I'm not sure why other people have a problem with this palce but I love it. Yes, the ordering system is a bit unconventional, but other than that the food is delicious, the atmosphere is modern, clean and bright. I actaully like the ordering system, everyone gets there own card so there is never a hassle with splitting up a check. A new go-to place for me!
(5)
Jeff R.
I can't recommend this place when it's crowded, because their set-up for ordering and getting food is very inefficient -- especially when you're in a group. My family went on a Saturday night, and it looked busy - like many resturants do at that time. My son and I got in the pizza line, and my wife and daughter got in one of the pasta lines. After an hour we had ordered, received and eaten our pizza; while my wife didn't even get to *order* her pasta for more than 90 minutes! Turns out someone in her line ordered about 8 orders to go, and it threw the wait times into a tail spin. The other pasta lines were all crowded and also moved slow. Really? Two family members are done eating for 30 minutes and the others haven't ordered yet? Not what we had in mind for a family meal before a show. We were almost late despite allowing what should have been plenty of time. Decor and atmosphere was good (a lot of energy, but noisy). Food was fresh and pretty good; but there are other good restaurants options nearby that can better handle crowds when its busy.
(2)
Daniel F.
This place is strange, like a gimic that the owners tricked all of the employees into believing was the future of the restaurant industry. The extremely awkward 10 minute conversation that you are forced to have with a complete stranger, who is also the person cooking your pasta was frustrating. I was really hoping to go in there, order and sit my a*s down and read a paper and be alone. That being said, for $10 I thought it was pretty good pasta and high quality chicken.
(2)
Thomas L.
This place seems cool from the outside but a logistical mess on the inside. You go in line and order pasta and watch while the "chef" (one of many) cooks your food. Your friend's meal gets cold while they prepare the dishes in serial fashion. Be easier but beneath their style to put numbers in table and let them bring the stuff to you so you can relax while they cook rather than having to watch. Food is ok and ambiance nice and open but the getting to the table with food on tray spoils the mood.
(2)
Erin B.
Go here! Great food, good service, super friendly. Don't be intimidated by it being different. In this case, different is good.
(5)
Sandy K.
Ordered the Primavera "we recommend the penne". Instead was served a lump of 2 minute noodles with a few vegetables thrown in. Perhaps the recommendation is just a suggestion and you have to actually specify what type of pasta you want? If that is the case, shouldn't the servers ask what type of pasta you want? In any case, this dish was not good. If you are serving a dish with just vegetables they should at least be bigger than the size of a pea. Only the broccoli was a decent size. Will give them one more go before taking my business elsewhere. Disappointed.
(2)
Andrew D.
I went here on a Sunday after the Gold Coast Art Fair with my mother and girlfriend. We were debating on whether to go to Miller's Pub or dine in Old Town. While crossing Michigan Ave we spotted this restaurant in the old Carson' s location. First, my mother is in a wheelchair and the handicapped entrance to the place is confusing. You have to enter the building next door which is closed and the door is locked on Sunday. When my girlfriend inquired about how to enter with a wheelchair they pointed out the entrance but offered no assistance. Bad move! When trying to use the entrance next door we had to bang on the door to get the doormans attention. When he finally noticed us he remained seated and yelled the 'entrance is next door.' After a minute he finally moved and came to the door when he noticed my mother in a wheelchair. This was not his fault it was entirely the fault of the restaurant. The manager should have come outside and opened the door when an inquiry was made regarding wheelchair access. Second, the service was slow, slow, slow...we waited over a half hour for two greek salads to be prepared. You go to the station with your card the girl takes your order, rings up your order and then cooks and prepares your food. I have never witnessed a more inefficient system. While waiting for our food my guests sat at the table waiting and waiting for us. Not good! While waiting in line a waitress came by and took our drink order. We got two glasses of Reisling. After she took our order we never saw her again. After 15 minutes I noticed two glasses of wine sitting on a ticket at the bar and inquired if they were mine. I was told by the bartender no! Of course our absentee waitress happened to walk by and stated they belonged to us. My mother had the bbq chicken pizza. She described it as bland, soggy and tepid. Me and my girlfriend got two greek salads and an antipasta platter. The salads were very good, but the antipasta platter was awful. Nothing tasted fresh! Also, it should be noted that the bathroom on the first floor was filthy. Upon leaving and paying a bill of 68 dollars for two salads and pjzza i mentioned to the manager about the slow, slow service. Instead of apologizing he made excuses about employees not showing up to work. Sorry but this a management problem that need not be shared with your paying customers. I was extremely disappointed with this place and will never return. The slow service, filthy bathroom, poor handicap access to the building and a genuine lack of concern for customer service has guaranteed I will dine elsewhere in the future.
(1)
Karen P.
Total disappointment. I ordered a fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and spaghetti pasta. What I got was not good at all. They gave me angel hair pasta with some very very dry chicken pieces and there was almost no sauce. I also ordered their Panna cotta. Which was more like a pudding. Gross I could have saved my money. And done a better job myself.
(1)
Lydia S.
the food is AMAZING. if you have been to food life, vapiano is similar like that in terms of paying. you get a card and you can whatever you want, and you pay in the final cashier. (everything is charged in your vapiano card) the pastas and pizzas are amazing. I definitely recommend trying their pastas if it's the first time, and chicken alferdo is the best!
(5)
Erin B.
Ain't nobody got time for this. Besides the girl at the front with her back to the door, whom I walked right past and had to go back to since I had no idea how to order (she also gave me 2 of the same menus and insisted that I was stupid and that I actually had 2 different menus)...15 minutes for a pizza? To go? In the loop? Me thinks not. I walked out. Also, the pizza that came out as I was inquiring about the length of time to get my food, didn't even look fully cooked. Egads.
(1)
liz h.
Terribly organized. If you want pizza, pasta, and a salad you have to stand in three different limes. Do you pay before of after you eat??? I'm not really sure. Food was ok. Decor is great. Just generally confusing from start to finish.
(2)
Stef C.
I like the food. It's really fresh. However if you're going on your lunch break don't go because it takes a while to get the food done and it is hard to find a seat. Oh and the quotes on the wall are pretty cool!
(3)
Shae F.
I think for the price you pay the food is pretty good, but more importantly the whole environment is very modern and nice, a good place to go!!
(4)
Laura G.
I actually don't mind this places food quality wise, the meals are very tasty....if you ever get your meal. I just waited for a salad "To Go" for over 25 minutes. The customer service here is absolutely horrendous. My thoughts are this is a place where the kitchen should be hidden from the customer, because no one wants to stand there for 30 minutes waiting for their food when the chefs are talking with each other and could care less about any sort of hustle to get customers their food. One of them actually told the customer in front of me, who was still waiting for his food (also a salad) when I finally got mine, that it wasn't her fault that his order was taking forever. Word of advice, don't tell an already frustrated PAYING customer that it's OK your salad is taking over 30 minutes. I have no idea how this place is still around.
(1)
David P.
It's OK, not great. I tried to order a Bellini from the bartender...he did not know what it was (even though we had been served two Bellinis by a different bartender). He kept saying that I wanted a mimosa, which we did not want.
(2)
Melissa F.
I love that your dinner is made right in front of you! The decor is what first drew me to the place. I thought it would be upscale, but then you have to use a card to buy your food like a weird cafeteria and it kind of cheapens the place. Meh.
(3)
Mary B.
Have been wanting to try this place since it opened but thought it was going to be pricey. Went in and was a little overwhelmed with ordering and how to pay etc but was really impressed with them cooking right in front of you, the quality of the food and the kind service. Really cool ambiance and the food was great and affordable. Kind of makes me mad i pay 10 dollars at a sub place when I can come here, eat a big meal and have leftovers and tastes great. Will definitely be back to try the pizza and salad. I had the carbonara and really liked it!
(5)
Ev L.
Decent pasta, I had the chicken Alfredo. Super trendy though but tolerable if only their ordering system was more efficient I would've given them a 4-star instead. It's a nice hangout place with good food, small bar, and good desserts...only if you're not in a hurry cuz it'll take you awhile, cuz this ain't fast food yo!
(3)
Dario I.
Amazing food! I love going to this place. The only downer about this place is that is quite disorganized during rush hour and for ordering pasta. I believe they should try to organize people when ordering the food. Definitely worth the long wait and the hazzle.
(4)
A F.
Hats off to a staff member named Allegra! She knows what good service means. Allegra noticed I requested some bread but returned to my seat thinking I was in the wrong line (aned the other line was too long). She actually found me and delivered the bread! I had to find a manager and tell them how great that was. The card system takes some getting used to but so what--we're adults here. It is a great place for those who come into the city to visit. The surroundings are great, the food was delicious and obvously the staff is attentive. You can take your time and enjoy the views out of the huge windows. Even though the service was slow, (they will get it down with practice) I can't wait to go back. Loved it!
(4)
Vin K.
The guy at pizza was rude and had an attitude that he doesn't care. I ordered a chicken pesto pizza and asked him to add jalapeño or banana pepper he said no to it. It gave me a feeling that he doesn't care about customers or how the business is doing.
(1)
Dodo H.
Perhaps this restaurant works best if you're alone and want to buy ONE item for lunch. The decor is very soothing and beautiful and the food is delicious! But last night our party of four stopped in for late dinner on a quiet Tuesday evening. We had to wait in one line for pasta, long wait...another line for a small side salad, even longer wait, so long that we gave up, a different line for pizza, (a wait to order the pizza and super long wait to get the pizza once it was ordered) and another line for wine and espresso. After dinner I ordered 3 decafs and 1 regular and was given 1 decaf and 3 regular and no apology (after waiting in a long line). The cooking staff was friendly but an inefficient and clumsy concept. So instead of visiting with each other, we were waiting in line for food. And then we had to wait in line to pay to leave. (Reasonably priced.) And it wasn't that busy either. There were three elderly ladies coming in as we were leaving and I wanted to say "Don't stay." Despite the delicious food, and the friendly cooks, we won't be back. Not true Italian hospitality.
(2)
Kristen C.
Guys, I don't know why this place doesn't have a better rating!! I just wandered in there today for the first time since this location opened, and I wish I would have wandered in sooner! It's a little intimidating when you first walk in, just because it's huge! Also, they give a card and you walk up to whatever station you wanna get food from. The selection is HUGE, so it can be overwelming, and everything is ala carte, so you can create your own combination. After you give them your order, you scan your card at this screen nearby, and they give you a device that vibrates when your food is ready. While you wait, you take your card to the front to pay after you made all your selections. Seems complicated, but it's actually kinda cool! My only complaints are: the wait was a little long, and they only have shot glass sized glasses of water, which was a little strange, so you have to juggle 2 or 3 tiny glasses of water without spilling. Once you sit down, though, you are surrounded with comfort. The communal seats feel like you are relaxing in someone's living room, with pillows and cushions. (I went alone, but this is a great place to grab lunch with a friend.) And if you choose a table, you feel like you are in your own little world, very private and cozy. The huge windows create a very open feeling with lots of light. Perfect for someone who has been couped up in a high rise office all day. I ordered the Roasted tomato and Garlic pizza, DELICIOUS!! Very simple, but full of flavor!! Thin, foldable, but crispy crust, fresh ingredients, and they have italian seasonings for you to add if you'd like. It looks like it would be too big for one person, but if you are hungry, it's not hard to eat the whole thing since it is so thin. Very sharable if you aren't starving though. The pastas looked like enormous portions! They also looked and smelled delicious, so that will be what I try next time! Everything seemed very affordable, especially for the size of the portions. AND to top it off, there were complimentary Gummy Bears at the front as you leave! WHAT?! Loved it. New lunch spot in the loop!
(4)
Jason M.
So I am a big fan of vapiano it is by far my favorite chain. The one in Lincoln park is FANTASTIC. This new one is a little weird smaller portions, no fountain drinks, and not to mention the feeling of being out of place eating in the loop. It did just open and I hope they can get to the standards and the feeling from all the other vapianos I've been to in the country. And my last bit of advice if your with a party order from different chefs at this location they only make one at a time. For now ill be sticking to my friends in Lincoln park.
(3)
B G.
Not the best food. Small portions and high prices. Very funky system of ordering and paying for mediocre food. I'd go tomany other places instead.
(2)
Mike D.
This place just opened, so hopefully they will get the problems worked out. I had the diavolo pizza, which was excellent. However, every single aspect other than the food was as horrible as could be. First off, there was no discernible place to stand to place my order. There appeared to be a line but it turned out to just be a crowd of people who, just like me, had absolutely no idea where to stand. When my to-go order was finally placed, I found myself constantly wandering around, trying in vain to find a place to stand where I wasn't in the way. When my pizza was finished, is was not in a to-go box, and when I said it was supposed to be to-go, the employee snapped at me that I have to tell them when I order it (which, of course, I DID). At that point, I didn't even bother with the crushed red pepper and Parmesan cheese, I just wanted to get out of the chaos. But I was forced into yet another "line" to pay (which was really just a mass of people, some waiting to pay, some just standing around unsure of where to be). When I finally got to the register, exhasperated, I asked, is it possible to call ahead? The response, of course, was a very definite NO. In summary, the pizza was good enough that I'm willing to git it another try in 6 months.
(2)
Leo S.
at first it was good and interesting, but as time passes the quality starts to drop. the only consistency there would be the dessert. it's sad because the place has so much potential yet it is so poorly managed. there would be times the chef cook the same thing differently and other times with stack of useless staff gathering around the cash register when the double sided bar has only one person only paying attention to one side. i have even caught staff sneak a shots of beer while working but who cares, all he does is stand by the cash register chatting anyway.
(2)
Robert A.
The ordering system is overwhelming. The multiple menu system is confusing. You have to wait in multiple lines. The food is nothing special, and in fact, the ceasar dressing tastes really wierd.
(2)
Wendy R.
I agree with previous reviewers. Good concept, poor execution. Food is good and they offer different size dessert portions. They are open late, which will help them do well. Prepare to deal with crowds at lunch. Bar staff is terrible. They just stand around and ignore you until their manager finally gets their attention for you. The rest of the staff are friendly and attentive.
(3)
D W.
I understand the concept, but not for downtown rush hour. My co-workers and I stood in line for 20 minutes and had to leave because we were running out of time for lunch. As we stood in line, we noticed that each indiviual order took 20 minutes or more. So, my co-workers and I went to Chipotle and on our way back, we ran into to patrons that were in line in front of us. They said that it was an absolute train wreck and waste of money. The food was salty. Never again.
(1)
Wilkins K.
A great way to enjoy a mid-day dining experience smack dab in the middle of Chicago's bustling, workday loop district. Zig-zag people watching goes hand-in-hand with the smooth and professional courtesies extended by the friendly staff. I wanted a fresh, lively and taste filled lunch and that is exactly what I got! The aroma and zest of the tomato sauce imbedded into my delicate Calzone was fantastic.
(4)
Jamie M.
Remember in "The Lord of the Rings" when they talked about "Second Breakfast"? Well, in this place, it's all about the "Second Wait", then the "Third Wait", and so on, and so on.... Upon entering, you stand in line to be issued a plastic "meal card" you must swipe at each and every food and beverage station - lose it upon penalty of flogging. "First Wait". Complete. After you've been issued your "debit dining card", you then wait for a table - and there's a mish mash of high-slung, low-slung and no-slung seating options, most with mismatching chairs stacked against un-bussed, dirty tables. If you're fortunate enough to find an open table -we'll call that "Second Wait"- it's time to play "Third Wait" at the individual lines for the "Pasta", "Pizza" and "Salad" stations. So, you get in line and stand there, getting bumped and bruised in the flow of traffic, and you watch the "personal chef" prepare -ever so slowly- everyone's order ahead of you. Stand. Stand. Stand. Watch. Watch. Watch. For those of you keeping score, this is where "Fourth Wait" begins. Finally, that magical moment arrives when the chef looks your way and asks, "So, what'll ya have?". That's when you shout out to your personal chef de' jour, over the clang of pots and pans, "I'll have the pesto with chicken!". "OK. And what kind of pasta would you like with your pesto - the list is right there on...", and you immediately cut him off, screaming back, "WhichEVER pasta boils the fastest"! Now, the "Fifth Wait" begins - this is where you get to stand at the front of the line and watch your personal pasta jockey cook -ever so slowly- your noodles and protein-of-choice. Butter in the pan. Heat. Protein in the pan. Stir. Salt. Pepper. (Slow down Sparky, I'm getting dizzy!) Take the individually packaged bag of dry pasta off the shelf. Drop pasta in the water. Boil. Boil. Boil. Drain the pasta. Toss pasta into the pan. Whoops! Forgot the pesto. Toss in the pre-packaged blob-o-pesto. Cook the chicken more. More. MORE! Pull out a bowl. Wipe the bowl down. Swirl the pasta, pesto and chicken combination.... ..."Tell you what, just put that in a To-Go bowl, will ya?", you say. From the time we walked in the door, stood in line(s) and finally walked our meal back to our waiting seats, a whopping 28 minutes had elapsed. Our friend's pizzas took more than 45 minutes from the time they ordered until their "pizza pagers" went off - and yes, they had to stand in line to pick up their pizzas. Total bill; $18.80 for a smallish bowl of pasta with pesto sauce, pine nuts, six nibbles of charred chicken breast and an Arizona Iced Tea. No, we we didn't leave a tip... ...especially after we had to stand in line to pay off our debit cards. Three words that sum up Vapiano: Pack. A. Lunch.
(1)
Sandie B.
This place is kind of a rip off unless you order a specialty item. Like the wild mushroom and beef pasta was awesome and worth every penny, but the pesto pretty good but nothing extraordinary, and the portion of added chicken was downright paltry. The pizzas look great. Cute atmosphere and the bread that comes as a side is yummy with their olive oil. Left me in a bit of a carb daze.
(3)
Vishal B.
Indeed a different concept than many other lunch spots. I like that its huge, they serve beer and wine, and they have amazing little dessert cups. The pizza was very fresh and nicely made, the pasta is where it's at when you come here. Its a bit more pricey than Bacci or Go Roma but I like that they are open late even on weekdays because in the Loop.. nothing is!
(4)
Chris V.
The ordering system at this restaurant is a really cool idea but was poorly explained to us. We were really confused on how to order. When the orders are placed they ask you some additional question that are not shown on the menus and seem annoyed if you don't understand. I sympathize as I'm sure they are annoyed by first timers not knowing what to do. The food was good but nothing spectacular. The pizza crust was impressively thin; however, my pizza was made with way too much sauce and the centre of the pizza was completely saturated. It turned into mush. When I went to pay I was charged for several items that weren't mine. I brought this to the girl's attention and she promptly fixed it - almost. I checked the refund and it only added up to 3 out of 4 items that I never ordered. I brought it to her attention and she refunded the final item but was very annoyed. Overall I think the system and food could be very good but they must tweak it if they want first time customers to return. Most importantly, I think the restaurant manager needs to do some quality checks to ensure things are going smoothly and put policies and procedures in place to prevent what happened to me from happening to others. With proper instructions, all options listed on a board at the ordering station or on the menu, more understanding/sympathetic staff and ensuring the card is clear before giving it to a new customer (or maybe reviewing the order with the customer before charging) this restaurant could be excellent.
(2)
Frank S.
Open concept. Didn't work for me. Lines were confusing and "chefs" did nothing to make it easy. Maybe someone who's been here 3 or 4 times will make it work better but I was frustrated by the concept and put off by the attitude. Food was OK. Grape tomatoes in the caprese? Really?
(2)
Y H.
Ate here for the first time before seeing the Book of Mormon and I must say I LOVED this restaurant! We all did. We ordered the following: 1. Roasted tomato and garlic pizza 2. Truffled mushroom pizza 3. Chicken Alfredo pasta 4. Bruschetta 5. Tiramisu Roasted tomato and garlic pizza and the chicken alfredo were amazing! You will not regret it! Truffled mushroom was also good if you want to try something outside the norm. Bruschetta was good, nothing out of this world, but then again it was only a few dollars. Tiramisu was also okay, as a dessert aficionado I have had much better tiramisu elsewhere, but again for a couple of bucks it'll take care of your sugar craving. Giving this place 5 stars because the quality of the entrees was superb and the prices are extremely fair. Lovely ambiance. Great for couples or bigger groups! There's something for everyone and of course great location! They use the same method as Foodlife for ordering food, which is pretty straightforward-they give you a card, you swipe it at the counter where you order food and then you pay the cashier when you're done eating. Will definitely be frequenting this place and bringing my friends and family!!!
(5)
Elizabeth A.
The drink prices were a bit expensive but the food was good and the experience was fun and different. I would definitely commend this place and their pizza selection. Everything is self serve but they still found a way to maintain a cool and classy kind of vibe.
(4)
Susan C.
I went here a few times and i love this place. It is a self serve place where you get a card when you come in and you used the card to get your food and pay for your food. They have really good italian food and the prices are very reasonable. You can come with just two people or a large group of people. I had there pizza one time and it was really good. I also had their salad and pasta and it was also really good. I would go back to this place anytime for a quick bite to eat for lunch or dinner. I definitely would recommend this place to others.
(4)
Sandy L.
This place is so unique. You order you food directly from the chef. They make it on the spot. Food was delicious. We had the chicken Alfredo and the bolognese. The pasta was fresh. Atmosphere was sooo cool.
(5)
Victoria G.
I did not like the service and food. The idea of having self service with restaurant feel is not bad at all. However, it still took a while to order and get food. And by the time everyone did, my food was cold. Then we had to order drinks and spent time waiting there. At the end when we were finally seated we could enjoy the cold food with a glass of wine. They say they make everything in house but to me food felt prepared and pasta was overcooked. Also, tomato sauce felt like canned sauce with few fresh tomatoes to give it a fresh feel. Overall, felt like eating fake Italian food.
(2)
Elizabeth W.
I have been here a few times since it opened and every trip has been a better experience. This is a HUGE space and I think they underestimated the lunch hour crowds during opening week. Initially, the wait was incredibly long and I watched several customers give up and find somewhere else. I'm glad I stuck it out because I really enjoyed the food! In follow up trips, things seemed to run much smoother and the speed and consistency has improved. It's a great option to add to the loop lunch selections. Portion size, for me, was fairly large. It was lunch and a late afternoon snack. Fresh ingredients and good quality. So far, I have only tried pastas but I look forward to sampling more of the menu but with all the options and combos available at the pasta station, it's hard to be lured away!!!
(4)
Chole L.
Great place for lunch or dinner. Their portions are big and prices are pretty reasonable considering they are located in the loop.
(4)
Bradley S.
Food is great but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get your act together! The setup is so confusing which stresses out the employees (which it's very obvious that most hate their jobs) which in turn stresses out the customers! Make some sort of centralized ordering system/location so that the employees know who has ordered and who hasn't. Maybe give everyone a pager or number... Or better yet, have a food runner because no one like to stand there awkwardly waiting for 10min while they watch someone cook their food. I want to love this place but each time I come back, I hate it more and more. Oh... And why do you have 2 partially different menus that look exactly the same?! Please do something about the experience immediately!
(1)
Margs K.
I came here for dinner recently, not knowing anything about it, except that it looked nice and candle-lit from the outside windows! So, the concept is instead of a sitting at a table, waiting for someone to bring you your food, you wait in a line for the cooks to make your food and then you bring it back to a table yourself. This worked out well for me, as there wasn't anyone in line ahead of me at the pasta-station, but then a crowd of 10 came in right after me, and I probably would have had a different experience, if I had been behind all of them instead of in front. I opted for the carbonara, which was good (not the best I've ever had but a big portion,) followed-by a glass of Prosecco (which required another short wait at the bar) and a small tiramisu. The tiramisu was AMAZING. I think my bill came to something like $23 - a really fair price for an Italian dinner in a nice setting.
(4)
Karen C.
I love when a new lunch spot opens up by my office, and I love it even more when it is a place I actually enjoy going to. The first time I came here I was admittedly confused, as there is so much going on. 2 different menus, tons of different stations (salad, pastas, pizza, bar, etc.) and people just standing everywhere. But, I persevered and I have grown to really love Vapiano. The pizza I ordered (the Bruschetta pizza, added chicken) was obscenely delicious. If you're considering getting the Margherita pizza, skip that & go for this one instead. Cooked to perfection and the chicken was actual chicken, none of that scary cubed crap. The decor is so great, I love the many different seating options... all of the herbs everywhere and the overall design of the entire space is just gorgeous. All of the staff are super nice as well, and not in that over-the-top creepy way. They actually seem earnest. My only complaints are 1) the price [granted, everything was super fresh & I wouldn't normally think $12 for a huge pizza like mine was outrageous, but there's no way I could go here more than once a month or so for lunch at these prices] and 2) those ridiculous shot glasses they call water glasses. I got up 4 times to get more water. I realize I'm a thirsty American, but those little glasses are insane. Next time I'll definitely BYOW.
(4)
Nick L.
Great food for a great price. This place is great for bringing a friend and I would highly recommend their thin crust caprese pizza to share. Definitely a place to check out if you're looking for a quick lunch or dinner.
(4)
Monica L.
Food was AMAZING. Seriously so good. Hostess was very friendly. However, the reason for 4 stars instead of 5 was the rest of the staff. They have an unconditional ordering system. Being a first timer who had never even heard of the place, I wanted to make sure I was doing it right. The people at the food stations were really rude about it. I imagine that they get it all day long and are annoyed with people not getting the concept completely, however a restaurant that has an ordering system like this should expect that, and should train their employees to act differently. The atmosphere was casual but trendy, and the prices were very reasonable! I will go back again for the great food, just will make sure to not ask the employees at the food stations any questions!
(4)
Glenn H.
Important Note: Not ideal for the 60 minute Loop lunch. Outside of taking a bit longer than I was hoping for, Vapiano was a well executed fast-Italian concept. As other reviews state, their ordering system is a bit unique, but having freshly cooked pasta at a reasonable price was great. I'll come again, but when I've got more time to spend enjoying the food, rather than taking giant bites and racing back to the office.
(4)
Daniel M.
Great food, great style, awesome atmosphere! Don't go if you're too hungry because the lines can get pretty long at times!
(5)
Nemcikova C.
Super cool venue... DIY order stations!
(5)
Manisa K.
I came to this place unexpectedly. It was so crowded that night, actually every night. Me and my friend had to wait like an hour. Be prepared. Relaxing atmosphere and nice dining area. The staffs were so nice and professional. We ordered bruschetta and fried calamari to start off with. They were really good. Italian bread came as a complimentary appetizer every table. I personally didn't like their bread because they weren't soft as it should be. We had pizza and pasta. They were so good. Self-service water is cool concept, but I just didn't like this way. A little pricey though. I would come back fun place to hang out with friends.
(4)
Erica F.
The system for ordering is so bizarre and poorly thought -- you "scan" your card, individually order each thing you want at different stations, wait for each item to cook, the other items getting cold, watch your bored chef make your "fresh" pasta-- it made no sense. Table decor that inhibits sharing and discussion just made things worse. The pasta was Olive Garden-esque Also, we lost one of the ridiculous ordering cards, and the woman insisted we needed it. I questioned this and told her, you really have no record of what I ordered? Sure enough she did....Really poorly thought out system. Will not return!
(1)
Jessica F.
The place is very cute. I like the dark lighting and the tables with their own individual pots of fresh herbs. We went while there was a company party so it was very loud and difficult to get around. The ordering process is confusing and the woman preparing our meal was not very helpful. My friend was trying to make the dish how he wanted and instead she did what she wanted. The food was decent. I ordered the shrimp spinach scampi and was disappointed by the lack of flavor. If you want a glass of water you need to serve yourself. The glasses are literally the size of a double shot so be prepared to walk across the restaurant multiple times.
(3)
Adrienne G.
Think Foodlife meets Italian contemporary restaurant. I like that the make their pastas in-house, however it is a mess when it comes to the lunch rush. As in - they should have one person dedicated ringing people up at each station, and not multitasking (ie ringing someone up and preparing food). I ordered a shrimp salad and waited over 25 minutes for it because they did not see my order (they literally overlooked the slip of paper with my order on it after the same person keyed it into the system,) and then had to remake it because the last person in the salad area added steak to my salad. I'm glad I asked to speak with the manager when checking out, because he did comp my meal, which I truly appreciated. I've been here after work for drinks and it's not crowded, and off-hours during lunch. Skip the lunch rush and come back later to enjoy some pretty good food.
(3)
Layla R.
This place is a semi-great idea that's just missing a few key details. The atmosphere is designed nicely and the food is actually more like 3.5 stars. It's not bad at all and I enjoyed then salads, but the cocktails are terrible as they don't have qualified bar staff. I also think that they need to train their staff on how to treat customers and elevate their approach. They're brash and don't have the proper training.
(2)
Toan P.
Amazing place; great price; good service; beautiful decor. Highly recommended! (Coming from a person who has traveled to Italy many times)
(5)
Windy C.
The ordering system is different. Get over it !!! As confusing as the ordering system is, once you've tried it a couple times you learn the ropes. The food is incredibly fresh and tasty. Their pizza and salads are quite authentic without the "Eataly" prices. Their arugula and bruschetta pizza are loaded with ingredients and are delicious. I'm definitely a fan.
(4)
Chris M.
The craziest ordering system I've ever seen. Too cumbersome and time consuming. I had the chicken Caesar salad which was ok, but not worth the $11 Very slow service- I understand everything is made to order. No one that ordered their salad to go actually got it in a to go container. Might try pizza and pasta some time that I'm not in a hurry.
(3)
Kathleen C.
I truly had to drop a star due to service at this spot. First of all, we arrived late, so there was not a huge crowd. We walked in the front door to an empty desk. This was my first visit, but my friend had been there before, and he tried to head straight to the bar. We were told to stop walking by a woman across the restaurant who finally came over - and then proceeded to help 2 people paying before giving us our cards to enter the restaurant. We said we were going straight to the bar, but she told us the whole restaurant concept anyway. Finally, we sit down....and the staff at the bar was friendly, but slow. I'm not sure if I was just confused about how this place works (basically an Italian FoodLife in my book...), or if they were 'busy' working with the 2 other customers (by the way - the bar was about 4x more staffed than the front door). We finally ordered one glass of wine each and proceeded to chat. Now, this isn't a spot to really go and sit by the bar. Others are constantly coming up to order things (though, a few folks were eating at the bar), so it is not very relaxing. Anyway, the wine was ok (though for the price, I was expecting better...I should have just gone with the house wine for $6 for what I suspect was a similar wine). We were ready to leave after one glass and waited a bit for our bill. When we arrived at the front desk, we found....no one. We waited, and waited and I was honestly shocked that no one was at the checkout. I mean, this is where people pay and we waited way too long. I could see people just wandering out the front door without anyone noticing. In any case, when someone finally showed up - she helped two people ENTERING before us.... This wouldn't normally annoy me, but she made us wait to check people out on our way in, and then made us wait to pay when others walked it. Really inconsistent. I did leave a tip, though the service didn't warrant it. I thought this concept seemed ok, but I was totally unimpressed with the service. During busy hours, I can't even imagine what a mess it might be in here. We visited since our planned bar/restaurant was closed for the evening, but it's back open now, so I don't see a lot of diverting to Vapiano in my near future.
(3)
Richa T.
Interesting concept, poor in execution. My friends and I decided to stop by late dinner after sight-seeing all day. We liked the idea of having cards that would track everything you ordered and being able to go to different stations. But after a while the novelty fades off. It became a little annoying to have to go back each time with the card so you could pick up the food and place another order. One friend ordered a salad, which looked delicious. Spinach, strawberries, and feta cheese - yum. The ingredients looked fresh and she absolutely loved it. My other friend ordered a pasta in meat sauce, which she really didn't care for. The way she described it was that it was something you could easily whip up with canned Ragu at home. I ordered the BBQ pizza which was good but could have used more vegetables on top. I liked my food, but in the crowd, it was just a little too much to take in. The other thing that I found a little annoying was their puny doll sized water glasses. After walking all day, we were incredibly thirsty and it would have been nice to not have to get up every two minutes to get a little bit of water. After the second run, i decided to stand by the counter and drink water until I had enough to keep my hydrated throughout my meal. This place has some serious potential, but they need to work on their execution.
(2)
Maria F.
As our ast dinner at Chicago, we decided to go to downtown Chicago @Vapiano. AS prr recommended per friends.. so, I asked Freddy (the chef) pasta section to wow me..he did not disappointed. It was fantastic!! I felt like I was eating a symphony with so many flavors each bite was unique!! Thank you Chef Freddy!! Ohhh almost forgot.. he even came to the table to ask if I had liked it.. liked??? I was in heaven!! Superb food! Great ambiance!! A must do while in Chicago!!
(4)
Tracy K.
I was a little confused at first on the ordering thing. But it was all clear after a few seconds. I'm so glad we found this place. The ceasar salad was perfect. The scampi spinaci was perfect!!! The decor was so trendy!! The chefs are very cute!!! And the food was amazing!!
(5)
Kelly K.
I bet this place is great for the tourists, who don't mind paying extra for average food. Went here with my co-workers around 11:30am, and thankfully we beat the rush. Two of us ordered pasta, the other two of us ordered pizza. The ordering process is a bit different, but thankfully the employees were more than willing to help us out with it. They also gave us two separate menus which further added to the confusion. it would be helpful if everything was on one menu, or better yet, posted to the wall. My pizza was fine, but nothing special. It was a decent size, and I took a few pieces back to the office with me (only to be devoured a couple of hours later). My pizza was $10.95, which I found to be quite overpriced when I can find much better (and tastier) deals in the loop. If you decide to have water with your meal, the cups they give you are tiny, shot sized, so be sure to grab a few glasses on your way to your table. I did enjoy the ambiance here, as it's got a cute European vibe to it, but I probably wouldn't go again unless my co-workers talk me into it.
(3)
Al D.
One of the best places for lunch in the Loop. Healthy, fast, and not over-crowded. They even give you a microwave-safe container for your leftovers. However, it is rather expensive, especially for the tiny drinks.
(4)
B V.
The food is really good and fresh. The atmosphere is bright and modern with some nice dance music pumping from the speakers. The only thing I'm really not feeling is the fact that you cannot call ahead to get your food. That is a big loss in the downtown Chicago area where some people only have 30 mins for lunch. I came in today and there was only one pizza chef and he seemed a bit frazzled. I literally waited about 10 mins before he could even take my order. That leaves me with the only choice of walking somewhere else or wait another 15 to get my food. So here I am waiting. The other thing is they have great desserts here but they are not to go. They make you eat them here. Other than those two things I love this place. I would just like to have more "grab and go" service.
(4)
Tony W.
y wife had been trying to get me here for a while. I don't know why, but I had already made up my mind I was not going to like this place. So you walk in, they give you a electronic card. You have to go to stations to order your food. I had the Americano pizza, and my wife ordered a pasta dish. You put your card down on the glass and your order is placed on it. If you want a drink you go over to the bar order it and do the same thing with your card. There is no table service, you get up and get everything yourself. My pizza was not bad, but the wife's pasta was quite plain. I put some salt and pepper on it, but i guess i missed the place where you add some cheese, couldn't find it. We had that, plus she had a sangria and i had two gin and tonics. The bill was quite reasonable. This is not a place I will frequent, but I will go there with a group.
(3)
Anna P.
I like this location - it's a good location for a business lunch, although the format (having to wait in line and then having to wait different amounts of time for your food) means that you need to schedule a larger chunk of time than you would otherwise. That said, the food is very high-quality, you literally see it being made right in front of you, it's delicious, and it's very reasonably priced. Give it a try when you have some time!
(4)
Mahsa T.
They need to work out the kinks in this location to be able to accommodate the lunch rush because that's going to be the bulk of their business. They need to figure out how to get people in and out faster...become more efficient, hire more employees, do whatever you need to do. But especially please fix the layout of the restaurant so people aren't bumping into fixed counters waiting in the three separate lines for pizza, salad, and pasta. And especially, move those lines and the cashiers away from the front and only entrance so that there's not a huge bottleneck and people can actually enter and exit. Who came up with this messed up layout??? During opening week, I waited close to 40 minutes to get food. Decor and space are bright, clean and cheerful, love the floor to ceiling windows. If I were rating just on experience, wait time and service, I would give it two or three stars. However, the food is actually fresh and good, so I'm giving it four stars. My shrimp salad was crisp and delicious and the shrimp was perfectly flavored and cooked. The bruschetta pizza we shared was equally delicious with all fresh ingredients and a great crust. The food here is expensive for the amount that you get. I hope they figure out a way to make it faster and easier to dine here.
(4)
Kelly D.
Really unique place ,friendly staff,fun concept you get to watch as your food is prepared more importantly the result is delicious and relaxing atmosphere
(5)
Yao W.
Nice food but the waiting was annoying. It took me well over 20mins for a meatball pasta. I would give it four star if there was no lineup.
(3)
C C.
I agree with others reviews regarding the confusion. I was greeted by a hasty hostess who breezed through the spiel and was just trying to get me through the process. I was not happy to learn that I have to go get my wine as well. I'm clumsy so I was afraid of dropping it and the food all over trying to sit down! I made the best of it and I enjoyed my pasta, but I was in town for work so I really wanted to sit down and have someone wait on me. This is an interesting idea in theory but you really can't rely on human beings to just get it without plenty of instruction. I'm sure many people leave here confused.
(3)
Evan M.
Hey, Vapiano, get your shit together! I wanted to love this place because the food is actually tasty and they have self-service lemon-lime water, but it's such a clusterfuck of disorganization, and employees that make the post office look fast and competent. Clueless girl at the cash register handed us our cards, then told us we'd order food at the stations, and the food would be brought to us. (OK, well that was a load of shit. You have to stand there and wait for it.) There are three main stations: pizza, antipasti and pasta. Well, two of them have "order here" signs (pizza and antipasti, which is conveniently shoved right next to pasta). There is no "order here" sign for pasta. After waiting in line for five minutes behind the most indecisive woman in the world, I was finally rudely told by the antipasti guy that APRIL FOOL'S THIS ISN'T THE PASTA ORDER LINE. Here's where the real run started. My friend had already put in a pizza order, and I was still trying to put in the pasta order we'd share. After this compiling time suck, I decided I had to go to the bathroom, and he'd get in line for the pasta. Three of the four stalls had no toilet paper. Two of the three soap dispensers had no soap. NOT AT 11PM. AT 3PM. Seriously, how the fuck do you run out of all of that before it's even dinnertime?? Get your shit together! The seating is weird also. You get either still benches, high bar tables or reeeeeally far apart cushy chairs. Can you get some damn normal tables and chairs up in here?? Even FoodLife at the Water Tower with its crush of lost tourists was more efficient than this mess.
(2)
Eunice K.
I went in with a friend hoping to buy him a wonderful dinner for a lot of work he had helped me with but was extremely disappointed. The food wasn't great and the environment made me feel uncomfortable although the idea of the restaurant is intriguing it was a horrible experience.
(1)
Jennifer T.
This place takes way too long! I arrived from CA and I was starving. My friend suggested this place and I didn't know they took forever. If I would have known, I would have gone somewhere else. First of all, you get a card and then have to stand in line. Each entree has its own line, so there's a pizza, salad and pasta line. The Pasta line was extremely long. But I waited. I seriously felt like I was about to faint. When I finally got my food, I was not impressed. I like that it is freshly made but I felt that there was not enough flavor. Lesson learned, don't go when you are really hungry.
(2)
N A.
Food is really good. It's just that their system for ordering can get overwhelmed and ends up chaotic sometimes.
Very Good restaurant! Everything are delicious. Love the Desing of the place too. The price is perfect!
(5)
Anna S.
This is a nice place to sit and relax at the end of the day. Other than that, there is no reason to go back here. We waited 5 minutes just for someone to acknowledge us waiting when there wasn't anyone in front of us. The person making our food messed up both of our pasta orders even after she repeated them back to us. So that was mildly annoying as you have to stand and wait awkwardly as they make your food in front of you. The pasta was super gummy and the tomato sauce wasn't anything special. Quite honestly the most frustrating thing was the shot glass size glasses they give you for water. If you are eating mushy, salty pasta, then you're gonna need a bigger glass to make it through.
My new favorite place! Great food, fun atmosphere, innovative concept, good price. What else do you need?
(5)
Wealtz Z.
I used to love this place ever since I tried it the first time in Berlin. The Dallas franchise was good. This Chicago one sucks. Been here more than 5 times and every time it disappoints. Pizzas are floating in cheese. No Italian pizza is like this. Pasta quality also has gone downhill. Take your business elsewhere. Dear German owners, you need to do some quality check. This is unacceptable.
(1)
Emily T.
The 2 stars are for the decor. When reviewing a restaurant, that's bad. I just checked out Vapiano for lunch with a coworker- and I don't know that I'll be rushing back- I will add to the much- complained about ordering/payment situation- I had the Capriccioso pizza (minus the mushrooms) which would have been really good, had it been fully cooked. In the middle of my pizza, the dough was clearly much soggier. I know why it was undercooked- the Pizza line got hit at the lunch hour, (naturally... ) and they were trying to crank those puppies out, since there was only 1 pizza line! 4- FOUR pasta lines, one pizza line. WTF? Pasta- Have it boiling in pots, prior to the lunch rush, ready to go, serve and add sauces and veg. They should be able to crank out pasta dishes in a few minutes. But pies have to bake. Grrrr..... this place needs at least 2 lines dedicated to only pizza. My second gripe- the water glasses. Today's high temp is 93 degrees in Chicago, high humidity. Vapianos water glasses (self-serve) are.... About 3 oz. I kid you not. I had to ask the woman behind the bar for one of their pint glasses, and inquired about the shot of water everyone else gets, "Well, we are a European chain, and they are doing it European-style" basically. This seems silly to me, because had I not been given a pint glass, I would have consumed about 5-8 of those small glasses, and I didn't want to have to sit by the water jug or interrupt my meal and make a bunch of trips. My coworker astutely pointed out, "Well, this is America. McDonald's changes the Big Mac to suit other countries, can't we get more than 3 oz of water?" Friendly staff, though. And the pizza was flavorful, despite being undercooked. But this will probably not find itself among my regular lunch spots.. UPDATE: 3 months later and I still haven't been back.
(2)
Harvey G.
First time coming here for lunch and it was absolutely delicious. The ordering concept is different, but very cool to me. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Anh N.
The concept of this place is cool, but I'm just not that big of a fan of their food and what you're paying for it. If you want something that's not extremely plain like just pasta and pesto, you're paying around $9-$11. The pasta is fresh and pretty good...but it's nothing that you can't throw together at home. Especially when they're busy, you're waiting quite a while for your food because you have to wait in line and watch while they're making it for each person. The last time I was here, we were looking around for a table for a while before just sitting down at one that wasn't cleaned. We had to move dirty plates trays to another table and it was another 10 minutes before that was picked up.
(2)
Kim G.
Overall I really liked this place. The pizza is great and all the other food I saw looked good . The process was a little slow, it took longer than expected to get our pizza. However, the bar was fast so we just got another beer while we waited. I went on a weekend but I plan to go back during the week for lunch and see how it is.
(4)
Mark W.
