sole
Photo © Osteria del Sole
Photo © Osteria del Sole
Photo © Osteria del Sole
Photo © Osteria del Sole
Photo © Osteria del Sole
Practical information
Osteria del Sole: address, opening hours and contacts
Vicolo dei Ranocchi 1/D, 40124 Bologna
Opening hours
Hours from the official website:
| Day | Open |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00–21:30 |
| Tuesday | 11:00–21:30 |
| Wednesday | 11:00–21:30 |
| Thursday | 11:00–21:30 |
| Friday | 11:00–21:30 |
| Saturday | 11:00–21:30 |
Location
- Same day
- For a table today, phone +39 347 9680171.
Getting there
How to get to Osteria del Sole
From Piazza Maggiore
On foot: 100 m, about 2 min walk.
From Bologna Centrale station
On foot: 1.3 km, about 20 min. By taxi: from the official rank at the station, metered fare (CoTaBo +39 051 372727 · CAT +39 051 4590).
From Bologna Airport
Marconi Express monorail to Bologna Centrale in under 8 minutes (single €12.80), then about 20 min on foot. Or a taxi from the airport rank, metered fare.
By car
The historic centre is a camera-controlled limited-traffic zone (ZTL): park outside it, and walk.
Straight-line distances from OpenStreetMap data (© OpenStreetMap contributors); walking times are approximate. Marconi Express time and fare from the operator.
Around the restaurant
Near Osteria del Sole: sights, and hotels
City Guide · Things to do
Sights near Osteria del Sole
Bologna landmarks with their own Holiplanet page, nearest first.
Market
The Quadrilatero market lanes
Medieval guild lanes still selling Bologna's best food
Square
Piazza Maggiore & the Neptune Fountain
Bologna's living room, watched over by Giambologna's bronze Neptune
Basilica
Basilica of San Petronio
Bologna’s great Gothic church, with Cassini’s meridian line
Monument
Palazzo d’Accursio & the Clock Tower
Bologna's town hall, with frescoed halls and a clock tower
Monument
The Two Towers
The skyline's twin emblems, one leaning, both under watchful care
Museum
Lucio Dalla’s House
Guided tours inside Lucio Dalla's home on Via D'Azeglio
Library
Salaborsa and its glass floor
Walk on glass over Villanovan huts and Roman Bononia
Church
Santo Stefano, the “Seven Churches”
Seven sacred spaces in one, Bologna's little Jerusalem
Viewpoint
The Finestrella of Via Piella
A little window onto Bologna's hidden canal
All things to do
On the Bologna map
City Guide · Where to stay
Hotels near Osteria del Sole
Hotels, B&Bs and apartments with their own Holiplanet page, nearest first.
Hotel
Albergo delle Drapperie
Romantic 3-star hotel in the ancient Quadrilatero
Family hotel
Albergo Garisenda
Small family-run hotel by the Two Towers with a panoramic terrace
Hotel
Art Hotel Orologio
Family-run hotel in the pedestrian heart by Piazza Maggiore
Hotel
Hotel Roma
Welcoming guests 50 metres from Piazza Maggiore since 1875
Boutique hotel
Art Hotel Commercianti
12th-century building facing San Petronio's Gothic windows
Boutique hotel
Phi Hotel Bologna
Romantic hotel born as a 14th-century tavern
Unique stay
Torre Prendiparte
Sleep inside a 12th-century tower, sixty metres above Bologna
Boutique hotel
Hotel Brun
22 modern rooms in the historic centre, opened in 2023
Hotel
Hotel University Bologna
Homely 3-star near the university district and the main sights
All hotels
On the Bologna map
City Guide · Experiences
Tours and experiences
Tours, classes and guided walks with their own Holiplanet page.
City walking tours
Guide d'Arte
Licensed guides' cooperative for Bologna city and themed tours
Bike tours
Walk 'n Ride by BikeinBO
Guided bike and walking tours plus bike rental
Car museum / factory tour
Museo Automobili Lamborghini (MUDETEC) and Factory Tour
Lamborghini museum and production line tour in Sant'Agata Bolognese
Balsamic vinegar tour
Acetaia Giusti
Free guided tour of the Giusti family museum and ageing rooms in Modena
Food valley tour
Italian Days
Parmigiano, balsamic and prosciutto producers in one day
Cooking class
Taste Bologna
Hands-on pasta class, small groups, near Piazza Maggiore
Balsamic vinegar producer visit
Acetaia Pedroni
Family acetaia in Nonantola (Modena): balsamic tour and tasting, €8
Food market tour
Delicious Bologna
Walking food tour through the Quadrilatero market and centre
For kids & families
Genus Bononiae
Weekend museum workshops for children at Palazzo Fava
All experiences
On the Bologna map
Straight-line distances from OpenStreetMap data (© OpenStreetMap contributors).
Questions
Osteria del Sole: frequently asked questions
Does the osteria serve food?
No. It serves only wine and beer, with no soft drinks. Guests bring their own food or pick something up nearby.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, outside food is allowed, as long as you buy your drinks at the osteria.
Can I bring my own wine or other alcohol?
No. Alcoholic drinks not bought at the osteria may not be consumed on the premises.
How do I book a table?
Reservations are made by phone. A booked table carries a minimum spend of 10 euros per person.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome if kept on a lead.
How do I find the osteria?
It is in a small lane and has no regular sign, only the word "Vino" outside to guide you.