If you have ever looked up “Il Solito Posto” on a map and found restaurants in Como, Seville, and Melbourne all carrying the same name, you have already stumbled onto the puzzle: the Italian phrase simply means “the usual place,” and several independent restaurants have landed on it independently — no chain, no franchise, no central owner. This guide maps every confirmed location, what diners actually say, and what to expect when you book a table.

4 related posts

Number of identified locations: 5-6 ·
Oldest documented: Seville, Spain – 2003 ·
Cities with a Solito Posto: Como, Ostuni, Bari, Siviglia, Melbourne ·
Verified Tripadvisor reviews (Como): more than 100

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether the Bari location is currently operating
  • Exact menu and pricing for all locations — each sets its own
  • Total number of locations globally (more may exist not yet indexed)
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Independent locations continue operating under local ownership
  • No consolidation or brand unification expected
  • Potential for more unaffiliated openings using the same phrase

The table below summarizes the core attributes of these independently owned restaurants.

Key facts about Il Solito Posto restaurants
Attribute Details
Number of identified locations 5-6
Common name origin Italian phrase meaning “the usual place”
Oldest confirmed location Seville, Spain — 2003
Cuisine type Italian (regional variations)
Brand structure Independent, unaffiliated restaurants

Who owns Il Solito Posto?

Is there a single owner for all locations?

  • No single owner or chain exists; each Il Solito Posto or Al Solito Posto is independently owned (Vacations & Travel — travel publication)
  • The Como location operates under its own local management (Tripadvisor — user review aggregation)
  • The Ostuni location in Puglia runs as a separate pizzeria-ristorante (TheFork — restaurant booking platform)
  • Melbourne’s Il Solito Posto was founded by Michael Tenace and Theo Poulakis and remains independently owned (Vacations & Travel — travel publication)
  • The Seville location has been operating since 2003 as a stand-alone Italian restaurant with no corporate parent (Vacations & Travel — travel publication)
The pattern

What looks like a brand is really a coincidence of language. The phrase “il solito posto” is common Italian — like calling a pub “The Local” in English. Each owner picked the name independently, and none of them is affiliated with the others. The Seville location has been trading on that name since 2003, long before any of the others appeared in search results.

The implication: each restaurant must be assessed on its own, not as part of a network.

Where are the different Il Solito Posto restaurants located?

Il Solito Posto in Como, Italy

On Via Lambertenghi, 9, in the heart of Como, this restaurant serves Lake Como locals and tourists alike. Tripadvisor ranks it #74 out of 500 restaurants in the area, with a 4.0 out of 5 rating from 546 reviews (Tripadvisor — user review aggregation). The menu leans toward Italian and seafood, with a $$ – $$$ price range.

Al Solito Posto in Ostuni, Italy

Located near Ostuni’s historic center, this pizzeria-ristorante focuses on regional Puglian cuisine. Reviewers on TheFork describe it as quiet and modern, with fast and courteous service (TheFork — restaurant booking platform). Dishes lean hearty — think grilled vegetables, fresh seafood, and wood-fired pizza.

Al Solito Posto in Bari, Italy

Bari appears in Google related searches as a possible third Italian location, though its current operating status is not confirmed by recent review data. The address and menu remain unverified.

Il Solito Posto in Seville, Spain

In the Alameda district, this restaurant promises “autentici sapori italiani” and has been open since 2003 (Vacations & Travel — travel publication). It is the longest running of all identified Solito Posto locations.

Il Solito Posto in Melbourne, Australia

  • Address: Basement, 113 Collins St, Melbourne CBD VIC 3000 (Australian Good Food Guide — restaurant directory)
  • Seats 105 guests (Australian Good Food Guide — restaurant directory)
  • Chef Daniel Woodard runs the kitchen (Australian Good Food Guide — restaurant directory)
  • Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 999 reviews on Tripadvisor, ranked #24 of 6,961 restaurants in Melbourne (Tripadvisor — user review aggregation)
  • Combines a casual cafeteria with formal Italian dining in a sub-basement laneway setting (Vacations & Travel — travel publication)
Quick takeaway: These five locations share a name but diverge in every other way. Como offers classic lake dining, Ostuni is pizza-forward, Seville has the longest history, Melbourne has the highest reviews and a dual concept, and Bari’s status remains uncertain.
The trade-off

Melbourne’s Il Solito Posto is the only location that operates a two-in-one concept — a quick lunch counter and a sit-down dinner room under the same roof. For travelers used to consistent chain experiences, this flexibility is a bonus. For those expecting a single dining style, the dual setup can be confusing.

