Worse thing, ever!!! After giving me a wrong pizza and insisting that it is vegetarian pizza. I was about to take it to his manager that pizza guy realized that he gave me a wrong pizza. He ran back to get the correct, cold pizza!!! We are never going back... Wasted my $$ read more

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although this place is far from fine dining, i think its really cool/fun concept! What other restaurant allows you to have a conversation with your chef whilst he prepares your meal and makes suggestions/recommendations at the same time. You can have variations of either salad, pizza or pasta and each has their own separate station/chefs. I went to the pasta section and ordered the special with spicy tomato sauce and sun dried tomatoes. You also get to chose what style of pasta you prefer (i.e wholewheat or spaghetti etc etc), and after making your selection, the chef takes a small brown bag from the back wall and empties your single serving of pasta into the boiling water before tossing it into the sauce/dressing which he has been preparing in another saucepan. All cooked in about 7 minutes and surprising tasty for the price paid. This is a great casual restaurant to have in your rotation. read more

The pasta was great! The system is sort of weird and pointless but it is worthless. The garlic was pretty meh, and the penne was not "al-dente" enough. read more

I'll always come back to Vapiano's for the casual atmosphere, spacious seating, quick service, and of course, the incomparable Vapiano flavour. I always take advantage of the complimentary bread and pimp it with the basil plants and the chili oil on the table. When I lived in Germany, I was a regular at Vapiano's and almost always chose Pasta with Pesto but I recently tried the Aglio e Olio at the Southwark branch and loved that too. Apart from pasta, which is made fresh in house, they do pizzas and salads. There's also a bar and a range of Italian desserts is sold in glass jars. read more

The Gamberetti was so delicious and prepared promptly. The complimentary bread on the side is a plus as well. I absolutely love this place and definitely recommend it! read more

Vapiano - Gamberetti and complimentary bread - Italian Near Me - London, XGL

Vapiano is a bright and breezy open plan restaurant specialising in Italian food. There are no waiters, instead you get given a card and every time you want something you go to a station and they swipe your card. When you go to leave present your card at the desk. Simples! We kicked off with a grande plate of antipasti of Proscuitto tipo Parma, salami, pepperoni, roasted vegetables, homemade pesto, Grana Padano D.O.P, buffalo mozzarella, bruschetta (£10.95). Meat and cheese what's not to love?! They make their pasta fresh daily and they have a range of interesting specials. I chose the salssica con ficci £9.95, sausage with fresh figs, as it sounded unusual. I thought the pasta had a nice bite to it but unfortunately the delicate sweetness of the fig was overwhelmed by the spicy sausage. It was still tasty though and you do get a giant portion! More of the spicy sausage showed up on the next course of pizza. I was starting to get very full at this point so just took a tiny nibble. I knew dolci would be coming and I wanted to save space! I was wise to do so because then ALL the desserts arrived. Before you worry for our arteries we shared these between us. My favourites were the pannacotta £4.50 with a dramatic red top of coulis and the ciccholata foresta nera £4.50, an Italian take on black forest gateau but made with Nutella, which I am bound to love as it is my favourite spread in the whole wide world (speculous runs it a close second). Be warned most of the desserts feature cream heavily so if you are with a non dairy lover pick carefully. Luckily our resident non dairy fan Alex was adept at tunnelling through the cream to get to the chocolate underneath! read more

There are two type of people in the world: those who cant't extrapolate... Anyway, last night, I was almost passing out from hunger after a particularly hardcore running session in the gym followed by a trip to my estate agent (more on that, later), when I somehow stumbled across Vapiano on Southark Street. The venue looks quite nice, loads of rustic wood and, actually my favourite thing about it, little plants on each of the tables - rather pleasant. My idea of having a salad went out the window when I saw the pizzas and decided, well my stomach decided, that I had to have one. Vapiano is a 'fast-food' restaurant where you go to each the various pasta/pizza/antipasti counters and order, take the red vibrating thingy (wey-hey!!) and then patienty(!) wait for it to start vibrating. I didnt really like this method of service because, it kinda reminded me of being at the school/work canteen and also a bit like a cruise ship - basically, anything canteen-y. When my pizza arrived, it was however, tasty though a little subdued on the toppings' flavours, though I did like the sauce and the fact that my slices didnt fall apart when I picked them (none of the cutlery stuff for an animal like me). They have a bar waaaay round the corner which has some good beers (hmmm...beer), and I would say the whole place is reasonably priced. So why only three stars? I dont know, just seems right to me, I mean, it's 'A-ok'. read more

Nice food - but really REALLY stupid concept for ordering/paying that is optimized for the restaurant, NOT the customer...