Overall, I think this place will be great in another month or two, but WOW, do they have some kinks to work out. I'll start out by saying that I went on their opening night: I understand that some stuff was bound to go wrong, but it was pretty bad. The food was actually pretty good: I got the caprese pizza and the bruschetta trio. Both were made fresh and tasted pretty good. Not the best Italian I've ever had, but for the price, I was content. Now, for the bad part: the entire organization of the place and process of getting your food. It was abominable, to say the least. You get a card when you walk in, to which you "charge" each item ordered to. There are 4 different stations from which you can order food, all of which have their own method of notifying you when it's done. You want pizza? You'll get a buzzer. You want salad? You'll awkwardly wait next to the station until it's made. You want a beer? Pull up a seat in the middle of the room. In addition to the disorganized method of ordering food, my pizza came out VERY wrong. They remade it, but I didn't get another buzzer? Let's just say it was a miracle I ended up with plates in front of me. While checking out, the cashier asked me how everything was and I shared that it was just okay because of the chaos. She found a manager and took half off my meal, which was cool, and where they're earning one of their stars back. Go for the food (which is pretty good!) and don't go when they're busy. Otherwise, avoid.
(3)
Brandon M.
Pasta was good ingredients were fresh but the whole service structure is a bit confusing. I had a salad and pasta both were good, however, had to get up and chase someone for a drink. Would definitely come back fun place for a date!
(4)
Carisa A.
The food was great and so were the people who were making the food and drinks. Unfortunately the hostess was the least helpful and she was the person who is suppose to help you and the first person you see. This was my first visit and I didn't know what to do. The hostess' brief instructions were the food is set up like stations and go where you want to order. That's it? What if I want a drink or does it come to my table or should I wait around? Nope the hostess was not helpful. I found the cook and bartender/ barista more helpful than the hostess. Thanks guys for answering my questions while making the food and my drink.
(3)
Miles M.
I must say I was not ready for this and walking in to a Grommet buffet sort of speak is not what I was ready for. You walk into the place that has three entrances and only one of the double doors actually works and no signage letting you know that. The hostesses greet you and hand you hotel style cards to order your food and point to the areas to select food from. Off in our own we are along with self seating. How to prefer when you have know idea what they offer or what's on the menu till you get closer to kitchen areas. We were not happy and choose the first area which happened to be pizza and after ordering we were asked if we wanted drinks and if so they are at the bar behind us. We get to wait for our food and I go to order a lemonade and ice tea, the bartender looks at me and says you get that back there which is where we just ordered food. So annoying and I hate buffets and this style of ordering is on that list. Food was decent but if you can't make pizza than you have bigger issues. Sorry I'm not a fan of this style of Resturant.
(2)
Truth P.
A visitor to this restaurant should know that the wait staff (servers) and the beverage staff are not well trained at all. There are a few specific instances which can be elaborated in detail but instead of tiring out the description exhaustively; for one example, though this place seems like a legit Italian restaurant with a legit espresso bar, they cannot make iced coffee or even an iced americano (espresso, water, and ice). In actuality he did not know what an iced americano was since it was verbally expressed that he wasn't sure what makes an iced americano. Yet indeed he made one and it was in a cappuccino cup (on a saucer) -- and in it was espresso and ice cubes floating on top of it. I could not drink this without feeling dumb. Potentially, some customers may even feel like they're being insulted (angry staff purposely serving something ridiculous in mockery). Really, this is the responsibility of the management. The managers just don't realize that the staff needs training. They probably think all they need to do is make schedules and that the staff are showing up on time and not slacking off. This was my third time visiting this Vapiano but experiences like this one also show that the franchise owner does not care or is not aware of what entails a restaurant experience. So much potential, but it's tragic.
(1)
Mike F.
With a group looking for a basic Italian dinner... Vapiano is like an upscale cafeteria setting with stations for salads, pizzas, pastas etc. Food was above average, service confusing. Cheesecake was not up to par for this New Yorker but the Caprese Salad was very good- Chicken Alfredo sauce was too salty! The Arrabbiata was just zesty enough. I'll go back but it won't become a habit.
(3)
Brandon B.
A new place open late in the Loop: which is a welcome event, open until midnight Fri and Sat. A variation on self service: you are given a card at the door and then you go to various stations (bar, pasta, salad, pizza) and order what you want, which is made on the spot. Reasonably priced and very fresh. Best is the eclectic decor with various colors and styles of seating that vary throughout the restauarant: you just grab whatever seat suits you best. Modern tango playing--felt like I was in a swanky Buenos Aires cafe. Great central location and a quick place to eat before or after a show, I think this will be a new favortite.
(4)
Janine K.
I'm a fan because I've been working in the area for over 8 years and pretty psyched to finally eat lunch at a NEW place!!! For one, get to this place at 11:30 because the closer to the noon hour the crazy crowded confused people flood the area soon after. Confused about the card system, where they want to eat, the fact it's new, etc. Other than that...it's very clean, the service was great, and so was the food. This time I had a margarita pizza, next visit I'm trying a salad. The portions are generous and the price is just right for downtown lunch.
(4)
Natalie L.
After my meal I went to use the restroom. I headed upstairs and realized there was a bathroom at the bottom of the stairs. I headed inside and realized quickly the entire restroom stunk of urine. The floor was wet, toilet seat was up, toilet paper was strewn all over the floor and thankfully, I noticed the toilet paper roll was empty. I turned around and headed upstairs to what turned out to be a much more pleasant experience. I figured I would tell someone about the condition of the lower level bathroom as a courtesy to the restaurant. This is when it all went down hill. I explained the situation to the hostess when she snapped back at me "we tell people don't use the handicapped bathroom because the drunk people piss all over the floor and it's always a mess." I apologized and told her that I just wanted to know about it's condition. She snapped back "use the woman's restroom upstairs next time." How is a paying customer supposed to know that the lower bathroom is kept disgusting? Why would you walk all the way up the stair case when there's a restroom on the lower level? Why wouldn't the restaurant want to know that they are all out of toilet paper. And most importantly what are handicapped people supposed to do when they have no choice but to use this foul restroom. This totally soured my experience of a restaurant I used to love. I don't know that I'll be back.
(1)
John G.
Apparently I am too stupid to eat here. All I wanted was some carry out pizza. I had to take a card, go to a station. Do something with the card which puts the order on it? Then I pay with the card? I just wanted some pizza. Simple pepperoni. To many steps, no thank you.
(1)
Alan S.
If you don't mind spending a little more for lunch, this place make a good personal pizza. It's actually a tad big for one person, but no way shareable for two people. I didn't love spending $12+ for lunch and feeling the need to finish more food than I wanted, but ah well. It's a weird place because of the self service and I really didn't understand what was going on. Either charge me a little less or explain the system better and I'll change this to a four. The pizza it self was quite good! Also the gummy bears at the end are a nice touch.
(3)
J.e.e. M.
It's cafeteria style. But food is good and affordable. Friendly staff as well... Somewhere nice to chill. Not good for dates nor intimate dinner.
(3)
Mert S.
Worst service ever! They are slow, mass up your order often. Too much pain for average food.
(1)
Ellen P.
I liked the vibe here immediately. The hostess asked if I'd dined with them before, and when I said no, fully explained the concept, handed me two menus (past and pizza), my meal card, and off I went. I ordered my pizza (spinach and pesto, added chicken), and while that was cooking, got a glass of wine. Seating was challenging, but that is to be expected at dinner time down town on a Friday night. Also, you don't come here for a cozy, private dinner for two. The seating is primarily shared tables - so be prepared to sit next to people you don't know. Yes, you can do it. I met some fun people visiting Chicago for a convention, and as a native was able to give them tons of suggestions for their free time activities. Very good food, very fun concept. I'll be back.
(4)
Edgar M.
I am very familiar with Vapiano as we have always dined at the Lincoln Park location. On Friday evening at about 6:30pm, we met a friend who was here from out of town and the restaurant of choice was Vapiano in the loop. Immediately after entering we waited until the cashier was free to take care of us. The entrance here seems a bit confusing and we weren't sure if there was a separate line to get our card. Eye contact to acknowledge we were there would have gone a long way. After the cashier was done with her line, she gave us a menu and a card and we sat in a nice corner towards the back of the restaurant. A young man that evening was running around the WHOLE restaurant on his own taking drink orders. He pretty much was the highlight of our evening. He was so friendly and attentive and took our drink order. The poor guy was drenched in sweat as he was the only one running around taking drink orders. Was this place short staffed?? Probably. To order your pasta you get in line and tell the cook what your pasta choice is. The young lady behind the counter was just not having a good day and was not very friendly at all. My pasta was basically flavorless and didn't look appealing. I was surprised how quickly my pasta had been prepared. This may be the cause of the tasteless pasta. At the lincoln park location your pasta takes about 10-15 minutes for it to come out. I don't mind waiting for food that will be good quality food. I was starving and ate it anyway. The margherita pizza was tasty but it was just a basic cheese pizza. Nothing margherita about it. At checkout the same cashier who gave us a card told us to form a line and she pointed where to go. A second later a lady stepped up to the counter just as I had and she took her immediately without hesitation. Ummm that was rude!!!! Overall the experience here was just BAD and that young man running around taking drink orders seemed like the only one who was doing his job and enjoying it. I'll just continue to go to the Lincoln Park location
(1)
Scott R.
This place fails in almost every way. We stopped by today after noticing a list of interesting specials yesterday. The bread was good; the chicken soup was all right; other than that: 1. Salad with raspberries and walnuts; first the salad was drowned in dressing and left to sit while the kitchen searched for raspberries. The raspberries and walnuts were added and voila: a droopy mix of ingredients that didn't work together at all. 2. Gorgonzola pasta with pistachios: Incredibly salty gorgonzola; the pistachios which were dumped on did not blend in; this dish was a disaster. 3. Caprese Salad: Basic unimaginative salad not worth the price. Seating is "cute"; if you sit on a two sided sofa it will move around if anyone fidgets (or jumps up and down as the guy next to me did). Otherwise you've got high tables and low spots which look uncomfortable but I wont be back to try them.
(1)
Raju S.
Yes. The ordering system is complicated but I'm sure the second time around, it makes sense. Unfortunately, there probably won't be a second time. The pizza is pretty good but the pasta was disappointing. The tirimisu was ok as well. As far as service is concerned, the waiter was decent but the hostess seemed annoyed about something when we arrived and her attitude was the same on our way out. The restaurant itself is visually appealing and chic but the subpar food and grouch at the front of the restaurant will probably keep me away from a pretty good brick oven pizza.
(2)
Justin B.
If you're a Chicagoan and have eaten at Foodlife in Water Tower Place, you'll be familiar with this concept. If not, here's the deal - the restaurant is divided into stations and, depending on what you want (pizza, pasta, salad, etc.) you pony up to them, a mail card gets charged and you pay upon exit. Think of it as a high-end Italian cafeteria. The pizza was thin, with slightly crispy edges. I know a traditional marg pizza has light cheese, but this was simply a cheese pizza. Pretty tasty, though. I wasn't really sure where to order a beverage. It took some investigating but then realized I could order one from any station. I expected it to be a little more crowded. Although, I didn't mind it since lunch places are usually crazy busy. The staff was pretty on top of things. They greeted me with a smile and even asked if I would have liked something afterwards, as a dessert or coffee. The decor takes on a light and airy feel, with tall Windows and light colored furniture. Offering a full bar, Vapiano might be a decent place for happy hour and a snack for two.
(3)
A n.
They had 8 people working the pasta and pizza bar and no one took my order or even told me where to order. (Signs were all wrong) I had to ask three times and they gave me three different places to go. Then when I got in line they acted like I didn't exist. So I left. This place will go out of business very soon without better staff.
(1)
Nicole S.
I don't care what anyone else says. I LOVE Vapiano's! Fresh pasta made daily on site? Flavorful, fresh pasta and pizza made to order while you watch? Friendly, helpful chefs? I've been here more times than I can count and every experience has been good, even when the wait has been longer. Yes, the format takes some getting used to (but it's not rocket science!) Yes, you will wait longer than if you had ordered at Burger King. Yes, the water glasses are laughably small. All of this is moot. The food is fresh, delicious and filling! This will remain one of my regular lunch spots. I'm so glad they're only a block from my office.
(4)
N L.
Caught a meal here after a show and appreciated the relaxed vibe, lighting and overall mood of the place. The whole experience was a bit rough around the edges. The format of the restaurant is basically an upscale cafeteria; there are different stations for different kinds of food. This format has its pros and cons, but on the whole, I found it a bit awkward to have things timed so that my dining partner and I could actually have a meal at the same time. Another weakness of the format is that being a good cook/line cook requires a different set of skills than being a server or a patron-facing person. I found the cooks, who you order directly from, to be a bit surly and unfriendly. A kitchen can be a high-stress environment to begin with; so having customers right there to witness it unveiled a bit of that stress. That level of dissatisfaction with the staff extended to the ladies working the counter as well...no one seemed very happy to be working there. I enjoyed the food itself. I had the Beef and Shrimp salad and it was very good; my dining partner had the carbonara and was very good as well. In conclusion, the food and ambiance are quite good, but they have some work to do to button up their customer service.
(3)
Valerie Yvonne B.
Okay, first of all DO NOT go here if you're short on time. Meaning, if you're trying to get that 1 hr lunch in, NOPE. Now, the food is delicious, fresh and creative. I've been here a number of times already because of that fact alone. I would usually go on the weekend when I've done a little shopping or just in the area. The process of ordering is this: The person at the door gives you a card, you keep that card and guard it like old boy from Lord of The Rings because that card is tapped by you each time you order a meal or drink. You grab a menu from either the pasta, salad or pizza side and then stand in either line to order. There are trays, glasses and utensils at the head of these lines for you to use once you finally get up front and order. The problem with this place is they always seem short staff and I think this is a "teaching" restaurant which I personally have no problem with. Students and newer chefs need love too. As long as they cook my food right, I'm good. But yeah, watching them cook reminds me of how cooking professionally is pretty much a labor of love. They work their asses off. Every dish I've had there was good. The ordering system just takes a little getting used to.
(4)
Merve Åž.
People are getting their newly cooked pizzas in minutes but how come the already prepared salads take ages!!!silly.
(1)
Jess S.
Yes, it takes a little longer than a fast food joint to get your food. But it isn't fast food - they make your food to order, and it's pizza, and pasta which isn't quick. I've waited five minutes and I've waited 20 minutes. I do not come here when I'm in a hurrry, just in case, but every time I come here I love the food and the atmosphere. The chefs are so friendly. The manager is always cooking with the rest of them. Expect yummy food and great service, and don't expect to be in and out in five minutes.
(4)
Laurie S.
This place is different. Has a very good look but the ordering process is too confusing. The person taking my order couldn't speak above a whisper and since it was my first time this was crazy. Food was tasty but not outstanding. Very casual.
(3)
Mike K.
Got it here during lunch time on Thursday. No one explained instructions. Waited for 20 minutes just to order and then another 10 min till food is ready. Food is horrible, extremely salty. Did not even offer bread. Bartender is extremely rood an said that they don't have fresh lemons. Zero stars for this place. Don't come here, ever!
(1)
Cody B.
Pros: -Nice spot to eat outside (love outside dining) -Good selection of sauces -interior decor in dining area was nice -being able to watch your food prepared quickly right in front of you gave a sense of freshness and possibilities for customization. Cons: -First time diners can be confused by card system. -Even when relatively slow (for downtown) lines for cooking stations can be tiresome. -Would be nice to have option to simply sit down and be served.
(3)
Caitlin M.
Oh Vapiano. It's a little kitschy, but you have to expect that from something in the middle of the loop. The place is fast/fresh casual. For those of you not in the business, that means- You walk up and you order. Every ingredient of your dish is made for you alone, but it's fast. You pick up your order and you scurry back to your eating spot, knowing it's not been under a burner for 10 minutes. Fresh casual. Done. Dine in your college hoody, North Face or whatever. They have wines available, which is a fun twist. It's definitely the place you want to go after work or class. The servers are friendly. I wasn't too sure about the hostess/greeter, but I am pretty sure they were still training. Although it is self service, they have wait staff to see to your drink and dessert needs. They are pretty on point and personable without bothering you. Food (You know, the part you've been waiting for...): My friend and I had gotten the suggestions. She had the BBQ chicken pizza and I had the beef cognac pasta. The sauce on the pizza was nice. Not too overboard on the BBQ flavor, which I personally like. The veggies were fresh and topped after the dough and cheese was baked. The pasta was great. They let you choose your own noodle!!! I wasn't very decisive about how well I waned the beef cooked, so the chef made some suggestions. He was also super personable and fun to talk to while he cooked my meal. I like this place a lot. The company seems solid and it's a fun and different dining experience. Imagine FoodLife ten yeas ago! It probably isn't what people are expecting and can be a bit pricey, but I think it's worth it to see you food cooked and know it's all made for you and not in a giant vat.
(5)
Jacob G.
I like the food at Vapiano. It's a good restaurant to go to for lunch or dinner.
(3)
Lisa S.
We loved it!!!! 8.00 pizza and I mean a whole pizza not a slice. Tons of options and large portions! Excellent salads! We want one where we live back in Idaho!!!!
(5)
Kathy K.
This place isn't succeeding due to its location. Picky yuppies(I'm one of them) in Lincoln Park and big international chains(except Starbucks) don't mix. Put this place on Michigan Ave. next to a place like Cheesecake Factory and the line would be out the door. Location, location, location.
(3)
JR R.
Love this place. First ran across one in Berlin, Germany. Fresh food, great atmosphere...one of my favs
(4)
Matt S.
A very fun experience! We enjoyed the laid back experience of eating the fresh italian cuisine at this restaurant. The antipasti selections are fabulous and the pizza and pasta was very good. The personal billing card makes for an easy way to go with friends and not worry about how to split the check. Down side is the pre made dessert options aren't as fresh as they could be but still good. Staff is helpful and atmosphere is decent.
(4)
Daryle N.
Don't come here if you expect to be treated nicely. The hostess that worked last night July 7th was the rudest/snobbiest hostess in all Chicago. The atmosphere and food doesn't warrant her looking down her nose at people that dropped $120 for slow service and sub par food. Go to Atwood or 312 Chicago, they appreciate your money.
(1)
Sarah L.
Nothing special. I had the Margherita pizza and it didn't taste very Margherita. you can't get refillable soda..for a student, this is big in my mind. I heard them deny a little extra sauce on a pizza to a man in front of me..really? The water cups are toddler sized. i won't probably come back and I'm in the area 4 days a week for classes. Ah well. I suppose the stations are cool in a way..but i think a first come first serve ordering system is better.
(2)
Assaf G.
Food is fresh but only decent. The ordering process is perplexing. Crowds accumulate near the salad station, and you can't tell who's in line I order and who's picking up. Americana pizza was 4 stars. Bruschetta trio was 3 stars(the olive one sucked). Bottom line: Meh...
(3)
Liam A.
I personally wasn't wowed. I work in the area and am always looking to try new places for my lunch break or post-work. The set-up looked a lot like a glorified cafeteria much like (as some of you have mentioned) Foodlife at Water Tower Place. There was enough of a selection at first glance but upon further inspection a lot of the food didn't really seem all that appealing to us. The freshness was definitely there and what we chose tasted decent (nothing too special, really) although there were long lines for each station. I liked that it wasn't so crowded and the decor was nice. With that said, we waited quite a while to be greeted and again to be charged after our meal. It's a block away from where I work so I might return and give it another shot. Their efficiency in getting traffic in and out is an area of opportunity. Definitely a poor execution of a familiar concept though.
(3)
Marta K.
I was pleasantly surprised on my first visit. There are no waiters here, you order your food and then pick it up a few minutes later. It has the look and feel of a normal sit down restaurant. Great for when you are meeting multiple people for dinner, and not everyone can get there on time. We had 8 people for dinner, 2 of us arrived first, so we snagged a larger table for us all, and grabbed drinks while we waited. At the end of dinner, you don't have to worry about splitting checks because everyone has their own card (check). And best of all, the food is great!
(5)
William D.
Had the pleasure of visiting this restaurant after a concert in February. Enjoyed the semi- Do It Yourself feel of the restaurant. You can choose between Pasta, Pizza, or Salad. There was a full bar available. Will visit when I return to the area.
(3)
Rob K.
Food is "good" I liked our pepperoni and sausage pizza. Had a Caesar salad too which was shared between my wife and I. Desert was tiramisu (below average) and a cheesecake that was pudding like. Now for the odd part of this restaurant, there are no servers or plates. You eat off what they prepared your food in/on. They give you the "menu" once you walk in the door and you're on your own to walk up and order your food at different stations. You keep track of your orders with a "credit card" type card and pay at the end for what is on the card. If it wasn't for my wife I would've walked right back out as I don't usually make time to order my own food and drinks when going out. Pricing was on the high-side considering its average quality food. I would eat there again, but only if other options aren't available.
(2)
Shanti N.
After reading the other reviews, I regret that my first venture here was not for lunch, and preferably a later one, after the crowds had settled down (if ever they do!). I ended up here after the Doris Kearns Goodwin talk at the library, as the space looked so warmly lit and inviting on a cold, drizzly night. When I stepped inside, I was immediately greeted by a hostess who explained the swipe card system, whereby I could order anything that I liked, at any of the various stations, swipe my card, then settle up at the hostess stand at the end of my dining experience. It was close to 8 pm by that point and finding myself in need of a glass of wine I made the bar my first stop. I ordered (and swiped for) a decent glass of malbec. Since I had not yet solved where to sit, I made my way over to the food stations. It would have been nice to see a list of menu items above each one, similar to the setup at Sopprafina. As it was, I had to take a menu card and was puzzled that some of the cards included the pasta specials and others did not. I decided to go with the bruschetta, as that line was the shortest and least bottlenecked. Once I ordered, I went in search of seating. I'm normally not one to clear away other people's dining detritus, but was just desparate enough to sweep an empty pizza tray (with just a few crusts) out of the way and into the hands of a passing busser so that I could be seated at one of the low tables in the back of the restaurant. Apparently, I had chosen toddler-central, as there were a bunch of young screechers in the area; fortunately, this crowd soon departed. By that point, my order was up, so I had to make tracks to put my coat over my seat, so that I could go up to the counter and claim it (side note: by that point, the customer is exhausted, so the food should be brought out to each table, similar to how it is done at Corner Bakery or Panera). The food itself was nothing spectacular, and I was mainly glad to have nabbed a seat and figured out the complex ordering system. Fortunately, the bill--even with alcohol included--was comparable to lunch at a fast casual spot. By the end of it all, there was no shadow of doubt in my mind that I would not be tipping, as it seemed not to be required given that it was essentially all self serve. Probably, if I were less lazy/tired, I could have made the same type of pesto at home as what was on offer here.
(3)
Josh C.
My wife convinced me to try this place again and the food was a lot better this time. The service too! My only complaint is that it's still a really confusing order/payment process.
(3)
Carrie M.
Stopped here for a quick bite post happy hour and pre-bed at hotel. Hostess kindly explained how to order-both chefs and bartender were helpful in recommendations. Atmosphere was great-can see quiet small groups, individuals dining alone and slightly larger business groups being comfortable. Good food for value. Slightly self serve, but fine if you are in a hurry and don't want to be bothered.
(4)
Kevin T.
Subpar pasta and small 8 oz sodas in a overrated atmosphere, as in average grocery store pasta cooked on the stove is superior. I strongly dislike the ordering system as it took like one minute to process their card each time, and it's just plain silly.
(2)
Joanne K.
This place is pretty awful. Terrible service, pasta tastes like paste & the pizza is just ok. It was utter mayhem with lines everywhere & staff looking confused and overwhelmed. Won't ever be back.
(1)
#NAME?
I read a couple reviews prior to going and it seemed it would be a bit challenging going in here and that is the truth.... Went in for lunch around 12:30, yes I know it's the prime time for lunch, but it was confusing-You get a card where all items purchased are put on by tapping it to a scanner- When you walk in there is a wall in the back where you order, where people are cooking and where you get your food-In short it's a MESS- There is the salad section, pizza and pasta-You have no idea if the person in front of you has ordered, if they are waiting to order, if they are waiting for their food or if they are just checking things out- Ordered the pasta fungi, selected the pasta I wanted and then tapped the card to the scanner thing- Then I stood back a bit and waited, and waited and waited-It was about 10 minutes-So awkward for you don't have anywhere to go-Your food will not be brought out to you, and with the theft fear why would you leave your belongings at a table then come back to get it-You need to go with someone in order to get a spot, so then one person is the designated waiter- So after 10 minutes we were motioned that the food was ready-Then we had to find a table, got a small one on the Monroe side of the place- For drinks they have mini glasses of water glasses available, and I mean "mini" I could down that water in a gulp and a half- So I wanted a Coke, went to the bar area and I had to tap the card in order to get it-I didn't have it on me, my friend did-So I had to run over to him amongst the mess at the order, wait and pick-up area to get the card so I could tap it against the scanner thing so I could take my Coke away- Food was ok, pasta was cooked to perfection, sauce was decent and lots of mushrooms-It was way too much for one person, so they should really have half portions for half the price- For 2 pastas, 1 Coke the price was $21.00- I really don't want to go there again b/c it's a zoo in there-They really should have a service like Noodle & Co. where they bring it to you, would make things so much easier-How hard is it to give you a number to place on your table and they bring it to you-If Corner Bakery, Noodle & Co and others can do it why can't this place?
(2)
Irshaad G.
Great place to find some Italian-style pizza inside the loop. Their salads are good too. Their setup and ordering system is a bit unorthodox, but effective. We went on a Sunday afternoon and it wasn't too busy.
(4)
Erica W.
I really enjoyed my experience at Vapiano. The decor is bright and trendy, and it has an interesting layout. It's laid out kind of like a food hall in London, or like a restaurant at Eataly in NY. Basically you get a card, go to the station you want (pasta, pizza, etc.) and the staff swipes the card to record what you are purchasing. You eat, and then you pay on your way out. There were several options to choose from - I chose the pesto chicken pizza, which was quite tasty, and I also got the vanilla panna cotta which was the perfect texture, and the vanilla flavor really came through. They also give you a nice reusable plastic take-out container that you could use again - it's almost the quality of tupperware. It's nice to have a restaurant like this in the loop. They are also open pretty late (until 10-11pm) I would go back!
(4)
Ryan M.
Kind of expensive. Staff is friendly and suggests food. Ran into Dunlevy and the asian trainer for the Bulls. He caught me staring and I think he thinks I'm stalking him....he knows now...I must hide in different spots.
(3)
Ingrid R.
Seriously. Wow. Poor, poor execution of what could be a good lunch spot. So it's just opened - I get it. Growning pains etc. First off when you come from the Monroe side they have a lovely little gate in their fence to go through that is completely hidden. Let's call it stealth gate. We approached stealth gate and said we want to eat here. Great she beamed. How do we get in? Oh - here. We cannot have been the first people who felt locked out... Should have taken the hint and ran... I came in with 3 colleagues at lunchtime. We lined up in our corresponding pasta, pizza, salad lines. After about 10 minutes of not moving in the pizza line one colleague moved over the a pasta line. So they serve people one at a time, make their food, give them their food, put the charge on the "special card that holds what you ordered", next person, etc. It's SLOW and also very slow. I ordered a salad with 5 ingredients in it. When I got it I didn't see the pine nuts. "Are there pine nuts in there?" I asked in a friendly tone. "Why yes" she cheerfully replied. Half way into the salad - "where are my effing pine nuts?" My 5 ingredient salad ($9.95 with no meat) was a 4 ingredient salad. It was then we realized there was another large line to pay with the "special card that holds what you ordered". Oh - this is fun. Thankfully we sat near it so when it calmed for a minute I ran up to pay. When we went to leave we left by the entrance. I didn't know it was not an exit. It was a door that was open to the outside. You have to show your receipt if you leave that way. That's all well and good but have a sign or something. What if I threw my receipt away? Overall, the decor is lovely, the food was nice enough, but.... the prices are high, the experience sucked a really big heap of lotness! I can't see many loop lunchers putting up with this lark for long.
(1)
Debbie F.
I bring everyone here. Guys I'm interested in, guys I'm not interested in, and I would probably bring my parents here too. The clean environment of glass, green, beige wooden tables, wood benches, red lounge chairs is perfect for most settings. Though there's always couples on [what looks like] their first date, so no, sorry, you should not wear your pajamas. Vapiano's has a pretty big variety of pasta choices and flavors (compared to other establishments in Chicago), and there's always the option of customization. Their ingredients are fresh, though some dishes (i.e. Scampi Spinachi?) can feel heavy quickly. The crayfish, the pesto with pinenuts, those have been amazing. Their desserts are okay; nothing to rave about. Things I love: Free Olive Oil Free bread (just ask at the counter) Free herbs (at all tables) Self-serve water (No more waiting for slow waiters :D) Clean bathrooms (at least five cubicles in the Ladies') Warm and friendly service every time, from chef to cashier Things I don't love: The peak hour crowd (5pm-7pm?). They magically appear, and they're not from my imagination :( I really hope more restaurants like this open up in Chicago. I think it's pretty obvious that it's not the restaurant's fault if there are long lines - demand/supply chain - there is a bottleneck effect because we need more tasty and affordable places in the Windy City that don't serve "errything with fries."
(5)
Jacob A.
I had lunch here a couple weeks ago with a friend. I had the pesto pizza for $7.95 and it could have fed 2 people. Great bang for your buck. The pizza was thin crust ,delicious and very flavorful. My friend had a pasta dish for $10.95 and the portion was small and he didn't really like it, he said it had a bland taste. The chefs cooking in each of the food stations were very helpful and explained the process in an easy to understand manner. The reason I'm giving this place 4 stars and not 5 is because of the bartender. After sitting down I realized they had no crushed red pepper on the table only a spicy olive oil mix. So I went to ask the bartender about it since she was 2feet away and she responded with a bit of an attitude. I don't know If she was having a bad day or not but tried get a more clear answer from her but again was rebuffed and told that the spicy olive oil was all that they had. I went back and sat down to eat my lunch with my colleague. Some of the chefs were having their lunch at the end of our table and could hear the displeasure I had with the bartender and the lack of chilly flakes. 30 seconds later the chef appears with it and apologizes about the situation at the bar. Again staff was very nice and ill just chalk it up to 1 apple.
(4)
Mike S.
We found this location on accident Saturday when visiting in Chicago when walking to the Flat Top Grill on Wabash for dinner. I try to eat at Vapiano's whenever I am in DC and like their food, so we ate there instead of Flat Top. Food is a good value for the price. Very reasonable for the loop. My favorite is Spaghetti with the Carbanaro sauce. I like how they cook the food in front of you. I also like that they have small size desserts.
(4)
Kat H.
You have to wait for ur food at the station, the "chefs" aren't friendly and the food is overpriced...we r waiting our own tables and yet I still pay as if I'm at a nice restaurant. No thanks! Carpaccio was pretty good tho
(2)
Puja B.
I enjoyed eating here! It was casual and inviting place. The card system really isn't that confusing. They explain it to you before you order. The pesto pasta was decent and the pizza was delicious! I really liked the concept of the place!
(4)
John G.
This is why I walked out without ordering. There was no clear indication of which employees were open for taking orders. Furthermore there was no signage indicating where I should order my non pasta non pizza non salad entree. When I approached two employees at an open window they rudely told me there window was closed. Good bye.
(1)
J J.
Don't let the bad reviews discourage you. Came here without reading the reviews, so I had no expectations. All the pastas that our party had were great. The pizza was ok. Extra stars for a cool decor, and a fresh new way of dining. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Steven Y.
Cool design, food was good but not exceptional. The small water glasses were incredibly annoying.
(3)
Dean H.
It was unimpressive. The pizza tasted frozen even though I saw it being made. The place was stylish however and the price was right.
(2)
Nadine G.
Okay, they JUST opened, so take this review with that in mind, but I did not get a positive first impression of this place. The dining area is very pretty, but I was so annoyed with the ordering process that I just ended up taking everything to go. Basically, the whole system is very chaotic. The restaurant is set up with stations: pizza, pasta, salad/antipasto, dessert/alcohol. If you want more than one kind of item you need to wait in separate lines to order. You swipe a Vapiano card at each station and pay on your way out. I ordered a pizza and then a pasta and salad to take home for dinner. The pizza station was pretty together (although nobody at any station seemed to have turned the computers on before they opened for lunch), but the other two areas were very chaotic. It is an open kitchen, and it is very unclear who you are supposed to order from, where you are supposed to wait, when to swipe your card...the whole process needs to be clarified and streamlined. Right now, as there is a learning curve for both the staff and the customers, they should post hosts or managers at each station to help people through it all. As for the food....I had the Capriccioso pizza, which was good, with a relatively fast cook time for a personalized pizza. I ordered the Pesto Rosso pasta, and that was highly disappointing; very bland and a very small portion for the price. I also had the Strawberry Spinach salad, which was okay, but also quite small for the price. Also, I think they should automatically put all dressings on the side for to-go orders, but I didn't specify, so that's on me. I also tried to order tiramisu to go, but they were unable to offer that dessert to go for some reason. The to go containers are very nice, but they were out of bags already (they just opened a few days ago), which made the schlep back to work kind of awkward. When I went to swipe my card on the way out, only one of my items showed up, despite my having swiped at each station and being told that I was fine. Overall, it took me about 30 minutes to order and get my food; I would have much preferred sit down service, as I was standing the whole time, dodging other customers. I did express my opinion to a manager that the ordering process was very confusing, and he seemed to put the onus on the customers to "get used to it". Overall, I think the staff needs to be more guest-focused, and I say this as someone who worked as a restaurant server for 10 years; I know it's a hard job, but the staff is openly stressed, confused & irritated, and they do not always do a good job of helping the guests through the ordering process. I will go back and give it another try, especially for the pizza, but not for at least another month.
(2)
Lexie H.
Food is ok, not too bad but not great either. I came in for dinner. The staff are friendly but the food is nothing special and not good with the price you pay for. The interior is really nice, music is a bit loud if you wanna have business lunch or conversation in here.
(2)
Rick F.
Avoid the free-for-all lunch rush at all costs. But at quiet times the food is good and the atmosphere great.
(3)
Kristy A.
Really a 2.5. Stopped here sort of late for a glass of wine and a little something sweet. Had no idea that they were still in their first few weeks, but that does explain some things. I can definitely see why this place has some varied ratings. Overall, I found the place a bit confused. It's basically a cafeteria that is trying to be something more upscale. You go in and are given a card that you have to swipe when you order. There are different stations for pizza, pasta, wine, dessert, etc. I only had wine and dessert, which were at the same station. I would have had to stand in a herd for anything else. My wine and dessert were average and I noted lots of spots on my glassware. I also noticed dead bugs in the overhead light fixtures (happens to all of us, but sort of ruins the effect of the pretty drum shades and is not so appetizing). I set my card down somewhere and while I found it later, I was sort of left to wonder what happens when one misplaces a card. I also had to wait in line to pay on the way out -- diner style. Just didn't do it for me. To be fair, I didn't try much of the food, but even an excellent meal might have only added a star.
(2)
Steve G.
I tried this place twice, it was terrible both times. It has nice ambiance, but everything else is awful. The food is just so-so, I tried the salad, soup and pasta, all were mediocre. The dishes were dirty, I don't think they wash them properly, there was food scum on the undersides. They don't clean up the tables quickly, so both times I had to remove the dirty dishes from the prior group and wipe down the table with a napkin. The staff all have attitude, not a smile or friendly remark from anyone. I won't be back.
(1)
Matt L.
Tried to place a special order over the phone, but was rudely turned away by a manager who claimed that he couldn't take credit card payments over the phone because there was no way to verify the card. I've worked at many restaurants who allow this and I've placed special orders over the phone with a credit card countless times. Ruined my plans.
(1)
Kaye K.
Good food but sssslllooooowwwww which is a surprise since the concept is for faster food. Good design and comfortable seating.
(3)
J L.
We came on Sunday morning after church with our 2 kids. Interesting concept with great food Audrea White went the extra make to make sure our chicken was excellent and the kids had gummy bears! We will be back.
(5)
Hester K.
Great first impressions! I love this concept and am glad it came to Chicago! The food is one of the many reasons I love to go here. I would recommend one of their housemade pastas. The atmosphere is perfect for a party of any size. I recommend this restaurant to my friends all the time.
(5)
John S.
Vapiano was a favorite of mine back east, and since we don't have any yet on the west coast I was happy to stumble on this location while visiting Chicago. The prices are reasonable, not just for food but also for coffee and beer/wine in a pleasant downtown location. This time I tried the BBQ Chicken pizza which had an added topping of melted smoked gouda cheese. So basically it had all my favorite ingredients together. I would eat here every day if I lived nearby.
(5)
John S.
Went to Vapiano before the Pet Shop Boys concert. Really liked the atmosphere. For a counter service style restaurant the atmosphere here is trendy and clean. The card system they use and different stations make this a great place to go with a group when you would split the bill. The staff is friendly and quick to take your order. For dinner I had the pizza. The pizzas are cooked to order and reasonably priced. If I was grading just on food, service and atmosphere this place would easily be 4 stars. The bad side is the drinks here are tiny. 8oz bottles of coke cost $2.50. So I had to get two of those. They have free water but the glasses are like 4oz in size. You would think we were rationing liquids with the drink sizes here. Over all has potential. Would eat here if I was in the area and need a quick bite, however think I will get it to go and get my drink elsewhere.
(2)
Andrew D.
They don't even stay open until their posted hours. Hostess was totally useless. Completely lame.
(1)
Mario P.
Its a beautiful space (beautifully designed and furnished). The experience, however, is difficult to understand. While I like the 'personal credit card approach' it took a good amount of time for someone to educate us on how its managed. Then, you have to wait in a line-cue for the person that's going to cook your food to take your order (in our case a long 10 minutes); and then you stand and watch your food being prepared (which took another 7 minutes, plus a few minutes to understand the beverage situation). Then, you're expected to carry your tray and find a table ... which can be a bit intimidating when its a packed lunch room. Its a pretty extensive menu, yet we had difficulty deciding on what to order. We settled on the Pesto Pasta. Regrettably, it lacked punch. The Capanelle pasta was too el dente for my palate (meaning, too chewy to enjoy). If you want bread "ask for it." Otherwise, it wasn't offered. We agreed that the "chili oil" at the table was a good idea. In short, an average experience with some positive and negative impressions. The space is amazing; while the meal experience leaves one to wonder if they'll consider changing their approach.
(3)
Gary S.
I'll keep it short and sweet. Food was very good. Had pizza and a salad, fresh, ingredients were excellent. Price was what I would expect from Loop area joints. But simply put: Too. Much. Work. I don't want to have to think that much to order a freaking pizza and a coke, and find a place to sit. Too much work, up and down, free refills but from the fountain (why give out little bottles to begin with)? It was awkward with a small group to have everyone's food come out at a different time given that it's (sort of!) a sit down restaurant. I've never wanted to be simply waited upon in my life.
(2)
Blair A.
I can't express my disappointment enough This place is like a cafeteria. You go up and order your food at a cafeteria counter. I ordered a prosciutto pizza. They made it then told me 20 min later that they had no prosciutto. Had to wait another 15 min for a diff pizza. The drinks are the tiniest possible. I was so confused. Cokes come in 8oz glass bottles w no refills. My pizza was cold. Bruschetta was terrible. Girls are the front entry were gossiping about getting spanked. I couldn't make this up. Food was a 2.5 Service was a 0 Process to order food was a 0 Italian is extremely hard to do poorly but vapiano has achieved that. The pizza was very similar to the pizzas at subway.
(1)
Valerie P.
Food is good, but WTF Is going on? I had never been to one of these before and as I walk up to the counter the gal hands me a bunch of cards like I have a clue what to do with them! I basically wandered around a bit lost and confused and when I asked the server (? if that's what they are?) for things I pretty much got a "duh-don't you know this" kind of attitude. I give them 2 stars for having amazing bruschetta.
(2)
Ida n.
There are no words for how delicious the truffled wild mushroom and shaved radicchio pizza is. I eat a lot of fancy pizza, and was really surprised to receive such an elevated pie at a fast casual place like this. I only ordered a soda, but they had a full bar that was well-stocked. Hope they open one nearby in Los Angeles soon! (Minus one star for the awkward ordering/payment system and the dreadful, couldn't-care-less hostess.)
(4)
Jamie H.
I went there on 3/1/14 with 3 of my friends & IT WAS AWESOME!! The food is great (I had the Salmon, lemon cream, mushrooms, garlic, with Parmesan cheese it was AMAZING! The decor is so cool yet subtle! The service was friendly, helpful, without being overbearing! You gotta try this place with friends, a nice first date, or just a lovely dinner alone for you won't be disappointed at all!
(5)
Eric W.
Fun experience, casual dining. Our pizza was great and came out really fast. We are from Cincinnati and this is just what we were looking for. Nice bar too!!
(5)
Wenwen L.
Interesting restaurant! It feels like a lounge bar, but you can have pasta and pizza here. I'm so into its decoration! Foods are great and with reasonable price. Must have in the loop!
(5)
John K.
This place is not very accomdating. I picked up their menu to order a carry out since I was staying across the street at the Palmer house hotel. Their menu takes you to some weird Web site viapianio.com . That Web site has very little to do with the restaurant. No phone number, no menu. Anyway I found their phone number through yelp. They not do call in orders. I was mad and just said forget it. What kind of place is this?
(1)
Fraggle B.
Perfect combination of german efficiency and italian home cooking! I just love this place - great home made pasta, delicious pizza, cheap wine and yummy desserts. The whole place is some what self serve. You get your card, charge up whatever you want, seat yourself and then pay at the end of the meal. Not ideal for those who want to be waited on but very convenient for splitting the check if you are in a big group of people. The bruchetta pizza is my favorite. Love this place and so happy they opened locations in Chicago. Please open one in Wicker Park as well.
(5)
Samantha T.
The food is absolutely delicious! Very fresh tasting. The restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere. I first discovered this place in Germany and was elated to see it in Chicago. What holds me back from giving 5 stars is the wait. It is very long. If you go in a big group, it is best to go in deepest lines and hope that you all get your food about the same time.
I'm not sure why there are so many negative comments. I love this place. It's a great lunch spot in the loop. Location is perfect too. All the dishes I've had, I've loved and everyone I've brought here loves the place.
(5)
J F.
Nothing like the other Vapiano on Clark Street. No sandwiches, miniature sized everything when it comes to drinks. The glasses of water are 3 oz and 8oz for the sodas. I saw a lady stock up on 8 glasses of water at a table by herself. They don't have fountain drinks so give people normal human sized glasses for water! Organization has not made its way to this location yet. It's overcrowded during lunch - the order line is also the wait line. Don't plan on getting your food anytime close to when your friends get theirs. Descent/mediocre food, unless you want a salad and in which case it's one leaf chopped up. The owners should visit the Clark location at some point.
(1)
Eric S.
I wish I could have experienced this meal like the movie Memento. It would have started off with the checkout lady not looking surprised at all. Then me saying "honestly, not very good at all". Then her asking "how was your meal?" Ok back to the beginning. This place looks pretty cool. What doesn't look cool is all the people standing around because no one knows where to stand while waiting for your food. That's ok, I waited awkwardly for my food, no big deal, now I'm ready to eat. Except my pizza won't be ready for another 20 minutes. No big deal, I'll watch my wife eat her pasta while I drink wine out of a frosted wine glass. Wait what's that? My wife tries to tell me its not frosted. Wait, It's not frosted? nope, it's just the dirtiest glass I ever drank from. I'll update this review if I get mono. Until then, just assume its terrible food and an annoying dining experience.
