In 1818 Antonio Canova, famed neo-classical 19th century sculptor, acquired a studio space in Rome on Via Balbuino, beside Piazza del Popolo. He would work here on many commissions, and it is here he would train his promising apprentice Adamo Tadolini. Little did Canova know at the time that near 200 years later, individuals from all over the world would come to sit in this same studio to enjoy a meal and gaze at his and Tadolini’s work.
In 1822, upon Canova’s death, the studio passed to his apprentice Adamo Tadolini. From 1822 to 1967 the studio remained active under the Tadolini family, creating beautiful sculptures of popes, saints, Italian heroes, and characters from antiquity. Now the building displays both plaster casts and marble statues carved by both the generations of Tadolini and Canova himself, within this museum display are three dining rooms, and to the side, a standing bar.
As a lover of art and the Italian cafe, I was delighted to learn about Ristorante Cafe Canova Tadolini and could not wait to visit. I left however a bit disappointed at the lack of attention to the museum side of the restaurant.
I chose to grab an aperitivo with two friends, sitting where we could spend more time among the many sculptures. While they may be stunning, it seems a bit odd to be drinking Campari under the many eyes of the various Virgin Marys and Pope Leo XIII. To escape their view one might look out the window at passers-by, however an unattractive magazine kiosk blocks this, so instead I decided it was better to settle in and appreciate all the faces that would be joining me for a drink.
In 1822, upon Canova’s death, the studio passed to his apprentice Adamo Tadolini. From 1822 to 1967 the studio remained active under the Tadolini family, creating beautiful sculptures of popes, saints, Italian heroes, and characters from antiquity. Now the building displays both plaster casts and marble statues carved by both the generations of Tadolini and Canova himself, within this museum display are three dining rooms, and to the side, a standing bar.
As a lover of art and the Italian cafe, I was delighted to learn about Ristorante Cafe Canova Tadolini and could not wait to visit. I left however a bit disappointed at the lack of attention to the museum side of the restaurant.
I chose to grab an aperitivo with two friends, sitting where we could spend more time among the many sculptures. While they may be stunning, it seems a bit odd to be drinking Campari under the many eyes of the various Virgin Marys and Pope Leo XIII. To escape their view one might look out the window at passers-by, however an unattractive magazine kiosk blocks this, so instead I decided it was better to settle in and appreciate all the faces that would be joining me for a drink.
The Museum
For being a museum restaurant in an upscale area of Rome, the management appears to give little attention and care to the museum itself. Some of the statues were breaking, with the plaster chipped and flakes lying nearby, the posters displaying headlines of newspapers mentioning the Tadolini, as well as information on the studio, showed signs of moisture damage.
However, there were some beautiful pieces, including Tadolini’s copy of Canova’s Three Graces. There is a small side room to one of the main dining rooms where the studio setting remained intact, providing visitors with the opportunity to see what a 19th century sculpting studio looked like. This studio also holds many of the tools the artists would have worked with. Although only visible through a window frame, it adds to the setting, creating another level of engagement to the atelier restaurant experience.
The Restaurant
The wait staff was pleasant, they welcome you right at the door, and are ready with the menu. They did the usual Italian habit of leaving you to enjoy your personal time. While some may find this rude, I quite prefer it to the American wait staff who comes to check every ten minutes, takes your plate and brings you the bill as soon as you’ve finished.
The prices were as one might expect in this area of Rome, 13€ for a Bellini, 7€ for Campari Spritz and 6.50€ for a glass of wine. The aperitivo was light, rather than a buffet like one might find in Trastevere, this was light snacks including olives, mini pizzas, fried cauliflower (delicious!) and other finger foods. Thankfully our aperitivo plate did not cost any extra, from the looks of the menu an actual two course meal might range from about 20€ to 30€ per person.
Overall Canova Tadolini was a satisfactory experience, however if the management could fix up and pay more attention to the Museum side, I believe it has the potential to be exceptionally better. For now I would recommend it as a one time experience, but can’t say I will be rushing to go back anytime soon.
The wait staff was pleasant, they welcome you right at the door, and are ready with the menu. They did the usual Italian habit of leaving you to enjoy your personal time. While some may find this rude, I quite prefer it to the American wait staff who comes to check every ten minutes, takes your plate and brings you the bill as soon as you’ve finished.
The prices were as one might expect in this area of Rome, 13€ for a Bellini, 7€ for Campari Spritz and 6.50€ for a glass of wine. The aperitivo was light, rather than a buffet like one might find in Trastevere, this was light snacks including olives, mini pizzas, fried cauliflower (delicious!) and other finger foods. Thankfully our aperitivo plate did not cost any extra, from the looks of the menu an actual two course meal might range from about 20€ to 30€ per person.
Overall Canova Tadolini was a satisfactory experience, however if the management could fix up and pay more attention to the Museum side, I believe it has the potential to be exceptionally better. For now I would recommend it as a one time experience, but can’t say I will be rushing to go back anytime soon.