This place surprised me. I've always held a dim view of franchise pasta restaurants: the food is almost always meh, charging exorbitant prices for boiled pieces of dough topped with non sequitur embellishments. Vapiano, actually, delivers yum. No one would argue that pasta is most delicious when prepared fresh but, on the other hand, I'm one to favor speed over quality: I don't wait for food, food waits for me (especially during lunch rush). No point banging on this - looks like freshness is a point of pride for the brand. Time wasted in queueing is what keeps me from visiting more often than I'd like. The cafeteria-esque format is attractive, as is the atmosphere and decor. The card based order tracking system is a pain in the ass. read more

If you are looking for a good Italian restaurant for lunch or dinner make sure you check this one out. From their home made pasta they cook right in front of you to your exact specifications (fans of customisation will love this) to their delicious pizzas, this is definitely the place to visit. I definitely recommend the salami and ricotta pasta as well as the classic carbonara (which tastes like no other!). read more

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A return visit to this uber efficient italian quick serve. Arrived fairly tipsy and made a beeline for the bar. Suitably refreshed it was time for antipasti, then fresh pasta and a salad. All very tasty. I typically have pizza here but went for pasta this time, it was perfect. As I was dining with friends this was a great option as everyone gets to do their own thing, at their own pace, on their own card. I look forward to my next visit! read more

As a general rule, I try to avoid Italian restaurants. There's nothing new there, it's difficult for a restaurant to do anything which is memorable and most of them are chain pizza or pasta venues. So when I was taken to Vapiano, I was very much skeptical that it would be any good. But my was I mistaken - on entering, the first thing I noticed were the indoor plants, high ceilings with lots of natural light coming in and large tables spaced generously apart. You're given a card onto which you charge all the food and drink you buy, which makes this place perfect for groups. And then there are all the chefs at each station, making the dishes right in front of you, with skill and ease. And the best bit - it tastes pretty great. I was hypnotised watching fresh pasta being made in a huge pasta-making machine, and then being stacked on a shelf ready to be cooked up. I opted for a spinach and scallops with tagliatelle, which was cooked and seasoned beautifully. Though the menu lacks imagination, what they do do, they seem to do well. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, and although they didn't serve Fanta, I thoroughly enjoyed the food and the experience, and for a chain restaurant, this was a good place to go out to. Also, jelly bears on your way out - oh yes. read more

Great fresh made Italian food. Have a pay with card system. Must keep both cards to pay. Who knew. Awesome food. Must eat here. Loved it. Customs made plain pasta with chicken for kids. read more

Vapiano is a sort of twist on the Mongolian Barbecue concept with set choices. When you arrive you are given contactless cards on which you accrue what you've spent as you go to various stations to order pizza, pasta, salad and drinks. You choose where you sit and we had to hunt around for a couple of places being it was a Saturday night. We came for pizzas and chose of the menu. Ordering which was quick and simple and you're given a pager which goes off when your order is ready. Salad had to be ordered from another station which was mixed and dressed fresh in front of you while you wait. Sitting down allowed my partner to go get some drinks. The Pizzas were above good and the salad was plentiful. The Pasta dishes seems to be the favourite amongst the many who were there with a range of fresh pasta's to chose from and sauces. The portions looks plentiful. If you simply want to eat out and chill in good company this possibly isn't the place for you but some of you will love the interactive concept and watching your dishes being made fresh in front of you albeit you standing around. read more

Vapiano is an open plan restaurant specialising in Italian food. There are no waiters, instead you get given a card and every time you want something you go to a station and they swipe your card. When you go to leave present your card at the desk. They make fresh pasta daily and they have a range of interesting specials. I chose the salssica con ficci (£9.95), sausage with fresh figs, as I wanted to see what this combination would be like ; it was pleasant but the spiciness from the sausage and sauce did not let the sweet notes of the fig shine through. They also do a great veggie pizza of spinach and pesto. Rounded off the meal with a dessert of pannacotta (£4.50) with an eye-catching red top of coulis. The perfect end to the meal! read more

I seriously love this place in Southbank London. Fresh pasta dishes prepared in front of you - proper Italian style pizzas. Some might find the dining style to be odd. You have to carry around these cards where the chefs preparing your food add the totals to your account - and then you close out and pay upon exit. I don't mind it except your party will need to secure a table or dining area and send party members up to the chef queues to order the food - otherwise your group might be carrying around trays of food with nowhere to sit. The format and quality of the food for the value tho is outstanding. I only don't give 5 stars because the cocktails are lacking. If you want beer or wine fine - but order a cocktail and get ready to drink something a bit below what you would find at a mall restaurant bar. read more