(1)
Agda A.
Saw this restaurant right in front of hotel. It was late they were almost closing. Very pretty looking but chaotic. The ordering system is somewhat overwhelming. I just wanted some food, but it was too much to learn just to order. Cards to swipe, different stations to order stuff. I decided to take-out. Pasta was ready first, but I had to wait for the pizza. In the end headed to cashier, after so much swiping I was charged drinks which they forgot to give me. My hands were full, they had no bags. I was so tired of this whole ordeal that I forgot about the drinks and they were charged. Very confusing, very hectic, too chaotic for me to go back. The food was not that great either. Very frustrating, and disappointing.
(1)
Kelly S.
I helped coordinate a lunch for a large group of conference attendees at this Vapiano on a Sunday afternoon. The management team (Andrey, Guy and Jeff) who helped me to set up the reservation were friendly, attentive and easy-going. They made the process very easy. It was the perfect spot for a big group. The pizza I had was delicious - I had the Tropicale and really enjoyed it! We will definitely keep this place in mind for future events with lots of people.
(4)
Luis C.
Food was very good.. At least the pasta I ordered. The concept to order food is not practical at all.. Its a nice place but need to change up the concept..... Will not come back if its not changed....
(2)
B L.
Wow, you can spend your entire lunch break standing in various lines! -- one line for your pizza, then another line for your salad, and if you want a dessert --- go stand in that line. It's thee most inefficient, confusing "self serve" setup I've ever seen. (A cafeteria setup is at least efficient.) I had to stand in a variety of lines, then find a table and carry my tray and drink there. When the entree or pizza is ready, my beeper would go off and I'd get up from my seat and go pick the pizza up. BIZARRO!!!! It is like you gotta be in some secret club to figure out how this place runs. But even if you figure it all out, the various lines will sap you of your time and patience. About 90% of chairs have no backs! Sorry, I need some support. I don't like leaning like I'm at a picnic bench. Why the TIP JAR? The customer is the one needing tipped. He'll be losing his job if he keeps eating here and getting back from lunch late. And those tiny drinking glasses? --- Hey, when in the US, do as the Americans do. A tiny glass ain't cutting it with us here. PS: The pizza was good, tho the dough needs more salt.
(1)
Anne T.
The food is good, sizes can be large... except for the shot glass of water you have to serve yourself. Come on? I work across the street, and have been a few times, impressed with amount of staffing they typically have on. I absolutely am not a fan of the ordering process, it is confusing and often find myself assisting tourists on how to order and receive food. The lunch hour is crazy busy. Order the brusetta and greek salad!
(3)
John N.
Good addition to the roster of casual Loop lunch options. Nothing here will be remembered as the best Italian you ever had, but anything here beats another day of Jimmy John's, Chipotle, Subway, etc.
(4)
Hotfive D.
If all restaurants were like this one, there would be a lot more home cooking going on.
(2)
Norm J.
The concept of Vapiano is pretty much you get a card when you come in, you walk around to the different stations (antipasti, soups, insulate, pizza, pasta, dessert, drink bar) and what ever you order gets swiped on your card; which you turn in to the cashier to find out the total you owe. I've been to the Vapiano in Lincoln Park and have always enjoyed my dining experience there. So when my best friend suggested a group of us go to the one in the Loop I was all in. Well I can say that the food about both locations taste the same, which is a HUGE PLUS because I love the food here. Every pasta dish I've gotten here has always been cooked to perfection. The pizzas are large enough that I, at times, haven't been able to finish them. If you decide to venture into Vapiano I recommend you try some of my favorite dishes. - Margherita Pizza - Americana Pizza (has spicy Italian sausage & Sicilian pepperoni) - Salame Pizza - Coconut Shrimp Pasta (so good you'll want to like the bowl it comes in) I like Vapiano, but i prefer the location up in Lincoln Park better which is way I am giving this location 3 stars. I would have given this place 4 stars, but I felt that the customer service we experienced at this location wasn't as good as what we've experienced when dining at the Lincoln Park location on multiple occasions.
(3)
samatha r.
I have no idea how good food here is, but if I have to stand forever in line to even order it when half the restaurant is empty, it's not worth it. I had to finally resort to eating cheese pizza, which I usually put on same level as McDonald's. Well, I am never going to any of their branches again.
(1)
Bex A.
This was an interesting concept, you get a card that you swipe when you order something, then at the end pay the total. Personally, I think that can be dangerous if you keep swiping and swiping. I like the ambience, fresh herbs at you table (I assume you can use?), but I felt a disconnect of the cafeteria style ordering with the high-end look and feel. I would much rather be served. The bartender was great and did bring us our food. Bruschetta was tasty, but the tomato bisque I would of preferred to be creamy. Otherwise I feel like I am eating pasta sauce. I would give this place another try if I am in the area.
(3)
Kendra N.
A little surprised by the low rating - I really like this place! It's kind of a new take on cafeteria style, so everyone who enters is given a card they can scan at each station and order what they'd like. There are salad, pizza, pasta, dessert, and bar stations. We've tried many different combinations and we have enjoyed everything we have tried. We always find that one pasta is plenty for two people. I do think they do have some staff problems recently. It took forever the woman to make our pasta even though it wasn't busy at all and while I was waiting I saw a dispute between a manager telling an employee to clean a table and she was visibly mad and annoyed by this (even though it was clearly her job). She then proceeded to do a really crappy job of cleaning the table and later I saw her walking around with her phone "hidden" in her wash cloth. Seriously, a terrible employee - she was so unprofessional. Overall though, this place is great. Especially sharing one pasta between two people, this place is a steal for dinner in the Loop! The ambiance is lovely as well - overall a solid 4 stars!
(4)
S. B.
The food was very good as expected. What I didn't like was the talking between the staff-members in front of the guests. They were talking about different issues which should not be discussed in front of customers. If you are up to Italian food freshly prepared, Vapiano is your place to be.
(3)
Sonia L.
Wow I can't even remember the last time I've ever given any restaurant five stars, but this place definitely deserves it. The quality of the food, the organization, the aesthetics, the communication, and the sweet sweet service!!! I am so shocked.
(5)
josie w.
The pizza rocks-the calzone was good! The coffee is 5 star and the beer selection is decent!
(5)
Alissa S.
Interesting concept but terrible service. I tried to come here for a quick drink with a friend and we were ignored by the three bartenders on staff. I watched one of them scrap off chocolate from a plate for 10 mins instead of taking care of the guests waits for a drink... The food was also just mediocre
(2)
peter d.
Came in on an ordinary Thursday evening about 8 pm for a late dinner. Got in line to order - was about 5th in line (the other lines were longer). It took about 10 minutes for one customer got served. So we walked out. This place is really stupid. The food looks interesting but the service style is ridiculous.
(1)
Ann H.
Confused maybe? So the bf and I came to eat here after we went to the symphony. We love pizza so it sounded like the obvious choice. Entering the restaurant you don't know where to go, and if the receptionist/cashier is busy you may end up standing around and left to figure out how to get food by yourself. Ah however if you wander around you wont know you need a card to scan your food to track the bill. Eventually we figure this out and get cards which work at all stations. We ordered a pizza which they then instruct you to pick up a buzzer and tell them the number. Okay now I have a buzzer and a card. It's a lot just to order food. We ordered a pepperoni pizza as I recall and it was a decent size and tasted good. A lot of oil on top which we removed with napkins. The pizza was slightly too salty for my taste but my bf liked it just fine. After eating you leave the plates at your table and then go to the cashier at the front to pay. I really like the restaurant decor and trees inside! Tables are unique with cute mushroom lamps. Vibe is casual yet trendy. Glad I stopped in but was very confused at the concept / execution for the ordering process.
(3)
T L.
This place is cute, it's unique and there's great energy flowing through the place. The process to order your food seems a little bit confusing on purpose but once you understand the flow you'll be fine. I order a Margarita pizza and a glass of Chianti. I took my seat and people watched and enjoyed the music playing throughout the restaurant. I dined solo this night but it seems like this would be a great place to come with friends. I checked out other dishes that other diner was received and their food looks pretty good. The pizza I order was delicious as was my glass of wine. I topped off my night with a mini triamisu. Great evening at Vapiano and will definitely return next time I am in Chicago.
(4)
Tiffany C.
As someone else said, Vapiano never dissapoints. I love the set up, comfort, and price. It is my go to. Ambiance: Super cute. Choose from a couch, community table, individual table, lounge, or bar to sit at. The lighting is dim, the space is clean, chique, and stylish. It feels like a fun happening lounge, but its really just a restaurant with a bar. Its awesome Service: Good. They are there to help and answer any questions. Waiting in line for your food at the service stations is a little annoying, but its a part of the deal. So roll with it and you will be pleased with what is presented. Food: Good enough for me. I think its yummy quality food at a cheap price. Dont expect something to blow your mind, but do expect it to satiate your taste buds and your wallet with typical dishes. Price: Cheap for the loop. Id say expect to pay about $25 for food, wine, tax, and tip per person. This is my go to right before seeing a show. Love this place. Its an easy meetup for a first date, time with girlfriends, or a cheap stop before your night begins
(5)
Ryan V.
Their food consistently is tasty and fresh. It can take a while during peak periods, so don't be in a hurry if you see it's busy. The desserts are fantastic. My favorite is the strawberries and mascarpone.
(5)
Yesy D.
Bumped into this place after a job and it was the greatest accident ever. Some of the workers are a little antsy and easily annoyed if you're not familiar with their menu/ordering, but for the most part everyone was super helpful. The hubby and I hadn't eaten all day and went to this place at about 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon. We both ordered pizza and they both were DELICIOUS. Seriously the greatest pizza I've had in a long time. I really did the thin crust and this place did not disappoint. What was even nicer was the fact that they sell beer and sangria. We decided to indulge and had a beer each and two sangrias. The atmosphere is casual but you can definitely get away with doing a date night in this place. I really like the table setup because they were intimate yet casual. I will probably be coming back to taste their yummy looking pasta.
(4)
Mike M.
Dropped in here later at night when it was the only decent spot open in the neighborhood. I like the concept but the quality on food is really lacking. Decided on a prosciutto pizza and a glass of house Cabernet. The pizza was essentially a cheese pizza with cold prosciutto and flakes of Parmesan placed on top post baking. The prosciutto was lacking taste and very stringy. Definitely not de Parma. The wine was above room temperature and even seemed like it could have been heated. I'd give it another try and order pasta or a simpler pizza. The scan card system is very welcoming and the staff was rather attentive and friendly which gave it two stars. Recommendation: go with a simple dish that is hard to screw up. Skip the drinks. Price: fair for the area but expensive for what you get.
(2)
Vaidehi T.
I had an enjoyable dinner at Vapiano. They have a cool ambiance - more like a modern lounge bar. The ordering system is a little unique. Basically each individual is given a card which is charged with whatever you choose to buy. The pastas, salads are made fresh to order and they can be customized. I ordered the mista salad and chose a spicy citrus dressing with it. Hubby ordered the Pasta pomodoro. Both the dishes were simple and flavorful and the portion sizes were pretty good. My only complaint here would be that the prices are a bit too high for a place where you don't have a sit down table service.
(4)
Sophie J.
Very cool place. High ceiling with good decor. Decent price for tasty and big amount of food
(4)
Daniel S.
Everyone complains about the lines taking forever and there being nowhere to sit, i went at 1130 and there was no wait at all, my pizza was done in like 10 min, (however at 1215 the line was much longer) i got the calzone, which i thought was a pizza but was actually a calzone, while the toppings were good, there was a bit too much bread and not enough meat, i tried the trio bruschetta, which wasnt bad, you get the regular tomato kind and then one with cheese and pesto sauce, the shot glasses for the water are annoying though, and it's very reasonably priced, i just mention because i heard a lot of people saying it was too expensive
(4)
Marisa R.
If you're looking for something unique and different this is the place to go. You start by ordering your food at the counter and watch them make it in front of you. Everything is fresh and the best part is that the pasta noodles are all Homeade! You can really tell a difference. The atmosphere is very Mello, I love that they have candles and fresh herb plants at each table. They have large windows across every wall so you can look out to the city while you're eating. The only thing I have to say is that if you're looking for a restaurant that will cater to you this is not the place to go. You order your own food and take it to your table yourself
(4)
Jinu J.
The pizza is one of my favorite and the setting gives you a new experience
(4)
Akiko I.
As everybody say, it is very confusing place, I visited there for my dinner, it was 10pm and had to wait for more than 1 hour for a single pizza. Although cook told me beforehand and it was our fault to make such decision, I wonder why it took such a long time! Food was good but I don't like such busy and confusing place to eat!
(2)
Carrie S.
Pros: Good pizza, interesting lunch menu, trendy interior. Cons: Convoluted ordering system, rude-ish staff, kind of weird seating, insultingly tiny water glasses. They're like shot glasses! I like this place but I would only come here if I wanted one item: pizza, salad, or pasta. Not two. The lines are pretty long and the wait for your food is long too. To have to wait in two lines for two different items would be torture I had an arugula pizza which was the shizzy. I am pretty confident I could eat these for the rest of my life. Also life tip: maybe come here with an experienced friend for your first time. It's seriously confusing and you need a guide to show you the way.
(3)
Saahithi G.
Love the ambience and the fact that every dish is prepared from scratch here. Pasta is a must try. I have had scampi which is great. You can select which kind of pasta and choose the level of spiciness. Pizza has a very light crust and tastes good.
(5)
Abdullah G.
Great experience with professional chef's I love the fact that the food is cooked just for you and in front of you Definitely amazing I will go back again to try more food I recommend it for all
(5)
Lisa H.
I don't get why this place doesn't have higher reviews? Vapiano originated from DC. I used to live in Pittsburgh and one of the main motives for me to go to DC (aside from visiting the ex) was for this! So, i was overly excited when i heard Vapiano was opening in The Loop. I LOVE Italian and LOVE pastas and pizzas. They have the oven baked pizzas, which are around $10 and takes only 10 min to make/bake. Their pastas are so amazing; i don't know where to start. They offer a variety of pastas to choose from: standard ones like penne, spaghetti, fettuccine, but i enjoy their Campanelle, tagliatelle, & pappardelle the most. 9/10 times i get the campenelle with bolognese sauce blended with some cream sauce. The pastas are so fresh and so are the ingredients. Everything here is FRESH.They make everything in front of you, and you can select additional or replace ingredients in your dish. All pasta dishes are under $12. Great portions so you may have leftovers. Vanilla bean panna cotta is so friggin' good! It's literally only 3 bites though. You get free bread with every dish AND free gummy bears at the exit where you pay, leave your tray and dishes at the table, no need to clean. Warning: could get really packed at lunch, so i'd come here for dinner b/c it could take a while to get your food. Other than that, it's superb!
(5)
Nicole H.
2 1/2 stars I don't know how I feel about this place. It was okay. I can't say that I was impressed. Sooo... The decor is nice enough. You can sit in or takeout. I think this place is more suitable for dining in. Other reviewers have outlined the ordering/paying system. The actual stations are not that obvious to me but I figured it out. Hey, it is what it is. I had a salad and a tiramisu. The desserts all come in small glasses. I ordered my food as takeout. You pay a deposit of $1 for the glass if you choose to have dessert as takeout. Bring the glass back and the dollar goes towards your bill. I guess. The food was okay. The lady who made my salad was quite helpful and nice. I don't know. I think I may give it another shot and perhaps try some pasta.
(3)
Larissa D.
One of our favorite places to unwind in the loop. This place has a unique ordering style, as others have mentioned. Best part of it all is that the food is good and inexpensive. It's a dark casual and comfortable setting. Perfect for a dinner/lunch date. Note: your food is prepared once you place your order. I enjoy knowing my food was made fresh just for me.
(4)
Shilpi D.
Got to know about the place last week. have already been there twice. Diablo pizza is worth a try and loved their pastas too. Bruchetta was little underwhelming but the amazing tiramisu filled up the gap. Definitely going again.
(4)
Stephanie S.
Major meh. I'd never been here before and when we were given a card at the entrance, I asked, "So how does this work?" Instead of an explanation, the girl just said something like, "It's an open dining concept." I figured I'd get the gist, but after ordering a pizza and not understanding if someone brings it to me, where I get a drink, where I pay, I went back to the front desk lady. I again said, "I still don't understand the way this works," and cited the issues I just described. She went on to give me major attitude and treat me like I was an idiot. Apparently I should've asked the guy making my pizza for a drink, and after fighting through a group of rude people to order, I'd have to do it again to pick up my meal. Pay when you leave. They're trying to be inventive with this, and I guess that's OK, but you need to be clear with the directions. Otherwise people mill around aimlessly and ruin the experience for everyone. Also if it's my first visit (which you would know since I was asking for instruction) this is the time to offer good customer service so that I actually want to return. The food was very meh. My friend and I got pizza that was limp and soggy. She said it was over-salted, and mine just wasn't very flavorful. Some of the other options looked pretty good, but I don't know that I'll be back to try it.
(2)
Kimberly H.
Your managers are rude and inconsiderate!! Especially tasko? I believe he was the chef? It smelled of marijuana there. I told him to remake my dish because it was cold. He had the nerve to tell me that I would have to pay for another dish because he thought my cold dish was fine. Also it's pretty dirty I'm there. Never coming back! The one in NYC is better!
(1)
Schlonda M.
Dinner was great right across from the hotel very elegant and affordable. Chef was excellent food was delicious.
(5)
Toni S.
I absolutely love this place. I can't wait to go back and try more foods from their menu. The ordering system IS a bit confusing at first. But that shouldn't stop anybody from enjoying delicious food. I recommend this place to anyone who loves pastas, salads, and pizzas.
(4)
Josh N.
Read the negative reviews please! This place is very tasty! I've been here several times and love the place. The architecture is very nice, the staff are great, and again the food is amazing. People have been reviewing this place poorly because of confusion of the ordering system, everyone gets a card to swipe at a station when they order and then they swipe the card at the cashier to pay. Kinda weird system but whatever, the pasta is totally worth it! The pizzas aren't my top Neopolitian style pizza but are still good. I don't eat salad as an entree so I couldn't tell you how that is.. Please don't ever order salad as your entree at any restaurant, it makes me sad because its not real food. I could go on an on about how much I despise salad as an entree but i'll stop.. After this last statement: Taco salad is acceptable. Anyways if you read this part, just remember to fully understand the ordering system and know that you should expect to wait 5-15 minutes per item ordered.
(5)
Adam K.
I once thought, Corner Bakery, owned the market for dysfunctional and convoluted ordering. Clearly, I was wrong. This place was built by marketers, not operations people. On the surface it seems like a wonderful place to eat. That is, if you can ever get to order it. Here's a small list of things that make zero sense: 1. There are random lines for ordering specific things. If you want a salad and pasta, that's 2 lines. 2. Menus aren't displayed anywhere, except on small pieces of paper right in front of where you order. This means you spend 20 minutes in line without ever seeing a menu. Then when you come face to face with your chef, you finally get a menu and scramble to order. 3. Make sure to order a drink when you get the food. If not, you're back to waiting in line. 4. Everything you order is attached to a RFID card. You don't pay as you go. You pay at the end. In theory this is great. It's insanely complex with a group of people. If by chance you can stand to wait 20 minutes to order and finally receive your food, good luck finding a place to sit and eat. First come first serve. That's cool, but the bad ordering system means you don't have a nice continuous flow of people coming and going. Instead you have giant surges of people coming and going. It's a battle royal to see who gets a seat. It's good food. It really is. You'll just wait forever to taste it.
(1)
Henry D.
OK, so I read the other reviews before going. Yes the card system is confusing, but not impossible. Here is how it works. It is like a cafeteria, kind of. 1) Get a card when you walk in. 2) go to the 'window' that has what you want to order. Note, we took menus to the table and decided what we wanted before ordering and then went to the windows to order. There is a window for pizza, pasta, salads etc. 3) Order what you want and get your dish. 4) take it to your table and go back for more, or take a tray and go to the next window. Note, at each window pass your card over the thing to record what you got. 5) when you have all the food you want, just go and eat. 6) when you finish, take your card to the cashier and pay. So much for that. I compare it to Olive Garden, since it is about the same price for an entire meal. The salads are great. The pizza has a very thin crust, is oily, but tasty. The tomato flavored pasta was very good, the Alfredo was very bland. The desserts were nice. The atmosphere is much more casual and unrushed than Olive Garden. In OG I get the feeling I am being rushed. Here I had the feeling that no one cared. Note I went at a very slow time though. The decor is not as fancy, but OG is a bit 'disneylandish'. So overall I liked it better than Olive Garden, although OG has meatier dishes. If you want something a bit more formal and some real meat in your pasta, go to OG. If you want to kick back and enjoy a more 'hip' experience go to Vaps.
(3)
Bernard A.
Very good food. There is a unique ordering system in place here. They give you a card and you put your tab on the card for everything you order and you pay when you are done. Very unique, great ambiance, and the food is great.
(4)
Kevin S.
Confusing concept! If I wanted cafeteria food I would go to a hospital or commissary at the local college. The food was average at best and what put the nail in the coffin was the pizza chef taking the pager reminder with his gloves on and then continuing to make pizza. I was going to tell the manager on duty, Mike, regarding the health hazard. However the hostess was too busy chatting, as was most of the staff.
(2)
Kate M.
Despite some minor downsides with occassional wait times and sort of weird seating arrangements, I really like this place. I have always been pretty lucky or planned to go on the early side of lunch rush so I don't get caught behind 10 people at the salad station so I don't really have many gripes in that department - isn't that what most people in the loop do if they don't want to deal with everyone else trying to feed themselves at the exact same time? I know waiting is annoying but it's a fact of (Chicago) life, especially considering this place is kind of in the heart of a tourtisty area. Even when I've sat there for most of lunchtime, it never looked to be out of control. Given it's location, that might be why some people have described it as "kitschy" or basic, but I actually think it's pretty nice for a casual spot and just fine by me (the little potted herbs on the table are cute - come on!) My favorite thing that I get everytime is the salmon nicoise salad - it's so good and I love that they assemble it when you order it. They have always been fast enough for me and never messed up my order even though I usually have a few specific requests, ingredients have always been fresh and delicious. I want this salad all the time! It rivals the salmon nicoise salads I've had at much nicer places. I met my Mom here yesterday for lunch and in addition to my salad, we shared a prosciutto pizza. I was amazed that it was ready as quickly as my salad - it it was really good. I love their pizza sauce and it was just a really good woodfire style pizza. So the pasta is the only category I haven't sampled but it always looks/smells great, and I like that they have many pasta options, as in lots of different shapes and some being whole wheat and gluten free as well as various sauces. Options are always good! Their desserts are nice finishes. Last time I had a chocolate mousse and yesterday I tried the pannacotta. Both super delicious. Don't skip the dessert! People always comment on the seating - it is mostly communal. Larger tables and some weird loungey areas. They could benefit from some basic 4 top tables. But one nice thing is they now have some outside seating. Yesterday it was a little chilly and they even had blankets out on the chairs. I'll definitely be back soon for that salad...
(4)
J B.
I wanted to like this place. It's visually appealing from outside and inside. However, we had a negative experience, from the minute we walked in. The hostess did not greet or welcome us (or any others who arrived while we were coming in) but rather asked of each guest, "You been here before?" Not the typical first thing one usually hears when walking into a restaurant (or any other business, for that matter) and thus, confusion, as almost everyone asked her to repeat that, please. She rolled her eyes at an older lady and seemed annoyed that she had to ask it again. Seriously, I've rarely seen a more disinterested and disengaged "hostess." The ordering system is unique but is also needlessly complex. It was clear that several people did not understand how it worked. Why use a system that leads to confusion? Not a good start to any dining experience. It also creates needless delay in ordering and getting the food out. No, this isn't fast-food .... but still, too long to get orders placed, and they weren't THAT overwhelmed with customers at 3pm. As for the food, the spaghetti was ok (better than Olive Garden but not even close to a real Italian restaurant). Pizza was attractive in appearance but u fortunately sad in taste. The cheese tended to puddle into the middle. More cooking time was clearly needed. $43 for two for food that was worth maybe $20 and service that was poor at the beginning. Don't think we'll be returning. In fact, I'm sure we won't.
(1)
Abhishek M.
I specially enjoyed the food ordering concept where every person gets their own meal card that gets charged for individual items (food or beverage). This is ideal when you are in large groups and splitting checks poses a challenge. Vapiano's is neither the family owned Italian restaurant kind nor the Olive Garden chain variety. I say that since the food is prepared fresh right in front of you with what appear to be fresh ingredients. You even get to chose your pasta and perfect portion size packets are emptied and boiled within a couple of minutes before being tossed in sauces and other ingredients. We got a BBQ chicken pizza and Fugulii (sp?) in a tomato sauce with roasted red peppers. We were charged a little extra to add marinara sauce since it wasn't part of the dish. A few other things to remember - they have beer, wine and a full bar with ample open seating. There is no table service and they have gummy bears, rather than mint at checkout.
The idea of the meal card and ordering at different stations is always one that appealled to me, I think it makes for a fun experience. However, nothing was explained to us when we came in, so we kind of had to figure it out ourselves. The guys working behind the pizza and salads counters were very sweet and helpful when they realized I was a little bit out of my element. Overall, fun vibe, interesting concept to try out, but the food wasn't out of this world. If I was in the neighbourhood and looking for a quick meal, I'd probably pop in again, but wouldn't go out of my way!
(3)
Jazzie R.
I work near this restaurant so I go here often and normally my experience is fine but lately i have experience some terrible service. Last week I came in to get my favorite pasta and was shocked that my food was cooked extremely fast, but it was crowded and I don't think much of it. To I start eating and realize my pasta wasnt done! My shrimp was still raw and honesty how long does it take to cook shrimp!!! I was pissed that I spent 15 dollars on lunch and couldn't even eat it. Like i said before i have ate here many times before and i figured it was a new person so i decide to go back today. So i ordered a pizza simple right! I order a chicken pesto pizza ( the same pizza i have been ordering since OCTOBER) and everytime i order it, it comes up to 8 dollars but today when I gave her my card she told me my total was 18 dollars. I asked her why and the convo went like this: Worker: your total is 18.50 Me: why? I just order a chicken pesto pizza Worker: yeah and its 18.50 Me: why? I thought it was 8 dollars. Worker: it is but it 3.50 to add chicken. Me: but its a chicken pizza how are you chargering me for chicken. ......... After about 5 minutes of going back and forth about the price I just walked away. I couldn't believe the service! They hired new people and now the place sucks.
(1)
Rochelle W.
I don't understand why people knock stars off the rating because they don't like the ordering system - it could be improved, but it's not that bad! Just cool out, wait for the food, and have enough confidence in yourself to not feel awkward doing it. Anyway, the food is great! I've had pizza and pasta, but I typically get the pasta. Salmon carbonara, cognac filet of beef, and the scampi e spinaci are the best to me, so far. But I haven't had anything I don't like from here. Fresh ingredients and they give u enough to eat at a later time.
(5)
Michael M.
Vapiano was hard to navigate at first. But after the initial awkwardness and confusion of their ordering system I was set to enjoy it. The atmosphere has a nice amount of class to it, even though the ordering is somewhat "cafeteria" style. The fresh margarita pizza was amazing. Thin crust--enough to feed one person with a big appetite, or two people to leave them satisfied. Great variety of appetizers. I've eaten at their bar, and had had nothing but pleasant experiences with their staff. Drinks are a bit on the pricier side, so maybe stick to tap water. Or one drink. Most tables have fresh herbs that you can snip yourself. I recommend asking for extra Parmesan flakes for when you order the pizza--adding that with some oil and fresh herbs, really makes for a sensual eating experience.
(4)
Bobby S.
Vapiano's is essentially an upscale Noodles & Company. I have given the place a 3 star rating for multiple reasons (I happen to be a big fan of this place). 1. Depending on the time you arrive, you could be eating within 10 minutes or 45. Not very many pasta lines and the chef can only cook 2 meals at a time. 2. The quality of your food is based on the chef, specifically for the pasta dishes. Pretty hard to mess up a pizza or salad, but you never know.. 3. They have paper menus - there should be a large menu behind the cooking stations. Love the individual meal cards, although they can be confusing at first. Eliminates the hassle of splitting checks if you arrive with a group.
(3)
Ashley C.
Vapiano is okay. I can see how their ordering system could be confusing especially if no one explains it to you. You get a card and then order your food at the different stations (pizza, pasta, salad, etc.). I waited while they made my salad but got a buzzer for the pizza. It goes to your card and you pay after you eat and before you leave. (Tip: Do check an itemized receipt for any errors). Service was just okay. Since this is more cafeteria style, I am not expecting a lot but wish the waitresses were friendlier and more helpful. Thankfully, one of the servers at the stations gave us the 411 on how Vapiano operates. Once you get past the ordering system, the food is pretty good. They have a lot of options and I'd recommend looking at the menu before you get there. I started with the caprese salad. The mozzarella tasted very fresh although I thought the choice of cherry tomatoes was a bit odd. I probably would skip it next time. I ordered the prosciutto pizza for the main. It was tasty. I liked the thin crust but wish there were more toppings. It was pretty good and made some nice leftovers. My dining companion also seemed pleased with her arugula pizza. The salad, pizza and a glass of wine came to about $26. Vapiano isn't a destination but is a good middle option between a sit down fancier restaurant and something more casual in the Loop.
(3)
Frank O.
Good italian food, just a weird ordering system. It makes sense for the pizzas, you order, get a device, and then they page you when it's done. But if you order pasta, you have to wait in line, then get to the front, order, stay nearby because they will ask you customization questions, and then you get the food after a 5-min cook time. Salads and drinks are made quickly (so not an issue), and deserts are pre-made (so very quick). But why is the pasta line so inefficient? I can't imagine this place during lunch time, lines must be horrible... But the food is great. Americana and Salame pizzas both tasty, but a tad salty and certainly oily (but you can remove that by dabbing with a napkin). The Toscana pizza has more intriguing flavor and is less greasy, a bit better in my opinion. The Filetto Di Manzo Rucola pasta was just average pasta, while the Cognac Beef Filet is my usual staple with a creamy and tasty sauce. Shrimp scampi was lacking in flavor, I suggest skipping it. The side salad with balsamic dressing was solid, and healthy. Crema di fragola and panna cotta both great ways to end a meal, and ask for extra strawberry sauce since it's delicious!
(4)
Ollie E.
Love everything about this place except the ordering system. A bit chaotic when busy and there is always the necessity to explain the system to everyone. Otherwise, custom food choices are endless, ambiance reminds me of an Italian grandmother's country kitchen with a dash of big city sophisto. The food is always consistent and good!
(4)
Rheta E.
This place is so fun! It has a unique, refreshing atmosphere. The ordering system is really cool. I loved the laid back open style seating. The food was tasty. My barbecue chicken pizza was delicious but a little too heavy on the sauce. My husband had the calzone. It had great flavour but was a bit heavy on the bread. Overall it's a wonderful experience. The staff was very helpful and pleasant. I'd definitely eat here again. I'd love to try the pasta. Keep up the good work guys!
(4)
Hinna S.
I went to Vapiano for the first time today. I have to say the pizza I tried today was good, I am vegetarian and I can't remember the type of pizza but it had Zucchini, cheese, apparently it's the best vegetarian pizza and it was thin crust. Personally I would have preferred a little more flavor as mine was kind of bland but I did supplement it with Tabasco from the bar. My friend also who comes here frequently and has tried the Arrabbiata before did not enjoy her meal today and did not even end up finishing it which was a disappointment as we were excited to come here! I liked the vibe of the restaurant however when we came in i wasn't really explained anything as the ordering situation is a little different, which isn't hard to understand but when I went to get a tray it was dirty with pasta in it but apparently that's where we get the trays from. Overall it was a decent experience, maybe if we come back here I will try the pasta. The one positive that stood out were that some of the chefs we spoke to were extremely friendly.
(3)
Jennifer G.
I looked this place up on Yelp before going, which is the only way I had the least bit of a clue what to do when the hostess threw some cards toward us. It really would be helpful if the greeter explained the ordering and serving process or at least gave out instructions. It would also be helpful if there were menus on the wall above each station. (Hint: Fight the crowds and find the small, paper menus next to the ordering window.) I don't mind cafeteria-style serving, but it was confusing and there was no help figuring out the system. It took quite a while for our food to come, and in the interim we just sort of sat there staring toward the window, wondering how we would know our food was ready. (It took too long to mill around in the crowded ordering area.) The pasta line was very long, so I tried a reef 'n beef salad. I specifically asked for a non-dairy dressing on the side, and for no cheese on my salad. My friend had the caesar with chicken. My salad had cheese in it, and I had to return for dressing. There were 4 pieces of shrimp and a slice of burned steak with some roasted veggies (actually good if over-cooked) on top of a pile of lettuce. Aside from the beef, it tasted great, but I'm not sure I would line up to pay $13.50 for another. 2 salads, 2 glasses of wine = $50. I know people rave about the atmosphere here, and it is pretty nice. There are fresh potted herbs everywhere, and the tables are lovely. The only seating that isn't high (think bar stools turned into benches) is couches and arm chairs, which turned out to be more comfortable than I expected..
(2)
Rahul G.
Could go many ways with the star rating here, but I'll go with what Yelp says: A-OK. Food was solid/above it. It was good, not great. Since it is next to the City Year (!) office, I probably will be back. Pizzas are big, I had plenty of leftovers. Got a salad on the side, which was very good. Bread on the side? THAT'S A LOT. Ordering system is touristy, but whatever. It was quick. Funky decor. JUST MAKE SURE YOU DON'T LOSE THE CARD. And they have toothpicks, which is always a very nice thing. Considering the area, you don't have many different options. McDonald's, Corner Bakery, or some random grease pits. Just come here and grab lunch and be done with it.
(3)
Ben A.
Came by for lunch with some co-workers. The place is set up with different lines based on food choice (pasta, salad, pizza, etc.) I ordered the Bolognese with penne pasta. You can choose the type of pasta you want. All orders are made to order which is pretty neat. Took about 6-8 minutes to prepare dish. The pasta was a perfect al dente and the sauce was nice and chunky, not overly sweet nor over-powering. The Bolognese sauce started with a base of garlic and grated carrots. Pasta dishes also come with two slices of crusty Italian bread. I finished the entire dish and it is plenty of food. During lunch rush there was still plenty of seating options. They have a water dispenser near the bar and different olive oils on the window sills. I'd come back to try some of the other menu items, particularly the calzone which looked great. In and out within 40 minutes and free gummy bears near the register.
(4)
Olivia K.
Such a fun atmosphere! The card thing was a bit confusing at first and there have been a few times where I almost lost it, but other than that this place is great. the food is amazing, especially the pasta. Great place to go for lunch.
(4)
Rafia J.
Vapiano is like an Italian fast food place. Cheap and food is pretty decent. I've been there multiple times and always found their food to be only good while you eat there. Food doesn't taste remotely the same when you take it home. Also, I've found the quality of food to be based on who cooks your food. I was lucky enough to get these amazing chefs to cook my food to perfection. It was delicious. However, on a subsequent visit I had a different chef who didn't care about making the pasta more than just throwing in ingredients into the pan. The pasta turned out to be utterly bland & tasteless! I didn't end up eating more than a couple of bites and threw away the rest. My friend ordered pizza and it wasn't bad. The only reason that place gets a 3 star is because their food had been great previously, but I think the management should spend extra time and money training all their cooks the same way! Other than that, the place is nice, softly lit, and the atmosphere is pretty nice. Perfect place to go eat with a bunch of people with cheap fare. Service is self serve.
(3)
Monika P.
Food is amazing! Fresh, light, smells and tastes like heaven. I specially recommend pastas. This place has a vibe.
(5)
Fara C.
This place was amazing. Great service. Ambiance is great, plenty of seating. They ran out of Ravioli, the manager made me a special pasta dish instead. It was to die for. We had a large group of 10, all of us ordered different things. Since its order yourself and they give you a card( like a college cafeteria) it made the large group situation easy. They truly care about customer service. The manager was very friendly and all the staff went above ans beyond. Would come here again and again and again if I lived here!
(5)
Torkan F.
The food was terrible, the only good thing about this resturant is the nice interior design nothing more.
(1)
Timothy N.
Check your bill. Or should I say ask for an itemized bill and then check it and then explain what is wrong. I want to like this place, I really do. If you are in the loop in Millennium Park or shopping on on the retooled State Street for the money, Vapiano has great salads, pizza and pasta all made with fresh ingredients. Nice reasonably priced wine and beer options. What is a buzz kill and almost earns them two stars is their "tap you card each time you get something" and then pay on your way out system. Honestly, it would be kind of cool if they didn't perpetually put things on your bill that you didn't order or get to enjoy. In my visit tonight they overcharged me +$11.00 on a $80.00 bill. When you check out despite their funky system they do not give you an itemized bill - unless you ask - nor is the big screen with all the items they are about to charge you for visible - rather it faces the cashier - totally useless since she has no idea what you ordered. After I worked through tonight's inaccuracies with minimal help from the cashier she informed me in a nonchalant manner that "I guess some items from a prior order didn't clear before you tapped your card". Gee thanks! Give it a try but check your bill on the way out. I bet tourists get overcharged here all the time.
(3)
Sara L.
The location is great since it is in the loop and near Millennium Park. Great place to bring friends or family since everything is made to order and close to major attractions. As for the food, I love it. Everything I've had here has been pretty damn good or pretty solid. Not going to lie, I do think the pasta in the individual bags are a waste. There is much eco-friendly way of storing pasta portions. Yes, I understand the card system is a little confusing for some people. However, it isn't impossible to understand. Think of it as the food court in Water Tower....can you tell how many times I've explained this to people while dining here. If they had a big sign explaining this system, then I would probably have given it another star.
(3)
Lisa N.
Definitely come here if you want a petite iceberg lettuce salad with a generous three pieces of shrimp and 4 whooping shreds of beef in the reef and beef salad for $13. The highlight is the bitter balsamic vinegar and oil for my cold slices of bread. The service was top notch, the server wouldn't give us water and instead directed us to California portions in a poorly stocked self serve area.
(1)
Aaron S.
I felt like everyone working there hated to be there. It was uncomfortable to ask for anything since they made it seem like a big inconvenience. Food was good, but not good enough to overcome terrible service.
(1)
Ravon R.
I love it! The ambiance, the food and decor, are all great! Yes, the ordering system can seem a bit disorienting but I imagine after a few times or if you come with a pro, you'll get over it. I love the wood finishes and graphics, which make you feel cozy, the mixture of high-top, and lounge seating add to the feel. So many choices and I love how they make it fresh in front of you! I'll have to try the DC location when I get back.
(5)
Jen B.
For my welcome lunch, my coworkers took me to Vapiano's nearby. They warned me that the place had a somewhat novel yet confusing order-eat-pay concept. We were ready for this challenge. At lunchtime, Vapiano's is packed. Again, it is prime tourist season, and the place was packed with telltale tourists and local workers. Once you arrive, the cashier gives you a card, much like a giftcard. You have 4 stations to order from: Salads at the end, Pasta in the middle, pizza at the front, and in the center of it all, the drinks (wine, beer, water, etc). You line up at your station and the cook takes your order. There are menu cards placed at the front of each station, so I recommend grabbing one of these before jumping in line. Let the cook know what you want, place your card on the scanner on the station, and voila! You're set. For now. I ordered the wild mushroom and beef pasta dish with fusilli. You have the option to choose your pasta, how well done you want the beef, and if you want the beef seasoned with garlic or chili. I asked for well done meat and seasoned with both. Sadly, my dish was supposed to come with gorgonola cheese, but I got chunks of blue cheese instead. This was not the most appetizing combination. If you like beef with blue cheese, then ask for this, but my cook mistakenly put blue cheese instead of gorgonzola in my dish. I ate what I could, but blue cheese is a strong flavor. You can pick up a small glass at your station and get water, both plain and lemon-lime infused, at the drink station. The glasses are almost shot glasses, and my coworker picked up 3 of these just for water. Service: Vapiano's is definitely self-service, like a food court or a school cafeteria. Food: Minus the blue cheese, it was good and very reasonably-priced. Ambiance-Not the best for a private conversation or work meeting. Come here at lunchtime to chow down and peace out. Paying for your order-Plan to wait in line just for this. For your food and to pay. There is a bowl of gummy bears at the pay station to make your wait worthwhile. Advice for those coming in for lunch during the workday: Not a quick lunch. Make that 30 minutes an hour lunch!
(3)
Zoey K.
One of the sweetest and delicious restaurant I have been too. Me and a couple of new friends came from a fundraising Iftar event, the food was alright the event and we were still hungry. So my friend Muz said lets go to this place since on google it said it is open till 1am. We were excited and happy that we can do our sahoor (breakfast before we fast). So as soon as we got there the staff told us that they are closing in like 5 min it. We looked our phones and iwatch saw it was only 11:56. So my lovely friend told them that on Google ur restaurant is open till 1 am . The lovely manager overheard us. Said I will jus open the restaurant for u guys. We are so thankful for him. Mashallah he was the sweetest guy ever. The food was even better. The pizza was cooked perfectly too. Everyone should definitely go.
(5)
Trisha B.
Love the family style eating experience and Mike made sure we always had everything we needed. Great fresh handmade food to order, highly recommend.
(5)
Jacqueline B.
I'm all for unique concepts, but this was a pretty confusing dining experience for me. I came for dinner and drinks with a friend before heading over to the I Love Lucy live on stage show at the Bank of America Theater. Our original destination was Miller's Pub, but it was packed and we were slightly crunched for time. Unfortunately, time was not on our side at Vapiano either. Let me explain... For those who haven't been to Vapiano, here's the situation: 1) Get a debit like card from the hostess 2) Choose a seat 3) Go stand in the line for the item you wish to order - salad, soup, pasta, or pizza 4) Place your order, and scan the debit card which keeps track of what you owe 5) Wait for your food. 4) Go to the bar for a drink if you wish Now, the main problem about my experience was that nobody explained this to me. My bff and I were first timers here and we found it SUPER confusing. Not to mention inconvenient. I guess if I would have known the concept we would have gone somewhere else, because we were looking for a relaxing but fun place to have dinner and drinks before our show. This dinner situation was way more work than I was looking for. I ended up ordering the salami e ricotta con rucolo. It was a suggestion from the chef behind the pasta station, and I have to say, it was just meh. It was good, but honestly nothing special and definitely not worth the wait or the cost. My friend got a salad and it looked very fresh and delicious. The bruschetta we shared was pretty good too. I don't live nearby, but if I'm in the area again and not in a rush, I may stop by for soup, salad, or a drink, but that's probably about it. I think it could be a really great restaurant, but there are some kinks to work out such as explaining the concept, speeding up cook times, maybe get buzzers for when food is ready? Just a thought.
(3)
Gops P.
Nice descent place for dining just perfect no complains.
(3)
Chrissey N.
One of my favorite casual dining spots in Chicago, Vapiano has an amazing atmosphere and food for much less than its worth. The pizzas trump Eataly, and the pasta trumps a lot of places, plus the options are absolutely endless! The fact that the servers make the food right in front of you adds to the novelty as well.
(4)
Cynthia R.
