An enoteca and wine bar on Ascoli Piceno's main square, prized for its wide selection of regional and Italian wines and lively aperitivo under the travertine arcades.
Bollicina is an enoteca and wine bar set among the arcades of Piazza del Popolo, the travertine heart of Ascoli Piceno in southern Marche, and a favourite spot for an evening aperitivo with a glass of regional wine. The list reflects the surrounding country, with Marche labels such as the local reds and whites of the Piceno hills, Verdicchio, Pecorino and Passerina whites and Rosso Piceno, alongside a broader Italian and sparkling selection sold by the glass and bottle. As the name, meaning little bubble, suggests, sparkling wines and Prosecco feature prominently in the aperitivo offering, matched with simple boards of local salumi and cheese including the area's prized olive ascolane and cured meats. The crowd is a relaxed mix of Ascolani locals, after-work groups and visitors drawn by the magnificent square, with an unpretentious, conversational mood and no dress code or door policy. Cocktails play a secondary role to wine, and staff are happy to steer drinkers toward Marche bottles they might not know. Prices are moderate, with glasses typically a few euros and boards keeping an evening affordable. Hours follow the Italian aperitivo rhythm, opening in the late afternoon or early evening and running into the night, busier and later at weekends. There is no cover charge, and the outdoor tables on the square are the prize, filling as the travertine glows at golden hour. For visitors, Bollicina offers an easy, authentic introduction to the wines of the Piceno in one of the most beautiful settings in the Marche, a short step from the historic Caffe Meletti on the same square.
Good to know
- Hours
- Evenings; busier at weekends
- Signature
- Marche wines and aperitivo on the piazza
Location
Piazza del Popolo 56, 63100 Ascoli Piceno (AP)
Highlights
- Marche wines including Verdicchio, Pecorino and Rosso Piceno by the glass
- Sparkling wines and Prosecco for aperitivo, as the name suggests
- Boards of local salumi, cheese and olive ascolane
- Outdoor tables on the travertine Piazza del Popolo
- Relaxed, locals-favourite atmosphere
Tips for visiting
- Pair a glass of local Pecorino or Rosso Piceno with a board of olive ascolane.
- Come for the early-evening aperitivo when the outdoor tables fill.
- Ask staff for a Marche wine recommendation to discover lesser-known labels.
- Outdoor seating is the prize; arrive before sunset for a table on the square.
- Combine a visit with the nearby Caffe Meletti for a full aperitivo crawl.
When to visit
The early-evening aperitivo around sunset is the prime time, when the travertine square glows; weekends run later and busier.
Accessibility
The enoteca is under the arcades at street level on the main square; the interior is compact, but outdoor seating on the level piazza is reachable, though it can be busy.
Frequently asked questions
What wines does Bollicina serve?
It focuses on Marche wines such as Verdicchio, Pecorino, Passerina and Rosso Piceno, with sparkling wines and a broader Italian list by the glass and bottle.
Is there food?
Yes, simple boards of local salumi, cheese and olive ascolane designed to accompany the wine.
Do you need to reserve?
Reservations are not usually required; it works as a walk-in, though the prized outdoor tables fill early in the evening.
Where is it?
On Piazza del Popolo, the travertine main square of Ascoli Piceno, a short step from the historic Caffe Meletti.