Osteria Sola gave our family an experience we will never forget. We held my mother's repast there, and from the very beginning, Massimo Sola could not have been more gracious, accommodating, or thoughtful. This was obviously an emotional day for our family, but he and his team created exactly the right atmosphere: elegant and classy, but still warm, comfortable, and family-centered. Our group of 32 guests was able to relax, talk, laugh, remember my mother, and truly enjoy being together. The food was outstanding from start to finish. This is authentic Italian cuisine prepared with real care. Every dish was flavorful, beautifully presented, and memorable. There was not a single mediocre item served. The short ribs and branzino were particular standouts, but honestly, everything was excellent. The service was just as impressive as the food. The staff was warm, attentive, and genuinely hospitable. When we went through all the bread, they went across the street to a local bakery to get more. When we were short on white wine, they helped procure additional bottles. At the end of the meal, Massimo even gave us a complimentary bottle of champagne to take home as a thank you. Those kinds of gestures say a lot about the heart of a restaurant. Every person in our group raved about the experience. Osteria Sola is a hidden gem right in the middle of town, and more people need to discover it. We are deeply grateful to Massimo and his team for helping us honor my mother with such a beautiful meal and such genuine hospitality. read more

We just walked in at Sola Osteria and had a wonderful experience. From the owners to the staff, we received the most amazing hospitality. The food was amazing! Will definitely be back. read more

Sola Osteria - Gazpacho, mussels, beet salad, ribs and dessert - Italian Near Me - Ridgewood, New Jersey

We had a reservation and the table was ready when we arrived. The waiter was very friendly. We wanted to place our appetizer order and asked for more time to deciding the entree and we were told he would have to wait to put the whole order in at the same time. The food was tasty but portions were small. Appetizers were not meant to be shared. The ambience was lively and bright with some interesting art on the walls. Overall, a pleasant evening but I doubt I'd be back with all the great options in Ridgewood. read more

Outstanding experience at Sola Italian Restaurant. The food was exceptional. The Branzino Skewers were truly out of this world--perfectly cooked, fresh, and incredibly flavorful. The pastas were amazing as well, authentic, perfectly prepared, and full of flavor. Great atmosphere, excellent service, and a meal to remember. Highly recommend! read more

Sola Osteria - Italian Near Me - Ridgewood, New Jersey

This BYOB is a hidden gem. The food, service, ambiance were great! The flavors of every dish melded so well together. All the dishes were authentic Italian dishes with a flair. By authentic I mean you are not going to find chicken parm and heavy red sauces here but you will find great food. The chef/owner tries to come out of the kitchen but on a busy Saturday night you may not see him until late. Our table of 4 had the Zucchini flan, veal/tuna app)yes,sounds strange but you won't be disappointed ), meatballs, cacio de Pepe, fettuccine bolognese, black ink pasta with shrimp, pork chop and 4 different desserts! All the dishes were light and not too big, Just the perfect portion size. Don't be afraid the try anything on their menu and be sure to make a reservation. We can't wait to go back. read more

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Food is tasty, but the plates that cost $60+ are not really shareable - they look more like appetizers or tapas. read more

Sola Osteria - The main course Osoboko costs $60? Really?! - Italian Near Me - Ridgewood, New Jersey

If you're expecting a red sauce extravaganza straight out of your grandmother's kitchen, this isn't the place--but that's exactly what makes it so special! Think of it as if an Italian chef went to culinary school and then returned to their roots, blending tradition with refined technique. This new Italian spot is like the cool, sophisticated cousin of your favorite local joint, and let me tell you, it delivers. First, the portions--yes, they're on the smaller side, especially for us Jersey Italians who are used to mounds of pasta that can feed the whole block. But honestly? It's refreshing. I'm not lugging around a doggy bag (as much as I love one), and I actually leave feeling *just* right, without the dreaded food coma. Each dish is thoughtfully plated, with layers of flavors that make you savor every bite. It's a bit more complex than your standard spaghetti and meatballs, but it retains that cozy, homey essence that makes you feel like you're dining in an Italian villa. Speaking of ambiance, our server even had a delightful accent that instantly transports you straight to Italy. They're friendly, professional, and just charming enough to make you feel like you're part of the family without the heavy hand of an overzealous nonna. Each dish feels like a perfectly balanced masterpiece--complex, yes, but never so fancy that it loses its soul. The flavors are vibrant and nuanced, making every bite an experience rather than just a meal. It's that perfect marriage of high-end technique and the kind of comforting flavors that make you feel like you're at home, but with a serious upgrade. I can already tell this place is going to become a regular in my rotation--just not every weekend, because my Jersey Italian stomach needs a little time to adjust to the elegance. But next time I'm in the mood for Italian that's both refined and comforting, this spot will be at the top of my list! read more