I totally get what other reviewers are annoyed about with this place. It's super confusing with the card system. No one tells you what's supposed to happen, they just let you wander around and figure it out on your own. That's kind of a hot mess way to run your biz in my opinion. That being said, I really loved the vibe and look of the place. Really cool concept, if they can find a way to get new patrons in the know before they are thoroughly frustrated. what's up with the bartenders? What an interesting bunch. Actually two of them were fine. They smiled and were helpful when asked a question. They just weren't overly assertive in asking customers what they needed. The one bartender, however, just had this weird blank stare on his face and had like, tunnel vision or something. He asked what we wanted and seemed annoyed that my friend didn't know what kind of tea they had. I asked him for a to go box and it took literally 15 minutes until he remembered. I don't know, he just seemed a tad spaced out or something. Oh well, whatevs. The place has a ton of potential. Just not there yet.
(3)
laura c.
While I generally do not frequent chain restaurants, I will say that I love vapiano especially for groups of people. Everyone gets a card when they enter, and whatever you want you just tap your card for so it's super easy for everyone to check out individually. I will say that every vapiano I have visited handles the stations/ waiter situation different. Some utilize waiters, some don't, some have buzzers to get your food, some make you wait at the station. I think this is a bit confusing sometimes. At this location, there were waiters wandering around (but we did NOT have a waiter come to our table), the pasta station asked us to sit while it cooked and come back up in a few minutes, and the pizza station gave us a buzzer to come back up when the food was ready. This location was very disorganized, and there didn't appear to be much consistency whatsoever. Drinks and pizza were standard with what I've gotten at other locations. My pasta, however, we lackluster at best. I ordered the chicken alfredo (which I usually love from vapiano) and asked to add broccoli and mushrooms, which is an extra charge and I paid for. The guy making my pasta told me to come back up in about 8-10 minutes for my food. When I went back up, he gave me my pasta and bread and had put the bread on my pasta bowl and said they were out of plates. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but they serve their bread with oil/vinegar to dip in...so if you don't have a plate for the oil....you can't dip your bread. Little nuance, but a bit annoying. I also started eating my pasta and realized that there wasn't broccoli or mushrooms in it. I went back up and asked if he would just take the charge off of my card because I didn't want to spend extra money for food I didn't get, and he wouldn't. He insisted that he re-make my pasta. This was frustrating because my friend already had her food, and I would have much preferred to just eat at the same time. Instead I had to wait another 10 minutes for food and she was done eating by the time I got my pasta. The second time it also didn't taste as good, and wasn't spicy (I had asked for it spicy). Like I said, I LOVE vapiano locations, but this was for sure the worst I've been to.
(2)
Sanaz E.
I've been here three times. First two times ordered the bolognese... Hearty, heavy, delicious. This time however went with a salad. $13 for a handful of arugula, 5 slivers of an orange, maybe 4 shavings of arugula, and 5 shrimp. No.
(3)
Scott C.
First time visiting this establishment. The food was very good. The people are friendly. The atmosphere is unique and comfortable. We sat along the windows on Congress and watched all the foot traffic. It was great. I am glad a read some reviews before I went. The ordering can be construed as a bit cumbersome. Especially if you want a side salad with your pasta or pizza. I was overwhelmed. We stood there by the bar for what seemed like an hour, probably only 5 minutes, just getting acclimated to the ordering process. While the salad line said order here and pick up here, the pasta area did not. We figured it out and got our food in short order. The next time will be easier and the time after that will be even easier.
(4)
Jennifer S.
Not the place to come to if you just want to sit and be served since you must stand in line at various stations - pasta, pizza or salad - to order your food. Once you've done that, however, you sit down and enjoy a delicious, beautiful meal prepared with fresh ingredients. Homemade pasta and pizza dough are made daily here. You watch as each chef prepares your dish with simple, fresh ingredients. We had a 'mista' salad which was quite large, and was beautiful, colorful and delicious. We also had the filetto de mango e rucola pasta - homemade pasta with beef flllet, vegetables and arugula in a white wine sauce - which was also impressively good. Their Montepulciano was a good one too. Evening ambiance was nice, dimly lit. Loved the pots of herbs on the tables. It's a busy busy place -complete with tourists and families - likely because it is so reasonably priced and right in the Loop. I will definitely return.
(4)
Michelle W.
Came here twice in two days because my friend and I loved the ambiance, but also the convenience of the location and the food was pretty good. When you walk in, everyone is handed a mysterious card that they expect you to hold onto the whole time and return on the way out. You pick a like based on what you want to get and order from the menus they put near the lines. The individual card aspect makes it easy to have groups come, but they don't actually have giant tables to seat large groups mostly, although there is a decent amount of seating. I ordered the aglio e olio pasta and then kind of just had to stand around waiting for it since they don't give you buzzers for the pasta. It wasn't a terribly long wait, just the time that it takes them to make it. They so give you free bread if you ask for it. My pasta just tasted like olive oil and garlic with some Parmesan cheese on top, but it was the pasta itself that really made it - you could feel how fresh the noodles were. I actually had to get it with linguine since they ran out of spaghetti but the linguine was really good. I also added chicken for an extra $3.50 and I'm not sure it really added much to the bowl as a whole, expect that I got in my protein fix. It wasn't a ton of chicken and it was all mostly at the bottom of the bowl. I really liked their bread - it seemed pretty fresh baked and chewy. Their food and wine is pretty solid and I like the chill lounge seating so it was kind of a nice place to just hang around and socialize while eating slowly. To top it off they also have free gummy bears!
(4)
Kirsten A.
Cool concept and would be a great place to go with a bunch of people you don't want to deal with splitting the check with. All the stations you swipe your card at (then pay for yourself at the end) had super friendly people and pretty good service times we went on a weeknight and only waited about 5 minutes for food. Soda was a bit pricy, but the rest was affordable. Pizza and pasta were good. The vibe is casual swank and has an interesting collection of business people, tourists, and loop visitors. Seating is a mix of low tables, hi boys, and group tables. Worth a visit if you're in the area.
(4)
Kyle F.
After a show my wife and I were starving. We had rushed to the theater and didn't want to walk far for dinner. We decided to check this place out. The three stars are for food. It's tasty. Id give no stars to the concept. It's like a cafeteria, but I'm paying table service prices. The layout is annoying. Probably won't be back.
(3)
Rheta E.
This place is so fun! It has a unique, refreshing atmosphere. The ordering system is really cool. I loved the laid back open style seating. The food was tasty. My barbecue chicken pizza was delicious but a little too heavy on the sauce. My husband had the calzone. It had great flavour but was a bit heavy on the bread. Overall it's a wonderful experience. The staff was very helpful and pleasant. I'd definitely eat here again. I'd love to try the pasta. Keep up the good work guys!
(4)
Hinna S.
I went to Vapiano for the first time today. I have to say the pizza I tried today was good, I am vegetarian and I can't remember the type of pizza but it had Zucchini, cheese, apparently it's the best vegetarian pizza and it was thin crust. Personally I would have preferred a little more flavor as mine was kind of bland but I did supplement it with Tabasco from the bar. My friend also who comes here frequently and has tried the Arrabbiata before did not enjoy her meal today and did not even end up finishing it which was a disappointment as we were excited to come here! I liked the vibe of the restaurant however when we came in i wasn't really explained anything as the ordering situation is a little different, which isn't hard to understand but when I went to get a tray it was dirty with pasta in it but apparently that's where we get the trays from. Overall it was a decent experience, maybe if we come back here I will try the pasta. The one positive that stood out were that some of the chefs we spoke to were extremely friendly.
(3)
Jennifer G.
I looked this place up on Yelp before going, which is the only way I had the least bit of a clue what to do when the hostess threw some cards toward us. It really would be helpful if the greeter explained the ordering and serving process or at least gave out instructions. It would also be helpful if there were menus on the wall above each station. (Hint: Fight the crowds and find the small, paper menus next to the ordering window.) I don't mind cafeteria-style serving, but it was confusing and there was no help figuring out the system. It took quite a while for our food to come, and in the interim we just sort of sat there staring toward the window, wondering how we would know our food was ready. (It took too long to mill around in the crowded ordering area.) The pasta line was very long, so I tried a reef 'n beef salad. I specifically asked for a non-dairy dressing on the side, and for no cheese on my salad. My friend had the caesar with chicken. My salad had cheese in it, and I had to return for dressing. There were 4 pieces of shrimp and a slice of burned steak with some roasted veggies (actually good if over-cooked) on top of a pile of lettuce. Aside from the beef, it tasted great, but I'm not sure I would line up to pay $13.50 for another. 2 salads, 2 glasses of wine = $50. I know people rave about the atmosphere here, and it is pretty nice. There are fresh potted herbs everywhere, and the tables are lovely. The only seating that isn't high (think bar stools turned into benches) is couches and arm chairs, which turned out to be more comfortable than I expected..
(2)
Rahul G.
Could go many ways with the star rating here, but I'll go with what Yelp says: A-OK. Food was solid/above it. It was good, not great. Since it is next to the City Year (!) office, I probably will be back. Pizzas are big, I had plenty of leftovers. Got a salad on the side, which was very good. Bread on the side? THAT'S A LOT. Ordering system is touristy, but whatever. It was quick. Funky decor. JUST MAKE SURE YOU DON'T LOSE THE CARD. And they have toothpicks, which is always a very nice thing. Considering the area, you don't have many different options. McDonald's, Corner Bakery, or some random grease pits. Just come here and grab lunch and be done with it.
(3)
Ben A.
Came by for lunch with some co-workers. The place is set up with different lines based on food choice (pasta, salad, pizza, etc.) I ordered the Bolognese with penne pasta. You can choose the type of pasta you want. All orders are made to order which is pretty neat. Took about 6-8 minutes to prepare dish. The pasta was a perfect al dente and the sauce was nice and chunky, not overly sweet nor over-powering. The Bolognese sauce started with a base of garlic and grated carrots. Pasta dishes also come with two slices of crusty Italian bread. I finished the entire dish and it is plenty of food. During lunch rush there was still plenty of seating options. They have a water dispenser near the bar and different olive oils on the window sills. I'd come back to try some of the other menu items, particularly the calzone which looked great. In and out within 40 minutes and free gummy bears near the register.
(4)
Olivia K.
Such a fun atmosphere! The card thing was a bit confusing at first and there have been a few times where I almost lost it, but other than that this place is great. the food is amazing, especially the pasta. Great place to go for lunch.
(4)
Rafia J.
Vapiano is like an Italian fast food place. Cheap and food is pretty decent. I've been there multiple times and always found their food to be only good while you eat there. Food doesn't taste remotely the same when you take it home. Also, I've found the quality of food to be based on who cooks your food. I was lucky enough to get these amazing chefs to cook my food to perfection. It was delicious. However, on a subsequent visit I had a different chef who didn't care about making the pasta more than just throwing in ingredients into the pan. The pasta turned out to be utterly bland & tasteless! I didn't end up eating more than a couple of bites and threw away the rest. My friend ordered pizza and it wasn't bad. The only reason that place gets a 3 star is because their food had been great previously, but I think the management should spend extra time and money training all their cooks the same way! Other than that, the place is nice, softly lit, and the atmosphere is pretty nice. Perfect place to go eat with a bunch of people with cheap fare. Service is self serve.
(3)
Monika P.
Food is amazing! Fresh, light, smells and tastes like heaven. I specially recommend pastas. This place has a vibe.
(5)
Fara C.
This place was amazing. Great service. Ambiance is great, plenty of seating. They ran out of Ravioli, the manager made me a special pasta dish instead. It was to die for. We had a large group of 10, all of us ordered different things. Since its order yourself and they give you a card( like a college cafeteria) it made the large group situation easy. They truly care about customer service. The manager was very friendly and all the staff went above ans beyond. Would come here again and again and again if I lived here!
(5)
Torkan F.
The food was terrible, the only good thing about this resturant is the nice interior design nothing more.
(1)
Timothy N.
Check your bill. Or should I say ask for an itemized bill and then check it and then explain what is wrong. I want to like this place, I really do. If you are in the loop in Millennium Park or shopping on on the retooled State Street for the money, Vapiano has great salads, pizza and pasta all made with fresh ingredients. Nice reasonably priced wine and beer options. What is a buzz kill and almost earns them two stars is their "tap you card each time you get something" and then pay on your way out system. Honestly, it would be kind of cool if they didn't perpetually put things on your bill that you didn't order or get to enjoy. In my visit tonight they overcharged me +$11.00 on a $80.00 bill. When you check out despite their funky system they do not give you an itemized bill - unless you ask - nor is the big screen with all the items they are about to charge you for visible - rather it faces the cashier - totally useless since she has no idea what you ordered. After I worked through tonight's inaccuracies with minimal help from the cashier she informed me in a nonchalant manner that "I guess some items from a prior order didn't clear before you tapped your card". Gee thanks! Give it a try but check your bill on the way out. I bet tourists get overcharged here all the time.
(3)
Sara L.
The location is great since it is in the loop and near Millennium Park. Great place to bring friends or family since everything is made to order and close to major attractions. As for the food, I love it. Everything I've had here has been pretty damn good or pretty solid. Not going to lie, I do think the pasta in the individual bags are a waste. There is much eco-friendly way of storing pasta portions. Yes, I understand the card system is a little confusing for some people. However, it isn't impossible to understand. Think of it as the food court in Water Tower....can you tell how many times I've explained this to people while dining here. If they had a big sign explaining this system, then I would probably have given it another star.
(3)
Lisa N.
Definitely come here if you want a petite iceberg lettuce salad with a generous three pieces of shrimp and 4 whooping shreds of beef in the reef and beef salad for $13. The highlight is the bitter balsamic vinegar and oil for my cold slices of bread. The service was top notch, the server wouldn't give us water and instead directed us to California portions in a poorly stocked self serve area.
(1)
Aaron S.
I felt like everyone working there hated to be there. It was uncomfortable to ask for anything since they made it seem like a big inconvenience. Food was good, but not good enough to overcome terrible service.
(1)
Ravon R.
I love it! The ambiance, the food and decor, are all great! Yes, the ordering system can seem a bit disorienting but I imagine after a few times or if you come with a pro, you'll get over it. I love the wood finishes and graphics, which make you feel cozy, the mixture of high-top, and lounge seating add to the feel. So many choices and I love how they make it fresh in front of you! I'll have to try the DC location when I get back.
(5)
Jen B.
For my welcome lunch, my coworkers took me to Vapiano's nearby. They warned me that the place had a somewhat novel yet confusing order-eat-pay concept. We were ready for this challenge. At lunchtime, Vapiano's is packed. Again, it is prime tourist season, and the place was packed with telltale tourists and local workers. Once you arrive, the cashier gives you a card, much like a giftcard. You have 4 stations to order from: Salads at the end, Pasta in the middle, pizza at the front, and in the center of it all, the drinks (wine, beer, water, etc). You line up at your station and the cook takes your order. There are menu cards placed at the front of each station, so I recommend grabbing one of these before jumping in line. Let the cook know what you want, place your card on the scanner on the station, and voila! You're set. For now. I ordered the wild mushroom and beef pasta dish with fusilli. You have the option to choose your pasta, how well done you want the beef, and if you want the beef seasoned with garlic or chili. I asked for well done meat and seasoned with both. Sadly, my dish was supposed to come with gorgonola cheese, but I got chunks of blue cheese instead. This was not the most appetizing combination. If you like beef with blue cheese, then ask for this, but my cook mistakenly put blue cheese instead of gorgonzola in my dish. I ate what I could, but blue cheese is a strong flavor. You can pick up a small glass at your station and get water, both plain and lemon-lime infused, at the drink station. The glasses are almost shot glasses, and my coworker picked up 3 of these just for water. Service: Vapiano's is definitely self-service, like a food court or a school cafeteria. Food: Minus the blue cheese, it was good and very reasonably-priced. Ambiance-Not the best for a private conversation or work meeting. Come here at lunchtime to chow down and peace out. Paying for your order-Plan to wait in line just for this. For your food and to pay. There is a bowl of gummy bears at the pay station to make your wait worthwhile. Advice for those coming in for lunch during the workday: Not a quick lunch. Make that 30 minutes an hour lunch!
(3)
Zoey K.
One of the sweetest and delicious restaurant I have been too. Me and a couple of new friends came from a fundraising Iftar event, the food was alright the event and we were still hungry. So my friend Muz said lets go to this place since on google it said it is open till 1am. We were excited and happy that we can do our sahoor (breakfast before we fast). So as soon as we got there the staff told us that they are closing in like 5 min it. We looked our phones and iwatch saw it was only 11:56. So my lovely friend told them that on Google ur restaurant is open till 1 am . The lovely manager overheard us. Said I will jus open the restaurant for u guys. We are so thankful for him. Mashallah he was the sweetest guy ever. The food was even better. The pizza was cooked perfectly too. Everyone should definitely go.
(5)
Trisha B.
Love the family style eating experience and Mike made sure we always had everything we needed. Great fresh handmade food to order, highly recommend.
(5)
Jacqueline B.
I'm all for unique concepts, but this was a pretty confusing dining experience for me. I came for dinner and drinks with a friend before heading over to the I Love Lucy live on stage show at the Bank of America Theater. Our original destination was Miller's Pub, but it was packed and we were slightly crunched for time. Unfortunately, time was not on our side at Vapiano either. Let me explain... For those who haven't been to Vapiano, here's the situation: 1) Get a debit like card from the hostess 2) Choose a seat 3) Go stand in the line for the item you wish to order - salad, soup, pasta, or pizza 4) Place your order, and scan the debit card which keeps track of what you owe 5) Wait for your food. 4) Go to the bar for a drink if you wish Now, the main problem about my experience was that nobody explained this to me. My bff and I were first timers here and we found it SUPER confusing. Not to mention inconvenient. I guess if I would have known the concept we would have gone somewhere else, because we were looking for a relaxing but fun place to have dinner and drinks before our show. This dinner situation was way more work than I was looking for. I ended up ordering the salami e ricotta con rucolo. It was a suggestion from the chef behind the pasta station, and I have to say, it was just meh. It was good, but honestly nothing special and definitely not worth the wait or the cost. My friend got a salad and it looked very fresh and delicious. The bruschetta we shared was pretty good too. I don't live nearby, but if I'm in the area again and not in a rush, I may stop by for soup, salad, or a drink, but that's probably about it. I think it could be a really great restaurant, but there are some kinks to work out such as explaining the concept, speeding up cook times, maybe get buzzers for when food is ready? Just a thought.
(3)
Gops P.
Nice descent place for dining just perfect no complains.
(3)
Chrissey N.
One of my favorite casual dining spots in Chicago, Vapiano has an amazing atmosphere and food for much less than its worth. The pizzas trump Eataly, and the pasta trumps a lot of places, plus the options are absolutely endless! The fact that the servers make the food right in front of you adds to the novelty as well.
(4)
Cynthia R.
I totally get what other reviewers are annoyed about with this place. It's super confusing with the card system. No one tells you what's supposed to happen, they just let you wander around and figure it out on your own. That's kind of a hot mess way to run your biz in my opinion. That being said, I really loved the vibe and look of the place. Really cool concept, if they can find a way to get new patrons in the know before they are thoroughly frustrated. what's up with the bartenders? What an interesting bunch. Actually two of them were fine. They smiled and were helpful when asked a question. They just weren't overly assertive in asking customers what they needed. The one bartender, however, just had this weird blank stare on his face and had like, tunnel vision or something. He asked what we wanted and seemed annoyed that my friend didn't know what kind of tea they had. I asked him for a to go box and it took literally 15 minutes until he remembered. I don't know, he just seemed a tad spaced out or something. Oh well, whatevs. The place has a ton of potential. Just not there yet.
(3)
laura c.
While I generally do not frequent chain restaurants, I will say that I love vapiano especially for groups of people. Everyone gets a card when they enter, and whatever you want you just tap your card for so it's super easy for everyone to check out individually. I will say that every vapiano I have visited handles the stations/ waiter situation different. Some utilize waiters, some don't, some have buzzers to get your food, some make you wait at the station. I think this is a bit confusing sometimes. At this location, there were waiters wandering around (but we did NOT have a waiter come to our table), the pasta station asked us to sit while it cooked and come back up in a few minutes, and the pizza station gave us a buzzer to come back up when the food was ready. This location was very disorganized, and there didn't appear to be much consistency whatsoever. Drinks and pizza were standard with what I've gotten at other locations. My pasta, however, we lackluster at best. I ordered the chicken alfredo (which I usually love from vapiano) and asked to add broccoli and mushrooms, which is an extra charge and I paid for. The guy making my pasta told me to come back up in about 8-10 minutes for my food. When I went back up, he gave me my pasta and bread and had put the bread on my pasta bowl and said they were out of plates. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but they serve their bread with oil/vinegar to dip in...so if you don't have a plate for the oil....you can't dip your bread. Little nuance, but a bit annoying. I also started eating my pasta and realized that there wasn't broccoli or mushrooms in it. I went back up and asked if he would just take the charge off of my card because I didn't want to spend extra money for food I didn't get, and he wouldn't. He insisted that he re-make my pasta. This was frustrating because my friend already had her food, and I would have much preferred to just eat at the same time. Instead I had to wait another 10 minutes for food and she was done eating by the time I got my pasta. The second time it also didn't taste as good, and wasn't spicy (I had asked for it spicy). Like I said, I LOVE vapiano locations, but this was for sure the worst I've been to.
(2)
Sanaz E.
I've been here three times. First two times ordered the bolognese... Hearty, heavy, delicious. This time however went with a salad. $13 for a handful of arugula, 5 slivers of an orange, maybe 4 shavings of arugula, and 5 shrimp. No.
(3)
Scott C.
First time visiting this establishment. The food was very good. The people are friendly. The atmosphere is unique and comfortable. We sat along the windows on Congress and watched all the foot traffic. It was great. I am glad a read some reviews before I went. The ordering can be construed as a bit cumbersome. Especially if you want a side salad with your pasta or pizza. I was overwhelmed. We stood there by the bar for what seemed like an hour, probably only 5 minutes, just getting acclimated to the ordering process. While the salad line said order here and pick up here, the pasta area did not. We figured it out and got our food in short order. The next time will be easier and the time after that will be even easier.
(4)
Jinu J.
The pizza is one of my favorite and the setting gives you a new experience
(4)
Jennifer S.
Not the place to come to if you just want to sit and be served since you must stand in line at various stations - pasta, pizza or salad - to order your food. Once you've done that, however, you sit down and enjoy a delicious, beautiful meal prepared with fresh ingredients. Homemade pasta and pizza dough are made daily here. You watch as each chef prepares your dish with simple, fresh ingredients. We had a 'mista' salad which was quite large, and was beautiful, colorful and delicious. We also had the filetto de mango e rucola pasta - homemade pasta with beef flllet, vegetables and arugula in a white wine sauce - which was also impressively good. Their Montepulciano was a good one too. Evening ambiance was nice, dimly lit. Loved the pots of herbs on the tables. It's a busy busy place -complete with tourists and families - likely because it is so reasonably priced and right in the Loop. I will definitely return.
(4)
Michelle W.
Came here twice in two days because my friend and I loved the ambiance, but also the convenience of the location and the food was pretty good. When you walk in, everyone is handed a mysterious card that they expect you to hold onto the whole time and return on the way out. You pick a like based on what you want to get and order from the menus they put near the lines. The individual card aspect makes it easy to have groups come, but they don't actually have giant tables to seat large groups mostly, although there is a decent amount of seating. I ordered the aglio e olio pasta and then kind of just had to stand around waiting for it since they don't give you buzzers for the pasta. It wasn't a terribly long wait, just the time that it takes them to make it. They so give you free bread if you ask for it. My pasta just tasted like olive oil and garlic with some Parmesan cheese on top, but it was the pasta itself that really made it - you could feel how fresh the noodles were. I actually had to get it with linguine since they ran out of spaghetti but the linguine was really good. I also added chicken for an extra $3.50 and I'm not sure it really added much to the bowl as a whole, expect that I got in my protein fix. It wasn't a ton of chicken and it was all mostly at the bottom of the bowl. I really liked their bread - it seemed pretty fresh baked and chewy. Their food and wine is pretty solid and I like the chill lounge seating so it was kind of a nice place to just hang around and socialize while eating slowly. To top it off they also have free gummy bears!
(4)
Kirsten A.
Cool concept and would be a great place to go with a bunch of people you don't want to deal with splitting the check with. All the stations you swipe your card at (then pay for yourself at the end) had super friendly people and pretty good service times we went on a weeknight and only waited about 5 minutes for food. Soda was a bit pricy, but the rest was affordable. Pizza and pasta were good. The vibe is casual swank and has an interesting collection of business people, tourists, and loop visitors. Seating is a mix of low tables, hi boys, and group tables. Worth a visit if you're in the area.
(4)
Kyle F.
After a show my wife and I were starving. We had rushed to the theater and didn't want to walk far for dinner. We decided to check this place out. The three stars are for food. It's tasty. Id give no stars to the concept. It's like a cafeteria, but I'm paying table service prices. The layout is annoying. Probably won't be back.
(3)
Bobby S.
Vapiano's is essentially an upscale Noodles & Company. I have given the place a 3 star rating for multiple reasons (I happen to be a big fan of this place). 1. Depending on the time you arrive, you could be eating within 10 minutes or 45. Not very many pasta lines and the chef can only cook 2 meals at a time. 2. The quality of your food is based on the chef, specifically for the pasta dishes. Pretty hard to mess up a pizza or salad, but you never know.. 3. They have paper menus - there should be a large menu behind the cooking stations. Love the individual meal cards, although they can be confusing at first. Eliminates the hassle of splitting checks if you arrive with a group.
(3)
Norm J.
The concept of Vapiano is pretty much you get a card when you come in, you walk around to the different stations (antipasti, soups, insulate, pizza, pasta, dessert, drink bar) and what ever you order gets swiped on your card; which you turn in to the cashier to find out the total you owe. I've been to the Vapiano in Lincoln Park and have always enjoyed my dining experience there. So when my best friend suggested a group of us go to the one in the Loop I was all in. Well I can say that the food about both locations taste the same, which is a HUGE PLUS because I love the food here. Every pasta dish I've gotten here has always been cooked to perfection. The pizzas are large enough that I, at times, haven't been able to finish them. If you decide to venture into Vapiano I recommend you try some of my favorite dishes. - Margherita Pizza - Americana Pizza (has spicy Italian sausage & Sicilian pepperoni) - Salame Pizza - Coconut Shrimp Pasta (so good you'll want to like the bowl it comes in) I like Vapiano, but i prefer the location up in Lincoln Park better which is way I am giving this location 3 stars. I would have given this place 4 stars, but I felt that the customer service we experienced at this location wasn't as good as what we've experienced when dining at the Lincoln Park location on multiple occasions.
(3)
samatha r.
I have no idea how good food here is, but if I have to stand forever in line to even order it when half the restaurant is empty, it's not worth it. I had to finally resort to eating cheese pizza, which I usually put on same level as McDonald's. Well, I am never going to any of their branches again.
(1)
Bex A.
This was an interesting concept, you get a card that you swipe when you order something, then at the end pay the total. Personally, I think that can be dangerous if you keep swiping and swiping. I like the ambience, fresh herbs at you table (I assume you can use?), but I felt a disconnect of the cafeteria style ordering with the high-end look and feel. I would much rather be served. The bartender was great and did bring us our food. Bruschetta was tasty, but the tomato bisque I would of preferred to be creamy. Otherwise I feel like I am eating pasta sauce. I would give this place another try if I am in the area.
(3)
Kendra N.
A little surprised by the low rating - I really like this place! It's kind of a new take on cafeteria style, so everyone who enters is given a card they can scan at each station and order what they'd like. There are salad, pizza, pasta, dessert, and bar stations. We've tried many different combinations and we have enjoyed everything we have tried. We always find that one pasta is plenty for two people. I do think they do have some staff problems recently. It took forever the woman to make our pasta even though it wasn't busy at all and while I was waiting I saw a dispute between a manager telling an employee to clean a table and she was visibly mad and annoyed by this (even though it was clearly her job). She then proceeded to do a really crappy job of cleaning the table and later I saw her walking around with her phone "hidden" in her wash cloth. Seriously, a terrible employee - she was so unprofessional. Overall though, this place is great. Especially sharing one pasta between two people, this place is a steal for dinner in the Loop! The ambiance is lovely as well - overall a solid 4 stars!
(4)
S. B.
The food was very good as expected. What I didn't like was the talking between the staff-members in front of the guests. They were talking about different issues which should not be discussed in front of customers. If you are up to Italian food freshly prepared, Vapiano is your place to be.
(3)
Sonia L.
Wow I can't even remember the last time I've ever given any restaurant five stars, but this place definitely deserves it. The quality of the food, the organization, the aesthetics, the communication, and the sweet sweet service!!! I am so shocked.
(5)
josie w.
The pizza rocks-the calzone was good! The coffee is 5 star and the beer selection is decent!
(5)
Alissa S.
Interesting concept but terrible service. I tried to come here for a quick drink with a friend and we were ignored by the three bartenders on staff. I watched one of them scrap off chocolate from a plate for 10 mins instead of taking care of the guests waits for a drink... The food was also just mediocre
(2)
peter d.
Came in on an ordinary Thursday evening about 8 pm for a late dinner. Got in line to order - was about 5th in line (the other lines were longer). It took about 10 minutes for one customer got served. So we walked out. This place is really stupid. The food looks interesting but the service style is ridiculous.
(1)
Marisa R.
If you're looking for something unique and different this is the place to go. You start by ordering your food at the counter and watch them make it in front of you. Everything is fresh and the best part is that the pasta noodles are all Homeade! You can really tell a difference. The atmosphere is very Mello, I love that they have candles and fresh herb plants at each table. They have large windows across every wall so you can look out to the city while you're eating. The only thing I have to say is that if you're looking for a restaurant that will cater to you this is not the place to go. You order your own food and take it to your table yourself
(4)
Ann H.
Confused maybe? So the bf and I came to eat here after we went to the symphony. We love pizza so it sounded like the obvious choice. Entering the restaurant you don't know where to go, and if the receptionist/cashier is busy you may end up standing around and left to figure out how to get food by yourself. Ah however if you wander around you wont know you need a card to scan your food to track the bill. Eventually we figure this out and get cards which work at all stations. We ordered a pizza which they then instruct you to pick up a buzzer and tell them the number. Okay now I have a buzzer and a card. It's a lot just to order food. We ordered a pepperoni pizza as I recall and it was a decent size and tasted good. A lot of oil on top which we removed with napkins. The pizza was slightly too salty for my taste but my bf liked it just fine. After eating you leave the plates at your table and then go to the cashier at the front to pay. I really like the restaurant decor and trees inside! Tables are unique with cute mushroom lamps. Vibe is casual yet trendy. Glad I stopped in but was very confused at the concept / execution for the ordering process.
(3)
T L.
This place is cute, it's unique and there's great energy flowing through the place. The process to order your food seems a little bit confusing on purpose but once you understand the flow you'll be fine. I order a Margarita pizza and a glass of Chianti. I took my seat and people watched and enjoyed the music playing throughout the restaurant. I dined solo this night but it seems like this would be a great place to come with friends. I checked out other dishes that other diner was received and their food looks pretty good. The pizza I order was delicious as was my glass of wine. I topped off my night with a mini triamisu. Great evening at Vapiano and will definitely return next time I am in Chicago.
(4)
Tiffany C.
As someone else said, Vapiano never dissapoints. I love the set up, comfort, and price. It is my go to. Ambiance: Super cute. Choose from a couch, community table, individual table, lounge, or bar to sit at. The lighting is dim, the space is clean, chique, and stylish. It feels like a fun happening lounge, but its really just a restaurant with a bar. Its awesome Service: Good. They are there to help and answer any questions. Waiting in line for your food at the service stations is a little annoying, but its a part of the deal. So roll with it and you will be pleased with what is presented. Food: Good enough for me. I think its yummy quality food at a cheap price. Dont expect something to blow your mind, but do expect it to satiate your taste buds and your wallet with typical dishes. Price: Cheap for the loop. Id say expect to pay about $25 for food, wine, tax, and tip per person. This is my go to right before seeing a show. Love this place. Its an easy meetup for a first date, time with girlfriends, or a cheap stop before your night begins
(5)
Ryan V.
Their food consistently is tasty and fresh. It can take a while during peak periods, so don't be in a hurry if you see it's busy. The desserts are fantastic. My favorite is the strawberries and mascarpone.
(5)
Yesy D.
Bumped into this place after a job and it was the greatest accident ever. Some of the workers are a little antsy and easily annoyed if you're not familiar with their menu/ordering, but for the most part everyone was super helpful. The hubby and I hadn't eaten all day and went to this place at about 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon. We both ordered pizza and they both were DELICIOUS. Seriously the greatest pizza I've had in a long time. I really did the thin crust and this place did not disappoint. What was even nicer was the fact that they sell beer and sangria. We decided to indulge and had a beer each and two sangrias. The atmosphere is casual but you can definitely get away with doing a date night in this place. I really like the table setup because they were intimate yet casual. I will probably be coming back to taste their yummy looking pasta.
(4)
Mike M.
Dropped in here later at night when it was the only decent spot open in the neighborhood. I like the concept but the quality on food is really lacking. Decided on a prosciutto pizza and a glass of house Cabernet. The pizza was essentially a cheese pizza with cold prosciutto and flakes of Parmesan placed on top post baking. The prosciutto was lacking taste and very stringy. Definitely not de Parma. The wine was above room temperature and even seemed like it could have been heated. I'd give it another try and order pasta or a simpler pizza. The scan card system is very welcoming and the staff was rather attentive and friendly which gave it two stars. Recommendation: go with a simple dish that is hard to screw up. Skip the drinks. Price: fair for the area but expensive for what you get.
(2)
Vaidehi T.
I had an enjoyable dinner at Vapiano. They have a cool ambiance - more like a modern lounge bar. The ordering system is a little unique. Basically each individual is given a card which is charged with whatever you choose to buy. The pastas, salads are made fresh to order and they can be customized. I ordered the mista salad and chose a spicy citrus dressing with it. Hubby ordered the Pasta pomodoro. Both the dishes were simple and flavorful and the portion sizes were pretty good. My only complaint here would be that the prices are a bit too high for a place where you don't have a sit down table service.
(4)
Sophie J.
Very cool place. High ceiling with good decor. Decent price for tasty and big amount of food
(4)
Daniel S.
Everyone complains about the lines taking forever and there being nowhere to sit, i went at 1130 and there was no wait at all, my pizza was done in like 10 min, (however at 1215 the line was much longer) i got the calzone, which i thought was a pizza but was actually a calzone, while the toppings were good, there was a bit too much bread and not enough meat, i tried the trio bruschetta, which wasnt bad, you get the regular tomato kind and then one with cheese and pesto sauce, the shot glasses for the water are annoying though, and it's very reasonably priced, i just mention because i heard a lot of people saying it was too expensive
(4)
Akiko I.
As everybody say, it is very confusing place, I visited there for my dinner, it was 10pm and had to wait for more than 1 hour for a single pizza. Although cook told me beforehand and it was our fault to make such decision, I wonder why it took such a long time! Food was good but I don't like such busy and confusing place to eat!
(2)
Carrie S.
Pros: Good pizza, interesting lunch menu, trendy interior. Cons: Convoluted ordering system, rude-ish staff, kind of weird seating, insultingly tiny water glasses. They're like shot glasses! I like this place but I would only come here if I wanted one item: pizza, salad, or pasta. Not two. The lines are pretty long and the wait for your food is long too. To have to wait in two lines for two different items would be torture I had an arugula pizza which was the shizzy. I am pretty confident I could eat these for the rest of my life. Also life tip: maybe come here with an experienced friend for your first time. It's seriously confusing and you need a guide to show you the way.
(3)
Saahithi G.
Love the ambience and the fact that every dish is prepared from scratch here. Pasta is a must try. I have had scampi which is great. You can select which kind of pasta and choose the level of spiciness. Pizza has a very light crust and tastes good.
(5)
Abdullah G.
Great experience with professional chef's I love the fact that the food is cooked just for you and in front of you Definitely amazing I will go back again to try more food I recommend it for all
(5)
Lisa H.
I don't get why this place doesn't have higher reviews? Vapiano originated from DC. I used to live in Pittsburgh and one of the main motives for me to go to DC (aside from visiting the ex) was for this! So, i was overly excited when i heard Vapiano was opening in The Loop. I LOVE Italian and LOVE pastas and pizzas. They have the oven baked pizzas, which are around $10 and takes only 10 min to make/bake. Their pastas are so amazing; i don't know where to start. They offer a variety of pastas to choose from: standard ones like penne, spaghetti, fettuccine, but i enjoy their Campanelle, tagliatelle, & pappardelle the most. 9/10 times i get the campenelle with bolognese sauce blended with some cream sauce. The pastas are so fresh and so are the ingredients. Everything here is FRESH.They make everything in front of you, and you can select additional or replace ingredients in your dish. All pasta dishes are under $12. Great portions so you may have leftovers. Vanilla bean panna cotta is so friggin' good! It's literally only 3 bites though. You get free bread with every dish AND free gummy bears at the exit where you pay, leave your tray and dishes at the table, no need to clean. Warning: could get really packed at lunch, so i'd come here for dinner b/c it could take a while to get your food. Other than that, it's superb!
(5)
Nicole H.
2 1/2 stars I don't know how I feel about this place. It was okay. I can't say that I was impressed. Sooo... The decor is nice enough. You can sit in or takeout. I think this place is more suitable for dining in. Other reviewers have outlined the ordering/paying system. The actual stations are not that obvious to me but I figured it out. Hey, it is what it is. I had a salad and a tiramisu. The desserts all come in small glasses. I ordered my food as takeout. You pay a deposit of $1 for the glass if you choose to have dessert as takeout. Bring the glass back and the dollar goes towards your bill. I guess. The food was okay. The lady who made my salad was quite helpful and nice. I don't know. I think I may give it another shot and perhaps try some pasta.
(3)
Stephanie S.
Major meh. I'd never been here before and when we were given a card at the entrance, I asked, "So how does this work?" Instead of an explanation, the girl just said something like, "It's an open dining concept." I figured I'd get the gist, but after ordering a pizza and not understanding if someone brings it to me, where I get a drink, where I pay, I went back to the front desk lady. I again said, "I still don't understand the way this works," and cited the issues I just described. She went on to give me major attitude and treat me like I was an idiot. Apparently I should've asked the guy making my pizza for a drink, and after fighting through a group of rude people to order, I'd have to do it again to pick up my meal. Pay when you leave. They're trying to be inventive with this, and I guess that's OK, but you need to be clear with the directions. Otherwise people mill around aimlessly and ruin the experience for everyone. Also if it's my first visit (which you would know since I was asking for instruction) this is the time to offer good customer service so that I actually want to return. The food was very meh. My friend and I got pizza that was limp and soggy. She said it was over-salted, and mine just wasn't very flavorful. Some of the other options looked pretty good, but I don't know that I'll be back to try it.
(2)
Kimberly H.
Your managers are rude and inconsiderate!! Especially tasko? I believe he was the chef? It smelled of marijuana there. I told him to remake my dish because it was cold. He had the nerve to tell me that I would have to pay for another dish because he thought my cold dish was fine. Also it's pretty dirty I'm there. Never coming back! The one in NYC is better!
(1)
Schlonda M.
Dinner was great right across from the hotel very elegant and affordable. Chef was excellent food was delicious.
(5)
Toni S.
I absolutely love this place. I can't wait to go back and try more foods from their menu. The ordering system IS a bit confusing at first. But that shouldn't stop anybody from enjoying delicious food. I recommend this place to anyone who loves pastas, salads, and pizzas.
(4)
Josh N.
Read the negative reviews please! This place is very tasty! I've been here several times and love the place. The architecture is very nice, the staff are great, and again the food is amazing. People have been reviewing this place poorly because of confusion of the ordering system, everyone gets a card to swipe at a station when they order and then they swipe the card at the cashier to pay. Kinda weird system but whatever, the pasta is totally worth it! The pizzas aren't my top Neopolitian style pizza but are still good. I don't eat salad as an entree so I couldn't tell you how that is.. Please don't ever order salad as your entree at any restaurant, it makes me sad because its not real food. I could go on an on about how much I despise salad as an entree but i'll stop.. After this last statement: Taco salad is acceptable. Anyways if you read this part, just remember to fully understand the ordering system and know that you should expect to wait 5-15 minutes per item ordered.
(5)
Adam K.
I once thought, Corner Bakery, owned the market for dysfunctional and convoluted ordering. Clearly, I was wrong. This place was built by marketers, not operations people. On the surface it seems like a wonderful place to eat. That is, if you can ever get to order it. Here's a small list of things that make zero sense: 1. There are random lines for ordering specific things. If you want a salad and pasta, that's 2 lines. 2. Menus aren't displayed anywhere, except on small pieces of paper right in front of where you order. This means you spend 20 minutes in line without ever seeing a menu. Then when you come face to face with your chef, you finally get a menu and scramble to order. 3. Make sure to order a drink when you get the food. If not, you're back to waiting in line. 4. Everything you order is attached to a RFID card. You don't pay as you go. You pay at the end. In theory this is great. It's insanely complex with a group of people. If by chance you can stand to wait 20 minutes to order and finally receive your food, good luck finding a place to sit and eat. First come first serve. That's cool, but the bad ordering system means you don't have a nice continuous flow of people coming and going. Instead you have giant surges of people coming and going. It's a battle royal to see who gets a seat. It's good food. It really is. You'll just wait forever to taste it.
(1)
Larissa D.
One of our favorite places to unwind in the loop. This place has a unique ordering style, as others have mentioned. Best part of it all is that the food is good and inexpensive. It's a dark casual and comfortable setting. Perfect for a dinner/lunch date. Note: your food is prepared once you place your order. I enjoy knowing my food was made fresh just for me.
(4)
Shilpi D.
Got to know about the place last week. have already been there twice. Diablo pizza is worth a try and loved their pastas too. Bruchetta was little underwhelming but the amazing tiramisu filled up the gap. Definitely going again.
(4)
Wilkins K.
A great way to enjoy a mid-day dining experience smack dab in the middle of Chicago's bustling, workday loop district. Zig-zag people watching goes hand-in-hand with the smooth and professional courtesies extended by the friendly staff. I wanted a fresh, lively and taste filled lunch and that is exactly what I got! The aroma and zest of the tomato sauce imbedded into my delicate Calzone was fantastic.
(4)
Henry D.
OK, so I read the other reviews before going. Yes the card system is confusing, but not impossible. Here is how it works. It is like a cafeteria, kind of. 1) Get a card when you walk in. 2) go to the 'window' that has what you want to order. Note, we took menus to the table and decided what we wanted before ordering and then went to the windows to order. There is a window for pizza, pasta, salads etc. 3) Order what you want and get your dish. 4) take it to your table and go back for more, or take a tray and go to the next window. Note, at each window pass your card over the thing to record what you got. 5) when you have all the food you want, just go and eat. 6) when you finish, take your card to the cashier and pay. So much for that. I compare it to Olive Garden, since it is about the same price for an entire meal. The salads are great. The pizza has a very thin crust, is oily, but tasty. The tomato flavored pasta was very good, the Alfredo was very bland. The desserts were nice. The atmosphere is much more casual and unrushed than Olive Garden. In OG I get the feeling I am being rushed. Here I had the feeling that no one cared. Note I went at a very slow time though. The decor is not as fancy, but OG is a bit 'disneylandish'. So overall I liked it better than Olive Garden, although OG has meatier dishes. If you want something a bit more formal and some real meat in your pasta, go to OG. If you want to kick back and enjoy a more 'hip' experience go to Vaps.