The pattern: no two locations offer the exact same experience, so your choice should match your travel style.

What do reviews say about Al Solito Posto?

Tripadvisor reviews for Il Solito Posto, Como

Reviewers consistently praise the tagliatelle with wild boar and the beef stew with polenta. Desserts get strong marks too. The restaurant is described as a reliable spot for “typical local food” in a city that attracts heavy tourist traffic (Tripadvisor — user review aggregation).

Tripadvisor reviews for Al Solito Posto, Ostuni

Ostuni diners note the modern setting and fast, courteous service. Dishes are described as flavorful but occasionally heavily seasoned. The location near the historic center makes it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the whitewashed city (TheFork — restaurant booking platform).

Al Solito Posto Bologna — a separate branch

Bologna’s Al Solito Posto earns an 8.9 out of 10 overall on TheFork, with food quality rated 8.7, service 9.0, and atmosphere 8.5 (TheFork — restaurant booking platform). This is the highest-rated Solito Posto location across all review platforms found in this research.

Bottom line: Il Solito Posto locations earn solid but not exceptional ratings. Como sits at 4.0, Melbourne at 4.5, and Bologna at 8.9 on its respective platform. Diners seeking a sure bet: Melbourne’s volume of positive reviews makes it the safest pick. For authentic regional Italian without tourist markup, the Ostuni and Como locations deliver.

What this means: reviews are largely positive, but expectations should be tailored to each city’s local dining norms.

What type of cuisine is served at Il Solito Posto?

Is it primarily Italian, regional, or pizza-focused?

Every identified location serves Italian cuisine, but the emphasis shifts by region. Como offers Italian and seafood with a $$ – $$$ price range (Tripadvisor — user review aggregation). Ostuni leans into Puglian regional cooking with a wood-fired pizzeria. Seville advertises authentic Italian flavors, while Melbourne serves regional Italian dishes in a laneway setting (Vacations & Travel — travel publication).

The upshot

A diner walking into any Il Solito Posto should expect Italian food, but the specific regional style depends entirely on the city. You will not find a uniform menu across locations — each kitchen reflects local tastes and chef preferences.

The implication: your order should reflect the region you are in, not a fixed brand menu.

How much does a meal at Il Solito Posto cost?

Is it an expensive restaurant?

No centralized pricing exists. Tripadvisor lists the Como location as $$ – $$$, suggesting mid-range to upper mid-range prices (Tripadvisor — user review aggregation). Melbourne’s Café Solo, the casual arm of the Melbourne location, offers more affordable lunch options, while the formal dining room runs higher. Ostuni and Bologna reviewers do not consistently flag prices as either high or low, implying standard local pricing for independent Italian restaurants. The five most expensive restaurants in the world, a related search term that occasionally appears alongside “Il Solito Posto,” have no connection to this brand.

Which Il Solito Posto location is best?

Comparing reviews and specialties

  • Como: Praised for traditional local pasta and meat dishes, high review volume (Tripadvisor — user review aggregation)
  • Ostuni: Noted for fast, courteous service and location near the historic center (TheFork — restaurant booking platform)
  • Seville: Long-established since 2003 with an authentic Italian claim directed at the Spanish market (Vacations & Travel — travel publication)
  • Melbourne: Highest absolute rating (4.5 from 999 reviews) and the most reviews overall, plus a unique two-in-one concept (Tripadvisor — user review aggregation)
  • Bologna: Highest platform score at 8.9 on TheFork, with strong marks for service and atmosphere (TheFork — restaurant booking platform)
The catch

“Best” depends entirely on what you value. Melbourne has the strongest review profile by volume and score. Bologna scores highest on TheFork. Como delivers the classic Lake Italian experience. And Seville has the longest track record. None of them are the “flagship” because no flagship exists — each stands alone.

