Our Story
INSPIRED BY ITALY
We’re proud to welcome you to Sola Osteria by Chef Massimo Sola, where Italian tradition, seasonal cooking, handmade pasta, and heartfelt hospitality come together in the heart of Ridgewood. Inspired by the spirit of an authentic osteria, Sola is a place to slow down, gather, and enjoy beautifully prepared dishes in a setting that feels refined, inviting, and full of life.
The Authentic Taste of Italy
In the heart of Ridgewood, Sola Osteria brings the warmth of an authentic Italian osteria to the table. From handmade pasta to timeless dishes, our menu is rooted in tradition and shaped by what is fresh, seasonal, and meant to be shared.
A Culinary Journey
Our menu reflects Chef Massimo’s approach to Italian cooking. honest ingredients, careful preparation, and dishes that feel both refined and inviting. Alongside handmade pasta and classic favorites, seasonal offerings keep each visit fresh and memorable.
Chef
Massimo Sola
With more than 40 years of experience in kitchens across multiple countries, Chef Massimo brings deep culinary knowledge and a lifelong connection to Italian cooking. In Italy, he led his restaurant for 17 years and earned his first Michelin star in 2007.
The Sola Experience
A love for Italian cooking, served daily in Ridgewood.
At Sola Osteria, every meal is meant to feel warm, welcoming, and worth lingering over. From lunch in Ridgewood to a more intimate dinner, we bring together thoughtful Italian cooking, gracious hospitality, and a dining room designed for gathering, savoring, and returning.
Our Chef
Michelin-starred
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“Cooking is my CREDO.”
Chef Massimo Sola brings more than 40 years of experience to Sola Osteria, shaped in kitchens across many countries, and grounded in the traditions he grew up with.
In Italy, Chef Massimo led his restaurant for 17 years and earned his first MICHELIN STAR in 2007. His approach is simple. Technique, consistency, and above all, respect for every ingredient, because the smallest details are what make a meal unforgettable.
CREDO
Respect every ingredient. Never compromise.
Chef/OWNER
Massimo Sola
Authentic
Quality Ingredients
Great Italian food starts with respect for the ingredients, the technique, and the traditions behind every dish. That’s the standard we keep in our kitchen here at Sola Osteria.
Freshness
We cook with care and intention using quality ingredients and preparing each dish the way it’s meant to be served.
Authentic
Our menu is rooted in Italian tradition, inspired by the classics, and guided by decades of experience in the kitchen.
Hand Made
From pasta to sauces and seasonal specials, we focus on technique and detail because that’s where the flavor lives.
Variety
Whether you’re here for seafood, pasta, or a timeless favorite, you’ll find something worth coming back for.
Antipasti
A thoughtful beginning to the meal, from raw selections and seafood to vegetables, warm antipasti, and dishes shaped by Chef Massimo’s creativity.
It's like a Ceviche
$37
Tuna, Amberjack & Salmon, olives, capers, "sour drops"
Zucchine
$37
Rolled green squash, pumpkin, ricotta, truffle on a soft, colored cheese fondue
Oysters
$35
9 pcs with an unusual mignonette sauce on the side
Guazzetto
$33
Prince Edward Island Mussels, Clams and red, indiavolata sauce
Mediterraneo
$37
Pan seared octopus, shrimp and artichoke, our pesto mayo on a fresh ricotta base
Mushrooms
$33
Au gratin with GF bechamelle, roasted almonds, chervil drops
Arancino
$33
Hand-rolled risotto croquette stuffed with Sicilian ragu, lightly fried to a golden finish
Finissima di Agnello
$35
Thinly sliced oven baked lamb loin, crunchy bread, microgreen, its juice
TESTIMONIALS
Client Experiences
Chef Massimo Sola is absolutely amazing! He is such an engaging, extremely knowledgeable and humble chef- he has won a Michelin star! We had a wonderful conversation about Italian food and learned so much about different cooking techniques and tips. Not only was the conversation enlightening, the food was delicious and mouth wateringly good. It is clear that Chef Sola is very skilled and passionate about his job and all the dishes were so flavorful. It really allowed us to appreciate all the natural ingredients Chef used in his dishes. Chef Sola went above and beyond our expectations- each ingredient was so fresh (some were prepared that morning!), and he even provided us with extra meals and dishes to relive the experience. I can go on and on about the wonderful night and delicious food we had, but without a doubt I would HIGHLY recommend Chef Sola for anyone who is looking to book a private chef and really engage and learn about the food.
Himany r.
TESTIMONIALS
Client Experiences
Chef Massimo was a delight. His menu was extensive and allowed us to find several very appealing choices that fit our dietary requirements. He communicated well leading up to the dinner, which made planning easy. The food was fantastic, very tasty, nicely presented, and full of flavor. He is also very personable and we had a delightful conversation as he was busy in the kitchen. He came very well prepared and his professionalism made the whole evening a dinner not to be missed. Would absolutely recommend him to others for a private event!
Omar A.
TESTIMONIALS
Client Experiences
My family is Italian, my nonna's food was the best in the world, and I have found a home at Sola Osteria. One of the best examples of Italian cuisine, served by an engaging chef and his staff, along with the atmosphere of being in a true Italian restaurant as close as to being in the country itself. Sola Osteria had become "our place" and over many fine meals, it has never failed to impress.
Stephanie s.
TESTIMONIALS
Client Experiences
My husband and I enjoyed our dinner at Sola Osteria very much. The food was excellent, the service was very friendly, and the decor is cozy and comfortable. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Ridgewood if you are looking for gourmet food and quiet ambiance.
Julia d.
TESTIMONIALS
Client Experiences
Sola is not only a neighborhood gem, but an exceptional dining experience. The wait staff are knowledgeable and attentive, service efficient, but not too fast, and the food is fantastic. Chef Sola takes great pride in his Italian heritage and the presentation and flavors are exceptional, and his passion shines through in every dish. I will go back there again and again. Bravo Chef Sola!
Sidney R.
TESTIMONIALS
Client Experiences
SUCH an incredible experience, would recommend Chef Massimo Sola to everyone. When learning about his Michelin star history and restaurant experience, we were not surprised because he is so talented. The food was immaculate, so delicious, beautifully presented, and perfect portions. He was able to accommodate a vegetarian and a meat/seafood lover seamlessly, while excelling at unique dishes for both food preferences. Chef Massimo was punctual, friendly, professional, engaging, and clean. He even has experience as a sommelier, and helped me choose the perfect wine for our menu. Communication was easy and reliable, and I would hire him anytime I wanted a private chef. The pace of the meal was perfectly timed and every single course was delicious. Highly recommend the eggplant parmigiana, gnocchi allá romana, and fish allá Livornese. 10/10 overall experience!
Lisa t.
TESTIMONIALS
Client Experiences
Chef Massimo was fantastic from start to finish! Leading up to the event, he was a pleasure to work with. He was very patient and flexible on the menu, communicative, and accommodating of any dietary needs. Throughout the night, he was very professional but also very personable and graciously answered any questions that my family barraged him with about his culinary adventure. Last but certainly not least, the food was incredible. Every single dish was a 10 - from homemade minestrone soup to scallops over veggie puree, seafood risotto, grilled lamb chops and don't forget to ask about his 100+ year chocolate mousse recipe! I would highly recommend Chef Massimo for any occasion. It was a special night that my family will talk about forever.
Dave F.
LATEST NEWS
Our Blog
Stories from our kitchen, seasonal updates, menu highlights, and a closer look at the traditions behind what we cook at Sola Osteria in Ridgewood.