(3)
Bernard A.
Very good food. There is a unique ordering system in place here. They give you a card and you put your tab on the card for everything you order and you pay when you are done. Very unique, great ambiance, and the food is great.
(4)
Kevin S.
Confusing concept! If I wanted cafeteria food I would go to a hospital or commissary at the local college. The food was average at best and what put the nail in the coffin was the pizza chef taking the pager reminder with his gloves on and then continuing to make pizza. I was going to tell the manager on duty, Mike, regarding the health hazard. However the hostess was too busy chatting, as was most of the staff.
(2)
Susan C.
I went here a few times and i love this place. It is a self serve place where you get a card when you come in and you used the card to get your food and pay for your food. They have really good italian food and the prices are very reasonable. You can come with just two people or a large group of people. I had there pizza one time and it was really good. I also had their salad and pasta and it was also really good. I would go back to this place anytime for a quick bite to eat for lunch or dinner. I definitely would recommend this place to others.
(4)
Sandy L.
This place is so unique. You order you food directly from the chef. They make it on the spot. Food was delicious. We had the chicken Alfredo and the bolognese. The pasta was fresh. Atmosphere was sooo cool.
(5)
Kate M.
Despite some minor downsides with occassional wait times and sort of weird seating arrangements, I really like this place. I have always been pretty lucky or planned to go on the early side of lunch rush so I don't get caught behind 10 people at the salad station so I don't really have many gripes in that department - isn't that what most people in the loop do if they don't want to deal with everyone else trying to feed themselves at the exact same time? I know waiting is annoying but it's a fact of (Chicago) life, especially considering this place is kind of in the heart of a tourtisty area. Even when I've sat there for most of lunchtime, it never looked to be out of control. Given it's location, that might be why some people have described it as "kitschy" or basic, but I actually think it's pretty nice for a casual spot and just fine by me (the little potted herbs on the table are cute - come on!) My favorite thing that I get everytime is the salmon nicoise salad - it's so good and I love that they assemble it when you order it. They have always been fast enough for me and never messed up my order even though I usually have a few specific requests, ingredients have always been fresh and delicious. I want this salad all the time! It rivals the salmon nicoise salads I've had at much nicer places. I met my Mom here yesterday for lunch and in addition to my salad, we shared a prosciutto pizza. I was amazed that it was ready as quickly as my salad - it it was really good. I love their pizza sauce and it was just a really good woodfire style pizza. So the pasta is the only category I haven't sampled but it always looks/smells great, and I like that they have many pasta options, as in lots of different shapes and some being whole wheat and gluten free as well as various sauces. Options are always good! Their desserts are nice finishes. Last time I had a chocolate mousse and yesterday I tried the pannacotta. Both super delicious. Don't skip the dessert! People always comment on the seating - it is mostly communal. Larger tables and some weird loungey areas. They could benefit from some basic 4 top tables. But one nice thing is they now have some outside seating. Yesterday it was a little chilly and they even had blankets out on the chairs. I'll definitely be back soon for that salad...
(4)
J B.
I wanted to like this place. It's visually appealing from outside and inside. However, we had a negative experience, from the minute we walked in. The hostess did not greet or welcome us (or any others who arrived while we were coming in) but rather asked of each guest, "You been here before?" Not the typical first thing one usually hears when walking into a restaurant (or any other business, for that matter) and thus, confusion, as almost everyone asked her to repeat that, please. She rolled her eyes at an older lady and seemed annoyed that she had to ask it again. Seriously, I've rarely seen a more disinterested and disengaged "hostess." The ordering system is unique but is also needlessly complex. It was clear that several people did not understand how it worked. Why use a system that leads to confusion? Not a good start to any dining experience. It also creates needless delay in ordering and getting the food out. No, this isn't fast-food .... but still, too long to get orders placed, and they weren't THAT overwhelmed with customers at 3pm. As for the food, the spaghetti was ok (better than Olive Garden but not even close to a real Italian restaurant). Pizza was attractive in appearance but u fortunately sad in taste. The cheese tended to puddle into the middle. More cooking time was clearly needed. $43 for two for food that was worth maybe $20 and service that was poor at the beginning. Don't think we'll be returning. In fact, I'm sure we won't.
(1)
Jamie M.
Remember in "The Lord of the Rings" when they talked about "Second Breakfast"? Well, in this place, it's all about the "Second Wait", then the "Third Wait", and so on, and so on.... Upon entering, you stand in line to be issued a plastic "meal card" you must swipe at each and every food and beverage station - lose it upon penalty of flogging. "First Wait". Complete. After you've been issued your "debit dining card", you then wait for a table - and there's a mish mash of high-slung, low-slung and no-slung seating options, most with mismatching chairs stacked against un-bussed, dirty tables. If you're fortunate enough to find an open table -we'll call that "Second Wait"- it's time to play "Third Wait" at the individual lines for the "Pasta", "Pizza" and "Salad" stations. So, you get in line and stand there, getting bumped and bruised in the flow of traffic, and you watch the "personal chef" prepare -ever so slowly- everyone's order ahead of you. Stand. Stand. Stand. Watch. Watch. Watch. For those of you keeping score, this is where "Fourth Wait" begins. Finally, that magical moment arrives when the chef looks your way and asks, "So, what'll ya have?". That's when you shout out to your personal chef de' jour, over the clang of pots and pans, "I'll have the pesto with chicken!". "OK. And what kind of pasta would you like with your pesto - the list is right there on...", and you immediately cut him off, screaming back, "WhichEVER pasta boils the fastest"! Now, the "Fifth Wait" begins - this is where you get to stand at the front of the line and watch your personal pasta jockey cook -ever so slowly- your noodles and protein-of-choice. Butter in the pan. Heat. Protein in the pan. Stir. Salt. Pepper. (Slow down Sparky, I'm getting dizzy!) Take the individually packaged bag of dry pasta off the shelf. Drop pasta in the water. Boil. Boil. Boil. Drain the pasta. Toss pasta into the pan. Whoops! Forgot the pesto. Toss in the pre-packaged blob-o-pesto. Cook the chicken more. More. MORE! Pull out a bowl. Wipe the bowl down. Swirl the pasta, pesto and chicken combination.... ..."Tell you what, just put that in a To-Go bowl, will ya?", you say. From the time we walked in the door, stood in line(s) and finally walked our meal back to our waiting seats, a whopping 28 minutes had elapsed. Our friend's pizzas took more than 45 minutes from the time they ordered until their "pizza pagers" went off - and yes, they had to stand in line to pick up their pizzas. Total bill; $18.80 for a smallish bowl of pasta with pesto sauce, pine nuts, six nibbles of charred chicken breast and an Arizona Iced Tea. No, we we didn't leave a tip... ...especially after we had to stand in line to pay off our debit cards. Three words that sum up Vapiano: Pack. A. Lunch.
(1)
Sandie B.
This place is kind of a rip off unless you order a specialty item. Like the wild mushroom and beef pasta was awesome and worth every penny, but the pesto pretty good but nothing extraordinary, and the portion of added chicken was downright paltry. The pizzas look great. Cute atmosphere and the bread that comes as a side is yummy with their olive oil. Left me in a bit of a carb daze.
(3)
Vishal B.
Indeed a different concept than many other lunch spots. I like that its huge, they serve beer and wine, and they have amazing little dessert cups. The pizza was very fresh and nicely made, the pasta is where it's at when you come here. Its a bit more pricey than Bacci or Go Roma but I like that they are open late even on weekdays because in the Loop.. nothing is!
(4)
Chris V.
The ordering system at this restaurant is a really cool idea but was poorly explained to us. We were really confused on how to order. When the orders are placed they ask you some additional question that are not shown on the menus and seem annoyed if you don't understand. I sympathize as I'm sure they are annoyed by first timers not knowing what to do. The food was good but nothing spectacular. The pizza crust was impressively thin; however, my pizza was made with way too much sauce and the centre of the pizza was completely saturated. It turned into mush. When I went to pay I was charged for several items that weren't mine. I brought this to the girl's attention and she promptly fixed it - almost. I checked the refund and it only added up to 3 out of 4 items that I never ordered. I brought it to her attention and she refunded the final item but was very annoyed. Overall I think the system and food could be very good but they must tweak it if they want first time customers to return. Most importantly, I think the restaurant manager needs to do some quality checks to ensure things are going smoothly and put policies and procedures in place to prevent what happened to me from happening to others. With proper instructions, all options listed on a board at the ordering station or on the menu, more understanding/sympathetic staff and ensuring the card is clear before giving it to a new customer (or maybe reviewing the order with the customer before charging) this restaurant could be excellent.
(2)
Frank S.
Open concept. Didn't work for me. Lines were confusing and "chefs" did nothing to make it easy. Maybe someone who's been here 3 or 4 times will make it work better but I was frustrated by the concept and put off by the attitude. Food was OK. Grape tomatoes in the caprese? Really?
(2)
Y H.
Ate here for the first time before seeing the Book of Mormon and I must say I LOVED this restaurant! We all did. We ordered the following: 1. Roasted tomato and garlic pizza 2. Truffled mushroom pizza 3. Chicken Alfredo pasta 4. Bruschetta 5. Tiramisu Roasted tomato and garlic pizza and the chicken alfredo were amazing! You will not regret it! Truffled mushroom was also good if you want to try something outside the norm. Bruschetta was good, nothing out of this world, but then again it was only a few dollars. Tiramisu was also okay, as a dessert aficionado I have had much better tiramisu elsewhere, but again for a couple of bucks it'll take care of your sugar craving. Giving this place 5 stars because the quality of the entrees was superb and the prices are extremely fair. Lovely ambiance. Great for couples or bigger groups! There's something for everyone and of course great location! They use the same method as Foodlife for ordering food, which is pretty straightforward-they give you a card, you swipe it at the counter where you order food and then you pay the cashier when you're done eating. Will definitely be frequenting this place and bringing my friends and family!!!
(5)
Elizabeth A.
The drink prices were a bit expensive but the food was good and the experience was fun and different. I would definitely commend this place and their pizza selection. Everything is self serve but they still found a way to maintain a cool and classy kind of vibe.
(4)
Victoria G.
I did not like the service and food. The idea of having self service with restaurant feel is not bad at all. However, it still took a while to order and get food. And by the time everyone did, my food was cold. Then we had to order drinks and spent time waiting there. At the end when we were finally seated we could enjoy the cold food with a glass of wine. They say they make everything in house but to me food felt prepared and pasta was overcooked. Also, tomato sauce felt like canned sauce with few fresh tomatoes to give it a fresh feel. Overall, felt like eating fake Italian food.
(2)
Elizabeth W.
I have been here a few times since it opened and every trip has been a better experience. This is a HUGE space and I think they underestimated the lunch hour crowds during opening week. Initially, the wait was incredibly long and I watched several customers give up and find somewhere else. I'm glad I stuck it out because I really enjoyed the food! In follow up trips, things seemed to run much smoother and the speed and consistency has improved. It's a great option to add to the loop lunch selections. Portion size, for me, was fairly large. It was lunch and a late afternoon snack. Fresh ingredients and good quality. So far, I have only tried pastas but I look forward to sampling more of the menu but with all the options and combos available at the pasta station, it's hard to be lured away!!!
(4)
Chole L.
Great place for lunch or dinner. Their portions are big and prices are pretty reasonable considering they are located in the loop.
(4)
Bradley S.
Food is great but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get your act together! The setup is so confusing which stresses out the employees (which it's very obvious that most hate their jobs) which in turn stresses out the customers! Make some sort of centralized ordering system/location so that the employees know who has ordered and who hasn't. Maybe give everyone a pager or number... Or better yet, have a food runner because no one like to stand there awkwardly waiting for 10min while they watch someone cook their food. I want to love this place but each time I come back, I hate it more and more. Oh... And why do you have 2 partially different menus that look exactly the same?! Please do something about the experience immediately!
(1)
Margs K.
I came here for dinner recently, not knowing anything about it, except that it looked nice and candle-lit from the outside windows! So, the concept is instead of a sitting at a table, waiting for someone to bring you your food, you wait in a line for the cooks to make your food and then you bring it back to a table yourself. This worked out well for me, as there wasn't anyone in line ahead of me at the pasta-station, but then a crowd of 10 came in right after me, and I probably would have had a different experience, if I had been behind all of them instead of in front. I opted for the carbonara, which was good (not the best I've ever had but a big portion,) followed-by a glass of Prosecco (which required another short wait at the bar) and a small tiramisu. The tiramisu was AMAZING. I think my bill came to something like $23 - a really fair price for an Italian dinner in a nice setting.
(4)
Karen C.
I love when a new lunch spot opens up by my office, and I love it even more when it is a place I actually enjoy going to. The first time I came here I was admittedly confused, as there is so much going on. 2 different menus, tons of different stations (salad, pastas, pizza, bar, etc.) and people just standing everywhere. But, I persevered and I have grown to really love Vapiano. The pizza I ordered (the Bruschetta pizza, added chicken) was obscenely delicious. If you're considering getting the Margherita pizza, skip that & go for this one instead. Cooked to perfection and the chicken was actual chicken, none of that scary cubed crap. The decor is so great, I love the many different seating options... all of the herbs everywhere and the overall design of the entire space is just gorgeous. All of the staff are super nice as well, and not in that over-the-top creepy way. They actually seem earnest. My only complaints are 1) the price [granted, everything was super fresh & I wouldn't normally think $12 for a huge pizza like mine was outrageous, but there's no way I could go here more than once a month or so for lunch at these prices] and 2) those ridiculous shot glasses they call water glasses. I got up 4 times to get more water. I realize I'm a thirsty American, but those little glasses are insane. Next time I'll definitely BYOW.
(4)
Nick L.
Great food for a great price. This place is great for bringing a friend and I would highly recommend their thin crust caprese pizza to share. Definitely a place to check out if you're looking for a quick lunch or dinner.
(4)
Monica L.
Food was AMAZING. Seriously so good. Hostess was very friendly. However, the reason for 4 stars instead of 5 was the rest of the staff. They have an unconditional ordering system. Being a first timer who had never even heard of the place, I wanted to make sure I was doing it right. The people at the food stations were really rude about it. I imagine that they get it all day long and are annoyed with people not getting the concept completely, however a restaurant that has an ordering system like this should expect that, and should train their employees to act differently. The atmosphere was casual but trendy, and the prices were very reasonable! I will go back again for the great food, just will make sure to not ask the employees at the food stations any questions!
(4)
Glenn H.
Important Note: Not ideal for the 60 minute Loop lunch. Outside of taking a bit longer than I was hoping for, Vapiano was a well executed fast-Italian concept. As other reviews state, their ordering system is a bit unique, but having freshly cooked pasta at a reasonable price was great. I'll come again, but when I've got more time to spend enjoying the food, rather than taking giant bites and racing back to the office.
(4)
Daniel M.
Great food, great style, awesome atmosphere! Don't go if you're too hungry because the lines can get pretty long at times!
(5)
Nemcikova C.
Super cool venue... DIY order stations!
(5)
Manisa K.
I came to this place unexpectedly. It was so crowded that night, actually every night. Me and my friend had to wait like an hour. Be prepared. Relaxing atmosphere and nice dining area. The staffs were so nice and professional. We ordered bruschetta and fried calamari to start off with. They were really good. Italian bread came as a complimentary appetizer every table. I personally didn't like their bread because they weren't soft as it should be. We had pizza and pasta. They were so good. Self-service water is cool concept, but I just didn't like this way. A little pricey though. I would come back fun place to hang out with friends.
(4)
Erica F.
The system for ordering is so bizarre and poorly thought -- you "scan" your card, individually order each thing you want at different stations, wait for each item to cook, the other items getting cold, watch your bored chef make your "fresh" pasta-- it made no sense. Table decor that inhibits sharing and discussion just made things worse. The pasta was Olive Garden-esque Also, we lost one of the ridiculous ordering cards, and the woman insisted we needed it. I questioned this and told her, you really have no record of what I ordered? Sure enough she did....Really poorly thought out system. Will not return!
(1)
Jessica F.
The place is very cute. I like the dark lighting and the tables with their own individual pots of fresh herbs. We went while there was a company party so it was very loud and difficult to get around. The ordering process is confusing and the woman preparing our meal was not very helpful. My friend was trying to make the dish how he wanted and instead she did what she wanted. The food was decent. I ordered the shrimp spinach scampi and was disappointed by the lack of flavor. If you want a glass of water you need to serve yourself. The glasses are literally the size of a double shot so be prepared to walk across the restaurant multiple times.
(3)
Adrienne G.
Think Foodlife meets Italian contemporary restaurant. I like that the make their pastas in-house, however it is a mess when it comes to the lunch rush. As in - they should have one person dedicated ringing people up at each station, and not multitasking (ie ringing someone up and preparing food). I ordered a shrimp salad and waited over 25 minutes for it because they did not see my order (they literally overlooked the slip of paper with my order on it after the same person keyed it into the system,) and then had to remake it because the last person in the salad area added steak to my salad. I'm glad I asked to speak with the manager when checking out, because he did comp my meal, which I truly appreciated. I've been here after work for drinks and it's not crowded, and off-hours during lunch. Skip the lunch rush and come back later to enjoy some pretty good food.
(3)
Kathleen C.
I truly had to drop a star due to service at this spot. First of all, we arrived late, so there was not a huge crowd. We walked in the front door to an empty desk. This was my first visit, but my friend had been there before, and he tried to head straight to the bar. We were told to stop walking by a woman across the restaurant who finally came over - and then proceeded to help 2 people paying before giving us our cards to enter the restaurant. We said we were going straight to the bar, but she told us the whole restaurant concept anyway. Finally, we sit down....and the staff at the bar was friendly, but slow. I'm not sure if I was just confused about how this place works (basically an Italian FoodLife in my book...), or if they were 'busy' working with the 2 other customers (by the way - the bar was about 4x more staffed than the front door). We finally ordered one glass of wine each and proceeded to chat. Now, this isn't a spot to really go and sit by the bar. Others are constantly coming up to order things (though, a few folks were eating at the bar), so it is not very relaxing. Anyway, the wine was ok (though for the price, I was expecting better...I should have just gone with the house wine for $6 for what I suspect was a similar wine). We were ready to leave after one glass and waited a bit for our bill. When we arrived at the front desk, we found....no one. We waited, and waited and I was honestly shocked that no one was at the checkout. I mean, this is where people pay and we waited way too long. I could see people just wandering out the front door without anyone noticing. In any case, when someone finally showed up - she helped two people ENTERING before us.... This wouldn't normally annoy me, but she made us wait to check people out on our way in, and then made us wait to pay when others walked it. Really inconsistent. I did leave a tip, though the service didn't warrant it. I thought this concept seemed ok, but I was totally unimpressed with the service. During busy hours, I can't even imagine what a mess it might be in here. We visited since our planned bar/restaurant was closed for the evening, but it's back open now, so I don't see a lot of diverting to Vapiano in my near future.
(3)
Richa T.
Interesting concept, poor in execution. My friends and I decided to stop by late dinner after sight-seeing all day. We liked the idea of having cards that would track everything you ordered and being able to go to different stations. But after a while the novelty fades off. It became a little annoying to have to go back each time with the card so you could pick up the food and place another order. One friend ordered a salad, which looked delicious. Spinach, strawberries, and feta cheese - yum. The ingredients looked fresh and she absolutely loved it. My other friend ordered a pasta in meat sauce, which she really didn't care for. The way she described it was that it was something you could easily whip up with canned Ragu at home. I ordered the BBQ pizza which was good but could have used more vegetables on top. I liked my food, but in the crowd, it was just a little too much to take in. The other thing that I found a little annoying was their puny doll sized water glasses. After walking all day, we were incredibly thirsty and it would have been nice to not have to get up every two minutes to get a little bit of water. After the second run, i decided to stand by the counter and drink water until I had enough to keep my hydrated throughout my meal. This place has some serious potential, but they need to work on their execution.
(2)
Layla R.
This place is a semi-great idea that's just missing a few key details. The atmosphere is designed nicely and the food is actually more like 3.5 stars. It's not bad at all and I enjoyed then salads, but the cocktails are terrible as they don't have qualified bar staff. I also think that they need to train their staff on how to treat customers and elevate their approach. They're brash and don't have the proper training.
(2)
Toan P.
Amazing place; great price; good service; beautiful decor. Highly recommended! (Coming from a person who has traveled to Italy many times)
(5)
Windy C.
The ordering system is different. Get over it !!! As confusing as the ordering system is, once you've tried it a couple times you learn the ropes. The food is incredibly fresh and tasty. Their pizza and salads are quite authentic without the "Eataly" prices. Their arugula and bruschetta pizza are loaded with ingredients and are delicious. I'm definitely a fan.
(4)
Chris M.
The craziest ordering system I've ever seen. Too cumbersome and time consuming. I had the chicken Caesar salad which was ok, but not worth the $11 Very slow service- I understand everything is made to order. No one that ordered their salad to go actually got it in a to go container. Might try pizza and pasta some time that I'm not in a hurry.
(3)
Maria F.
As our ast dinner at Chicago, we decided to go to downtown Chicago @Vapiano. AS prr recommended per friends.. so, I asked Freddy (the chef) pasta section to wow me..he did not disappointed. It was fantastic!! I felt like I was eating a symphony with so many flavors each bite was unique!! Thank you Chef Freddy!! Ohhh almost forgot.. he even came to the table to ask if I had liked it.. liked??? I was in heaven!! Superb food! Great ambiance!! A must do while in Chicago!!
(4)
Tracy K.
I was a little confused at first on the ordering thing. But it was all clear after a few seconds. I'm so glad we found this place. The ceasar salad was perfect. The scampi spinaci was perfect!!! The decor was so trendy!! The chefs are very cute!!! And the food was amazing!!
(5)
Kelly K.
I bet this place is great for the tourists, who don't mind paying extra for average food. Went here with my co-workers around 11:30am, and thankfully we beat the rush. Two of us ordered pasta, the other two of us ordered pizza. The ordering process is a bit different, but thankfully the employees were more than willing to help us out with it. They also gave us two separate menus which further added to the confusion. it would be helpful if everything was on one menu, or better yet, posted to the wall. My pizza was fine, but nothing special. It was a decent size, and I took a few pieces back to the office with me (only to be devoured a couple of hours later). My pizza was $10.95, which I found to be quite overpriced when I can find much better (and tastier) deals in the loop. If you decide to have water with your meal, the cups they give you are tiny, shot sized, so be sure to grab a few glasses on your way to your table. I did enjoy the ambiance here, as it's got a cute European vibe to it, but I probably wouldn't go again unless my co-workers talk me into it.
(3)
Al D.
One of the best places for lunch in the Loop. Healthy, fast, and not over-crowded. They even give you a microwave-safe container for your leftovers. However, it is rather expensive, especially for the tiny drinks.
(4)
B V.
The food is really good and fresh. The atmosphere is bright and modern with some nice dance music pumping from the speakers. The only thing I'm really not feeling is the fact that you cannot call ahead to get your food. That is a big loss in the downtown Chicago area where some people only have 30 mins for lunch. I came in today and there was only one pizza chef and he seemed a bit frazzled. I literally waited about 10 mins before he could even take my order. That leaves me with the only choice of walking somewhere else or wait another 15 to get my food. So here I am waiting. The other thing is they have great desserts here but they are not to go. They make you eat them here. Other than those two things I love this place. I would just like to have more "grab and go" service.
(4)
Tony W.
y wife had been trying to get me here for a while. I don't know why, but I had already made up my mind I was not going to like this place. So you walk in, they give you a electronic card. You have to go to stations to order your food. I had the Americano pizza, and my wife ordered a pasta dish. You put your card down on the glass and your order is placed on it. If you want a drink you go over to the bar order it and do the same thing with your card. There is no table service, you get up and get everything yourself. My pizza was not bad, but the wife's pasta was quite plain. I put some salt and pepper on it, but i guess i missed the place where you add some cheese, couldn't find it. We had that, plus she had a sangria and i had two gin and tonics. The bill was quite reasonable. This is not a place I will frequent, but I will go there with a group.
(3)
Anna P.
I like this location - it's a good location for a business lunch, although the format (having to wait in line and then having to wait different amounts of time for your food) means that you need to schedule a larger chunk of time than you would otherwise. That said, the food is very high-quality, you literally see it being made right in front of you, it's delicious, and it's very reasonably priced. Give it a try when you have some time!
(4)
Kim G.
Overall I really liked this place. The pizza is great and all the other food I saw looked good . The process was a little slow, it took longer than expected to get our pizza. However, the bar was fast so we just got another beer while we waited. I went on a weekend but I plan to go back during the week for lunch and see how it is.
(4)
Raju S.
Yes. The ordering system is complicated but I'm sure the second time around, it makes sense. Unfortunately, there probably won't be a second time. The pizza is pretty good but the pasta was disappointing. The tirimisu was ok as well. As far as service is concerned, the waiter was decent but the hostess seemed annoyed about something when we arrived and her attitude was the same on our way out. The restaurant itself is visually appealing and chic but the subpar food and grouch at the front of the restaurant will probably keep me away from a pretty good brick oven pizza.
(2)
Mahsa T.
They need to work out the kinks in this location to be able to accommodate the lunch rush because that's going to be the bulk of their business. They need to figure out how to get people in and out faster...become more efficient, hire more employees, do whatever you need to do. But especially please fix the layout of the restaurant so people aren't bumping into fixed counters waiting in the three separate lines for pizza, salad, and pasta. And especially, move those lines and the cashiers away from the front and only entrance so that there's not a huge bottleneck and people can actually enter and exit. Who came up with this messed up layout??? During opening week, I waited close to 40 minutes to get food. Decor and space are bright, clean and cheerful, love the floor to ceiling windows. If I were rating just on experience, wait time and service, I would give it two or three stars. However, the food is actually fresh and good, so I'm giving it four stars. My shrimp salad was crisp and delicious and the shrimp was perfectly flavored and cooked. The bruschetta pizza we shared was equally delicious with all fresh ingredients and a great crust. The food here is expensive for the amount that you get. I hope they figure out a way to make it faster and easier to dine here.
(4)
Kelly D.
Really unique place ,friendly staff,fun concept you get to watch as your food is prepared more importantly the result is delicious and relaxing atmosphere
(5)
Yao W.
Nice food but the waiting was annoying. It took me well over 20mins for a meatball pasta. I would give it four star if there was no lineup.
(3)
C C.
I agree with others reviews regarding the confusion. I was greeted by a hasty hostess who breezed through the spiel and was just trying to get me through the process. I was not happy to learn that I have to go get my wine as well. I'm clumsy so I was afraid of dropping it and the food all over trying to sit down! I made the best of it and I enjoyed my pasta, but I was in town for work so I really wanted to sit down and have someone wait on me. This is an interesting idea in theory but you really can't rely on human beings to just get it without plenty of instruction. I'm sure many people leave here confused.
(3)
Sarah L.
Nothing special. I had the Margherita pizza and it didn't taste very Margherita. you can't get refillable soda..for a student, this is big in my mind. I heard them deny a little extra sauce on a pizza to a man in front of me..really? The water cups are toddler sized. i won't probably come back and I'm in the area 4 days a week for classes. Ah well. I suppose the stations are cool in a way..but i think a first come first serve ordering system is better.
(2)
Assaf G.
Food is fresh but only decent. The ordering process is perplexing. Crowds accumulate near the salad station, and you can't tell who's in line I order and who's picking up. Americana pizza was 4 stars. Bruschetta trio was 3 stars(the olive one sucked). Bottom line: Meh...
(3)
Evan M.
Hey, Vapiano, get your shit together! I wanted to love this place because the food is actually tasty and they have self-service lemon-lime water, but it's such a clusterfuck of disorganization, and employees that make the post office look fast and competent. Clueless girl at the cash register handed us our cards, then told us we'd order food at the stations, and the food would be brought to us. (OK, well that was a load of shit. You have to stand there and wait for it.) There are three main stations: pizza, antipasti and pasta. Well, two of them have "order here" signs (pizza and antipasti, which is conveniently shoved right next to pasta). There is no "order here" sign for pasta. After waiting in line for five minutes behind the most indecisive woman in the world, I was finally rudely told by the antipasti guy that APRIL FOOL'S THIS ISN'T THE PASTA ORDER LINE. Here's where the real run started. My friend had already put in a pizza order, and I was still trying to put in the pasta order we'd share. After this compiling time suck, I decided I had to go to the bathroom, and he'd get in line for the pasta. Three of the four stalls had no toilet paper. Two of the three soap dispensers had no soap. NOT AT 11PM. AT 3PM. Seriously, how the fuck do you run out of all of that before it's even dinnertime?? Get your shit together! The seating is weird also. You get either still benches, high bar tables or reeeeeally far apart cushy chairs. Can you get some damn normal tables and chairs up in here?? Even FoodLife at the Water Tower with its crush of lost tourists was more efficient than this mess.
(2)
Eunice K.
I went in with a friend hoping to buy him a wonderful dinner for a lot of work he had helped me with but was extremely disappointed. The food wasn't great and the environment made me feel uncomfortable although the idea of the restaurant is intriguing it was a horrible experience.
(1)
Jennifer T.
This place takes way too long! I arrived from CA and I was starving. My friend suggested this place and I didn't know they took forever. If I would have known, I would have gone somewhere else. First of all, you get a card and then have to stand in line. Each entree has its own line, so there's a pizza, salad and pasta line. The Pasta line was extremely long. But I waited. I seriously felt like I was about to faint. When I finally got my food, I was not impressed. I like that it is freshly made but I felt that there was not enough flavor. Lesson learned, don't go when you are really hungry.
(2)
N A.
Food is really good. It's just that their system for ordering can get overwhelmed and ends up chaotic sometimes.
Very Good restaurant! Everything are delicious. Love the Desing of the place too. The price is perfect!
(5)
Anna S.
This is a nice place to sit and relax at the end of the day. Other than that, there is no reason to go back here. We waited 5 minutes just for someone to acknowledge us waiting when there wasn't anyone in front of us. The person making our food messed up both of our pasta orders even after she repeated them back to us. So that was mildly annoying as you have to stand and wait awkwardly as they make your food in front of you. The pasta was super gummy and the tomato sauce wasn't anything special. Quite honestly the most frustrating thing was the shot glass size glasses they give you for water. If you are eating mushy, salty pasta, then you're gonna need a bigger glass to make it through.
My new favorite place! Great food, fun atmosphere, innovative concept, good price. What else do you need?
(5)
Wealtz Z.
I used to love this place ever since I tried it the first time in Berlin. The Dallas franchise was good. This Chicago one sucks. Been here more than 5 times and every time it disappoints. Pizzas are floating in cheese. No Italian pizza is like this. Pasta quality also has gone downhill. Take your business elsewhere. Dear German owners, you need to do some quality check. This is unacceptable.
(1)
Emily T.
The 2 stars are for the decor. When reviewing a restaurant, that's bad. I just checked out Vapiano for lunch with a coworker- and I don't know that I'll be rushing back- I will add to the much- complained about ordering/payment situation- I had the Capriccioso pizza (minus the mushrooms) which would have been really good, had it been fully cooked. In the middle of my pizza, the dough was clearly much soggier. I know why it was undercooked- the Pizza line got hit at the lunch hour, (naturally... ) and they were trying to crank those puppies out, since there was only 1 pizza line! 4- FOUR pasta lines, one pizza line. WTF? Pasta- Have it boiling in pots, prior to the lunch rush, ready to go, serve and add sauces and veg. They should be able to crank out pasta dishes in a few minutes. But pies have to bake. Grrrr..... this place needs at least 2 lines dedicated to only pizza. My second gripe- the water glasses. Today's high temp is 93 degrees in Chicago, high humidity. Vapianos water glasses (self-serve) are.... About 3 oz. I kid you not. I had to ask the woman behind the bar for one of their pint glasses, and inquired about the shot of water everyone else gets, "Well, we are a European chain, and they are doing it European-style" basically. This seems silly to me, because had I not been given a pint glass, I would have consumed about 5-8 of those small glasses, and I didn't want to have to sit by the water jug or interrupt my meal and make a bunch of trips. My coworker astutely pointed out, "Well, this is America. McDonald's changes the Big Mac to suit other countries, can't we get more than 3 oz of water?" Friendly staff, though. And the pizza was flavorful, despite being undercooked. But this will probably not find itself among my regular lunch spots.. UPDATE: 3 months later and I still haven't been back.
(2)
Harvey G.
First time coming here for lunch and it was absolutely delicious. The ordering concept is different, but very cool to me. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Anh N.
The concept of this place is cool, but I'm just not that big of a fan of their food and what you're paying for it. If you want something that's not extremely plain like just pasta and pesto, you're paying around $9-$11. The pasta is fresh and pretty good...but it's nothing that you can't throw together at home. Especially when they're busy, you're waiting quite a while for your food because you have to wait in line and watch while they're making it for each person. The last time I was here, we were looking around for a table for a while before just sitting down at one that wasn't cleaned. We had to move dirty plates trays to another table and it was another 10 minutes before that was picked up.
(2)
Carrie M.
Stopped here for a quick bite post happy hour and pre-bed at hotel. Hostess kindly explained how to order-both chefs and bartender were helpful in recommendations. Atmosphere was great-can see quiet small groups, individuals dining alone and slightly larger business groups being comfortable. Good food for value. Slightly self serve, but fine if you are in a hurry and don't want to be bothered.
(4)
Kevin T.
Subpar pasta and small 8 oz sodas in a overrated atmosphere, as in average grocery store pasta cooked on the stove is superior. I strongly dislike the ordering system as it took like one minute to process their card each time, and it's just plain silly.
(2)
Mark W.
Overall, I think this place will be great in another month or two, but WOW, do they have some kinks to work out. I'll start out by saying that I went on their opening night: I understand that some stuff was bound to go wrong, but it was pretty bad. The food was actually pretty good: I got the caprese pizza and the bruschetta trio. Both were made fresh and tasted pretty good. Not the best Italian I've ever had, but for the price, I was content. Now, for the bad part: the entire organization of the place and process of getting your food. It was abominable, to say the least. You get a card when you walk in, to which you "charge" each item ordered to. There are 4 different stations from which you can order food, all of which have their own method of notifying you when it's done. You want pizza? You'll get a buzzer. You want salad? You'll awkwardly wait next to the station until it's made. You want a beer? Pull up a seat in the middle of the room. In addition to the disorganized method of ordering food, my pizza came out VERY wrong. They remade it, but I didn't get another buzzer? Let's just say it was a miracle I ended up with plates in front of me. While checking out, the cashier asked me how everything was and I shared that it was just okay because of the chaos. She found a manager and took half off my meal, which was cool, and where they're earning one of their stars back. Go for the food (which is pretty good!) and don't go when they're busy. Otherwise, avoid.
(3)
Brandon M.
Pasta was good ingredients were fresh but the whole service structure is a bit confusing. I had a salad and pasta both were good, however, had to get up and chase someone for a drink. Would definitely come back fun place for a date!
(4)
Carisa A.
The food was great and so were the people who were making the food and drinks. Unfortunately the hostess was the least helpful and she was the person who is suppose to help you and the first person you see. This was my first visit and I didn't know what to do. The hostess' brief instructions were the food is set up like stations and go where you want to order. That's it? What if I want a drink or does it come to my table or should I wait around? Nope the hostess was not helpful. I found the cook and bartender/ barista more helpful than the hostess. Thanks guys for answering my questions while making the food and my drink.
(3)
Miles M.
I must say I was not ready for this and walking in to a Grommet buffet sort of speak is not what I was ready for. You walk into the place that has three entrances and only one of the double doors actually works and no signage letting you know that. The hostesses greet you and hand you hotel style cards to order your food and point to the areas to select food from. Off in our own we are along with self seating. How to prefer when you have know idea what they offer or what's on the menu till you get closer to kitchen areas. We were not happy and choose the first area which happened to be pizza and after ordering we were asked if we wanted drinks and if so they are at the bar behind us. We get to wait for our food and I go to order a lemonade and ice tea, the bartender looks at me and says you get that back there which is where we just ordered food. So annoying and I hate buffets and this style of ordering is on that list. Food was decent but if you can't make pizza than you have bigger issues. Sorry I'm not a fan of this style of Resturant.
(2)
Truth P.
A visitor to this restaurant should know that the wait staff (servers) and the beverage staff are not well trained at all. There are a few specific instances which can be elaborated in detail but instead of tiring out the description exhaustively; for one example, though this place seems like a legit Italian restaurant with a legit espresso bar, they cannot make iced coffee or even an iced americano (espresso, water, and ice). In actuality he did not know what an iced americano was since it was verbally expressed that he wasn't sure what makes an iced americano. Yet indeed he made one and it was in a cappuccino cup (on a saucer) -- and in it was espresso and ice cubes floating on top of it. I could not drink this without feeling dumb. Potentially, some customers may even feel like they're being insulted (angry staff purposely serving something ridiculous in mockery). Really, this is the responsibility of the management. The managers just don't realize that the staff needs training. They probably think all they need to do is make schedules and that the staff are showing up on time and not slacking off. This was my third time visiting this Vapiano but experiences like this one also show that the franchise owner does not care or is not aware of what entails a restaurant experience. So much potential, but it's tragic.
(1)
Mike F.
With a group looking for a basic Italian dinner... Vapiano is like an upscale cafeteria setting with stations for salads, pizzas, pastas etc. Food was above average, service confusing. Cheesecake was not up to par for this New Yorker but the Caprese Salad was very good- Chicken Alfredo sauce was too salty! The Arrabbiata was just zesty enough. I'll go back but it won't become a habit.
(3)
Brandon B.
A new place open late in the Loop: which is a welcome event, open until midnight Fri and Sat. A variation on self service: you are given a card at the door and then you go to various stations (bar, pasta, salad, pizza) and order what you want, which is made on the spot. Reasonably priced and very fresh. Best is the eclectic decor with various colors and styles of seating that vary throughout the restauarant: you just grab whatever seat suits you best. Modern tango playing--felt like I was in a swanky Buenos Aires cafe. Great central location and a quick place to eat before or after a show, I think this will be a new favortite.
(4)
Janine K.
I'm a fan because I've been working in the area for over 8 years and pretty psyched to finally eat lunch at a NEW place!!! For one, get to this place at 11:30 because the closer to the noon hour the crazy crowded confused people flood the area soon after. Confused about the card system, where they want to eat, the fact it's new, etc. Other than that...it's very clean, the service was great, and so was the food. This time I had a margarita pizza, next visit I'm trying a salad. The portions are generous and the price is just right for downtown lunch.
(4)
Natalie L.
After my meal I went to use the restroom. I headed upstairs and realized there was a bathroom at the bottom of the stairs. I headed inside and realized quickly the entire restroom stunk of urine. The floor was wet, toilet seat was up, toilet paper was strewn all over the floor and thankfully, I noticed the toilet paper roll was empty. I turned around and headed upstairs to what turned out to be a much more pleasant experience. I figured I would tell someone about the condition of the lower level bathroom as a courtesy to the restaurant. This is when it all went down hill. I explained the situation to the hostess when she snapped back at me "we tell people don't use the handicapped bathroom because the drunk people piss all over the floor and it's always a mess." I apologized and told her that I just wanted to know about it's condition. She snapped back "use the woman's restroom upstairs next time." How is a paying customer supposed to know that the lower bathroom is kept disgusting? Why would you walk all the way up the stair case when there's a restroom on the lower level? Why wouldn't the restaurant want to know that they are all out of toilet paper. And most importantly what are handicapped people supposed to do when they have no choice but to use this foul restroom. This totally soured my experience of a restaurant I used to love. I don't know that I'll be back.
(1)
John G.
Apparently I am too stupid to eat here. All I wanted was some carry out pizza. I had to take a card, go to a station. Do something with the card which puts the order on it? Then I pay with the card? I just wanted some pizza. Simple pepperoni. To many steps, no thank you.
(1)
Alan S.
If you don't mind spending a little more for lunch, this place make a good personal pizza. It's actually a tad big for one person, but no way shareable for two people. I didn't love spending $12+ for lunch and feeling the need to finish more food than I wanted, but ah well. It's a weird place because of the self service and I really didn't understand what was going on. Either charge me a little less or explain the system better and I'll change this to a four. The pizza it self was quite good! Also the gummy bears at the end are a nice touch.
(3)
J.e.e. M.
It's cafeteria style. But food is good and affordable. Friendly staff as well... Somewhere nice to chill. Not good for dates nor intimate dinner.
(3)
Mert S.
Worst service ever! They are slow, mass up your order often. Too much pain for average food.
(1)
Ellen P.
I liked the vibe here immediately. The hostess asked if I'd dined with them before, and when I said no, fully explained the concept, handed me two menus (past and pizza), my meal card, and off I went. I ordered my pizza (spinach and pesto, added chicken), and while that was cooking, got a glass of wine. Seating was challenging, but that is to be expected at dinner time down town on a Friday night. Also, you don't come here for a cozy, private dinner for two. The seating is primarily shared tables - so be prepared to sit next to people you don't know. Yes, you can do it. I met some fun people visiting Chicago for a convention, and as a native was able to give them tons of suggestions for their free time activities. Very good food, very fun concept. I'll be back.
(4)
Edgar M.
I am very familiar with Vapiano as we have always dined at the Lincoln Park location. On Friday evening at about 6:30pm, we met a friend who was here from out of town and the restaurant of choice was Vapiano in the loop. Immediately after entering we waited until the cashier was free to take care of us. The entrance here seems a bit confusing and we weren't sure if there was a separate line to get our card. Eye contact to acknowledge we were there would have gone a long way. After the cashier was done with her line, she gave us a menu and a card and we sat in a nice corner towards the back of the restaurant. A young man that evening was running around the WHOLE restaurant on his own taking drink orders. He pretty much was the highlight of our evening. He was so friendly and attentive and took our drink order. The poor guy was drenched in sweat as he was the only one running around taking drink orders. Was this place short staffed?? Probably. To order your pasta you get in line and tell the cook what your pasta choice is. The young lady behind the counter was just not having a good day and was not very friendly at all. My pasta was basically flavorless and didn't look appealing. I was surprised how quickly my pasta had been prepared. This may be the cause of the tasteless pasta. At the lincoln park location your pasta takes about 10-15 minutes for it to come out. I don't mind waiting for food that will be good quality food. I was starving and ate it anyway. The margherita pizza was tasty but it was just a basic cheese pizza. Nothing margherita about it. At checkout the same cashier who gave us a card told us to form a line and she pointed where to go. A second later a lady stepped up to the counter just as I had and she took her immediately without hesitation. Ummm that was rude!!!! Overall the experience here was just BAD and that young man running around taking drink orders seemed like the only one who was doing his job and enjoying it. I'll just continue to go to the Lincoln Park location
(1)
Scott R.
