The Canova Tadolini Cafe Is A Beautiful Place For Espresso

If you are looking for a beautiful and unique place for a coffee or meal while in Rome, the Canova Tadolini Cafe is an amazing opportunity not to miss.

The delightful bar and restaurant can be found in the center of Rome near the most popular sites. It offers delicious coffee, pastries, lunch and dinner in one of the most unique settings you will find.

This former studio of the artist Antonio Canova is jammed full of statues overlooking the tables and bar from every direction. While most museums contain a bar and possibly a place for snacks, this museum takes it to a new level and makes the museum itself the restaurant.

Who Is Antonio Canova?

Antonio Canova was an Italian Artist who lived from the mid/18th century until the early 19th. He was famous for his marble sculptures and spent most of his life in Venice and Rome with travels to France and England.

His American connection was in 1820, when he made a statue of George Washington for the state of North Carolina, on the recommendation of Thomas Jefferson. The statue was later destroyed by fire in 1831. A plaster replica was sent by King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy in 1910, now on view at the North Carolina Museum of History.

My First Impressions Of The Cafe

I had walked by the Cafe many times in the past, because it was both so convenient to popular tourist sites and because I went on a search for the Talking Statues. One of them, Il Babuino, is located right out front of the Cafe waiting to hear from you.

Once you approach the entry, you begin to notice just how full of these beautiful sculptures this cafe really is. Once inside, the hostess is there ready to greet you in the most friendly manner and helpful with her English language skills ready to go.

The History Of The Museo Atelier Canova Tadolini

In 1818, Canova signed a contract for this property destined solely for the practice of sculpture. He considered Adamo Tadolini the most gifted of his pupils, and maybe his only spiritual heir who inherited the studio from Canova. From 1818 until 1967 the studio (atelier) on Via del Babuino remained the property of generations of sculptors belonging to the Tadolini family. 

A recent restoration was a sensitive operation to save the unique atmosphere of the once disorderly and dusty studio. This was performed respecting the original colors of the decoration and materials and the casual placing of the works.

Is It A Museum?

That’s not a bad question. It calls itself a museum and it certainly is full of amazing artwork. The space, however, is fairly small and jammed packed with the previously mentioned works. I can’t imagine trying to navigate around with other art enthusiasts among the works and the diners.

When I visited, I was there for breakfast not long after it opened, the place was empty and it was still tricky looking for that one amazing angle. I found myself squatting by tables and leaning over places that would be filled with diners a bit later in the day.

I guess the answer is: Sure, it’s a museum, but tread lightly. 

Lunch And Dinner Options

Their seasonal menu has a nice selection for lunch that is full of traditional Roman fare and delicious salads and sweets for a complete meal. The prices are reasonable (i.e. not elevated tourist prices) and the selection is broad enough that everyone should be able to find something they like. 

Their dinner is a more refined meal with more expensive ingredients like Lobster, Seabass and Lamb, but with prices that are still reasonable for what you get. Sadly, I didn’t see a wine list, but with the bar there, you should be able to get a cocktail or some wine with your meal. 

Should You Visit Canova Tadolini Cafe?

I would strongly recommend a visit to this amazing space. Even if the prices weren’t reasonable, I would have to say that the uniqueness and beauty of the space require you to evaluate it as an experience instead of just a meal, and adjust your expectations appropriately.

If you are in the area checking out the other sites, you may want to consider making a reservation because space is definitely limited. Their phone number is: +39 063 21 1070.

Opening Hours And Location Of Canova Tadolini

• Coffee Bar: Open Everyday From 7:00AM  until 8:00PM.
• Restaurant: Open For Lunch And Dinner Every Day From 12:00PM until Midnight
• Address: Via del Babuino, 150

How To Get To Canova Tadolini Cafe

This bar/restaurant/museum is conveniently located in the center of the most popular tourist spots in Rome. If you are near the Spanish Steps, Piazza Del Popolo or shopping on Via Del Corso, you are an easy walk from the museum.

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