GREAT PLACE. Great concept too. real low maintenance. They explain what is it upon walking in and they don't bother you again. I loved it. Great food also You watch them make it in front of you. Almost like a chipotle. read more

Vapiano - Silsiccia Con Fichi - Italian Near Me - London, XGL

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Excellent food. Very fresh. At the pizza counter, people don't care for vegetarian or meat pizza when they cut pizza even though they have green and red cutter for vegetarian and meat respectively. Ambience is good. Location is perfect. read more

Modern dining experience: 1. Wait in line. 2. Take a card and a menu. 3. Order from the menu at the station corresponding with the particular course while scanning your card so that the charge can be applied. DO NOT order salads in pizza sector! If you order pizza you will receive a buzzer. If salad, just wait for it to be ready. 4. Eat. It's not as good but it was worth all the hassle. 5. Wait in line to pay whatever your card was charged. Pick your receipt and a SECURITY SLIP. 6. Walk 3 steps and show your security slip to two intimidating bouncer/security guard types who just saw you pay. 7. If you are too hungry and tired to think or deal with annoyances, go somewhere else. read more

The was the first Vapiano's i've ever been to and it was the best experience!! Not sure why I've never been back in the US. Great service, super nice staff to make my pasta, delicious food!! read more

This is a fairly good place, with regards to food. Great, open space and the whole ordering process is quite interesting. I'd also say it's quite expensive, just like everything else in London, for the services it provides. We ordered the pizza with the fig and it was marvelous, cooked to perfection. My penne with tomato and mozzarella just weren't up to par- a bit tasteless. The ambiance did help though:) Will keep in mind when wanting a quick dinner nearby. read more

Great clean fresh restaurant with friendly & helpful staff, food is cook fresh in front of you & the pizza's are divine! The same excellent experience on every visit. In a group, dont worry about splitting the bill you charge to individual acounts and pay on your way out so ideal for a work/student lunch when your all on different budgets. read more

Delicious food with exceptional efficiency. My favourite part is that when at the counter you can add whatever ingredients to your meal that is being prepared in front of you. It's free to add and makes the meal more filling for the same price. Non traditional Italian, the food lacks the classic Italian passion and it is obvious in the food. The service is non existent, you won't find that Italian warm welcome. However this modern twist makes it a great casual dining place, especially for groups since each can have their own card, removing the trouble of splitting the check. read more

This has to be the worst pizza around here, soggy and overpriced. Go to M & S next door, better pizzas albeit you have to cook read more

Absolutely love Vapiano - pasta cooked to wonderful al dente perfection every time! Their system is a bit different from most: upon coming in you receive a payment card. This will be scanned by your waiter when you order drinks, which are brought to your table. Once you have picked your meal, you go up to one of the counters (different ones for salad, pizza and pasta) where your food is prepared right in front of you and you need to scan your payment card again. You will always have the choice of adding chili, cheese and pine kernels - delicious! When you are done, take your payment card to the checkout counter, so no need to catch a waiters' attention. Plus, there are always gummy bears at the checkout - nice little treat. There are various pasta options for under £10 and there are usually three specials advertised at the counter which I often end up going for! I've never had a disappointing dish here and I always love coming back! read more

My second time visiting Vapianos and I enjoyed the experience very much. I had grilled king prawn pasta and it was absolutely delicious and very filling! On arrival, you are given a card. The card is used to add your order. It's pretty much self service where you go to the counter to personalise your meal and it is cooked in front of you. Easy, efficient and tasty what more could you ask for? read more

Vapiano - Italian Near Me - London, XGL

Best pizza I've ever had in London. A bit confusing to understand the whole set up of an "oyster card," and buying food with it and then paying the bill when you check out, but the food was so fantastic it's worth the effort. read more

I would not recommend this place especially if you are looking for a quick bite after work. I went there at around 8 pm on a Wednesday and it was first of all, really packed. As you all know that the chef will cook in front of you so if there are 4 people in front of your, each might order two dishes for their friends even. The good thing is that these Chefs have mad skills. They can cook for two people at the same time. And say 5 mins per dish, that will already be a 20 min wait. I actually waited for 40 mins for a funghi bolognease. The past was overlooked and the sauce is way too spicy. I would have to give it a 2 star review. read more

The food is fantastic, the staff are friendly and its really affordable. plus depending on your plans you can be in and out in like 15 minutes or hours if you choose. relaxed and perfect for some good Italian, properly made. read more

Quite possibly the worst pizza I've ever had. Stewed vegetables on toasted dough, it was how I imagine a microwaved frozen pizza would be. I've honestly had better at home, and you would almost certainly do better at any takeaway pizza joint. The card system they have in place to order and pay for it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever; I really don't understand what they're trying to achieve here. We eat out a lot, and this is the first review I've felt compelled to write. Says it all, right? read more

Can't get better fast food Italian. The price is great, the chefs are to be experienced.