This place fails in almost every way. We stopped by today after noticing a list of interesting specials yesterday. The bread was good; the chicken soup was all right; other than that: 1. Salad with raspberries and walnuts; first the salad was drowned in dressing and left to sit while the kitchen searched for raspberries. The raspberries and walnuts were added and voila: a droopy mix of ingredients that didn't work together at all. 2. Gorgonzola pasta with pistachios: Incredibly salty gorgonzola; the pistachios which were dumped on did not blend in; this dish was a disaster. 3. Caprese Salad: Basic unimaginative salad not worth the price. Seating is "cute"; if you sit on a two sided sofa it will move around if anyone fidgets (or jumps up and down as the guy next to me did). Otherwise you've got high tables and low spots which look uncomfortable but I wont be back to try them.
(1)
Joanne K.
This place is pretty awful. Terrible service, pasta tastes like paste & the pizza is just ok. It was utter mayhem with lines everywhere & staff looking confused and overwhelmed. Won't ever be back.
(1)
Justin B.
If you're a Chicagoan and have eaten at Foodlife in Water Tower Place, you'll be familiar with this concept. If not, here's the deal - the restaurant is divided into stations and, depending on what you want (pizza, pasta, salad, etc.) you pony up to them, a mail card gets charged and you pay upon exit. Think of it as a high-end Italian cafeteria. The pizza was thin, with slightly crispy edges. I know a traditional marg pizza has light cheese, but this was simply a cheese pizza. Pretty tasty, though. I wasn't really sure where to order a beverage. It took some investigating but then realized I could order one from any station. I expected it to be a little more crowded. Although, I didn't mind it since lunch places are usually crazy busy. The staff was pretty on top of things. They greeted me with a smile and even asked if I would have liked something afterwards, as a dessert or coffee. The decor takes on a light and airy feel, with tall Windows and light colored furniture. Offering a full bar, Vapiano might be a decent place for happy hour and a snack for two.
(3)
A n.
They had 8 people working the pasta and pizza bar and no one took my order or even told me where to order. (Signs were all wrong) I had to ask three times and they gave me three different places to go. Then when I got in line they acted like I didn't exist. So I left. This place will go out of business very soon without better staff.
(1)
Nicole S.
I don't care what anyone else says. I LOVE Vapiano's! Fresh pasta made daily on site? Flavorful, fresh pasta and pizza made to order while you watch? Friendly, helpful chefs? I've been here more times than I can count and every experience has been good, even when the wait has been longer. Yes, the format takes some getting used to (but it's not rocket science!) Yes, you will wait longer than if you had ordered at Burger King. Yes, the water glasses are laughably small. All of this is moot. The food is fresh, delicious and filling! This will remain one of my regular lunch spots. I'm so glad they're only a block from my office.
(4)
N L.
Caught a meal here after a show and appreciated the relaxed vibe, lighting and overall mood of the place. The whole experience was a bit rough around the edges. The format of the restaurant is basically an upscale cafeteria; there are different stations for different kinds of food. This format has its pros and cons, but on the whole, I found it a bit awkward to have things timed so that my dining partner and I could actually have a meal at the same time. Another weakness of the format is that being a good cook/line cook requires a different set of skills than being a server or a patron-facing person. I found the cooks, who you order directly from, to be a bit surly and unfriendly. A kitchen can be a high-stress environment to begin with; so having customers right there to witness it unveiled a bit of that stress. That level of dissatisfaction with the staff extended to the ladies working the counter as well...no one seemed very happy to be working there. I enjoyed the food itself. I had the Beef and Shrimp salad and it was very good; my dining partner had the carbonara and was very good as well. In conclusion, the food and ambiance are quite good, but they have some work to do to button up their customer service.
(3)
Valerie Yvonne B.
Okay, first of all DO NOT go here if you're short on time. Meaning, if you're trying to get that 1 hr lunch in, NOPE. Now, the food is delicious, fresh and creative. I've been here a number of times already because of that fact alone. I would usually go on the weekend when I've done a little shopping or just in the area. The process of ordering is this: The person at the door gives you a card, you keep that card and guard it like old boy from Lord of The Rings because that card is tapped by you each time you order a meal or drink. You grab a menu from either the pasta, salad or pizza side and then stand in either line to order. There are trays, glasses and utensils at the head of these lines for you to use once you finally get up front and order. The problem with this place is they always seem short staff and I think this is a "teaching" restaurant which I personally have no problem with. Students and newer chefs need love too. As long as they cook my food right, I'm good. But yeah, watching them cook reminds me of how cooking professionally is pretty much a labor of love. They work their asses off. Every dish I've had there was good. The ordering system just takes a little getting used to.
(4)
Merve Åž.
People are getting their newly cooked pizzas in minutes but how come the already prepared salads take ages!!!silly.
(1)
Jess S.
Yes, it takes a little longer than a fast food joint to get your food. But it isn't fast food - they make your food to order, and it's pizza, and pasta which isn't quick. I've waited five minutes and I've waited 20 minutes. I do not come here when I'm in a hurrry, just in case, but every time I come here I love the food and the atmosphere. The chefs are so friendly. The manager is always cooking with the rest of them. Expect yummy food and great service, and don't expect to be in and out in five minutes.
(4)
Laurie S.
This place is different. Has a very good look but the ordering process is too confusing. The person taking my order couldn't speak above a whisper and since it was my first time this was crazy. Food was tasty but not outstanding. Very casual.
(3)
Mike K.
Got it here during lunch time on Thursday. No one explained instructions. Waited for 20 minutes just to order and then another 10 min till food is ready. Food is horrible, extremely salty. Did not even offer bread. Bartender is extremely rood an said that they don't have fresh lemons. Zero stars for this place. Don't come here, ever!
(1)
Cody B.
Pros: -Nice spot to eat outside (love outside dining) -Good selection of sauces -interior decor in dining area was nice -being able to watch your food prepared quickly right in front of you gave a sense of freshness and possibilities for customization. Cons: -First time diners can be confused by card system. -Even when relatively slow (for downtown) lines for cooking stations can be tiresome. -Would be nice to have option to simply sit down and be served.
(3)
Caitlin M.
Oh Vapiano. It's a little kitschy, but you have to expect that from something in the middle of the loop. The place is fast/fresh casual. For those of you not in the business, that means- You walk up and you order. Every ingredient of your dish is made for you alone, but it's fast. You pick up your order and you scurry back to your eating spot, knowing it's not been under a burner for 10 minutes. Fresh casual. Done. Dine in your college hoody, North Face or whatever. They have wines available, which is a fun twist. It's definitely the place you want to go after work or class. The servers are friendly. I wasn't too sure about the hostess/greeter, but I am pretty sure they were still training. Although it is self service, they have wait staff to see to your drink and dessert needs. They are pretty on point and personable without bothering you. Food (You know, the part you've been waiting for...): My friend and I had gotten the suggestions. She had the BBQ chicken pizza and I had the beef cognac pasta. The sauce on the pizza was nice. Not too overboard on the BBQ flavor, which I personally like. The veggies were fresh and topped after the dough and cheese was baked. The pasta was great. They let you choose your own noodle!!! I wasn't very decisive about how well I waned the beef cooked, so the chef made some suggestions. He was also super personable and fun to talk to while he cooked my meal. I like this place a lot. The company seems solid and it's a fun and different dining experience. Imagine FoodLife ten yeas ago! It probably isn't what people are expecting and can be a bit pricey, but I think it's worth it to see you food cooked and know it's all made for you and not in a giant vat.
(5)
Jacob G.
I like the food at Vapiano. It's a good restaurant to go to for lunch or dinner.
(3)
Lisa S.
We loved it!!!! 8.00 pizza and I mean a whole pizza not a slice. Tons of options and large portions! Excellent salads! We want one where we live back in Idaho!!!!
(5)
Kathy K.
This place isn't succeeding due to its location. Picky yuppies(I'm one of them) in Lincoln Park and big international chains(except Starbucks) don't mix. Put this place on Michigan Ave. next to a place like Cheesecake Factory and the line would be out the door. Location, location, location.
(3)
JR R.
Love this place. First ran across one in Berlin, Germany. Fresh food, great atmosphere...one of my favs
(4)
Matt S.
A very fun experience! We enjoyed the laid back experience of eating the fresh italian cuisine at this restaurant. The antipasti selections are fabulous and the pizza and pasta was very good. The personal billing card makes for an easy way to go with friends and not worry about how to split the check. Down side is the pre made dessert options aren't as fresh as they could be but still good. Staff is helpful and atmosphere is decent.
(4)
Daryle N.
Don't come here if you expect to be treated nicely. The hostess that worked last night July 7th was the rudest/snobbiest hostess in all Chicago. The atmosphere and food doesn't warrant her looking down her nose at people that dropped $120 for slow service and sub par food. Go to Atwood or 312 Chicago, they appreciate your money.
(1)
Liam A.
I personally wasn't wowed. I work in the area and am always looking to try new places for my lunch break or post-work. The set-up looked a lot like a glorified cafeteria much like (as some of you have mentioned) Foodlife at Water Tower Place. There was enough of a selection at first glance but upon further inspection a lot of the food didn't really seem all that appealing to us. The freshness was definitely there and what we chose tasted decent (nothing too special, really) although there were long lines for each station. I liked that it wasn't so crowded and the decor was nice. With that said, we waited quite a while to be greeted and again to be charged after our meal. It's a block away from where I work so I might return and give it another shot. Their efficiency in getting traffic in and out is an area of opportunity. Definitely a poor execution of a familiar concept though.
(3)
Shanti N.
After reading the other reviews, I regret that my first venture here was not for lunch, and preferably a later one, after the crowds had settled down (if ever they do!). I ended up here after the Doris Kearns Goodwin talk at the library, as the space looked so warmly lit and inviting on a cold, drizzly night. When I stepped inside, I was immediately greeted by a hostess who explained the swipe card system, whereby I could order anything that I liked, at any of the various stations, swipe my card, then settle up at the hostess stand at the end of my dining experience. It was close to 8 pm by that point and finding myself in need of a glass of wine I made the bar my first stop. I ordered (and swiped for) a decent glass of malbec. Since I had not yet solved where to sit, I made my way over to the food stations. It would have been nice to see a list of menu items above each one, similar to the setup at Sopprafina. As it was, I had to take a menu card and was puzzled that some of the cards included the pasta specials and others did not. I decided to go with the bruschetta, as that line was the shortest and least bottlenecked. Once I ordered, I went in search of seating. I'm normally not one to clear away other people's dining detritus, but was just desparate enough to sweep an empty pizza tray (with just a few crusts) out of the way and into the hands of a passing busser so that I could be seated at one of the low tables in the back of the restaurant. Apparently, I had chosen toddler-central, as there were a bunch of young screechers in the area; fortunately, this crowd soon departed. By that point, my order was up, so I had to make tracks to put my coat over my seat, so that I could go up to the counter and claim it (side note: by that point, the customer is exhausted, so the food should be brought out to each table, similar to how it is done at Corner Bakery or Panera). The food itself was nothing spectacular, and I was mainly glad to have nabbed a seat and figured out the complex ordering system. Fortunately, the bill--even with alcohol included--was comparable to lunch at a fast casual spot. By the end of it all, there was no shadow of doubt in my mind that I would not be tipping, as it seemed not to be required given that it was essentially all self serve. Probably, if I were less lazy/tired, I could have made the same type of pesto at home as what was on offer here.
(3)
Josh C.
My wife convinced me to try this place again and the food was a lot better this time. The service too! My only complaint is that it's still a really confusing order/payment process.
(3)
Marta K.
I was pleasantly surprised on my first visit. There are no waiters here, you order your food and then pick it up a few minutes later. It has the look and feel of a normal sit down restaurant. Great for when you are meeting multiple people for dinner, and not everyone can get there on time. We had 8 people for dinner, 2 of us arrived first, so we snagged a larger table for us all, and grabbed drinks while we waited. At the end of dinner, you don't have to worry about splitting checks because everyone has their own card (check). And best of all, the food is great!
(5)
#NAME?
I read a couple reviews prior to going and it seemed it would be a bit challenging going in here and that is the truth.... Went in for lunch around 12:30, yes I know it's the prime time for lunch, but it was confusing-You get a card where all items purchased are put on by tapping it to a scanner- When you walk in there is a wall in the back where you order, where people are cooking and where you get your food-In short it's a MESS- There is the salad section, pizza and pasta-You have no idea if the person in front of you has ordered, if they are waiting to order, if they are waiting for their food or if they are just checking things out- Ordered the pasta fungi, selected the pasta I wanted and then tapped the card to the scanner thing- Then I stood back a bit and waited, and waited and waited-It was about 10 minutes-So awkward for you don't have anywhere to go-Your food will not be brought out to you, and with the theft fear why would you leave your belongings at a table then come back to get it-You need to go with someone in order to get a spot, so then one person is the designated waiter- So after 10 minutes we were motioned that the food was ready-Then we had to find a table, got a small one on the Monroe side of the place- For drinks they have mini glasses of water glasses available, and I mean "mini" I could down that water in a gulp and a half- So I wanted a Coke, went to the bar area and I had to tap the card in order to get it-I didn't have it on me, my friend did-So I had to run over to him amongst the mess at the order, wait and pick-up area to get the card so I could tap it against the scanner thing so I could take my Coke away- Food was ok, pasta was cooked to perfection, sauce was decent and lots of mushrooms-It was way too much for one person, so they should really have half portions for half the price- For 2 pastas, 1 Coke the price was $21.00- I really don't want to go there again b/c it's a zoo in there-They really should have a service like Noodle & Co. where they bring it to you, would make things so much easier-How hard is it to give you a number to place on your table and they bring it to you-If Corner Bakery, Noodle & Co and others can do it why can't this place?
(2)
Irshaad G.
Great place to find some Italian-style pizza inside the loop. Their salads are good too. Their setup and ordering system is a bit unorthodox, but effective. We went on a Sunday afternoon and it wasn't too busy.
(4)
Erica W.
I really enjoyed my experience at Vapiano. The decor is bright and trendy, and it has an interesting layout. It's laid out kind of like a food hall in London, or like a restaurant at Eataly in NY. Basically you get a card, go to the station you want (pasta, pizza, etc.) and the staff swipes the card to record what you are purchasing. You eat, and then you pay on your way out. There were several options to choose from - I chose the pesto chicken pizza, which was quite tasty, and I also got the vanilla panna cotta which was the perfect texture, and the vanilla flavor really came through. They also give you a nice reusable plastic take-out container that you could use again - it's almost the quality of tupperware. It's nice to have a restaurant like this in the loop. They are also open pretty late (until 10-11pm) I would go back!
(4)
Ryan M.
Kind of expensive. Staff is friendly and suggests food. Ran into Dunlevy and the asian trainer for the Bulls. He caught me staring and I think he thinks I'm stalking him....he knows now...I must hide in different spots.
(3)
Ingrid R.
Seriously. Wow. Poor, poor execution of what could be a good lunch spot. So it's just opened - I get it. Growning pains etc. First off when you come from the Monroe side they have a lovely little gate in their fence to go through that is completely hidden. Let's call it stealth gate. We approached stealth gate and said we want to eat here. Great she beamed. How do we get in? Oh - here. We cannot have been the first people who felt locked out... Should have taken the hint and ran... I came in with 3 colleagues at lunchtime. We lined up in our corresponding pasta, pizza, salad lines. After about 10 minutes of not moving in the pizza line one colleague moved over the a pasta line. So they serve people one at a time, make their food, give them their food, put the charge on the "special card that holds what you ordered", next person, etc. It's SLOW and also very slow. I ordered a salad with 5 ingredients in it. When I got it I didn't see the pine nuts. "Are there pine nuts in there?" I asked in a friendly tone. "Why yes" she cheerfully replied. Half way into the salad - "where are my effing pine nuts?" My 5 ingredient salad ($9.95 with no meat) was a 4 ingredient salad. It was then we realized there was another large line to pay with the "special card that holds what you ordered". Oh - this is fun. Thankfully we sat near it so when it calmed for a minute I ran up to pay. When we went to leave we left by the entrance. I didn't know it was not an exit. It was a door that was open to the outside. You have to show your receipt if you leave that way. That's all well and good but have a sign or something. What if I threw my receipt away? Overall, the decor is lovely, the food was nice enough, but.... the prices are high, the experience sucked a really big heap of lotness! I can't see many loop lunchers putting up with this lark for long.
(1)
Debbie F.
I bring everyone here. Guys I'm interested in, guys I'm not interested in, and I would probably bring my parents here too. The clean environment of glass, green, beige wooden tables, wood benches, red lounge chairs is perfect for most settings. Though there's always couples on [what looks like] their first date, so no, sorry, you should not wear your pajamas. Vapiano's has a pretty big variety of pasta choices and flavors (compared to other establishments in Chicago), and there's always the option of customization. Their ingredients are fresh, though some dishes (i.e. Scampi Spinachi?) can feel heavy quickly. The crayfish, the pesto with pinenuts, those have been amazing. Their desserts are okay; nothing to rave about. Things I love: Free Olive Oil Free bread (just ask at the counter) Free herbs (at all tables) Self-serve water (No more waiting for slow waiters :D) Clean bathrooms (at least five cubicles in the Ladies') Warm and friendly service every time, from chef to cashier Things I don't love: The peak hour crowd (5pm-7pm?). They magically appear, and they're not from my imagination :( I really hope more restaurants like this open up in Chicago. I think it's pretty obvious that it's not the restaurant's fault if there are long lines - demand/supply chain - there is a bottleneck effect because we need more tasty and affordable places in the Windy City that don't serve "errything with fries."
(5)
Jacob A.
I had lunch here a couple weeks ago with a friend. I had the pesto pizza for $7.95 and it could have fed 2 people. Great bang for your buck. The pizza was thin crust ,delicious and very flavorful. My friend had a pasta dish for $10.95 and the portion was small and he didn't really like it, he said it had a bland taste. The chefs cooking in each of the food stations were very helpful and explained the process in an easy to understand manner. The reason I'm giving this place 4 stars and not 5 is because of the bartender. After sitting down I realized they had no crushed red pepper on the table only a spicy olive oil mix. So I went to ask the bartender about it since she was 2feet away and she responded with a bit of an attitude. I don't know If she was having a bad day or not but tried get a more clear answer from her but again was rebuffed and told that the spicy olive oil was all that they had. I went back and sat down to eat my lunch with my colleague. Some of the chefs were having their lunch at the end of our table and could hear the displeasure I had with the bartender and the lack of chilly flakes. 30 seconds later the chef appears with it and apologizes about the situation at the bar. Again staff was very nice and ill just chalk it up to 1 apple.
(4)
Mike S.
We found this location on accident Saturday when visiting in Chicago when walking to the Flat Top Grill on Wabash for dinner. I try to eat at Vapiano's whenever I am in DC and like their food, so we ate there instead of Flat Top. Food is a good value for the price. Very reasonable for the loop. My favorite is Spaghetti with the Carbanaro sauce. I like how they cook the food in front of you. I also like that they have small size desserts.
(4)
Kat H.
You have to wait for ur food at the station, the "chefs" aren't friendly and the food is overpriced...we r waiting our own tables and yet I still pay as if I'm at a nice restaurant. No thanks! Carpaccio was pretty good tho
(2)
Puja B.
I enjoyed eating here! It was casual and inviting place. The card system really isn't that confusing. They explain it to you before you order. The pesto pasta was decent and the pizza was delicious! I really liked the concept of the place!
(4)
Nadine G.
Okay, they JUST opened, so take this review with that in mind, but I did not get a positive first impression of this place. The dining area is very pretty, but I was so annoyed with the ordering process that I just ended up taking everything to go. Basically, the whole system is very chaotic. The restaurant is set up with stations: pizza, pasta, salad/antipasto, dessert/alcohol. If you want more than one kind of item you need to wait in separate lines to order. You swipe a Vapiano card at each station and pay on your way out. I ordered a pizza and then a pasta and salad to take home for dinner. The pizza station was pretty together (although nobody at any station seemed to have turned the computers on before they opened for lunch), but the other two areas were very chaotic. It is an open kitchen, and it is very unclear who you are supposed to order from, where you are supposed to wait, when to swipe your card...the whole process needs to be clarified and streamlined. Right now, as there is a learning curve for both the staff and the customers, they should post hosts or managers at each station to help people through it all. As for the food....I had the Capriccioso pizza, which was good, with a relatively fast cook time for a personalized pizza. I ordered the Pesto Rosso pasta, and that was highly disappointing; very bland and a very small portion for the price. I also had the Strawberry Spinach salad, which was okay, but also quite small for the price. Also, I think they should automatically put all dressings on the side for to-go orders, but I didn't specify, so that's on me. I also tried to order tiramisu to go, but they were unable to offer that dessert to go for some reason. The to go containers are very nice, but they were out of bags already (they just opened a few days ago), which made the schlep back to work kind of awkward. When I went to swipe my card on the way out, only one of my items showed up, despite my having swiped at each station and being told that I was fine. Overall, it took me about 30 minutes to order and get my food; I would have much preferred sit down service, as I was standing the whole time, dodging other customers. I did express my opinion to a manager that the ordering process was very confusing, and he seemed to put the onus on the customers to "get used to it". Overall, I think the staff needs to be more guest-focused, and I say this as someone who worked as a restaurant server for 10 years; I know it's a hard job, but the staff is openly stressed, confused & irritated, and they do not always do a good job of helping the guests through the ordering process. I will go back and give it another try, especially for the pizza, but not for at least another month.
(2)
William D.
Had the pleasure of visiting this restaurant after a concert in February. Enjoyed the semi- Do It Yourself feel of the restaurant. You can choose between Pasta, Pizza, or Salad. There was a full bar available. Will visit when I return to the area.
(3)
Kristy A.
Really a 2.5. Stopped here sort of late for a glass of wine and a little something sweet. Had no idea that they were still in their first few weeks, but that does explain some things. I can definitely see why this place has some varied ratings. Overall, I found the place a bit confused. It's basically a cafeteria that is trying to be something more upscale. You go in and are given a card that you have to swipe when you order. There are different stations for pizza, pasta, wine, dessert, etc. I only had wine and dessert, which were at the same station. I would have had to stand in a herd for anything else. My wine and dessert were average and I noted lots of spots on my glassware. I also noticed dead bugs in the overhead light fixtures (happens to all of us, but sort of ruins the effect of the pretty drum shades and is not so appetizing). I set my card down somewhere and while I found it later, I was sort of left to wonder what happens when one misplaces a card. I also had to wait in line to pay on the way out -- diner style. Just didn't do it for me. To be fair, I didn't try much of the food, but even an excellent meal might have only added a star.
(2)
Steve G.
I tried this place twice, it was terrible both times. It has nice ambiance, but everything else is awful. The food is just so-so, I tried the salad, soup and pasta, all were mediocre. The dishes were dirty, I don't think they wash them properly, there was food scum on the undersides. They don't clean up the tables quickly, so both times I had to remove the dirty dishes from the prior group and wipe down the table with a napkin. The staff all have attitude, not a smile or friendly remark from anyone. I won't be back.
(1)
Matt L.
Tried to place a special order over the phone, but was rudely turned away by a manager who claimed that he couldn't take credit card payments over the phone because there was no way to verify the card. I've worked at many restaurants who allow this and I've placed special orders over the phone with a credit card countless times. Ruined my plans.
(1)
Kaye K.
Good food but sssslllooooowwwww which is a surprise since the concept is for faster food. Good design and comfortable seating.
(3)
J L.
We came on Sunday morning after church with our 2 kids. Interesting concept with great food Audrea White went the extra make to make sure our chicken was excellent and the kids had gummy bears! We will be back.
(5)
Hester K.
Great first impressions! I love this concept and am glad it came to Chicago! The food is one of the many reasons I love to go here. I would recommend one of their housemade pastas. The atmosphere is perfect for a party of any size. I recommend this restaurant to my friends all the time.
(5)
John S.
Vapiano was a favorite of mine back east, and since we don't have any yet on the west coast I was happy to stumble on this location while visiting Chicago. The prices are reasonable, not just for food but also for coffee and beer/wine in a pleasant downtown location. This time I tried the BBQ Chicken pizza which had an added topping of melted smoked gouda cheese. So basically it had all my favorite ingredients together. I would eat here every day if I lived nearby.
(5)
Rob K.
Food is "good" I liked our pepperoni and sausage pizza. Had a Caesar salad too which was shared between my wife and I. Desert was tiramisu (below average) and a cheesecake that was pudding like. Now for the odd part of this restaurant, there are no servers or plates. You eat off what they prepared your food in/on. They give you the "menu" once you walk in the door and you're on your own to walk up and order your food at different stations. You keep track of your orders with a "credit card" type card and pay at the end for what is on the card. If it wasn't for my wife I would've walked right back out as I don't usually make time to order my own food and drinks when going out. Pricing was on the high-side considering its average quality food. I would eat there again, but only if other options aren't available.
(2)
Lexie H.
Food is ok, not too bad but not great either. I came in for dinner. The staff are friendly but the food is nothing special and not good with the price you pay for. The interior is really nice, music is a bit loud if you wanna have business lunch or conversation in here.
(2)
Rick F.
Avoid the free-for-all lunch rush at all costs. But at quiet times the food is good and the atmosphere great.
(3)
John S.
Went to Vapiano before the Pet Shop Boys concert. Really liked the atmosphere. For a counter service style restaurant the atmosphere here is trendy and clean. The card system they use and different stations make this a great place to go with a group when you would split the bill. The staff is friendly and quick to take your order. For dinner I had the pizza. The pizzas are cooked to order and reasonably priced. If I was grading just on food, service and atmosphere this place would easily be 4 stars. The bad side is the drinks here are tiny. 8oz bottles of coke cost $2.50. So I had to get two of those. They have free water but the glasses are like 4oz in size. You would think we were rationing liquids with the drink sizes here. Over all has potential. Would eat here if I was in the area and need a quick bite, however think I will get it to go and get my drink elsewhere.
(2)
Andrew D.
They don't even stay open until their posted hours. Hostess was totally useless. Completely lame.
(1)
Dean H.
It was unimpressive. The pizza tasted frozen even though I saw it being made. The place was stylish however and the price was right.
(2)
Valerie P.
Food is good, but WTF Is going on? I had never been to one of these before and as I walk up to the counter the gal hands me a bunch of cards like I have a clue what to do with them! I basically wandered around a bit lost and confused and when I asked the server (? if that's what they are?) for things I pretty much got a "duh-don't you know this" kind of attitude. I give them 2 stars for having amazing bruschetta.
(2)
Mario P.
Its a beautiful space (beautifully designed and furnished). The experience, however, is difficult to understand. While I like the 'personal credit card approach' it took a good amount of time for someone to educate us on how its managed. Then, you have to wait in a line-cue for the person that's going to cook your food to take your order (in our case a long 10 minutes); and then you stand and watch your food being prepared (which took another 7 minutes, plus a few minutes to understand the beverage situation). Then, you're expected to carry your tray and find a table ... which can be a bit intimidating when its a packed lunch room. Its a pretty extensive menu, yet we had difficulty deciding on what to order. We settled on the Pesto Pasta. Regrettably, it lacked punch. The Capanelle pasta was too el dente for my palate (meaning, too chewy to enjoy). If you want bread "ask for it." Otherwise, it wasn't offered. We agreed that the "chili oil" at the table was a good idea. In short, an average experience with some positive and negative impressions. The space is amazing; while the meal experience leaves one to wonder if they'll consider changing their approach.
(3)
Gary S.
I'll keep it short and sweet. Food was very good. Had pizza and a salad, fresh, ingredients were excellent. Price was what I would expect from Loop area joints. But simply put: Too. Much. Work. I don't want to have to think that much to order a freaking pizza and a coke, and find a place to sit. Too much work, up and down, free refills but from the fountain (why give out little bottles to begin with)? It was awkward with a small group to have everyone's food come out at a different time given that it's (sort of!) a sit down restaurant. I've never wanted to be simply waited upon in my life.
(2)
Blair A.
I can't express my disappointment enough This place is like a cafeteria. You go up and order your food at a cafeteria counter. I ordered a prosciutto pizza. They made it then told me 20 min later that they had no prosciutto. Had to wait another 15 min for a diff pizza. The drinks are the tiniest possible. I was so confused. Cokes come in 8oz glass bottles w no refills. My pizza was cold. Bruschetta was terrible. Girls are the front entry were gossiping about getting spanked. I couldn't make this up. Food was a 2.5 Service was a 0 Process to order food was a 0 Italian is extremely hard to do poorly but vapiano has achieved that. The pizza was very similar to the pizzas at subway.
(1)
John G.
This is why I walked out without ordering. There was no clear indication of which employees were open for taking orders. Furthermore there was no signage indicating where I should order my non pasta non pizza non salad entree. When I approached two employees at an open window they rudely told me there window was closed. Good bye.
(1)
J J.
Don't let the bad reviews discourage you. Came here without reading the reviews, so I had no expectations. All the pastas that our party had were great. The pizza was ok. Extra stars for a cool decor, and a fresh new way of dining. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Steven Y.
Cool design, food was good but not exceptional. The small water glasses were incredibly annoying.
(3)
Ida n.
There are no words for how delicious the truffled wild mushroom and shaved radicchio pizza is. I eat a lot of fancy pizza, and was really surprised to receive such an elevated pie at a fast casual place like this. I only ordered a soda, but they had a full bar that was well-stocked. Hope they open one nearby in Los Angeles soon! (Minus one star for the awkward ordering/payment system and the dreadful, couldn't-care-less hostess.)
(4)
Jamie H.
I went there on 3/1/14 with 3 of my friends & IT WAS AWESOME!! The food is great (I had the Salmon, lemon cream, mushrooms, garlic, with Parmesan cheese it was AMAZING! The decor is so cool yet subtle! The service was friendly, helpful, without being overbearing! You gotta try this place with friends, a nice first date, or just a lovely dinner alone for you won't be disappointed at all!
(5)
Eric W.
Fun experience, casual dining. Our pizza was great and came out really fast. We are from Cincinnati and this is just what we were looking for. Nice bar too!!
(5)
Wenwen L.
Interesting restaurant! It feels like a lounge bar, but you can have pasta and pizza here. I'm so into its decoration! Foods are great and with reasonable price. Must have in the loop!
(5)
John K.
This place is not very accomdating. I picked up their menu to order a carry out since I was staying across the street at the Palmer house hotel. Their menu takes you to some weird Web site viapianio.com . That Web site has very little to do with the restaurant. No phone number, no menu. Anyway I found their phone number through yelp. They not do call in orders. I was mad and just said forget it. What kind of place is this?
(1)
Fraggle B.
Perfect combination of german efficiency and italian home cooking! I just love this place - great home made pasta, delicious pizza, cheap wine and yummy desserts. The whole place is some what self serve. You get your card, charge up whatever you want, seat yourself and then pay at the end of the meal. Not ideal for those who want to be waited on but very convenient for splitting the check if you are in a big group of people. The bruchetta pizza is my favorite. Love this place and so happy they opened locations in Chicago. Please open one in Wicker Park as well.
(5)
Samantha T.
The food is absolutely delicious! Very fresh tasting. The restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere. I first discovered this place in Germany and was elated to see it in Chicago. What holds me back from giving 5 stars is the wait. It is very long. If you go in a big group, it is best to go in deepest lines and hope that you all get your food about the same time.
I'm not sure why there are so many negative comments. I love this place. It's a great lunch spot in the loop. Location is perfect too. All the dishes I've had, I've loved and everyone I've brought here loves the place.
(5)
J F.
Nothing like the other Vapiano on Clark Street. No sandwiches, miniature sized everything when it comes to drinks. The glasses of water are 3 oz and 8oz for the sodas. I saw a lady stock up on 8 glasses of water at a table by herself. They don't have fountain drinks so give people normal human sized glasses for water! Organization has not made its way to this location yet. It's overcrowded during lunch - the order line is also the wait line. Don't plan on getting your food anytime close to when your friends get theirs. Descent/mediocre food, unless you want a salad and in which case it's one leaf chopped up. The owners should visit the Clark location at some point.
(1)
Eric S.
I wish I could have experienced this meal like the movie Memento. It would have started off with the checkout lady not looking surprised at all. Then me saying "honestly, not very good at all". Then her asking "how was your meal?" Ok back to the beginning. This place looks pretty cool. What doesn't look cool is all the people standing around because no one knows where to stand while waiting for your food. That's ok, I waited awkwardly for my food, no big deal, now I'm ready to eat. Except my pizza won't be ready for another 20 minutes. No big deal, I'll watch my wife eat her pasta while I drink wine out of a frosted wine glass. Wait what's that? My wife tries to tell me its not frosted. Wait, It's not frosted? nope, it's just the dirtiest glass I ever drank from. I'll update this review if I get mono. Until then, just assume its terrible food and an annoying dining experience.
(1)
Agda A.
Saw this restaurant right in front of hotel. It was late they were almost closing. Very pretty looking but chaotic. The ordering system is somewhat overwhelming. I just wanted some food, but it was too much to learn just to order. Cards to swipe, different stations to order stuff. I decided to take-out. Pasta was ready first, but I had to wait for the pizza. In the end headed to cashier, after so much swiping I was charged drinks which they forgot to give me. My hands were full, they had no bags. I was so tired of this whole ordeal that I forgot about the drinks and they were charged. Very confusing, very hectic, too chaotic for me to go back. The food was not that great either. Very frustrating, and disappointing.
(1)
Kelly S.
I helped coordinate a lunch for a large group of conference attendees at this Vapiano on a Sunday afternoon. The management team (Andrey, Guy and Jeff) who helped me to set up the reservation were friendly, attentive and easy-going. They made the process very easy. It was the perfect spot for a big group. The pizza I had was delicious - I had the Tropicale and really enjoyed it! We will definitely keep this place in mind for future events with lots of people.
(4)
Luis C.
Food was very good.. At least the pasta I ordered. The concept to order food is not practical at all.. Its a nice place but need to change up the concept..... Will not come back if its not changed....
(2)
B L.
Wow, you can spend your entire lunch break standing in various lines! -- one line for your pizza, then another line for your salad, and if you want a dessert --- go stand in that line. It's thee most inefficient, confusing "self serve" setup I've ever seen. (A cafeteria setup is at least efficient.) I had to stand in a variety of lines, then find a table and carry my tray and drink there. When the entree or pizza is ready, my beeper would go off and I'd get up from my seat and go pick the pizza up. BIZARRO!!!! It is like you gotta be in some secret club to figure out how this place runs. But even if you figure it all out, the various lines will sap you of your time and patience. About 90% of chairs have no backs! Sorry, I need some support. I don't like leaning like I'm at a picnic bench. Why the TIP JAR? The customer is the one needing tipped. He'll be losing his job if he keeps eating here and getting back from lunch late. And those tiny drinking glasses? --- Hey, when in the US, do as the Americans do. A tiny glass ain't cutting it with us here. PS: The pizza was good, tho the dough needs more salt.
(1)
Anne T.
The food is good, sizes can be large... except for the shot glass of water you have to serve yourself. Come on? I work across the street, and have been a few times, impressed with amount of staffing they typically have on. I absolutely am not a fan of the ordering process, it is confusing and often find myself assisting tourists on how to order and receive food. The lunch hour is crazy busy. Order the brusetta and greek salad!
(3)
John N.
Good addition to the roster of casual Loop lunch options. Nothing here will be remembered as the best Italian you ever had, but anything here beats another day of Jimmy John's, Chipotle, Subway, etc.
(4)
Hotfive D.
If all restaurants were like this one, there would be a lot more home cooking going on.
(2)
Lynn B.
I'm not sure why other people have a problem with this palce but I love it. Yes, the ordering system is a bit unconventional, but other than that the food is delicious, the atmosphere is modern, clean and bright. I actaully like the ordering system, everyone gets there own card so there is never a hassle with splitting up a check. A new go-to place for me!
(5)
Jeff R.
I can't recommend this place when it's crowded, because their set-up for ordering and getting food is very inefficient -- especially when you're in a group. My family went on a Saturday night, and it looked busy - like many resturants do at that time. My son and I got in the pizza line, and my wife and daughter got in one of the pasta lines. After an hour we had ordered, received and eaten our pizza; while my wife didn't even get to *order* her pasta for more than 90 minutes! Turns out someone in her line ordered about 8 orders to go, and it threw the wait times into a tail spin. The other pasta lines were all crowded and also moved slow. Really? Two family members are done eating for 30 minutes and the others haven't ordered yet? Not what we had in mind for a family meal before a show. We were almost late despite allowing what should have been plenty of time. Decor and atmosphere was good (a lot of energy, but noisy). Food was fresh and pretty good; but there are other good restaurants options nearby that can better handle crowds when its busy.
(2)
Daniel F.
This place is strange, like a gimic that the owners tricked all of the employees into believing was the future of the restaurant industry. The extremely awkward 10 minute conversation that you are forced to have with a complete stranger, who is also the person cooking your pasta was frustrating. I was really hoping to go in there, order and sit my a*s down and read a paper and be alone. That being said, for $10 I thought it was pretty good pasta and high quality chicken.
(2)
Thomas L.
This place seems cool from the outside but a logistical mess on the inside. You go in line and order pasta and watch while the "chef" (one of many) cooks your food. Your friend's meal gets cold while they prepare the dishes in serial fashion. Be easier but beneath their style to put numbers in table and let them bring the stuff to you so you can relax while they cook rather than having to watch. Food is ok and ambiance nice and open but the getting to the table with food on tray spoils the mood.
(2)
Erin B.
Go here! Great food, good service, super friendly. Don't be intimidated by it being different. In this case, different is good.
(5)
Sandy K.
Ordered the Primavera "we recommend the penne". Instead was served a lump of 2 minute noodles with a few vegetables thrown in. Perhaps the recommendation is just a suggestion and you have to actually specify what type of pasta you want? If that is the case, shouldn't the servers ask what type of pasta you want? In any case, this dish was not good. If you are serving a dish with just vegetables they should at least be bigger than the size of a pea. Only the broccoli was a decent size. Will give them one more go before taking my business elsewhere. Disappointed.
(2)
Andrew D.
I went here on a Sunday after the Gold Coast Art Fair with my mother and girlfriend. We were debating on whether to go to Miller's Pub or dine in Old Town. While crossing Michigan Ave we spotted this restaurant in the old Carson' s location. First, my mother is in a wheelchair and the handicapped entrance to the place is confusing. You have to enter the building next door which is closed and the door is locked on Sunday. When my girlfriend inquired about how to enter with a wheelchair they pointed out the entrance but offered no assistance. Bad move! When trying to use the entrance next door we had to bang on the door to get the doormans attention. When he finally noticed us he remained seated and yelled the 'entrance is next door.' After a minute he finally moved and came to the door when he noticed my mother in a wheelchair. This was not his fault it was entirely the fault of the restaurant. The manager should have come outside and opened the door when an inquiry was made regarding wheelchair access. Second, the service was slow, slow, slow...we waited over a half hour for two greek salads to be prepared. You go to the station with your card the girl takes your order, rings up your order and then cooks and prepares your food. I have never witnessed a more inefficient system. While waiting for our food my guests sat at the table waiting and waiting for us. Not good! While waiting in line a waitress came by and took our drink order. We got two glasses of Reisling. After she took our order we never saw her again. After 15 minutes I noticed two glasses of wine sitting on a ticket at the bar and inquired if they were mine. I was told by the bartender no! Of course our absentee waitress happened to walk by and stated they belonged to us. My mother had the bbq chicken pizza. She described it as bland, soggy and tepid. Me and my girlfriend got two greek salads and an antipasta platter. The salads were very good, but the antipasta platter was awful. Nothing tasted fresh! Also, it should be noted that the bathroom on the first floor was filthy. Upon leaving and paying a bill of 68 dollars for two salads and pjzza i mentioned to the manager about the slow, slow service. Instead of apologizing he made excuses about employees not showing up to work. Sorry but this a management problem that need not be shared with your paying customers. I was extremely disappointed with this place and will never return. The slow service, filthy bathroom, poor handicap access to the building and a genuine lack of concern for customer service has guaranteed I will dine elsewhere in the future.
(1)
Karen P.
Total disappointment. I ordered a fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and spaghetti pasta. What I got was not good at all. They gave me angel hair pasta with some very very dry chicken pieces and there was almost no sauce. I also ordered their Panna cotta. Which was more like a pudding. Gross I could have saved my money. And done a better job myself.
(1)
Lydia S.
the food is AMAZING. if you have been to food life, vapiano is similar like that in terms of paying. you get a card and you can whatever you want, and you pay in the final cashier. (everything is charged in your vapiano card) the pastas and pizzas are amazing. I definitely recommend trying their pastas if it's the first time, and chicken alferdo is the best!
(5)
Erin B.
Ain't nobody got time for this. Besides the girl at the front with her back to the door, whom I walked right past and had to go back to since I had no idea how to order (she also gave me 2 of the same menus and insisted that I was stupid and that I actually had 2 different menus)...15 minutes for a pizza? To go? In the loop? Me thinks not. I walked out. Also, the pizza that came out as I was inquiring about the length of time to get my food, didn't even look fully cooked. Egads.
(1)
liz h.
Terribly organized. If you want pizza, pasta, and a salad you have to stand in three different limes. Do you pay before of after you eat??? I'm not really sure. Food was ok. Decor is great. Just generally confusing from start to finish.
(2)
Stef C.
I like the food. It's really fresh. However if you're going on your lunch break don't go because it takes a while to get the food done and it is hard to find a seat. Oh and the quotes on the wall are pretty cool!
(3)
Shae F.
I think for the price you pay the food is pretty good, but more importantly the whole environment is very modern and nice, a good place to go!!
(4)
Laura G.
I actually don't mind this places food quality wise, the meals are very tasty....if you ever get your meal. I just waited for a salad "To Go" for over 25 minutes. The customer service here is absolutely horrendous. My thoughts are this is a place where the kitchen should be hidden from the customer, because no one wants to stand there for 30 minutes waiting for their food when the chefs are talking with each other and could care less about any sort of hustle to get customers their food. One of them actually told the customer in front of me, who was still waiting for his food (also a salad) when I finally got mine, that it wasn't her fault that his order was taking forever. Word of advice, don't tell an already frustrated PAYING customer that it's OK your salad is taking over 30 minutes. I have no idea how this place is still around.
(1)
David P.
It's OK, not great. I tried to order a Bellini from the bartender...he did not know what it was (even though we had been served two Bellinis by a different bartender). He kept saying that I wanted a mimosa, which we did not want.
(2)
Melissa F.
I love that your dinner is made right in front of you! The decor is what first drew me to the place. I thought it would be upscale, but then you have to use a card to buy your food like a weird cafeteria and it kind of cheapens the place. Meh.
(3)
Mary B.
Have been wanting to try this place since it opened but thought it was going to be pricey. Went in and was a little overwhelmed with ordering and how to pay etc but was really impressed with them cooking right in front of you, the quality of the food and the kind service. Really cool ambiance and the food was great and affordable. Kind of makes me mad i pay 10 dollars at a sub place when I can come here, eat a big meal and have leftovers and tastes great. Will definitely be back to try the pizza and salad. I had the carbonara and really liked it!
(5)
Ev L.
Decent pasta, I had the chicken Alfredo. Super trendy though but tolerable if only their ordering system was more efficient I would've given them a 4-star instead. It's a nice hangout place with good food, small bar, and good desserts...only if you're not in a hurry cuz it'll take you awhile, cuz this ain't fast food yo!
(3)
Dario I.
Amazing food! I love going to this place. The only downer about this place is that is quite disorganized during rush hour and for ordering pasta. I believe they should try to organize people when ordering the food. Definitely worth the long wait and the hazzle.