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Visited 06/07/2025 This one is a tough call... The service was friendly and attentive... and Sola is a BYO, but our opinion of the food was mixed. We started off with the Gauzetto which we enjoyed very much. We'd never seen 'mussels' listed as Gauzetto before. (We learn something new every day!) The only difference might be that there were little neck clams added to the mussels. Both clams and mussels were very tender and tasty... as was the brothy sauce. The portion was good too, if a little bit pricey. My wife ordered the Branzino (filleted and skewered on a Confit/Tomatoe/Cabbage "Ripassato"). Perhaps a bit pricey at $43, the fish was bland, I mean it didn't even seem to have been salted. The 'Ripassato" was pretty much the same... with perhaps some seasoning added. I opted for a special... the Osso Bucco on a bed of creamy risotto. While this meal was very tasty, to me, it is ridiculously overpriced. There could not have been more than a half cup of risotto... along with 8 pieces of deboned osso bucco. (see pic). I'm sorry, but for $51 for this en·trée, I don't want to leave still feeling hungry. The taste was terrific and I would order this meal again if the was just... 'more'. We did read several of the reviews beforehand, also mentioning the small portions. They were telling the truth. read more

Sola Osteria - Osso Bucco special on creamy risotto. ($51) - Italian Near Me - Ridgewood, New Jersey

Firstly, this is the first review I have done in a long time, so that is a sign. What an amazing restaurant! The atmosphere is very inviting. No pretense but also a sense of class. Massimo and his staff were beyond attentive. Massimo himself had the perfect balance of engagement without being too much. We had family style apps and they were all terrific. Oysters, burrata, mussels, and more. Each garnered our entire table's awe. I shared the lasagna. Right call! It was not drowning in sauce. It was perfectly crispy on the outer layers. Perfect amount of meat. The other gentleman who had it with me said it was definitely the best he's ever had. I think it could be for me too. The rum raisin gelato affogato was the cherry on top. Enjoy! read more

Coming 15 min early for my 8:45pm. But didn't get seating until 9ish. As you see people are enjoying the atmosphere under Ridgewood Italian charm 4/5 The manager is extremely professional keep us the update but not to offend the couple just take their time and not paying the bill. They upgrade us a table of six to accommodate three of us. The service 6/5 Mozzarella with bruschetta free accommodations 3/5 its good but it lukewarm Fettuccine with shredded pork &vegetables 5/5 Squid ink Pasta need Dante 4/5 Lamb pop chop in medium rare over cook & too salty 2/5 Chocolate Lava cake with gelato 4/5 Food overall is good but maybe the time & delivery between the kitchen to the table is impact the texture of fine dine At the end, the executive chef making the time to communicate and accommodate with each table customers with little dessert shots on the house & all singing happy birthday to one of the party 6/5 read more

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The Osteria is an overdressed Caesar with a buffalo mozzarella on top, meh The zucchini is a few thin strips of zucchini stuffed with ricotta $33 and overly cheesy. Bucatini Cacio Pepe, saltier than the Atlantic. Taglioni Neri black squid pasta with seafood was okay. Had to review this, because the other reviews were not accurate. read more

This restaurant is one of my favorites! Its a treat to have authentic Italian food so close by. We were hoping for authentic Italian and we weren't disappointed! The service is great and the chef is very friendly! We will be back again in a few weeks! read more

Food and service were both excellent! Our waiter was very attentive and friendly and guided us through the menu. The owner came out several times to speak with us and catered to different food allergies at the table. Will definitely be back! read more

Really good dining option in Ridgewood service was great very attentive and friendly and the food was great- chef came out to see how everything was. A tad on pricey side but was byob so helped. Would definitely go back read more

Busy on Saturday night. Staff was attentive. Very loud when room is filled, bad acoustics. Appetizers of meatballs were good. Disappointed that lasagna was burnt . read more

Sola Osteria - Italian Near Me - Ridgewood, New Jersey

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Cute spot in Ridgewood. Food was interesting. Service was ok. Everything kind of felt like it was missing something. read more

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Enjoyed a nice dinner here with some friends. Service was really nice - attentive and friendly. Food was high quality, enjoyed everything we ordered. Ambiance is cute - felt a little crowded with tables and ours was in the corner right by the door. read more

Food was very good but small portions for the price you're paying As far as the noise level very hard to hear yourself, even think it was so noisy they need to do something about the sound in that place read more

BYOB food was delicious and service was great for a newer restaurant! Would definitely go back again!