Upsides

  • Each location has its own character and regional culinary focus
  • Independently owned — no corporate chain standardization
  • Authentic local Italian cuisine at most locations
  • Multiple price points available across cities

Downsides

  • No central booking system or consistent quality standards
  • Can confuse travelers expecting a recognizable chain
  • Menu and pricing vary significantly by location
  • Some locations (Bari) have unconfirmed operating status

What’s confirmed vs. what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Multiple independent restaurants share the exact or nearly exact name Il Solito Posto or Al Solito Posto (Vacations & Travel — travel publication)
  • Locations exist in Como, Ostuni, Seville, Melbourne, and Bologna (Tripadvisor — user review aggregation)
  • No central ownership or franchise system exists (Australian Good Food Guide — restaurant directory)

What’s unclear

  • Whether the Bari location is currently operating
  • Exact menu and pricing for all locations
  • Number of total locations globally (more may exist not yet indexed)

“Typical local food, well cooked: tagliatelle with wild boar, beef stew with polenta, and excellent desserts.”

— Tripadvisor reviewer, Il Solito Posto Como

“Quiet, modern place with fast and courteous service. The food is flavorful but a bit heavily seasoned.”

— Tripadvisor reviewer, Al Solito Posto Ostuni

“An institution in the Melbourne dining scene, with regional Italian dishes served in a sub-basement laneway setting that feels urban and chic.”

— Vacations & Travel, on Il Solito Posto Melbourne

For travelers in Melbourne, the Code Black Coffee – Melbourne Roaster Reviews and Guide offers a nearby caffeine stop before or after dinner. And if you are planning a longer trip, the Great Ocean Road – Complete Itinerary and Tips pairs well with a stop in the CBD for a meal at Il Solito Posto Melbourne.

What looks like a single restaurant brand is actually a coincidence of language and geography. For diners searching for “Il Solito Posto” in their city, the implication is clear: check which independent location you are booking, because each one answers to its own kitchen, its own pricing, and its own reputation. For the traveler heading to Melbourne, the choice is straightforward — 999 reviews and a 4.5 rating make it the most vetted option. For anyone in Como, Ostuni, or Seville, the local Solito Posto is exactly what the name suggests: the usual place, but only for that neighborhood.

Additional sources

tripadvisor.com, wanderlog.com

For a closer look at one specific location, authentic Neapolitan pizza in Milan offers a detailed menu and review overview.

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Frequently asked questions

Why are there multiple restaurants with the same name “Il Solito Posto”?

The name is a common Italian phrase meaning “the usual place.” Multiple independent owners chose it without any coordination or franchise affiliation.

Is Al Solito Posto the same as Il Solito Posto?

Yes and no. “Al Solito Posto” and “Il Solito Posto” both translate to “the usual place” — one uses the contraction “al” (a + il). Some locations use one form, some the other, but they are unrelated restaurants.

Does Il Solito Posto have a Michelin star?

No. None of the identified locations hold a Michelin star. They are independently run Italian restaurants operating at a mid-range price level.

Can I make a reservation at Il Solito Posto online?

Some locations, such as the Bologna branch, accept bookings through TheFork. Others may take reservations directly by phone or through their own website.

Does Il Solito Posto offer gluten-free options?

Menu availability varies by location. Italian restaurants in the mid-range segment typically accommodate gluten-free requests, but no centralized policy exists.

What is the dress code at Il Solito Posto?

None of the locations specify a formal dress code. Casual to smart-casual attire is standard across all reviewed restaurants.

Is there parking near Il Solito Posto in Como?

Como’s city center has limited parking. The restaurant is located on Via Lambertenghi, near paid parking lots and public garages. Walking is recommended during peak tourist season.

Which Il Solito Posto location is best for families?

The Ostuni location, with its pizzeria menu and fast service, is well suited for families. Melbourne’s dual cafeteria and formal setup also offers flexibility for groups with different preferences.