(4)
A F.
Hats off to a staff member named Allegra! She knows what good service means. Allegra noticed I requested some bread but returned to my seat thinking I was in the wrong line (aned the other line was too long). She actually found me and delivered the bread! I had to find a manager and tell them how great that was. The card system takes some getting used to but so what--we're adults here. It is a great place for those who come into the city to visit. The surroundings are great, the food was delicious and obvously the staff is attentive. You can take your time and enjoy the views out of the huge windows. Even though the service was slow, (they will get it down with practice) I can't wait to go back. Loved it!
(4)
Vin K.
The guy at pizza was rude and had an attitude that he doesn't care. I ordered a chicken pesto pizza and asked him to add jalapeño or banana pepper he said no to it. It gave me a feeling that he doesn't care about customers or how the business is doing.
(1)
Dodo H.
Perhaps this restaurant works best if you're alone and want to buy ONE item for lunch. The decor is very soothing and beautiful and the food is delicious! But last night our party of four stopped in for late dinner on a quiet Tuesday evening. We had to wait in one line for pasta, long wait...another line for a small side salad, even longer wait, so long that we gave up, a different line for pizza, (a wait to order the pizza and super long wait to get the pizza once it was ordered) and another line for wine and espresso. After dinner I ordered 3 decafs and 1 regular and was given 1 decaf and 3 regular and no apology (after waiting in a long line). The cooking staff was friendly but an inefficient and clumsy concept. So instead of visiting with each other, we were waiting in line for food. And then we had to wait in line to pay to leave. (Reasonably priced.) And it wasn't that busy either. There were three elderly ladies coming in as we were leaving and I wanted to say "Don't stay." Despite the delicious food, and the friendly cooks, we won't be back. Not true Italian hospitality.
(2)
Kristen C.
Guys, I don't know why this place doesn't have a better rating!! I just wandered in there today for the first time since this location opened, and I wish I would have wandered in sooner! It's a little intimidating when you first walk in, just because it's huge! Also, they give a card and you walk up to whatever station you wanna get food from. The selection is HUGE, so it can be overwelming, and everything is ala carte, so you can create your own combination. After you give them your order, you scan your card at this screen nearby, and they give you a device that vibrates when your food is ready. While you wait, you take your card to the front to pay after you made all your selections. Seems complicated, but it's actually kinda cool! My only complaints are: the wait was a little long, and they only have shot glass sized glasses of water, which was a little strange, so you have to juggle 2 or 3 tiny glasses of water without spilling. Once you sit down, though, you are surrounded with comfort. The communal seats feel like you are relaxing in someone's living room, with pillows and cushions. (I went alone, but this is a great place to grab lunch with a friend.) And if you choose a table, you feel like you are in your own little world, very private and cozy. The huge windows create a very open feeling with lots of light. Perfect for someone who has been couped up in a high rise office all day. I ordered the Roasted tomato and Garlic pizza, DELICIOUS!! Very simple, but full of flavor!! Thin, foldable, but crispy crust, fresh ingredients, and they have italian seasonings for you to add if you'd like. It looks like it would be too big for one person, but if you are hungry, it's not hard to eat the whole thing since it is so thin. Very sharable if you aren't starving though. The pastas looked like enormous portions! They also looked and smelled delicious, so that will be what I try next time! Everything seemed very affordable, especially for the size of the portions. AND to top it off, there were complimentary Gummy Bears at the front as you leave! WHAT?! Loved it. New lunch spot in the loop!
(4)
Jason M.
So I am a big fan of vapiano it is by far my favorite chain. The one in Lincoln park is FANTASTIC. This new one is a little weird smaller portions, no fountain drinks, and not to mention the feeling of being out of place eating in the loop. It did just open and I hope they can get to the standards and the feeling from all the other vapianos I've been to in the country. And my last bit of advice if your with a party order from different chefs at this location they only make one at a time. For now ill be sticking to my friends in Lincoln park.
(3)
B G.
Not the best food. Small portions and high prices. Very funky system of ordering and paying for mediocre food. I'd go tomany other places instead.
(2)
Mike D.
This place just opened, so hopefully they will get the problems worked out. I had the diavolo pizza, which was excellent. However, every single aspect other than the food was as horrible as could be. First off, there was no discernible place to stand to place my order. There appeared to be a line but it turned out to just be a crowd of people who, just like me, had absolutely no idea where to stand. When my to-go order was finally placed, I found myself constantly wandering around, trying in vain to find a place to stand where I wasn't in the way. When my pizza was finished, is was not in a to-go box, and when I said it was supposed to be to-go, the employee snapped at me that I have to tell them when I order it (which, of course, I DID). At that point, I didn't even bother with the crushed red pepper and Parmesan cheese, I just wanted to get out of the chaos. But I was forced into yet another "line" to pay (which was really just a mass of people, some waiting to pay, some just standing around unsure of where to be). When I finally got to the register, exhasperated, I asked, is it possible to call ahead? The response, of course, was a very definite NO. In summary, the pizza was good enough that I'm willing to git it another try in 6 months.
(2)
Leo S.
at first it was good and interesting, but as time passes the quality starts to drop. the only consistency there would be the dessert. it's sad because the place has so much potential yet it is so poorly managed. there would be times the chef cook the same thing differently and other times with stack of useless staff gathering around the cash register when the double sided bar has only one person only paying attention to one side. i have even caught staff sneak a shots of beer while working but who cares, all he does is stand by the cash register chatting anyway.
(2)
Robert A.
The ordering system is overwhelming. The multiple menu system is confusing. You have to wait in multiple lines. The food is nothing special, and in fact, the ceasar dressing tastes really wierd.
(2)
Wendy R.
I agree with previous reviewers. Good concept, poor execution. Food is good and they offer different size dessert portions. They are open late, which will help them do well. Prepare to deal with crowds at lunch. Bar staff is terrible. They just stand around and ignore you until their manager finally gets their attention for you. The rest of the staff are friendly and attentive.
(3)
D W.
I understand the concept, but not for downtown rush hour. My co-workers and I stood in line for 20 minutes and had to leave because we were running out of time for lunch. As we stood in line, we noticed that each indiviual order took 20 minutes or more. So, my co-workers and I went to Chipotle and on our way back, we ran into to patrons that were in line in front of us. They said that it was an absolute train wreck and waste of money. The food was salty. Never again.
(1)
Abhishek M.
I specially enjoyed the food ordering concept where every person gets their own meal card that gets charged for individual items (food or beverage). This is ideal when you are in large groups and splitting checks poses a challenge. Vapiano's is neither the family owned Italian restaurant kind nor the Olive Garden chain variety. I say that since the food is prepared fresh right in front of you with what appear to be fresh ingredients. You even get to chose your pasta and perfect portion size packets are emptied and boiled within a couple of minutes before being tossed in sauces and other ingredients. We got a BBQ chicken pizza and Fugulii (sp?) in a tomato sauce with roasted red peppers. We were charged a little extra to add marinara sauce since it wasn't part of the dish. A few other things to remember - they have beer, wine and a full bar with ample open seating. There is no table service and they have gummy bears, rather than mint at checkout.
The idea of the meal card and ordering at different stations is always one that appealled to me, I think it makes for a fun experience. However, nothing was explained to us when we came in, so we kind of had to figure it out ourselves. The guys working behind the pizza and salads counters were very sweet and helpful when they realized I was a little bit out of my element. Overall, fun vibe, interesting concept to try out, but the food wasn't out of this world. If I was in the neighbourhood and looking for a quick meal, I'd probably pop in again, but wouldn't go out of my way!
(3)
Jazzie R.
I work near this restaurant so I go here often and normally my experience is fine but lately i have experience some terrible service. Last week I came in to get my favorite pasta and was shocked that my food was cooked extremely fast, but it was crowded and I don't think much of it. To I start eating and realize my pasta wasnt done! My shrimp was still raw and honesty how long does it take to cook shrimp!!! I was pissed that I spent 15 dollars on lunch and couldn't even eat it. Like i said before i have ate here many times before and i figured it was a new person so i decide to go back today. So i ordered a pizza simple right! I order a chicken pesto pizza ( the same pizza i have been ordering since OCTOBER) and everytime i order it, it comes up to 8 dollars but today when I gave her my card she told me my total was 18 dollars. I asked her why and the convo went like this: Worker: your total is 18.50 Me: why? I just order a chicken pesto pizza Worker: yeah and its 18.50 Me: why? I thought it was 8 dollars. Worker: it is but it 3.50 to add chicken. Me: but its a chicken pizza how are you chargering me for chicken. ......... After about 5 minutes of going back and forth about the price I just walked away. I couldn't believe the service! They hired new people and now the place sucks.
(1)
Rochelle W.
I don't understand why people knock stars off the rating because they don't like the ordering system - it could be improved, but it's not that bad! Just cool out, wait for the food, and have enough confidence in yourself to not feel awkward doing it. Anyway, the food is great! I've had pizza and pasta, but I typically get the pasta. Salmon carbonara, cognac filet of beef, and the scampi e spinaci are the best to me, so far. But I haven't had anything I don't like from here. Fresh ingredients and they give u enough to eat at a later time.
(5)
Michael M.
Vapiano was hard to navigate at first. But after the initial awkwardness and confusion of their ordering system I was set to enjoy it. The atmosphere has a nice amount of class to it, even though the ordering is somewhat "cafeteria" style. The fresh margarita pizza was amazing. Thin crust--enough to feed one person with a big appetite, or two people to leave them satisfied. Great variety of appetizers. I've eaten at their bar, and had had nothing but pleasant experiences with their staff. Drinks are a bit on the pricier side, so maybe stick to tap water. Or one drink. Most tables have fresh herbs that you can snip yourself. I recommend asking for extra Parmesan flakes for when you order the pizza--adding that with some oil and fresh herbs, really makes for a sensual eating experience.
(4)
Ashley C.
Vapiano is okay. I can see how their ordering system could be confusing especially if no one explains it to you. You get a card and then order your food at the different stations (pizza, pasta, salad, etc.). I waited while they made my salad but got a buzzer for the pizza. It goes to your card and you pay after you eat and before you leave. (Tip: Do check an itemized receipt for any errors). Service was just okay. Since this is more cafeteria style, I am not expecting a lot but wish the waitresses were friendlier and more helpful. Thankfully, one of the servers at the stations gave us the 411 on how Vapiano operates. Once you get past the ordering system, the food is pretty good. They have a lot of options and I'd recommend looking at the menu before you get there. I started with the caprese salad. The mozzarella tasted very fresh although I thought the choice of cherry tomatoes was a bit odd. I probably would skip it next time. I ordered the prosciutto pizza for the main. It was tasty. I liked the thin crust but wish there were more toppings. It was pretty good and made some nice leftovers. My dining companion also seemed pleased with her arugula pizza. The salad, pizza and a glass of wine came to about $26. Vapiano isn't a destination but is a good middle option between a sit down fancier restaurant and something more casual in the Loop.
(3)
Frank O.
Good italian food, just a weird ordering system. It makes sense for the pizzas, you order, get a device, and then they page you when it's done. But if you order pasta, you have to wait in line, then get to the front, order, stay nearby because they will ask you customization questions, and then you get the food after a 5-min cook time. Salads and drinks are made quickly (so not an issue), and deserts are pre-made (so very quick). But why is the pasta line so inefficient? I can't imagine this place during lunch time, lines must be horrible... But the food is great. Americana and Salame pizzas both tasty, but a tad salty and certainly oily (but you can remove that by dabbing with a napkin). The Toscana pizza has more intriguing flavor and is less greasy, a bit better in my opinion. The Filetto Di Manzo Rucola pasta was just average pasta, while the Cognac Beef Filet is my usual staple with a creamy and tasty sauce. Shrimp scampi was lacking in flavor, I suggest skipping it. The side salad with balsamic dressing was solid, and healthy. Crema di fragola and panna cotta both great ways to end a meal, and ask for extra strawberry sauce since it's delicious!
(4)
Ollie E.
Love everything about this place except the ordering system. A bit chaotic when busy and there is always the necessity to explain the system to everyone. Otherwise, custom food choices are endless, ambiance reminds me of an Italian grandmother's country kitchen with a dash of big city sophisto. The food is always consistent and good!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Lunch Parking : Garage, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : No
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Lynn B.
I'm not sure why other people have a problem with this palce but I love it. Yes, the ordering system is a bit unconventional, but other than that the food is delicious, the atmosphere is modern, clean and bright. I actaully like the ordering system, everyone gets there own card so there is never a hassle with splitting up a check. A new go-to place for me!
(5)Jeff R.
I can't recommend this place when it's crowded, because their set-up for ordering and getting food is very inefficient -- especially when you're in a group. My family went on a Saturday night, and it looked busy - like many resturants do at that time. My son and I got in the pizza line, and my wife and daughter got in one of the pasta lines. After an hour we had ordered, received and eaten our pizza; while my wife didn't even get to *order* her pasta for more than 90 minutes! Turns out someone in her line ordered about 8 orders to go, and it threw the wait times into a tail spin. The other pasta lines were all crowded and also moved slow. Really? Two family members are done eating for 30 minutes and the others haven't ordered yet? Not what we had in mind for a family meal before a show. We were almost late despite allowing what should have been plenty of time. Decor and atmosphere was good (a lot of energy, but noisy). Food was fresh and pretty good; but there are other good restaurants options nearby that can better handle crowds when its busy.
(2)Daniel F.
This place is strange, like a gimic that the owners tricked all of the employees into believing was the future of the restaurant industry. The extremely awkward 10 minute conversation that you are forced to have with a complete stranger, who is also the person cooking your pasta was frustrating. I was really hoping to go in there, order and sit my a*s down and read a paper and be alone. That being said, for $10 I thought it was pretty good pasta and high quality chicken.
(2)Thomas L.
This place seems cool from the outside but a logistical mess on the inside. You go in line and order pasta and watch while the "chef" (one of many) cooks your food. Your friend's meal gets cold while they prepare the dishes in serial fashion. Be easier but beneath their style to put numbers in table and let them bring the stuff to you so you can relax while they cook rather than having to watch. Food is ok and ambiance nice and open but the getting to the table with food on tray spoils the mood.
(2)Erin B.
Go here! Great food, good service, super friendly. Don't be intimidated by it being different. In this case, different is good.
(5)Sandy K.
Ordered the Primavera "we recommend the penne". Instead was served a lump of 2 minute noodles with a few vegetables thrown in. Perhaps the recommendation is just a suggestion and you have to actually specify what type of pasta you want? If that is the case, shouldn't the servers ask what type of pasta you want? In any case, this dish was not good. If you are serving a dish with just vegetables they should at least be bigger than the size of a pea. Only the broccoli was a decent size. Will give them one more go before taking my business elsewhere. Disappointed.
(2)Andrew D.
I went here on a Sunday after the Gold Coast Art Fair with my mother and girlfriend. We were debating on whether to go to Miller's Pub or dine in Old Town. While crossing Michigan Ave we spotted this restaurant in the old Carson' s location. First, my mother is in a wheelchair and the handicapped entrance to the place is confusing. You have to enter the building next door which is closed and the door is locked on Sunday. When my girlfriend inquired about how to enter with a wheelchair they pointed out the entrance but offered no assistance. Bad move! When trying to use the entrance next door we had to bang on the door to get the doormans attention. When he finally noticed us he remained seated and yelled the 'entrance is next door.' After a minute he finally moved and came to the door when he noticed my mother in a wheelchair. This was not his fault it was entirely the fault of the restaurant. The manager should have come outside and opened the door when an inquiry was made regarding wheelchair access. Second, the service was slow, slow, slow...we waited over a half hour for two greek salads to be prepared. You go to the station with your card the girl takes your order, rings up your order and then cooks and prepares your food. I have never witnessed a more inefficient system. While waiting for our food my guests sat at the table waiting and waiting for us. Not good! While waiting in line a waitress came by and took our drink order. We got two glasses of Reisling. After she took our order we never saw her again. After 15 minutes I noticed two glasses of wine sitting on a ticket at the bar and inquired if they were mine. I was told by the bartender no! Of course our absentee waitress happened to walk by and stated they belonged to us. My mother had the bbq chicken pizza. She described it as bland, soggy and tepid. Me and my girlfriend got two greek salads and an antipasta platter. The salads were very good, but the antipasta platter was awful. Nothing tasted fresh! Also, it should be noted that the bathroom on the first floor was filthy. Upon leaving and paying a bill of 68 dollars for two salads and pjzza i mentioned to the manager about the slow, slow service. Instead of apologizing he made excuses about employees not showing up to work. Sorry but this a management problem that need not be shared with your paying customers. I was extremely disappointed with this place and will never return. The slow service, filthy bathroom, poor handicap access to the building and a genuine lack of concern for customer service has guaranteed I will dine elsewhere in the future.
(1)Karen P.
Total disappointment. I ordered a fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and spaghetti pasta. What I got was not good at all. They gave me angel hair pasta with some very very dry chicken pieces and there was almost no sauce. I also ordered their Panna cotta. Which was more like a pudding. Gross I could have saved my money. And done a better job myself.
(1)Lydia S.
the food is AMAZING. if you have been to food life, vapiano is similar like that in terms of paying. you get a card and you can whatever you want, and you pay in the final cashier. (everything is charged in your vapiano card) the pastas and pizzas are amazing. I definitely recommend trying their pastas if it's the first time, and chicken alferdo is the best!
(5)Erin B.
Ain't nobody got time for this. Besides the girl at the front with her back to the door, whom I walked right past and had to go back to since I had no idea how to order (she also gave me 2 of the same menus and insisted that I was stupid and that I actually had 2 different menus)...15 minutes for a pizza? To go? In the loop? Me thinks not. I walked out. Also, the pizza that came out as I was inquiring about the length of time to get my food, didn't even look fully cooked. Egads.
(1)liz h.
Terribly organized. If you want pizza, pasta, and a salad you have to stand in three different limes. Do you pay before of after you eat??? I'm not really sure. Food was ok. Decor is great. Just generally confusing from start to finish.
(2)Stef C.
I like the food. It's really fresh. However if you're going on your lunch break don't go because it takes a while to get the food done and it is hard to find a seat. Oh and the quotes on the wall are pretty cool!
(3)Shae F.
I think for the price you pay the food is pretty good, but more importantly the whole environment is very modern and nice, a good place to go!!
(4)Laura G.
I actually don't mind this places food quality wise, the meals are very tasty....if you ever get your meal. I just waited for a salad "To Go" for over 25 minutes. The customer service here is absolutely horrendous. My thoughts are this is a place where the kitchen should be hidden from the customer, because no one wants to stand there for 30 minutes waiting for their food when the chefs are talking with each other and could care less about any sort of hustle to get customers their food. One of them actually told the customer in front of me, who was still waiting for his food (also a salad) when I finally got mine, that it wasn't her fault that his order was taking forever. Word of advice, don't tell an already frustrated PAYING customer that it's OK your salad is taking over 30 minutes. I have no idea how this place is still around.
(1)David P.
It's OK, not great. I tried to order a Bellini from the bartender...he did not know what it was (even though we had been served two Bellinis by a different bartender). He kept saying that I wanted a mimosa, which we did not want.
(2)Melissa F.
I love that your dinner is made right in front of you! The decor is what first drew me to the place. I thought it would be upscale, but then you have to use a card to buy your food like a weird cafeteria and it kind of cheapens the place. Meh.
(3)Mary B.
Have been wanting to try this place since it opened but thought it was going to be pricey. Went in and was a little overwhelmed with ordering and how to pay etc but was really impressed with them cooking right in front of you, the quality of the food and the kind service. Really cool ambiance and the food was great and affordable. Kind of makes me mad i pay 10 dollars at a sub place when I can come here, eat a big meal and have leftovers and tastes great. Will definitely be back to try the pizza and salad. I had the carbonara and really liked it!
(5)Ev L.
Decent pasta, I had the chicken Alfredo. Super trendy though but tolerable if only their ordering system was more efficient I would've given them a 4-star instead. It's a nice hangout place with good food, small bar, and good desserts...only if you're not in a hurry cuz it'll take you awhile, cuz this ain't fast food yo!
(3)Dario I.
Amazing food! I love going to this place. The only downer about this place is that is quite disorganized during rush hour and for ordering pasta. I believe they should try to organize people when ordering the food. Definitely worth the long wait and the hazzle.
(4)A F.
Hats off to a staff member named Allegra! She knows what good service means. Allegra noticed I requested some bread but returned to my seat thinking I was in the wrong line (aned the other line was too long). She actually found me and delivered the bread! I had to find a manager and tell them how great that was. The card system takes some getting used to but so what--we're adults here. It is a great place for those who come into the city to visit. The surroundings are great, the food was delicious and obvously the staff is attentive. You can take your time and enjoy the views out of the huge windows. Even though the service was slow, (they will get it down with practice) I can't wait to go back. Loved it!
(4)Vin K.
The guy at pizza was rude and had an attitude that he doesn't care. I ordered a chicken pesto pizza and asked him to add jalapeño or banana pepper he said no to it. It gave me a feeling that he doesn't care about customers or how the business is doing.
(1)Dodo H.
Perhaps this restaurant works best if you're alone and want to buy ONE item for lunch. The decor is very soothing and beautiful and the food is delicious! But last night our party of four stopped in for late dinner on a quiet Tuesday evening. We had to wait in one line for pasta, long wait...another line for a small side salad, even longer wait, so long that we gave up, a different line for pizza, (a wait to order the pizza and super long wait to get the pizza once it was ordered) and another line for wine and espresso. After dinner I ordered 3 decafs and 1 regular and was given 1 decaf and 3 regular and no apology (after waiting in a long line). The cooking staff was friendly but an inefficient and clumsy concept. So instead of visiting with each other, we were waiting in line for food. And then we had to wait in line to pay to leave. (Reasonably priced.) And it wasn't that busy either. There were three elderly ladies coming in as we were leaving and I wanted to say "Don't stay." Despite the delicious food, and the friendly cooks, we won't be back. Not true Italian hospitality.
(2)Kristen C.
Guys, I don't know why this place doesn't have a better rating!! I just wandered in there today for the first time since this location opened, and I wish I would have wandered in sooner! It's a little intimidating when you first walk in, just because it's huge! Also, they give a card and you walk up to whatever station you wanna get food from. The selection is HUGE, so it can be overwelming, and everything is ala carte, so you can create your own combination. After you give them your order, you scan your card at this screen nearby, and they give you a device that vibrates when your food is ready. While you wait, you take your card to the front to pay after you made all your selections. Seems complicated, but it's actually kinda cool! My only complaints are: the wait was a little long, and they only have shot glass sized glasses of water, which was a little strange, so you have to juggle 2 or 3 tiny glasses of water without spilling. Once you sit down, though, you are surrounded with comfort. The communal seats feel like you are relaxing in someone's living room, with pillows and cushions. (I went alone, but this is a great place to grab lunch with a friend.) And if you choose a table, you feel like you are in your own little world, very private and cozy. The huge windows create a very open feeling with lots of light. Perfect for someone who has been couped up in a high rise office all day. I ordered the Roasted tomato and Garlic pizza, DELICIOUS!! Very simple, but full of flavor!! Thin, foldable, but crispy crust, fresh ingredients, and they have italian seasonings for you to add if you'd like. It looks like it would be too big for one person, but if you are hungry, it's not hard to eat the whole thing since it is so thin. Very sharable if you aren't starving though. The pastas looked like enormous portions! They also looked and smelled delicious, so that will be what I try next time! Everything seemed very affordable, especially for the size of the portions. AND to top it off, there were complimentary Gummy Bears at the front as you leave! WHAT?! Loved it. New lunch spot in the loop!
(4)Jason M.
So I am a big fan of vapiano it is by far my favorite chain. The one in Lincoln park is FANTASTIC. This new one is a little weird smaller portions, no fountain drinks, and not to mention the feeling of being out of place eating in the loop. It did just open and I hope they can get to the standards and the feeling from all the other vapianos I've been to in the country. And my last bit of advice if your with a party order from different chefs at this location they only make one at a time. For now ill be sticking to my friends in Lincoln park.
(3)B G.
Not the best food. Small portions and high prices. Very funky system of ordering and paying for mediocre food. I'd go tomany other places instead.
(2)Mike D.
This place just opened, so hopefully they will get the problems worked out. I had the diavolo pizza, which was excellent. However, every single aspect other than the food was as horrible as could be. First off, there was no discernible place to stand to place my order. There appeared to be a line but it turned out to just be a crowd of people who, just like me, had absolutely no idea where to stand. When my to-go order was finally placed, I found myself constantly wandering around, trying in vain to find a place to stand where I wasn't in the way. When my pizza was finished, is was not in a to-go box, and when I said it was supposed to be to-go, the employee snapped at me that I have to tell them when I order it (which, of course, I DID). At that point, I didn't even bother with the crushed red pepper and Parmesan cheese, I just wanted to get out of the chaos. But I was forced into yet another "line" to pay (which was really just a mass of people, some waiting to pay, some just standing around unsure of where to be). When I finally got to the register, exhasperated, I asked, is it possible to call ahead? The response, of course, was a very definite NO. In summary, the pizza was good enough that I'm willing to git it another try in 6 months.
(2)Leo S.
at first it was good and interesting, but as time passes the quality starts to drop. the only consistency there would be the dessert. it's sad because the place has so much potential yet it is so poorly managed. there would be times the chef cook the same thing differently and other times with stack of useless staff gathering around the cash register when the double sided bar has only one person only paying attention to one side. i have even caught staff sneak a shots of beer while working but who cares, all he does is stand by the cash register chatting anyway.
(2)Robert A.
The ordering system is overwhelming. The multiple menu system is confusing. You have to wait in multiple lines. The food is nothing special, and in fact, the ceasar dressing tastes really wierd.
(2)Wendy R.
I agree with previous reviewers. Good concept, poor execution. Food is good and they offer different size dessert portions. They are open late, which will help them do well. Prepare to deal with crowds at lunch. Bar staff is terrible. They just stand around and ignore you until their manager finally gets their attention for you. The rest of the staff are friendly and attentive.
(3)D W.
I understand the concept, but not for downtown rush hour. My co-workers and I stood in line for 20 minutes and had to leave because we were running out of time for lunch. As we stood in line, we noticed that each indiviual order took 20 minutes or more. So, my co-workers and I went to Chipotle and on our way back, we ran into to patrons that were in line in front of us. They said that it was an absolute train wreck and waste of money. The food was salty. Never again.
(1)Wilkins K.
A great way to enjoy a mid-day dining experience smack dab in the middle of Chicago's bustling, workday loop district. Zig-zag people watching goes hand-in-hand with the smooth and professional courtesies extended by the friendly staff. I wanted a fresh, lively and taste filled lunch and that is exactly what I got! The aroma and zest of the tomato sauce imbedded into my delicate Calzone was fantastic.
(4)Jamie M.
Remember in "The Lord of the Rings" when they talked about "Second Breakfast"? Well, in this place, it's all about the "Second Wait", then the "Third Wait", and so on, and so on.... Upon entering, you stand in line to be issued a plastic "meal card" you must swipe at each and every food and beverage station - lose it upon penalty of flogging. "First Wait". Complete. After you've been issued your "debit dining card", you then wait for a table - and there's a mish mash of high-slung, low-slung and no-slung seating options, most with mismatching chairs stacked against un-bussed, dirty tables. If you're fortunate enough to find an open table -we'll call that "Second Wait"- it's time to play "Third Wait" at the individual lines for the "Pasta", "Pizza" and "Salad" stations. So, you get in line and stand there, getting bumped and bruised in the flow of traffic, and you watch the "personal chef" prepare -ever so slowly- everyone's order ahead of you. Stand. Stand. Stand. Watch. Watch. Watch. For those of you keeping score, this is where "Fourth Wait" begins. Finally, that magical moment arrives when the chef looks your way and asks, "So, what'll ya have?". That's when you shout out to your personal chef de' jour, over the clang of pots and pans, "I'll have the pesto with chicken!". "OK. And what kind of pasta would you like with your pesto - the list is right there on...", and you immediately cut him off, screaming back, "WhichEVER pasta boils the fastest"! Now, the "Fifth Wait" begins - this is where you get to stand at the front of the line and watch your personal pasta jockey cook -ever so slowly- your noodles and protein-of-choice. Butter in the pan. Heat. Protein in the pan. Stir. Salt. Pepper. (Slow down Sparky, I'm getting dizzy!) Take the individually packaged bag of dry pasta off the shelf. Drop pasta in the water. Boil. Boil. Boil. Drain the pasta. Toss pasta into the pan. Whoops! Forgot the pesto. Toss in the pre-packaged blob-o-pesto. Cook the chicken more. More. MORE! Pull out a bowl. Wipe the bowl down. Swirl the pasta, pesto and chicken combination.... ..."Tell you what, just put that in a To-Go bowl, will ya?", you say. From the time we walked in the door, stood in line(s) and finally walked our meal back to our waiting seats, a whopping 28 minutes had elapsed. Our friend's pizzas took more than 45 minutes from the time they ordered until their "pizza pagers" went off - and yes, they had to stand in line to pick up their pizzas. Total bill; $18.80 for a smallish bowl of pasta with pesto sauce, pine nuts, six nibbles of charred chicken breast and an Arizona Iced Tea. No, we we didn't leave a tip... ...especially after we had to stand in line to pay off our debit cards. Three words that sum up Vapiano: Pack. A. Lunch.
(1)Sandie B.
This place is kind of a rip off unless you order a specialty item. Like the wild mushroom and beef pasta was awesome and worth every penny, but the pesto pretty good but nothing extraordinary, and the portion of added chicken was downright paltry. The pizzas look great. Cute atmosphere and the bread that comes as a side is yummy with their olive oil. Left me in a bit of a carb daze.
(3)Vishal B.
Indeed a different concept than many other lunch spots. I like that its huge, they serve beer and wine, and they have amazing little dessert cups. The pizza was very fresh and nicely made, the pasta is where it's at when you come here. Its a bit more pricey than Bacci or Go Roma but I like that they are open late even on weekdays because in the Loop.. nothing is!
(4)Chris V.
The ordering system at this restaurant is a really cool idea but was poorly explained to us. We were really confused on how to order. When the orders are placed they ask you some additional question that are not shown on the menus and seem annoyed if you don't understand. I sympathize as I'm sure they are annoyed by first timers not knowing what to do. The food was good but nothing spectacular. The pizza crust was impressively thin; however, my pizza was made with way too much sauce and the centre of the pizza was completely saturated. It turned into mush. When I went to pay I was charged for several items that weren't mine. I brought this to the girl's attention and she promptly fixed it - almost. I checked the refund and it only added up to 3 out of 4 items that I never ordered. I brought it to her attention and she refunded the final item but was very annoyed. Overall I think the system and food could be very good but they must tweak it if they want first time customers to return. Most importantly, I think the restaurant manager needs to do some quality checks to ensure things are going smoothly and put policies and procedures in place to prevent what happened to me from happening to others. With proper instructions, all options listed on a board at the ordering station or on the menu, more understanding/sympathetic staff and ensuring the card is clear before giving it to a new customer (or maybe reviewing the order with the customer before charging) this restaurant could be excellent.
(2)Frank S.
Open concept. Didn't work for me. Lines were confusing and "chefs" did nothing to make it easy. Maybe someone who's been here 3 or 4 times will make it work better but I was frustrated by the concept and put off by the attitude. Food was OK. Grape tomatoes in the caprese? Really?
(2)Y H.
Ate here for the first time before seeing the Book of Mormon and I must say I LOVED this restaurant! We all did. We ordered the following: 1. Roasted tomato and garlic pizza 2. Truffled mushroom pizza 3. Chicken Alfredo pasta 4. Bruschetta 5. Tiramisu Roasted tomato and garlic pizza and the chicken alfredo were amazing! You will not regret it! Truffled mushroom was also good if you want to try something outside the norm. Bruschetta was good, nothing out of this world, but then again it was only a few dollars. Tiramisu was also okay, as a dessert aficionado I have had much better tiramisu elsewhere, but again for a couple of bucks it'll take care of your sugar craving. Giving this place 5 stars because the quality of the entrees was superb and the prices are extremely fair. Lovely ambiance. Great for couples or bigger groups! There's something for everyone and of course great location! They use the same method as Foodlife for ordering food, which is pretty straightforward-they give you a card, you swipe it at the counter where you order food and then you pay the cashier when you're done eating. Will definitely be frequenting this place and bringing my friends and family!!!
(5)Elizabeth A.
The drink prices were a bit expensive but the food was good and the experience was fun and different. I would definitely commend this place and their pizza selection. Everything is self serve but they still found a way to maintain a cool and classy kind of vibe.
(4)Susan C.
I went here a few times and i love this place. It is a self serve place where you get a card when you come in and you used the card to get your food and pay for your food. They have really good italian food and the prices are very reasonable. You can come with just two people or a large group of people. I had there pizza one time and it was really good. I also had their salad and pasta and it was also really good. I would go back to this place anytime for a quick bite to eat for lunch or dinner. I definitely would recommend this place to others.
(4)Sandy L.
This place is so unique. You order you food directly from the chef. They make it on the spot. Food was delicious. We had the chicken Alfredo and the bolognese. The pasta was fresh. Atmosphere was sooo cool.
(5)Victoria G.
I did not like the service and food. The idea of having self service with restaurant feel is not bad at all. However, it still took a while to order and get food. And by the time everyone did, my food was cold. Then we had to order drinks and spent time waiting there. At the end when we were finally seated we could enjoy the cold food with a glass of wine. They say they make everything in house but to me food felt prepared and pasta was overcooked. Also, tomato sauce felt like canned sauce with few fresh tomatoes to give it a fresh feel. Overall, felt like eating fake Italian food.
(2)Elizabeth W.
I have been here a few times since it opened and every trip has been a better experience. This is a HUGE space and I think they underestimated the lunch hour crowds during opening week. Initially, the wait was incredibly long and I watched several customers give up and find somewhere else. I'm glad I stuck it out because I really enjoyed the food! In follow up trips, things seemed to run much smoother and the speed and consistency has improved. It's a great option to add to the loop lunch selections. Portion size, for me, was fairly large. It was lunch and a late afternoon snack. Fresh ingredients and good quality. So far, I have only tried pastas but I look forward to sampling more of the menu but with all the options and combos available at the pasta station, it's hard to be lured away!!!
(4)Chole L.
Great place for lunch or dinner. Their portions are big and prices are pretty reasonable considering they are located in the loop.
(4)Bradley S.
Food is great but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get your act together! The setup is so confusing which stresses out the employees (which it's very obvious that most hate their jobs) which in turn stresses out the customers! Make some sort of centralized ordering system/location so that the employees know who has ordered and who hasn't. Maybe give everyone a pager or number... Or better yet, have a food runner because no one like to stand there awkwardly waiting for 10min while they watch someone cook their food. I want to love this place but each time I come back, I hate it more and more. Oh... And why do you have 2 partially different menus that look exactly the same?! Please do something about the experience immediately!
(1)Margs K.
I came here for dinner recently, not knowing anything about it, except that it looked nice and candle-lit from the outside windows! So, the concept is instead of a sitting at a table, waiting for someone to bring you your food, you wait in a line for the cooks to make your food and then you bring it back to a table yourself. This worked out well for me, as there wasn't anyone in line ahead of me at the pasta-station, but then a crowd of 10 came in right after me, and I probably would have had a different experience, if I had been behind all of them instead of in front. I opted for the carbonara, which was good (not the best I've ever had but a big portion,) followed-by a glass of Prosecco (which required another short wait at the bar) and a small tiramisu. The tiramisu was AMAZING. I think my bill came to something like $23 - a really fair price for an Italian dinner in a nice setting.
(4)Karen C.
I love when a new lunch spot opens up by my office, and I love it even more when it is a place I actually enjoy going to. The first time I came here I was admittedly confused, as there is so much going on. 2 different menus, tons of different stations (salad, pastas, pizza, bar, etc.) and people just standing everywhere. But, I persevered and I have grown to really love Vapiano. The pizza I ordered (the Bruschetta pizza, added chicken) was obscenely delicious. If you're considering getting the Margherita pizza, skip that & go for this one instead. Cooked to perfection and the chicken was actual chicken, none of that scary cubed crap. The decor is so great, I love the many different seating options... all of the herbs everywhere and the overall design of the entire space is just gorgeous. All of the staff are super nice as well, and not in that over-the-top creepy way. They actually seem earnest. My only complaints are 1) the price [granted, everything was super fresh & I wouldn't normally think $12 for a huge pizza like mine was outrageous, but there's no way I could go here more than once a month or so for lunch at these prices] and 2) those ridiculous shot glasses they call water glasses. I got up 4 times to get more water. I realize I'm a thirsty American, but those little glasses are insane. Next time I'll definitely BYOW.
(4)Nick L.
Great food for a great price. This place is great for bringing a friend and I would highly recommend their thin crust caprese pizza to share. Definitely a place to check out if you're looking for a quick lunch or dinner.
(4)Monica L.
Food was AMAZING. Seriously so good. Hostess was very friendly. However, the reason for 4 stars instead of 5 was the rest of the staff. They have an unconditional ordering system. Being a first timer who had never even heard of the place, I wanted to make sure I was doing it right. The people at the food stations were really rude about it. I imagine that they get it all day long and are annoyed with people not getting the concept completely, however a restaurant that has an ordering system like this should expect that, and should train their employees to act differently. The atmosphere was casual but trendy, and the prices were very reasonable! I will go back again for the great food, just will make sure to not ask the employees at the food stations any questions!
(4)Glenn H.
Important Note: Not ideal for the 60 minute Loop lunch. Outside of taking a bit longer than I was hoping for, Vapiano was a well executed fast-Italian concept. As other reviews state, their ordering system is a bit unique, but having freshly cooked pasta at a reasonable price was great. I'll come again, but when I've got more time to spend enjoying the food, rather than taking giant bites and racing back to the office.
(4)Daniel M.
Great food, great style, awesome atmosphere! Don't go if you're too hungry because the lines can get pretty long at times!
(5)Nemcikova C.
Super cool venue... DIY order stations!
(5)Manisa K.
I came to this place unexpectedly. It was so crowded that night, actually every night. Me and my friend had to wait like an hour. Be prepared. Relaxing atmosphere and nice dining area. The staffs were so nice and professional. We ordered bruschetta and fried calamari to start off with. They were really good. Italian bread came as a complimentary appetizer every table. I personally didn't like their bread because they weren't soft as it should be. We had pizza and pasta. They were so good. Self-service water is cool concept, but I just didn't like this way. A little pricey though. I would come back fun place to hang out with friends.
(4)Erica F.
The system for ordering is so bizarre and poorly thought -- you "scan" your card, individually order each thing you want at different stations, wait for each item to cook, the other items getting cold, watch your bored chef make your "fresh" pasta-- it made no sense. Table decor that inhibits sharing and discussion just made things worse. The pasta was Olive Garden-esque Also, we lost one of the ridiculous ordering cards, and the woman insisted we needed it. I questioned this and told her, you really have no record of what I ordered? Sure enough she did....Really poorly thought out system. Will not return!
(1)Jessica F.
The place is very cute. I like the dark lighting and the tables with their own individual pots of fresh herbs. We went while there was a company party so it was very loud and difficult to get around. The ordering process is confusing and the woman preparing our meal was not very helpful. My friend was trying to make the dish how he wanted and instead she did what she wanted. The food was decent. I ordered the shrimp spinach scampi and was disappointed by the lack of flavor. If you want a glass of water you need to serve yourself. The glasses are literally the size of a double shot so be prepared to walk across the restaurant multiple times.
(3)Adrienne G.
Think Foodlife meets Italian contemporary restaurant. I like that the make their pastas in-house, however it is a mess when it comes to the lunch rush. As in - they should have one person dedicated ringing people up at each station, and not multitasking (ie ringing someone up and preparing food). I ordered a shrimp salad and waited over 25 minutes for it because they did not see my order (they literally overlooked the slip of paper with my order on it after the same person keyed it into the system,) and then had to remake it because the last person in the salad area added steak to my salad. I'm glad I asked to speak with the manager when checking out, because he did comp my meal, which I truly appreciated. I've been here after work for drinks and it's not crowded, and off-hours during lunch. Skip the lunch rush and come back later to enjoy some pretty good food.
(3)Layla R.
This place is a semi-great idea that's just missing a few key details. The atmosphere is designed nicely and the food is actually more like 3.5 stars. It's not bad at all and I enjoyed then salads, but the cocktails are terrible as they don't have qualified bar staff. I also think that they need to train their staff on how to treat customers and elevate their approach. They're brash and don't have the proper training.
(2)Toan P.
Amazing place; great price; good service; beautiful decor. Highly recommended! (Coming from a person who has traveled to Italy many times)
(5)Windy C.
The ordering system is different. Get over it !!! As confusing as the ordering system is, once you've tried it a couple times you learn the ropes. The food is incredibly fresh and tasty. Their pizza and salads are quite authentic without the "Eataly" prices. Their arugula and bruschetta pizza are loaded with ingredients and are delicious. I'm definitely a fan.
(4)Chris M.
The craziest ordering system I've ever seen. Too cumbersome and time consuming. I had the chicken Caesar salad which was ok, but not worth the $11 Very slow service- I understand everything is made to order. No one that ordered their salad to go actually got it in a to go container. Might try pizza and pasta some time that I'm not in a hurry.
(3)Kathleen C.
I truly had to drop a star due to service at this spot. First of all, we arrived late, so there was not a huge crowd. We walked in the front door to an empty desk. This was my first visit, but my friend had been there before, and he tried to head straight to the bar. We were told to stop walking by a woman across the restaurant who finally came over - and then proceeded to help 2 people paying before giving us our cards to enter the restaurant. We said we were going straight to the bar, but she told us the whole restaurant concept anyway. Finally, we sit down....and the staff at the bar was friendly, but slow. I'm not sure if I was just confused about how this place works (basically an Italian FoodLife in my book...), or if they were 'busy' working with the 2 other customers (by the way - the bar was about 4x more staffed than the front door). We finally ordered one glass of wine each and proceeded to chat. Now, this isn't a spot to really go and sit by the bar. Others are constantly coming up to order things (though, a few folks were eating at the bar), so it is not very relaxing. Anyway, the wine was ok (though for the price, I was expecting better...I should have just gone with the house wine for $6 for what I suspect was a similar wine). We were ready to leave after one glass and waited a bit for our bill. When we arrived at the front desk, we found....no one. We waited, and waited and I was honestly shocked that no one was at the checkout. I mean, this is where people pay and we waited way too long. I could see people just wandering out the front door without anyone noticing. In any case, when someone finally showed up - she helped two people ENTERING before us.... This wouldn't normally annoy me, but she made us wait to check people out on our way in, and then made us wait to pay when others walked it. Really inconsistent. I did leave a tip, though the service didn't warrant it. I thought this concept seemed ok, but I was totally unimpressed with the service. During busy hours, I can't even imagine what a mess it might be in here. We visited since our planned bar/restaurant was closed for the evening, but it's back open now, so I don't see a lot of diverting to Vapiano in my near future.
(3)Richa T.