It was a bit of a shaky walk to get here from an early evening pub session but it was definitely worth the wobble. It's definitely an interesting dining experience as it's kind of a hybrid between semi-fastish food with casual dining. You first get a card when you arrive. You walk up to the various stations and pick out the dishes you want (pizza, pasta etc.) and they give you an Applebee's like pager thing where they will bring you the food when it's ready. I think I ordered a simple penne bolognese and it was delicious! read more

I went to Vapiano in SOUTHWARK last week and the food was absolutely horrible. Very embarrassing. The food had no taste at all. I found fungi on my cheese the chefs were extremely impatient and rude for no reason and the managers don't even care, how selfish. The staff there are extremely unserious and unprofessional, they behave as if they're at a social gathering. I think I only noticed one staff member who was a young girl near the door handing out the cards who wasn't playing around and was actually behaving professionally. I'm NEVER going to the Vapiano in SOUTHWARK near LONDON BRIDGE AGAIN and I don't think anybody else should for all the reasons above. read more

I love this place. Cheap. Quick. Does takeaway. Cooked in front of you so you know it's clean. Perfection! Only problem is I keep getting cravings for it so I have to go there all the time. Oops. read more

I was fortunate to stumble across Vapiano last weekend while returning from a fruitless visit to "The Table" nearby (it had closed by then). Vapiano is a German restaurant serving Italian food. It ranks somewhere between a fast food place and a proper sit down restaurant. There is no waiter service here. When you enter, you would be given an electronic card. There are a number of counters serving various food items ... Some for pizzas, some for pastas, some for the drinks and so on. The customer would have to walk up to the relevant counter and order the food there, watch it being prepared in front of him/her and then take it back to the table. While at the counter, you would have to touch the card to a sensor on the ordering machine which would then record the item that you would have bought. The card has to be presented at the cash counter on the way out, and paid for. Since this was my first visit here, I went for a somewhat conservative meal choice. I started with some roasted veal slices. It had quite a bit of meat, cooked pretty well. But it seemed somewhat dry to me. The accompanying sauce was great on its own, but it didn't add much to the dish in my opinion. As the main course, I tried the carbonara pasta (with penne). It came with bacon, onions and egg, and was served with Parmesan cheese. I will admit that it was one of the best pastas that I have had in a very long time. The cream tasted very good. The sauce mixed very well with the pasta base and hence the taste appeared uniform throughout the dish. The fried bacons were excellent, but I am forced to say that I would have loved a vegetarian version too, something that most people who know me would find surprising. The prices weren't steep. A starter, a main course and a small glass of white wine set me back by about £18. The service was quite quick and the ability to see the items being cooked was an additional bonus. I would love to eat here again. read more

we got food poisoning from here. threw up the whole of the night and got minor fevers all the way through to the next day. horrible place.. read more

Somewhat bizarre experience the first time you go. As others have posted, you get an electronic card to which you charge your food and drink, and then are left to roam, ordering food from counters, and hoping for somewhere to sit and eat it. Nobody explains the concept when you go in, you're expected to know how it works. Food perfectly reasonable and I had some nice red wine to go with it. One of my colleagues was taken very ill after eating the seafood though. Go for the experience, but don't expect a relaxed meal and dinner conversation. It's a production line, they want you in, fed, and out again as quickly as possible. read more

Very delicious pizza, salads, and bread. I tried a friend's pasta dish and was equally impressed! The service was also uber impressive here. Definitely coming back on my next trip across the pond!! read more

Loved Loved Loved this pizza, pasta, Italian concept restaurant across the street from our hotel, CitizenM. We had the bruschetta which was to die for, we should have ordered two! Pizza was really off the charts good too. Traditional Italian crunchy crust, I'd definitely go back and wish we had a location in San Francisco! read more

I popped in here to get something for take-away. The staff were great in explaining how everything works and it was fun to watch my pasta get freshly cooked and I could choose it exactly how I wanted. But it took a good fifteen minutes to get a takeaway despite not being that busy and my food was beyond salty. While I really like the concept, it needs some more work. I might be back to try their pizzas. read more