I have not eaten such amazing food since Italy. Everything was delicious. The dishes are original and even the simple red sauce is the best I've ever had. By far my favorite restaurant in the NY metropolitan area. read more

This place is a gem. I felt welcome from the moment we arrived. The food was clean, traditional Italian with creativity. The branzino dish I had was of the simplest most delicious light fish entrees I have ever had. The chef brought us a gazpacho that was the essence of summer tomato on a plate. I felt like I was biting into a tomato in my grandfathers garden on a hot summer day. Bravo. We had a wonderful relaxing Friday night here and will be back. read more

We enjoyed the Cacio e Pepe, Merluzzo Codfish, Veal Ossobuco over Risotto, and the Fettuccine St. Remo. All four of us loved our dishes. The flavors were delicate yet complex, as expertly prepared by the Milanese chef. We will definitely return and highly recommend this excellent restaurant. read more

Eaten here multiple times. Food is phenomenal. For apps the oysters and meatballs are standouts. For entrees- lasagna is unlike most in the area (using bechamel instead of ricotta), most of the entrees are seasonal. Service provided by Fabrizio and massimo make me feel like family at every visit read more

Came today - Yelp hours shows open as does their web site. Place is closed. Called them and the recording says they will reopen Sept 4 which was yesterday. Still closed. Seems like some problems .. read more

We visited last week for an engagement party and was very impressed with every aspect of the restaurant. Ridgewood is a very competitive market for good restaurants and this one surely shines. The interior is chic yet cozy and the service staff is attentive and well trained. It's a bring- your-own, but the owner provides excellent quality glassware. As for the dishes, because it was a party everything was family style and so we had multiple tapas size courses. All the dishes were expertly prepared, and according to the chef, all homemade in-house with the freshest of ingredients. This isn't a neighborhood pizza & pasta joint, it's fine dining. The eggplant Parmesan was the best I've ever had while the lasagna with béchamel sauce and the cacio de pepe were also phenomenal. For entrées we had the airline chicken and the pork belly, both were succulent, tender, and tasty. Massimo. The owner and is a Michelin star recognized chef. He brought out 4 desserts, including house made gelato, tiramisu and crème brûlée. Looking forward to going back for dinner. read more

I've been to Sola many times and last night was as wonderful as ever. I sat in the front window with a girlfriend. The staff was friendly and efficient. The chef Massimo was great and came out and checked on us a few times. The pasta was delicious. Everything came out piping, hot and into perfect perfection. The ambience is simple and lovely. I'll even have to mention that their glassware is exquisite. Felt like family by time we left. Looking forward to my return. read more

The portions were extremely small. My friends beef was way overcooked and almost impossible to cut. The service was very good, attentive, however. read more

The food looks delicious and the prices are great and we love new restaurant and we love the food

Excellent food and service. Everything was great. If you want authentic dishes that are presented beautifully and are equally fresh and delicious come here. If you want an oversized portion of mediocre American Italian food maybe this is not the place for you. Owner is wonderful as is his staff. read more

.Update. We were back in Sola Osteria for a fifth time after a few months after our last visit. We were with a friend from abroad and all of us enjoyed the food. The vitello tonnato and the beet salad were delicious. We tried a pork belly special that was outstanding, the duck breast that was perfectly cooked and tasty and the spaghetti al Pomodoro. The Napoleon and the crostata were a great choice for dessert. Chef Massimo was the perfect host, requesting our feedback on the food, especially on the new additions to the menu. As always, I very pleasant experience at Sola Osteria. Grazie mille Massimo! read more

Pasta dishes were great. Pasta tasted house made and came out piping hot. Waitress and manager were attentive and friendly. My only issue is the price. Quality food is expensive. The serving sizes are fine, but not for the price. $30 small bowl of pasta and $29 for a small beet salad with some goat cheese is just too much in my opinion. read more

