ASK Italian is the Bournemouth outpost of the long-running national chain, tucked into the BH2 leisure complex in the heart of the town centre. It’s a dependable, wallet-friendly choice for stone-baked pizza and fresh pasta — the kind of place that works equally well for a family lunch, a pre-cinema bite or a casual catch-up over wine.
The food
The menu follows the familiar ASK Italian template: stone-baked pizzas and fresh pasta at its core, rounded out with antipasti, salads and sharing plates. Sharing dough bites — served with dips such as ‘nduja and pesto — make an easy way to start, while desserts run to the likes of tiramisu. Good-value set menus are a feature, and there’s a dedicated children’s menu, so it’s straightforward to keep a mixed table happy. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options appear across the menu, which makes it a practical pick for groups with different tastes and dietary needs. Menus, seasonal specials and any offers do change, so it’s worth checking the current menu on ASK Italian’s website rather than counting on a particular dish. Prices sit firmly in the affordable, everyday bracket rather than special-occasion territory.
The setting
The Bournemouth branch leans into a bright, informal look — think a hand-painted mural and a pergola strung with hanging lights and greenery, with a buzzy, sociable feel that suits families by day and a livelier crowd come evening. The big draw for many is the outdoor terrace, which comes into its own on warmer days for al fresco pizza and a spot of people-watching. This is a relaxed, come-as-you-are restaurant rather than a hushed fine-dining room, and it takes quiet lunches and busier weekend services in its stride.
Where it is
ASK Italian sits within BH2, the modern leisure complex on Exeter Crescent (BH2 5DD), a couple of minutes from Bournemouth Square. That puts it in the thick of the town centre, surrounded by the cinema, bars and shops, with the Lower Gardens and the seafront a short stroll downhill. It’s an easy stop to fold into a day out — a wander through the gardens, a film, or an afternoon on the beach rounded off with an early dinner. For more places to eat nearby, browse our food & drink guide and the wider restaurants round-up.
Good to know
The restaurant is well set up for families, with a children’s menu, baby-changing facilities and step-free access including accessible toilets. Dogs are generally welcome at the outdoor seating. Booking ahead is sensible for weekends, evenings and school holidays, or if you want a terrace table — you can reserve via the ASK Italian website or app, and walk-ins are often possible at quieter times. There’s no restaurant car park, but the BH2 complex is served by town-centre car parks close by. As with any venue, opening hours, menus and offers can shift, so check the latest details with ASK Italian directly before you visit.