Front bar at Osteria del Sole
Historic, traditional, classic, hidden. Osteria del Sole is an establishment that will surely take you back to the Bologna of yesteryear. Opening its doors in 1465, Osteria del Sole is located in the heart of medieval Bologna between Via Orefici and Via Pescherie Vecchie and just a stone’s throw away from Piazza Maggiore. Long, old wooden tables, Bolognese paraphernalia, and framed photographs tell the story of another, almost hidden city. Enter during the day and you’ll find the Osteria filled with old Bologna. Bright-eyed men with white hair, tweed jackets, and fedoras, animated and lively, shuffling cards and recounting stories from their youth when Bologna FC was one of the greatest football teams in Italy. Go in the evening and you’ll discover the Osteria teeming with young Bologna, their laughter and zest for life spilling into the streets and booming throughout the medieval alleyways. The Osteria bridges generational gaps. No matter the age it is a place to gather with friends, to discuss life, to laugh, and to live. And the wine brings it all together. Oh, how the wine flows.
Entrance – Osteria del Sole
What’s to drink!?
Osteria del Sole is a simple, no frills place. The wine is good, easy, and, more importantly, always available. By the glass it runs between 2 to 3 euros while a bottle runs about 15 euros. For the reds one can choose between Sangiovese, Chianti, Lambrusco, Barbera d’Asti, Cabernet-Franc , and Rivarossa, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. For the whites once can choose between Pinot Grigio, Blanc de Rosis, Riesling, and other whites from the Friuli region of Italy. Osteria del Sole also offers two passiti, or sweet dessert wines, and a Moscato from Sicily. Champagne and rose’ are also available, although those will run you a bit more.
Lively crowd – Osteria del Sole
What’s to eat!?
Not much has changed since 1465 and Osteria del Sole has remained a true osteria, which means it serves only wine (and spirits and beer as well!). With all that wine what’s one to do if they get hungry, you ask? Given the Osteria’s location among Bologna’s old market area, it’s just a matter of choosing a nearby shop for a delectable slice of lasagna or small dish of tortellini or even the city’s famous heavenly mortadella or prosciutto. Add some local cheese and fresh bread from any one of the bakeries and you’ve got the perfect accompaniment to Osteria del Sole’s wine. Now it’s just a matter of finding a spot to sit! Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the evenings, and for large groups and events. Osteria del Sole can get quite packed but its warmth and liveliness are so inviting that it’s worth the wait! Plus, you may just make some new friends!
If you’re looking for bit of the past in the present, the spirit of Bologna, and a completely unique experience then Osteria del Sole is a must!
Osteria del Sole
Vicolo Ranocchi 1/b, Bologna
Tel. 348/2256887 – 348/3592340
http://www.osteriadelsole.it/
Opened Monday through Thursday from 10:30 to 21:00
Opened Friday and Saturday from 10:30 to 22:00
Sundays closed
Reservations recommended
**This article was originally published on https://cavavaplus.wordpress.com/
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