On a return visit during a different trip, the same lady who helped me pay for some reason couldn't…read moreget my MasterCard to run through like last time. So I ended up just paying in Euros

This is how to set up a welcoming cafeteria style venue I…read morelove the stations for the salads or pizza or pasta and how great to be a part of the assembly of what you eat. A very lively and friendly atmosphere. We should have these in the states.

Vapiano is so cool! This is like a stylish fast food italian place where you order your food and…read morethey make it right in front of you. All the pasta is pre-made and they just throw together all of the ingredients that you want into a pan and voila! Lunch is served. I first tried this restaurant in Vienna, and then once more here in Cologne. Why can't they open a branch in Cali?? The restaurant is really unique and they serve all kinds of pasta. In addition, each table has fresh potted herbs that you can just pick from and throw them onto your pasta. I've had the pasta bolognese, and pasta with sausage and they were both really good. Portions are big and it's relatively cheap. The only reason I took off a star is because of their pre-made noodles. I know, it's impossible to boil all the noodles on the spot, but it also makes for chewy and kind of pasty noodles. Me no like. When you're finished eating all you have to do is take the Vapiano card they give you and pay at the counter. Super fun, easy, and delicious.

This was the first cafeteria style Italian place I've been to, it's a cool concept…read more They were stations for pasta, salad and main entrées with proteins. You would order at the counter of each of the selected food items and they bring out the food item to your table. There's plenty of seating for small and large groups. I remember always hoping that they would open one up in the states. I really like the concept. The pasta dishes and salads were always good here. It's not the type of food I would eat regularly every week, but I would at least go once a month. The food was always fresh and consistently good.

We ate hear many times as prices reasonable and all pasta dishes spot on and great friendly…read moreservice. Nice mellow vibe.

This is essentially a cafeteria catering to the employees of the Federal Procurement Agency, which…read moreis located in the same building in the midst of an industrial/commercial park. "Das frische Bistro" is also open to external visitors. It offers two, and occasionally more lunch options every day at a price point of EUR 6.50 or EUR 7.50, and one of those will be vegetarian. Unfortunately, no cards are accepted despite the fairly remote location where the next ATM is more than five minutes' walk away. If you are visiting the Procurement Agency, you might receive discount coupons from the reception attendant. These can be used here. From what I've eaten I think it's a pretty mediocre place where the interior is nicer than the food. It's freshly made but very much on the heavy side, just look at the massive layer of breading on my piccata. Not worth a detour if you're not spending time in the area anyway. (Granted, providing high quality German or German-International food on a budget is quite difficult.)