We went here twice recently. The first time it was great. Excellent pasta. The next time the pasta was good, not great. It was a Saturday night and it was very busy. We didn't order an appetizer ( they are all $29 and up-even for a salad). The pastas came out in about 5-10 minutes. Too quickly if it was made to order. read more

Simply amazing experience as always! The lasagna never disappoints and is the best we have ever had. And the team is very professional and welcoming. From our first visit we felt like family! read more

Wonderful gem of an authentic Northern Italian restaurant. We happened here by chance and are certainly glad we did. My wife and I were with our two granddaughters, aged 12 and 9. They have dined out enough that their opinions count and they both loved their pasta dishes. My wife and I each thoroughly enjoyed our entrees and will certainly be back. Our server, Nicole, was friendly and professional and the owner, Massimo, couldn't be more gracious and accommodating. We were told he earned a Michelin Star while he was in Milan and I can certainly see why. With so many great choices in Ridgewood this has to be one of the top ones. read more

An all round excellent dining experience. Warm welcome, attentive service, and a bright upbeat ambiance contributed to a good time for 3 generations - kid to grandparents. And the food was well prepared, presentation and taste was outstanding. A winner. read more

My husband and I dined at this wonderful authentic Italian restaurant last night. Massimo, the chef is amazing and the rest of the staff incredible amicable and very professional. The food is delicious especially the pasta dishes. We will definitely go back with our friends as well. A BYOB place to visit in the beautiful town of Ridgewood read more

Service was great. Very nice ambiance. Nice wine glasses and cutlery. We went as group of 12 and got the appetizer tasting the waiter told us about. Very meh. Feels like we got whatever the kitchen didn't sell that night or had extra of - we shoulda ordered a la carte and it woulda been cheaper and better selection. I got the cod, which was good but not spectacular. Not a generous portion and was expensive. My buddy got the duck - he loved it. Others got the pastas which were overcooked and the branzino which looked meager and I'm told was so so. Overall, pretty mediocre and poor value. Not rushing back. read more

Awful restaurant!- we are foodies and have been to a few high end restaurants inn YC and Europe! This is worst meal I have ever had- Fettuccine with artichoke and ground beef-$37.00 -small portions and tasteless!!!! Ridgewood is a great place to eat-this restaurant will NOT SURVIVE!!!! read more

This has become our favorite Italian restaurant.. Every time we go to Sola, the food manages to be better than the time before. The variety, the amazing flavor, always perfectly prepared. We always leave planning for our next time to return. The owners are attentive and always a delight. read more

Will start off by saying the food overall was very good for most part We had issues with everything else... We dined Valentines Day and were called a few days before to put a card down.No problem but were sternly told"be timely, its a busy night" but even placing a please in there would be appreciated. Came 5 min early-seated immediately with menus. Hadnt completed taking off our jackets when we were asked to put in appetizers...we had not even looked at the menu yet! The prices were vastly higher** than the online menu---branzino online 39 ,was now 49! .Bucatini from 28 to 34$ , ...everything was up significantly from the menu on line-NOT ACCEPTABLE! That needs to be updated..if its a few bucks per item fine but it was 10 in the case of the branzino ! Our dinner for 2 cost 30$ more than would be expected based on website proces In any case, the waiter came back fairly immediately to take our order .They brought over a complementary small bowl gazpacho ,which was quite good(one spoon for 2 people?) and bread -mediocre. As the waiter took the apps away he mumbled something about desserts..And next thing you know he brought us the dessert menu(we had sat there about 15 minutes in total and YOU just cleared the app plates!). Never in a half century of eating out has that happened. Mains came immediately thereafter and were good..We didnt dare put the utensil down though bc people were hovering to take dishes away. We ordered dessert -not bc we really wanted to but bc we were there only about 40 minutes at this point (and already 200$ in) and couldnt believe the pace or the service.I will say many people were waiting by front door at this point.Ordered the creme brulee with blackberries(no blackberries were in or on and was espresso flavored but was good ). Got bill immediately and at this point people were waiting everywhere(actually was hard to leave restaurant it was so crowded-and cold- at door ) WIll certainly not be back and we eat out several times/week. The food was good the experience was not and more $$$$ than most places in the city. read more