Ascoli Piceno's grand Art Nouveau café on Piazza del Popolo, the historic home of Anisetta Meletti and a beloved spot for aperitivo and the city's famous fried olives.
Caffè Meletti is the grand Art Nouveau (Liberty) café that anchors one corner of Piazza del Popolo, the elegant travertine square at the heart of Ascoli Piceno and one of Italy's most beautiful piazzas. Opened in its present splendid form in the early twentieth century, the café is the historic home of Anisetta Meletti, the anise liqueur created by the Meletti family that became the city's signature digestivo. Over the decades it has welcomed writers, artists, and statesmen, and it remains a beloved gathering place for locals and travellers alike. Visitors come to sip an Anisetta, traditionally served either neat or with a coffee bean, and to enjoy aperitivo accompanied by olive all'ascolana, the fried stuffed olives that define the city's table. The interior preserves its period elegance of mirrors, marble, and wood, while tables spill onto the arcaded square for people-watching. Light bites and pastries are served through the day, making it a fitting stop from morning coffee to evening aperitivo. Ascoli's old town is compact and walkable, with the café at its very centre. Independent travellers can simply walk in, though a seat on the piazza is most coveted at aperitivo hour.
Signature dishes
- Anisetta Meletti liqueur — €5 (~$5)
- Olive all'ascolana (aperitivo) — €7 (~$8)
- Aperitivo with local snacks — €9 (~$10)
Good to know
- Known for
- Historic Liberty café and home of Anisetta Meletti
- Hours
- Daily 7AM-12AM (reduced hours in winter)
Location
Piazza del Popolo 20, 63100 Ascoli Piceno AP
42.8539, 13.5750 View on map
Highlights
- Grand Art Nouveau café on Ascoli Piceno's Piazza del Popolo
- Historic home of Anisetta Meletti, the city's signature anise liqueur
- Aperitivo with olive all'ascolana, the famous fried stuffed olives
- Period interior of mirrors, marble, and wood, with arcaded square seating
- A landmark gathering place since the early twentieth century
Tips for visiting
- Order an Anisetta Meletti, traditionally served neat or with a coffee bean
- Pair your aperitivo with olive all'ascolana for the full local experience
- Grab a table on the piazza at aperitivo hour for the best people-watching
- Visit in the early evening when the travertine square glows
- The café is at the very centre of the walkable old town
When to visit
Year-round, with early evening aperitivo on the piazza especially atmospheric.
Accessibility
The café fronts the arcaded Piazza del Popolo with largely step-free access to the terrace; the historic interior may present thresholds, so guests with mobility needs should ask staff for assistance.
Frequently asked questions
What is Anisetta Meletti?
It is an anise liqueur created by the Meletti family in Ascoli Piceno, traditionally served neat, with a coffee bean, or added to coffee, and closely associated with this historic café.
Is it just a café?
It functions as a café, bar, and aperitivo spot, serving coffee and pastries by day and drinks with local snacks such as olive all'ascolana in the evening.
Where is it located?
On Piazza del Popolo, the grand travertine square at the centre of Ascoli Piceno's walkable old town.
Do I need to book?
No. It is a walk-in café, though a table on the piazza is most sought after at aperitivo hour.