Caffè Meletti
Step into a 1907 Art Nouveau masterpiece in Ascoli Piceno's Piazza del Popolo, savoring coffee, liqueurs, and light meals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Local vibe, great pastries
Caffè Meletti
Best Time
Local vibe, great pastries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a 1907 Art Nouveau masterpiece in Ascoli Piceno's Piazza del Popolo, savoring coffee, liqueurs, and light meals.
"It's an experience, not just a cafe, with a magical atmosphere on a summer evening."
☕ Savor the Amaro
Don't miss trying the Meletti Amaro, a local specialty.
✨ Dress the Part
Embrace the elegant atmosphere; it's more than just a coffee shop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Piazza del Popolo Terrace
Outdoor seating area
Sip coffee or an aperitivo with a magical view of Ascoli Piceno's main square. Pure Italian charm.
Historic Interior
Inside the cafe
Step back in time in this beautifully preserved 1907 cafe, a true Art Nouveau masterpiece.
+1
Meletti Liquore al Caffè
Bar
Taste the signature coffee liqueur, a rich and intense flavor born from the finest coffee beans.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elegance
Piazza Perfection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Savor the Amaro
Don't miss trying the Meletti Amaro, a local specialty.
✨ Dress the Part
Embrace the elegant atmosphere; it's more than just a coffee shop.
🍽️ Abundant Appetizers
Aperitivo comes with generous snacks – you might skip lunch!
🚶♀️ People-Watch Central
The piazza location is perfect for observing local life.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Savor the Amaro
Don't miss trying the Meletti Amaro, a local specialty.
✨ Dress the Part
Embrace the elegant atmosphere; it's more than just a coffee shop.
🍽️ Abundant Appetizers
Aperitivo comes with generous snacks – you might skip lunch!
🚶♀️ People-Watch Central
The piazza location is perfect for observing local life.
🐝 Beware of Wasps
Outdoor seating can attract wasps, especially in warmer months.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Caffè Meletti is celebrated for its timeless elegance, historic Art Nouveau interior, and prime location in Ascoli Piceno's Piazza del Popolo. Visitors praise the unique atmosphere, the signature coffee liqueur, and the generous aperitivo offerings. However, some reviews mention inconsistent service and issues with insects at outdoor seating.
"Class and tradition. This location has been used in numerous movies and most recently in ads for Campari.
Our go to place every Sunday morning. Good selection of pastries and the staff treat us like family. Great place to watch the activity in the piazza any time of the day.
Not the cheapest but a unique experience."
Bryan Schneider
"Amazing place that can have (as you can see by the reviews) spotty service or food but for us it was wonderful. The location is magical and on a summer evening with the "glowing" travertine it becomes even more magical at night. I laugh a bit about people complaining about tourists. We were here in May for three days and I met only three or four other tourists from other countries not from Italy. Italians come to this place for their local vacation. I loved this town. Not a lot to do other than wander the old town and the squares but it is beautiful! We drove all the way from Florence to this location through the mountains instead of going to Venice and I do not regret it. I used all of my one year of Italian Language practice in this town. It is so local that no many of the people spoke English and that was fine by me! Lastly, the beaches near this town on the Adriatic are also amazing. Once again, mostly Italians and not tourists."
Paul Hoffman
"Terrible. There was a flock of pigeons that harassed customers and attacked a table as soon as it was vacated - they sat on the table and chairs and scavenged for food. It was not a great look. When our drinks arrived with the canapés the food was immediately surrounded by wasps. We could see other people having problems with wasps as well. An extremely unpleasant experience. Then they charged €10 per Aperol! We are not going back. It’s a shame as the building is beautiful inside."
Nigel Merrett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Caffè Meletti is centrally located in Piazza del Popolo, Ascoli Piceno. You can easily walk to it from most parts of the historic center. If arriving by car, look for parking outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) and walk in.
The main floor of the cafe is generally accessible, and the terrace seating in Piazza del Popolo is at street level. However, it's always a good idea to contact them directly for specific accessibility needs.
Ascoli Piceno is accessible by train, with connections from major Italian cities. The nearest airport is Ancona (AOI), from where you can take a train or bus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Caffè Meletti is a historic cafe and does not require an entrance ticket. You pay for what you order.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open daily from morning until late evening. It's best to check their official social media or website for the most up-to-date times.
While there's no strict dress code, many visitors dress smartly to match the elegant, historic ambiance of the cafe.
Reservations are generally not required for casual visits, especially for the terrace. For larger groups or special occasions, it's advisable to contact them in advance.
🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience
Caffè Meletti is renowned for its historic Art Nouveau interior, its prime location in Piazza del Popolo, its signature coffee liqueur, and its traditional Italian cafe experience.
Don't miss the Meletti Liquore al Caffè, a unique coffee liqueur. Their pastries and aperitivo snacks are also highly recommended.
Yes, it's a popular spot for Sunday mornings with a good selection of pastries and a lively atmosphere.
While primarily a cafe, they offer thoughtfully sourced meals and abundant appetizers with aperitivo, making it suitable for a light meal.
While it's a popular spot, many visitors note that it's frequented by locals and Italians on vacation, offering an authentic experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The stunning Art Nouveau interior, the terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo, and the beautifully presented drinks and pastries are all great photo opportunities.
Golden hour, especially summer evenings when the travertine glows, offers magical light. Weekday mornings can be less crowded for interior shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the cafe itself is elegant, ordering a simple pastry or a hot chocolate can be a treat for younger visitors. Be mindful of the cafe's refined atmosphere and potential for crowds, especially on weekends. Consider visiting during weekday mornings for a more relaxed experience. The outdoor seating on the piazza is ideal for families, allowing you to enjoy the surroundings without feeling too confined. While some reviews mention issues with insects outdoors, the charm of the piazza and the historic setting can still make for a memorable outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on enjoying the atmosphere and the historic setting rather than solely on the cost of individual items. The experience of sitting in the grand Piazza del Popolo and stepping back in time is part of what you're paying for.
💖 Couples
+1Consider trying the Meletti Liquore al Caffè together for a unique taste of local tradition.
+1 The cafe's timeless charm and sophisticated ambiance make it perfect for a special outing or a leisurely afternoon. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of History: The Meletti Legacy
+2 The establishment is a prime example of Liberty style (Italian Art Nouveau), with its ornate interiors, intricate details, and elegant furnishings that transport you to another era. It's a place where generations have gathered, making it a beloved local institution and a significant cultural landmark. Beyond its architectural beauty, Caffè Meletti is famous for its signature liqueurs, particularly the Liquore al Caffè Meletti.
+1 This rich, aromatic liqueur is crafted from high-quality coffee beans and pure alcohol, offering a distinct taste that embodies the cafe's heritage. The Meletti family's dedication to quality and tradition is evident in every sip, making it a must-try for any visitor seeking an authentic taste of the region. +1The cafe's presence in the heart of Ascoli Piceno's Piazza del Popolo, often called the 'living room of Italy,' further enhances its allure.
This magnificent square, paved with luminous travertine, provides a breathtaking backdrop for enjoying a coffee or an aperitivo. The Piazza del Popolo Experience
It's a perfect spot for people-watching, observing the local life unfold.
While the ambiance is magical, some visitors have noted issues with pigeon and wasp activity around the outdoor seating areas, particularly when food is present.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit