I have to be honest, this location is the main and probably only Vapiano's I really frequent in Hamburg. For some reason, I do not stand alone when I say this is the most popular location, as it is not just the food that brings people here, but strangely enough, it is also the most social of locations.
On most typical nights, you are crammed onto tables with strangers eating cheek to cheek, elbow to elbow. I mean, at times, we even have to battle it out to hang our purses, coats, scarfs, etc on the hooks that are just not enough to go around. And do not even try to set your jacket or bag on a chair to store it, thinking that it will deter people away from sitting next to you. NOPE, major failed plan. This is Germany, they simply say, "Ist hier Frei?" essentially translated into, "No human being is occupying this chair right? Ok, then please remove your personal belongings so I can plant my hungry butt down."
Yep, Vapiano's is a hustle. Hustle to get a tray, get in line, get your order in, get a drink, or stand in a separate area for alcohol, and then good luck getting back in line for dessert later. Even with all this fuss, we all still go there... The food is not of the highest quality, but it is tasty and moderately priced maybe even considered cheap to the non student crowd, and the atmosphere is somehow posh-casual. It is kinda like the Starbuck's of Italian Pizzeria food chains, not just in Hamburg, but even when I was in New York City, it is always a similar story and routine.
Local Tip: Go here on Thursday night. For some reason, that is "the night" at Vapiano's on Hallerstrasse. For some reason, people like to be seen here on that night. I guess it is because the week is almost over and people want to get ready for the weekend, so they come for cocktails, since it has decent food, and is near the train stop, it can bring people living in the areas of Harvesthude, Eppendorf, Rotterbaum, and even Mitte together simply because it is off the U1 Train.
My favorite salad is the steak one with shrimp, a bit of surf & turf. As far as pasta, I love the curly noodles one that has a bit of a spicy beef tip/tenderloin with mushrooms and rucola, and a creamy tomato sauce, yummy. To drink, if I am not drinking my liquid antioxidant of choice, Red Wine (good for the blood!), then I take usually an Orangina, since it has a cute genie like bottle and a fresh citrus taste to it that goes lightly with any meal you choose, whether soup, salad, pizza or pasta. read more