Interesting concept, poor in execution. My friends and I decided to stop by late dinner after sight-seeing all day. We liked the idea of having cards that would track everything you ordered and being able to go to different stations. But after a while the novelty fades off. It became a little annoying to have to go back each time with the card so you could pick up the food and place another order. One friend ordered a salad, which looked delicious. Spinach, strawberries, and feta cheese - yum. The ingredients looked fresh and she absolutely loved it. My other friend ordered a pasta in meat sauce, which she really didn't care for. The way she described it was that it was something you could easily whip up with canned Ragu at home. I ordered the BBQ pizza which was good but could have used more vegetables on top. I liked my food, but in the crowd, it was just a little too much to take in. The other thing that I found a little annoying was their puny doll sized water glasses. After walking all day, we were incredibly thirsty and it would have been nice to not have to get up every two minutes to get a little bit of water. After the second run, i decided to stand by the counter and drink water until I had enough to keep my hydrated throughout my meal. This place has some serious potential, but they need to work on their execution.
(2)Maria F.
As our ast dinner at Chicago, we decided to go to downtown Chicago @Vapiano. AS prr recommended per friends.. so, I asked Freddy (the chef) pasta section to wow me..he did not disappointed. It was fantastic!! I felt like I was eating a symphony with so many flavors each bite was unique!! Thank you Chef Freddy!! Ohhh almost forgot.. he even came to the table to ask if I had liked it.. liked??? I was in heaven!! Superb food! Great ambiance!! A must do while in Chicago!!
(4)Tracy K.
I was a little confused at first on the ordering thing. But it was all clear after a few seconds. I'm so glad we found this place. The ceasar salad was perfect. The scampi spinaci was perfect!!! The decor was so trendy!! The chefs are very cute!!! And the food was amazing!!
(5)Kelly K.
I bet this place is great for the tourists, who don't mind paying extra for average food. Went here with my co-workers around 11:30am, and thankfully we beat the rush. Two of us ordered pasta, the other two of us ordered pizza. The ordering process is a bit different, but thankfully the employees were more than willing to help us out with it. They also gave us two separate menus which further added to the confusion. it would be helpful if everything was on one menu, or better yet, posted to the wall. My pizza was fine, but nothing special. It was a decent size, and I took a few pieces back to the office with me (only to be devoured a couple of hours later). My pizza was $10.95, which I found to be quite overpriced when I can find much better (and tastier) deals in the loop. If you decide to have water with your meal, the cups they give you are tiny, shot sized, so be sure to grab a few glasses on your way to your table. I did enjoy the ambiance here, as it's got a cute European vibe to it, but I probably wouldn't go again unless my co-workers talk me into it.
(3)Al D.
One of the best places for lunch in the Loop. Healthy, fast, and not over-crowded. They even give you a microwave-safe container for your leftovers. However, it is rather expensive, especially for the tiny drinks.
(4)B V.
The food is really good and fresh. The atmosphere is bright and modern with some nice dance music pumping from the speakers. The only thing I'm really not feeling is the fact that you cannot call ahead to get your food. That is a big loss in the downtown Chicago area where some people only have 30 mins for lunch. I came in today and there was only one pizza chef and he seemed a bit frazzled. I literally waited about 10 mins before he could even take my order. That leaves me with the only choice of walking somewhere else or wait another 15 to get my food. So here I am waiting. The other thing is they have great desserts here but they are not to go. They make you eat them here. Other than those two things I love this place. I would just like to have more "grab and go" service.
(4)Tony W.
y wife had been trying to get me here for a while. I don't know why, but I had already made up my mind I was not going to like this place. So you walk in, they give you a electronic card. You have to go to stations to order your food. I had the Americano pizza, and my wife ordered a pasta dish. You put your card down on the glass and your order is placed on it. If you want a drink you go over to the bar order it and do the same thing with your card. There is no table service, you get up and get everything yourself. My pizza was not bad, but the wife's pasta was quite plain. I put some salt and pepper on it, but i guess i missed the place where you add some cheese, couldn't find it. We had that, plus she had a sangria and i had two gin and tonics. The bill was quite reasonable. This is not a place I will frequent, but I will go there with a group.
(3)Anna P.
I like this location - it's a good location for a business lunch, although the format (having to wait in line and then having to wait different amounts of time for your food) means that you need to schedule a larger chunk of time than you would otherwise. That said, the food is very high-quality, you literally see it being made right in front of you, it's delicious, and it's very reasonably priced. Give it a try when you have some time!
(4)Mahsa T.
They need to work out the kinks in this location to be able to accommodate the lunch rush because that's going to be the bulk of their business. They need to figure out how to get people in and out faster...become more efficient, hire more employees, do whatever you need to do. But especially please fix the layout of the restaurant so people aren't bumping into fixed counters waiting in the three separate lines for pizza, salad, and pasta. And especially, move those lines and the cashiers away from the front and only entrance so that there's not a huge bottleneck and people can actually enter and exit. Who came up with this messed up layout??? During opening week, I waited close to 40 minutes to get food. Decor and space are bright, clean and cheerful, love the floor to ceiling windows. If I were rating just on experience, wait time and service, I would give it two or three stars. However, the food is actually fresh and good, so I'm giving it four stars. My shrimp salad was crisp and delicious and the shrimp was perfectly flavored and cooked. The bruschetta pizza we shared was equally delicious with all fresh ingredients and a great crust. The food here is expensive for the amount that you get. I hope they figure out a way to make it faster and easier to dine here.
(4)Kelly D.
Really unique place ,friendly staff,fun concept you get to watch as your food is prepared more importantly the result is delicious and relaxing atmosphere
(5)Yao W.
Nice food but the waiting was annoying. It took me well over 20mins for a meatball pasta. I would give it four star if there was no lineup.
(3)C C.
I agree with others reviews regarding the confusion. I was greeted by a hasty hostess who breezed through the spiel and was just trying to get me through the process. I was not happy to learn that I have to go get my wine as well. I'm clumsy so I was afraid of dropping it and the food all over trying to sit down! I made the best of it and I enjoyed my pasta, but I was in town for work so I really wanted to sit down and have someone wait on me. This is an interesting idea in theory but you really can't rely on human beings to just get it without plenty of instruction. I'm sure many people leave here confused.
(3)Evan M.
Hey, Vapiano, get your shit together! I wanted to love this place because the food is actually tasty and they have self-service lemon-lime water, but it's such a clusterfuck of disorganization, and employees that make the post office look fast and competent. Clueless girl at the cash register handed us our cards, then told us we'd order food at the stations, and the food would be brought to us. (OK, well that was a load of shit. You have to stand there and wait for it.) There are three main stations: pizza, antipasti and pasta. Well, two of them have "order here" signs (pizza and antipasti, which is conveniently shoved right next to pasta). There is no "order here" sign for pasta. After waiting in line for five minutes behind the most indecisive woman in the world, I was finally rudely told by the antipasti guy that APRIL FOOL'S THIS ISN'T THE PASTA ORDER LINE. Here's where the real run started. My friend had already put in a pizza order, and I was still trying to put in the pasta order we'd share. After this compiling time suck, I decided I had to go to the bathroom, and he'd get in line for the pasta. Three of the four stalls had no toilet paper. Two of the three soap dispensers had no soap. NOT AT 11PM. AT 3PM. Seriously, how the fuck do you run out of all of that before it's even dinnertime?? Get your shit together! The seating is weird also. You get either still benches, high bar tables or reeeeeally far apart cushy chairs. Can you get some damn normal tables and chairs up in here?? Even FoodLife at the Water Tower with its crush of lost tourists was more efficient than this mess.
(2)Eunice K.
I went in with a friend hoping to buy him a wonderful dinner for a lot of work he had helped me with but was extremely disappointed. The food wasn't great and the environment made me feel uncomfortable although the idea of the restaurant is intriguing it was a horrible experience.
(1)Jennifer T.
This place takes way too long! I arrived from CA and I was starving. My friend suggested this place and I didn't know they took forever. If I would have known, I would have gone somewhere else. First of all, you get a card and then have to stand in line. Each entree has its own line, so there's a pizza, salad and pasta line. The Pasta line was extremely long. But I waited. I seriously felt like I was about to faint. When I finally got my food, I was not impressed. I like that it is freshly made but I felt that there was not enough flavor. Lesson learned, don't go when you are really hungry.
(2)N A.
Food is really good. It's just that their system for ordering can get overwhelmed and ends up chaotic sometimes.
(4)Jéssica G.
Very Good restaurant! Everything are delicious. Love the Desing of the place too. The price is perfect!
(5)Anna S.
This is a nice place to sit and relax at the end of the day. Other than that, there is no reason to go back here. We waited 5 minutes just for someone to acknowledge us waiting when there wasn't anyone in front of us. The person making our food messed up both of our pasta orders even after she repeated them back to us. So that was mildly annoying as you have to stand and wait awkwardly as they make your food in front of you. The pasta was super gummy and the tomato sauce wasn't anything special. Quite honestly the most frustrating thing was the shot glass size glasses they give you for water. If you are eating mushy, salty pasta, then you're gonna need a bigger glass to make it through.
(1)Alfreda D.
Interesting concept. You come in, the host/ess gives you a card, you decide what station you want to order from - pizza, salad, pasta - and get in line. When you order, you tap the card in front of the station and the cook will add your food (and drink) items onto your card. Wait for your food, find a table to eat (or take it to go) and on your way out, hand your card to the cashier who will then tell you how much you owe. Not really better or worse than a typical café style order, pay, sit down vs. order, sit down, pay. Whatevs. I came for lunch and it didn't look overly busy or anything. My coworker ordered a pizza and I waited in the salad line. After 20 minutes or so, he had received his pizza (not a slice, an entire pie), eaten his pizza, and boxed the leftovers ready to leave. Where was I? still in the salad line. One could say, dang, that's your fault, you shouldn't have waited. True story. I was just so stunned by the delay and I was convinced that at any moment it would be my turn!! Finally, I ordered. What happened next WAS my fault. I was already irritated so I should have went all out and ordered a salad I knew would make me happy. I didn't. I tried my luck with the caprese salad. Fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, right? I didn't think it would come on a bed of lettuce so I also ordered a side salad. SMH. So wasteful. I ended up with two salads. Neither of which were good. I went back to work hungry and angry. Thankfully my coworker let me eat a slice of his pizza. It was actually decent... the barbeque chicken pizza. I'm not going back though. Who has time for a 20 minutes wait for a salad???? Sure, the other options might be tasty but the wait is such a turn off. I'll pass. The ONLY positive about this place for me was that they have gummy bears at the register. I wanted to scoop larger than a handful so I jokingly asked the cashier if she had a container for it. She was like sure, let me grab you one. Word? The gummy bears to-go were the best part of my lunch.
(2)JM R.
My new favorite place! Great food, fun atmosphere, innovative concept, good price. What else do you need?
(5)Wealtz Z.
I used to love this place ever since I tried it the first time in Berlin. The Dallas franchise was good. This Chicago one sucks. Been here more than 5 times and every time it disappoints. Pizzas are floating in cheese. No Italian pizza is like this. Pasta quality also has gone downhill. Take your business elsewhere. Dear German owners, you need to do some quality check. This is unacceptable.
(1)Emily T.
The 2 stars are for the decor. When reviewing a restaurant, that's bad. I just checked out Vapiano for lunch with a coworker- and I don't know that I'll be rushing back- I will add to the much- complained about ordering/payment situation- I had the Capriccioso pizza (minus the mushrooms) which would have been really good, had it been fully cooked. In the middle of my pizza, the dough was clearly much soggier. I know why it was undercooked- the Pizza line got hit at the lunch hour, (naturally... ) and they were trying to crank those puppies out, since there was only 1 pizza line! 4- FOUR pasta lines, one pizza line. WTF? Pasta- Have it boiling in pots, prior to the lunch rush, ready to go, serve and add sauces and veg. They should be able to crank out pasta dishes in a few minutes. But pies have to bake. Grrrr..... this place needs at least 2 lines dedicated to only pizza. My second gripe- the water glasses. Today's high temp is 93 degrees in Chicago, high humidity. Vapianos water glasses (self-serve) are.... About 3 oz. I kid you not. I had to ask the woman behind the bar for one of their pint glasses, and inquired about the shot of water everyone else gets, "Well, we are a European chain, and they are doing it European-style" basically. This seems silly to me, because had I not been given a pint glass, I would have consumed about 5-8 of those small glasses, and I didn't want to have to sit by the water jug or interrupt my meal and make a bunch of trips. My coworker astutely pointed out, "Well, this is America. McDonald's changes the Big Mac to suit other countries, can't we get more than 3 oz of water?" Friendly staff, though. And the pizza was flavorful, despite being undercooked. But this will probably not find itself among my regular lunch spots.. UPDATE: 3 months later and I still haven't been back.
(2)Harvey G.
First time coming here for lunch and it was absolutely delicious. The ordering concept is different, but very cool to me. I will definitely be back.
(5)Anh N.
The concept of this place is cool, but I'm just not that big of a fan of their food and what you're paying for it. If you want something that's not extremely plain like just pasta and pesto, you're paying around $9-$11. The pasta is fresh and pretty good...but it's nothing that you can't throw together at home. Especially when they're busy, you're waiting quite a while for your food because you have to wait in line and watch while they're making it for each person. The last time I was here, we were looking around for a table for a while before just sitting down at one that wasn't cleaned. We had to move dirty plates trays to another table and it was another 10 minutes before that was picked up.
(2)Kim G.
Overall I really liked this place. The pizza is great and all the other food I saw looked good . The process was a little slow, it took longer than expected to get our pizza. However, the bar was fast so we just got another beer while we waited. I went on a weekend but I plan to go back during the week for lunch and see how it is.
(4)Mark W.
Overall, I think this place will be great in another month or two, but WOW, do they have some kinks to work out. I'll start out by saying that I went on their opening night: I understand that some stuff was bound to go wrong, but it was pretty bad. The food was actually pretty good: I got the caprese pizza and the bruschetta trio. Both were made fresh and tasted pretty good. Not the best Italian I've ever had, but for the price, I was content. Now, for the bad part: the entire organization of the place and process of getting your food. It was abominable, to say the least. You get a card when you walk in, to which you "charge" each item ordered to. There are 4 different stations from which you can order food, all of which have their own method of notifying you when it's done. You want pizza? You'll get a buzzer. You want salad? You'll awkwardly wait next to the station until it's made. You want a beer? Pull up a seat in the middle of the room. In addition to the disorganized method of ordering food, my pizza came out VERY wrong. They remade it, but I didn't get another buzzer? Let's just say it was a miracle I ended up with plates in front of me. While checking out, the cashier asked me how everything was and I shared that it was just okay because of the chaos. She found a manager and took half off my meal, which was cool, and where they're earning one of their stars back. Go for the food (which is pretty good!) and don't go when they're busy. Otherwise, avoid.
(3)Brandon M.
Pasta was good ingredients were fresh but the whole service structure is a bit confusing. I had a salad and pasta both were good, however, had to get up and chase someone for a drink. Would definitely come back fun place for a date!
(4)Carisa A.
The food was great and so were the people who were making the food and drinks. Unfortunately the hostess was the least helpful and she was the person who is suppose to help you and the first person you see. This was my first visit and I didn't know what to do. The hostess' brief instructions were the food is set up like stations and go where you want to order. That's it? What if I want a drink or does it come to my table or should I wait around? Nope the hostess was not helpful. I found the cook and bartender/ barista more helpful than the hostess. Thanks guys for answering my questions while making the food and my drink.
(3)Miles M.
I must say I was not ready for this and walking in to a Grommet buffet sort of speak is not what I was ready for. You walk into the place that has three entrances and only one of the double doors actually works and no signage letting you know that. The hostesses greet you and hand you hotel style cards to order your food and point to the areas to select food from. Off in our own we are along with self seating. How to prefer when you have know idea what they offer or what's on the menu till you get closer to kitchen areas. We were not happy and choose the first area which happened to be pizza and after ordering we were asked if we wanted drinks and if so they are at the bar behind us. We get to wait for our food and I go to order a lemonade and ice tea, the bartender looks at me and says you get that back there which is where we just ordered food. So annoying and I hate buffets and this style of ordering is on that list. Food was decent but if you can't make pizza than you have bigger issues. Sorry I'm not a fan of this style of Resturant.
(2)Truth P.
A visitor to this restaurant should know that the wait staff (servers) and the beverage staff are not well trained at all. There are a few specific instances which can be elaborated in detail but instead of tiring out the description exhaustively; for one example, though this place seems like a legit Italian restaurant with a legit espresso bar, they cannot make iced coffee or even an iced americano (espresso, water, and ice). In actuality he did not know what an iced americano was since it was verbally expressed that he wasn't sure what makes an iced americano. Yet indeed he made one and it was in a cappuccino cup (on a saucer) -- and in it was espresso and ice cubes floating on top of it. I could not drink this without feeling dumb. Potentially, some customers may even feel like they're being insulted (angry staff purposely serving something ridiculous in mockery). Really, this is the responsibility of the management. The managers just don't realize that the staff needs training. They probably think all they need to do is make schedules and that the staff are showing up on time and not slacking off. This was my third time visiting this Vapiano but experiences like this one also show that the franchise owner does not care or is not aware of what entails a restaurant experience. So much potential, but it's tragic.
(1)Mike F.
With a group looking for a basic Italian dinner... Vapiano is like an upscale cafeteria setting with stations for salads, pizzas, pastas etc. Food was above average, service confusing. Cheesecake was not up to par for this New Yorker but the Caprese Salad was very good- Chicken Alfredo sauce was too salty! The Arrabbiata was just zesty enough. I'll go back but it won't become a habit.
(3)Brandon B.
A new place open late in the Loop: which is a welcome event, open until midnight Fri and Sat. A variation on self service: you are given a card at the door and then you go to various stations (bar, pasta, salad, pizza) and order what you want, which is made on the spot. Reasonably priced and very fresh. Best is the eclectic decor with various colors and styles of seating that vary throughout the restauarant: you just grab whatever seat suits you best. Modern tango playing--felt like I was in a swanky Buenos Aires cafe. Great central location and a quick place to eat before or after a show, I think this will be a new favortite.
(4)Janine K.
I'm a fan because I've been working in the area for over 8 years and pretty psyched to finally eat lunch at a NEW place!!! For one, get to this place at 11:30 because the closer to the noon hour the crazy crowded confused people flood the area soon after. Confused about the card system, where they want to eat, the fact it's new, etc. Other than that...it's very clean, the service was great, and so was the food. This time I had a margarita pizza, next visit I'm trying a salad. The portions are generous and the price is just right for downtown lunch.
(4)Natalie L.
After my meal I went to use the restroom. I headed upstairs and realized there was a bathroom at the bottom of the stairs. I headed inside and realized quickly the entire restroom stunk of urine. The floor was wet, toilet seat was up, toilet paper was strewn all over the floor and thankfully, I noticed the toilet paper roll was empty. I turned around and headed upstairs to what turned out to be a much more pleasant experience. I figured I would tell someone about the condition of the lower level bathroom as a courtesy to the restaurant. This is when it all went down hill. I explained the situation to the hostess when she snapped back at me "we tell people don't use the handicapped bathroom because the drunk people piss all over the floor and it's always a mess." I apologized and told her that I just wanted to know about it's condition. She snapped back "use the woman's restroom upstairs next time." How is a paying customer supposed to know that the lower bathroom is kept disgusting? Why would you walk all the way up the stair case when there's a restroom on the lower level? Why wouldn't the restaurant want to know that they are all out of toilet paper. And most importantly what are handicapped people supposed to do when they have no choice but to use this foul restroom. This totally soured my experience of a restaurant I used to love. I don't know that I'll be back.
(1)John G.
Apparently I am too stupid to eat here. All I wanted was some carry out pizza. I had to take a card, go to a station. Do something with the card which puts the order on it? Then I pay with the card? I just wanted some pizza. Simple pepperoni. To many steps, no thank you.
(1)Alan S.
If you don't mind spending a little more for lunch, this place make a good personal pizza. It's actually a tad big for one person, but no way shareable for two people. I didn't love spending $12+ for lunch and feeling the need to finish more food than I wanted, but ah well. It's a weird place because of the self service and I really didn't understand what was going on. Either charge me a little less or explain the system better and I'll change this to a four. The pizza it self was quite good! Also the gummy bears at the end are a nice touch.
(3)J.e.e. M.
It's cafeteria style. But food is good and affordable. Friendly staff as well... Somewhere nice to chill. Not good for dates nor intimate dinner.
(3)Mert S.
Worst service ever! They are slow, mass up your order often. Too much pain for average food.
(1)Ellen P.
I liked the vibe here immediately. The hostess asked if I'd dined with them before, and when I said no, fully explained the concept, handed me two menus (past and pizza), my meal card, and off I went. I ordered my pizza (spinach and pesto, added chicken), and while that was cooking, got a glass of wine. Seating was challenging, but that is to be expected at dinner time down town on a Friday night. Also, you don't come here for a cozy, private dinner for two. The seating is primarily shared tables - so be prepared to sit next to people you don't know. Yes, you can do it. I met some fun people visiting Chicago for a convention, and as a native was able to give them tons of suggestions for their free time activities. Very good food, very fun concept. I'll be back.
(4)Edgar M.
I am very familiar with Vapiano as we have always dined at the Lincoln Park location. On Friday evening at about 6:30pm, we met a friend who was here from out of town and the restaurant of choice was Vapiano in the loop. Immediately after entering we waited until the cashier was free to take care of us. The entrance here seems a bit confusing and we weren't sure if there was a separate line to get our card. Eye contact to acknowledge we were there would have gone a long way. After the cashier was done with her line, she gave us a menu and a card and we sat in a nice corner towards the back of the restaurant. A young man that evening was running around the WHOLE restaurant on his own taking drink orders. He pretty much was the highlight of our evening. He was so friendly and attentive and took our drink order. The poor guy was drenched in sweat as he was the only one running around taking drink orders. Was this place short staffed?? Probably. To order your pasta you get in line and tell the cook what your pasta choice is. The young lady behind the counter was just not having a good day and was not very friendly at all. My pasta was basically flavorless and didn't look appealing. I was surprised how quickly my pasta had been prepared. This may be the cause of the tasteless pasta. At the lincoln park location your pasta takes about 10-15 minutes for it to come out. I don't mind waiting for food that will be good quality food. I was starving and ate it anyway. The margherita pizza was tasty but it was just a basic cheese pizza. Nothing margherita about it. At checkout the same cashier who gave us a card told us to form a line and she pointed where to go. A second later a lady stepped up to the counter just as I had and she took her immediately without hesitation. Ummm that was rude!!!! Overall the experience here was just BAD and that young man running around taking drink orders seemed like the only one who was doing his job and enjoying it. I'll just continue to go to the Lincoln Park location
(1)Scott R.
This place fails in almost every way. We stopped by today after noticing a list of interesting specials yesterday. The bread was good; the chicken soup was all right; other than that: 1. Salad with raspberries and walnuts; first the salad was drowned in dressing and left to sit while the kitchen searched for raspberries. The raspberries and walnuts were added and voila: a droopy mix of ingredients that didn't work together at all. 2. Gorgonzola pasta with pistachios: Incredibly salty gorgonzola; the pistachios which were dumped on did not blend in; this dish was a disaster. 3. Caprese Salad: Basic unimaginative salad not worth the price. Seating is "cute"; if you sit on a two sided sofa it will move around if anyone fidgets (or jumps up and down as the guy next to me did). Otherwise you've got high tables and low spots which look uncomfortable but I wont be back to try them.
(1)Raju S.
Yes. The ordering system is complicated but I'm sure the second time around, it makes sense. Unfortunately, there probably won't be a second time. The pizza is pretty good but the pasta was disappointing. The tirimisu was ok as well. As far as service is concerned, the waiter was decent but the hostess seemed annoyed about something when we arrived and her attitude was the same on our way out. The restaurant itself is visually appealing and chic but the subpar food and grouch at the front of the restaurant will probably keep me away from a pretty good brick oven pizza.
(2)Justin B.
If you're a Chicagoan and have eaten at Foodlife in Water Tower Place, you'll be familiar with this concept. If not, here's the deal - the restaurant is divided into stations and, depending on what you want (pizza, pasta, salad, etc.) you pony up to them, a mail card gets charged and you pay upon exit. Think of it as a high-end Italian cafeteria. The pizza was thin, with slightly crispy edges. I know a traditional marg pizza has light cheese, but this was simply a cheese pizza. Pretty tasty, though. I wasn't really sure where to order a beverage. It took some investigating but then realized I could order one from any station. I expected it to be a little more crowded. Although, I didn't mind it since lunch places are usually crazy busy. The staff was pretty on top of things. They greeted me with a smile and even asked if I would have liked something afterwards, as a dessert or coffee. The decor takes on a light and airy feel, with tall Windows and light colored furniture. Offering a full bar, Vapiano might be a decent place for happy hour and a snack for two.
(3)A n.
They had 8 people working the pasta and pizza bar and no one took my order or even told me where to order. (Signs were all wrong) I had to ask three times and they gave me three different places to go. Then when I got in line they acted like I didn't exist. So I left. This place will go out of business very soon without better staff.
(1)Nicole S.
I don't care what anyone else says. I LOVE Vapiano's! Fresh pasta made daily on site? Flavorful, fresh pasta and pizza made to order while you watch? Friendly, helpful chefs? I've been here more times than I can count and every experience has been good, even when the wait has been longer. Yes, the format takes some getting used to (but it's not rocket science!) Yes, you will wait longer than if you had ordered at Burger King. Yes, the water glasses are laughably small. All of this is moot. The food is fresh, delicious and filling! This will remain one of my regular lunch spots. I'm so glad they're only a block from my office.
(4)N L.
Caught a meal here after a show and appreciated the relaxed vibe, lighting and overall mood of the place. The whole experience was a bit rough around the edges. The format of the restaurant is basically an upscale cafeteria; there are different stations for different kinds of food. This format has its pros and cons, but on the whole, I found it a bit awkward to have things timed so that my dining partner and I could actually have a meal at the same time. Another weakness of the format is that being a good cook/line cook requires a different set of skills than being a server or a patron-facing person. I found the cooks, who you order directly from, to be a bit surly and unfriendly. A kitchen can be a high-stress environment to begin with; so having customers right there to witness it unveiled a bit of that stress. That level of dissatisfaction with the staff extended to the ladies working the counter as well...no one seemed very happy to be working there. I enjoyed the food itself. I had the Beef and Shrimp salad and it was very good; my dining partner had the carbonara and was very good as well. In conclusion, the food and ambiance are quite good, but they have some work to do to button up their customer service.
(3)Valerie Yvonne B.
Okay, first of all DO NOT go here if you're short on time. Meaning, if you're trying to get that 1 hr lunch in, NOPE. Now, the food is delicious, fresh and creative. I've been here a number of times already because of that fact alone. I would usually go on the weekend when I've done a little shopping or just in the area. The process of ordering is this: The person at the door gives you a card, you keep that card and guard it like old boy from Lord of The Rings because that card is tapped by you each time you order a meal or drink. You grab a menu from either the pasta, salad or pizza side and then stand in either line to order. There are trays, glasses and utensils at the head of these lines for you to use once you finally get up front and order. The problem with this place is they always seem short staff and I think this is a "teaching" restaurant which I personally have no problem with. Students and newer chefs need love too. As long as they cook my food right, I'm good. But yeah, watching them cook reminds me of how cooking professionally is pretty much a labor of love. They work their asses off. Every dish I've had there was good. The ordering system just takes a little getting used to.
(4)Merve Åž.
People are getting their newly cooked pizzas in minutes but how come the already prepared salads take ages!!!silly.
(1)Jess S.
Yes, it takes a little longer than a fast food joint to get your food. But it isn't fast food - they make your food to order, and it's pizza, and pasta which isn't quick. I've waited five minutes and I've waited 20 minutes. I do not come here when I'm in a hurrry, just in case, but every time I come here I love the food and the atmosphere. The chefs are so friendly. The manager is always cooking with the rest of them. Expect yummy food and great service, and don't expect to be in and out in five minutes.
(4)Laurie S.
This place is different. Has a very good look but the ordering process is too confusing. The person taking my order couldn't speak above a whisper and since it was my first time this was crazy. Food was tasty but not outstanding. Very casual.
(3)Mike K.
Got it here during lunch time on Thursday. No one explained instructions. Waited for 20 minutes just to order and then another 10 min till food is ready. Food is horrible, extremely salty. Did not even offer bread. Bartender is extremely rood an said that they don't have fresh lemons. Zero stars for this place. Don't come here, ever!
(1)Cody B.
Pros: -Nice spot to eat outside (love outside dining) -Good selection of sauces -interior decor in dining area was nice -being able to watch your food prepared quickly right in front of you gave a sense of freshness and possibilities for customization. Cons: -First time diners can be confused by card system. -Even when relatively slow (for downtown) lines for cooking stations can be tiresome. -Would be nice to have option to simply sit down and be served.
(3)Caitlin M.
Oh Vapiano. It's a little kitschy, but you have to expect that from something in the middle of the loop. The place is fast/fresh casual. For those of you not in the business, that means- You walk up and you order. Every ingredient of your dish is made for you alone, but it's fast. You pick up your order and you scurry back to your eating spot, knowing it's not been under a burner for 10 minutes. Fresh casual. Done. Dine in your college hoody, North Face or whatever. They have wines available, which is a fun twist. It's definitely the place you want to go after work or class. The servers are friendly. I wasn't too sure about the hostess/greeter, but I am pretty sure they were still training. Although it is self service, they have wait staff to see to your drink and dessert needs. They are pretty on point and personable without bothering you. Food (You know, the part you've been waiting for...): My friend and I had gotten the suggestions. She had the BBQ chicken pizza and I had the beef cognac pasta. The sauce on the pizza was nice. Not too overboard on the BBQ flavor, which I personally like. The veggies were fresh and topped after the dough and cheese was baked. The pasta was great. They let you choose your own noodle!!! I wasn't very decisive about how well I waned the beef cooked, so the chef made some suggestions. He was also super personable and fun to talk to while he cooked my meal. I like this place a lot. The company seems solid and it's a fun and different dining experience. Imagine FoodLife ten yeas ago! It probably isn't what people are expecting and can be a bit pricey, but I think it's worth it to see you food cooked and know it's all made for you and not in a giant vat.
(5)Jacob G.
I like the food at Vapiano. It's a good restaurant to go to for lunch or dinner.
(3)Lisa S.
We loved it!!!! 8.00 pizza and I mean a whole pizza not a slice. Tons of options and large portions! Excellent salads! We want one where we live back in Idaho!!!!
(5)Kathy K.
This place isn't succeeding due to its location. Picky yuppies(I'm one of them) in Lincoln Park and big international chains(except Starbucks) don't mix. Put this place on Michigan Ave. next to a place like Cheesecake Factory and the line would be out the door. Location, location, location.
(3)JR R.
Love this place. First ran across one in Berlin, Germany. Fresh food, great atmosphere...one of my favs
(4)Matt S.
A very fun experience! We enjoyed the laid back experience of eating the fresh italian cuisine at this restaurant. The antipasti selections are fabulous and the pizza and pasta was very good. The personal billing card makes for an easy way to go with friends and not worry about how to split the check. Down side is the pre made dessert options aren't as fresh as they could be but still good. Staff is helpful and atmosphere is decent.
(4)Daryle N.
Don't come here if you expect to be treated nicely. The hostess that worked last night July 7th was the rudest/snobbiest hostess in all Chicago. The atmosphere and food doesn't warrant her looking down her nose at people that dropped $120 for slow service and sub par food. Go to Atwood or 312 Chicago, they appreciate your money.
(1)Sarah L.
Nothing special. I had the Margherita pizza and it didn't taste very Margherita. you can't get refillable soda..for a student, this is big in my mind. I heard them deny a little extra sauce on a pizza to a man in front of me..really? The water cups are toddler sized. i won't probably come back and I'm in the area 4 days a week for classes. Ah well. I suppose the stations are cool in a way..but i think a first come first serve ordering system is better.
(2)Assaf G.
Food is fresh but only decent. The ordering process is perplexing. Crowds accumulate near the salad station, and you can't tell who's in line I order and who's picking up. Americana pizza was 4 stars. Bruschetta trio was 3 stars(the olive one sucked). Bottom line: Meh...
(3)Liam A.
I personally wasn't wowed. I work in the area and am always looking to try new places for my lunch break or post-work. The set-up looked a lot like a glorified cafeteria much like (as some of you have mentioned) Foodlife at Water Tower Place. There was enough of a selection at first glance but upon further inspection a lot of the food didn't really seem all that appealing to us. The freshness was definitely there and what we chose tasted decent (nothing too special, really) although there were long lines for each station. I liked that it wasn't so crowded and the decor was nice. With that said, we waited quite a while to be greeted and again to be charged after our meal. It's a block away from where I work so I might return and give it another shot. Their efficiency in getting traffic in and out is an area of opportunity. Definitely a poor execution of a familiar concept though.
(3)Marta K.
I was pleasantly surprised on my first visit. There are no waiters here, you order your food and then pick it up a few minutes later. It has the look and feel of a normal sit down restaurant. Great for when you are meeting multiple people for dinner, and not everyone can get there on time. We had 8 people for dinner, 2 of us arrived first, so we snagged a larger table for us all, and grabbed drinks while we waited. At the end of dinner, you don't have to worry about splitting checks because everyone has their own card (check). And best of all, the food is great!
(5)William D.
Had the pleasure of visiting this restaurant after a concert in February. Enjoyed the semi- Do It Yourself feel of the restaurant. You can choose between Pasta, Pizza, or Salad. There was a full bar available. Will visit when I return to the area.
(3)Rob K.
Food is "good" I liked our pepperoni and sausage pizza. Had a Caesar salad too which was shared between my wife and I. Desert was tiramisu (below average) and a cheesecake that was pudding like. Now for the odd part of this restaurant, there are no servers or plates. You eat off what they prepared your food in/on. They give you the "menu" once you walk in the door and you're on your own to walk up and order your food at different stations. You keep track of your orders with a "credit card" type card and pay at the end for what is on the card. If it wasn't for my wife I would've walked right back out as I don't usually make time to order my own food and drinks when going out. Pricing was on the high-side considering its average quality food. I would eat there again, but only if other options aren't available.
(2)Shanti N.
After reading the other reviews, I regret that my first venture here was not for lunch, and preferably a later one, after the crowds had settled down (if ever they do!). I ended up here after the Doris Kearns Goodwin talk at the library, as the space looked so warmly lit and inviting on a cold, drizzly night. When I stepped inside, I was immediately greeted by a hostess who explained the swipe card system, whereby I could order anything that I liked, at any of the various stations, swipe my card, then settle up at the hostess stand at the end of my dining experience. It was close to 8 pm by that point and finding myself in need of a glass of wine I made the bar my first stop. I ordered (and swiped for) a decent glass of malbec. Since I had not yet solved where to sit, I made my way over to the food stations. It would have been nice to see a list of menu items above each one, similar to the setup at Sopprafina. As it was, I had to take a menu card and was puzzled that some of the cards included the pasta specials and others did not. I decided to go with the bruschetta, as that line was the shortest and least bottlenecked. Once I ordered, I went in search of seating. I'm normally not one to clear away other people's dining detritus, but was just desparate enough to sweep an empty pizza tray (with just a few crusts) out of the way and into the hands of a passing busser so that I could be seated at one of the low tables in the back of the restaurant. Apparently, I had chosen toddler-central, as there were a bunch of young screechers in the area; fortunately, this crowd soon departed. By that point, my order was up, so I had to make tracks to put my coat over my seat, so that I could go up to the counter and claim it (side note: by that point, the customer is exhausted, so the food should be brought out to each table, similar to how it is done at Corner Bakery or Panera). The food itself was nothing spectacular, and I was mainly glad to have nabbed a seat and figured out the complex ordering system. Fortunately, the bill--even with alcohol included--was comparable to lunch at a fast casual spot. By the end of it all, there was no shadow of doubt in my mind that I would not be tipping, as it seemed not to be required given that it was essentially all self serve. Probably, if I were less lazy/tired, I could have made the same type of pesto at home as what was on offer here.
(3)Josh C.
My wife convinced me to try this place again and the food was a lot better this time. The service too! My only complaint is that it's still a really confusing order/payment process.
(3)Carrie M.
Stopped here for a quick bite post happy hour and pre-bed at hotel. Hostess kindly explained how to order-both chefs and bartender were helpful in recommendations. Atmosphere was great-can see quiet small groups, individuals dining alone and slightly larger business groups being comfortable. Good food for value. Slightly self serve, but fine if you are in a hurry and don't want to be bothered.
(4)Kevin T.
Subpar pasta and small 8 oz sodas in a overrated atmosphere, as in average grocery store pasta cooked on the stove is superior. I strongly dislike the ordering system as it took like one minute to process their card each time, and it's just plain silly.
(2)Joanne K.
This place is pretty awful. Terrible service, pasta tastes like paste & the pizza is just ok. It was utter mayhem with lines everywhere & staff looking confused and overwhelmed. Won't ever be back.
(1)#NAME?
I read a couple reviews prior to going and it seemed it would be a bit challenging going in here and that is the truth.... Went in for lunch around 12:30, yes I know it's the prime time for lunch, but it was confusing-You get a card where all items purchased are put on by tapping it to a scanner- When you walk in there is a wall in the back where you order, where people are cooking and where you get your food-In short it's a MESS- There is the salad section, pizza and pasta-You have no idea if the person in front of you has ordered, if they are waiting to order, if they are waiting for their food or if they are just checking things out- Ordered the pasta fungi, selected the pasta I wanted and then tapped the card to the scanner thing- Then I stood back a bit and waited, and waited and waited-It was about 10 minutes-So awkward for you don't have anywhere to go-Your food will not be brought out to you, and with the theft fear why would you leave your belongings at a table then come back to get it-You need to go with someone in order to get a spot, so then one person is the designated waiter- So after 10 minutes we were motioned that the food was ready-Then we had to find a table, got a small one on the Monroe side of the place- For drinks they have mini glasses of water glasses available, and I mean "mini" I could down that water in a gulp and a half- So I wanted a Coke, went to the bar area and I had to tap the card in order to get it-I didn't have it on me, my friend did-So I had to run over to him amongst the mess at the order, wait and pick-up area to get the card so I could tap it against the scanner thing so I could take my Coke away- Food was ok, pasta was cooked to perfection, sauce was decent and lots of mushrooms-It was way too much for one person, so they should really have half portions for half the price- For 2 pastas, 1 Coke the price was $21.00- I really don't want to go there again b/c it's a zoo in there-They really should have a service like Noodle & Co. where they bring it to you, would make things so much easier-How hard is it to give you a number to place on your table and they bring it to you-If Corner Bakery, Noodle & Co and others can do it why can't this place?
(2)Irshaad G.
Great place to find some Italian-style pizza inside the loop. Their salads are good too. Their setup and ordering system is a bit unorthodox, but effective. We went on a Sunday afternoon and it wasn't too busy.
(4)Erica W.
I really enjoyed my experience at Vapiano. The decor is bright and trendy, and it has an interesting layout. It's laid out kind of like a food hall in London, or like a restaurant at Eataly in NY. Basically you get a card, go to the station you want (pasta, pizza, etc.) and the staff swipes the card to record what you are purchasing. You eat, and then you pay on your way out. There were several options to choose from - I chose the pesto chicken pizza, which was quite tasty, and I also got the vanilla panna cotta which was the perfect texture, and the vanilla flavor really came through. They also give you a nice reusable plastic take-out container that you could use again - it's almost the quality of tupperware. It's nice to have a restaurant like this in the loop. They are also open pretty late (until 10-11pm) I would go back!
(4)Ryan M.
Kind of expensive. Staff is friendly and suggests food. Ran into Dunlevy and the asian trainer for the Bulls. He caught me staring and I think he thinks I'm stalking him....he knows now...I must hide in different spots.
(3)Ingrid R.
Seriously. Wow. Poor, poor execution of what could be a good lunch spot. So it's just opened - I get it. Growning pains etc. First off when you come from the Monroe side they have a lovely little gate in their fence to go through that is completely hidden. Let's call it stealth gate. We approached stealth gate and said we want to eat here. Great she beamed. How do we get in? Oh - here. We cannot have been the first people who felt locked out... Should have taken the hint and ran... I came in with 3 colleagues at lunchtime. We lined up in our corresponding pasta, pizza, salad lines. After about 10 minutes of not moving in the pizza line one colleague moved over the a pasta line. So they serve people one at a time, make their food, give them their food, put the charge on the "special card that holds what you ordered", next person, etc. It's SLOW and also very slow. I ordered a salad with 5 ingredients in it. When I got it I didn't see the pine nuts. "Are there pine nuts in there?" I asked in a friendly tone. "Why yes" she cheerfully replied. Half way into the salad - "where are my effing pine nuts?" My 5 ingredient salad ($9.95 with no meat) was a 4 ingredient salad. It was then we realized there was another large line to pay with the "special card that holds what you ordered". Oh - this is fun. Thankfully we sat near it so when it calmed for a minute I ran up to pay. When we went to leave we left by the entrance. I didn't know it was not an exit. It was a door that was open to the outside. You have to show your receipt if you leave that way. That's all well and good but have a sign or something. What if I threw my receipt away? Overall, the decor is lovely, the food was nice enough, but.... the prices are high, the experience sucked a really big heap of lotness! I can't see many loop lunchers putting up with this lark for long.
(1)Debbie F.
I bring everyone here. Guys I'm interested in, guys I'm not interested in, and I would probably bring my parents here too. The clean environment of glass, green, beige wooden tables, wood benches, red lounge chairs is perfect for most settings. Though there's always couples on [what looks like] their first date, so no, sorry, you should not wear your pajamas. Vapiano's has a pretty big variety of pasta choices and flavors (compared to other establishments in Chicago), and there's always the option of customization. Their ingredients are fresh, though some dishes (i.e. Scampi Spinachi?) can feel heavy quickly. The crayfish, the pesto with pinenuts, those have been amazing. Their desserts are okay; nothing to rave about. Things I love: Free Olive Oil Free bread (just ask at the counter) Free herbs (at all tables) Self-serve water (No more waiting for slow waiters :D) Clean bathrooms (at least five cubicles in the Ladies') Warm and friendly service every time, from chef to cashier Things I don't love: The peak hour crowd (5pm-7pm?). They magically appear, and they're not from my imagination :( I really hope more restaurants like this open up in Chicago. I think it's pretty obvious that it's not the restaurant's fault if there are long lines - demand/supply chain - there is a bottleneck effect because we need more tasty and affordable places in the Windy City that don't serve "errything with fries."
(5)Jacob A.
I had lunch here a couple weeks ago with a friend. I had the pesto pizza for $7.95 and it could have fed 2 people. Great bang for your buck. The pizza was thin crust ,delicious and very flavorful. My friend had a pasta dish for $10.95 and the portion was small and he didn't really like it, he said it had a bland taste. The chefs cooking in each of the food stations were very helpful and explained the process in an easy to understand manner. The reason I'm giving this place 4 stars and not 5 is because of the bartender. After sitting down I realized they had no crushed red pepper on the table only a spicy olive oil mix. So I went to ask the bartender about it since she was 2feet away and she responded with a bit of an attitude. I don't know If she was having a bad day or not but tried get a more clear answer from her but again was rebuffed and told that the spicy olive oil was all that they had. I went back and sat down to eat my lunch with my colleague. Some of the chefs were having their lunch at the end of our table and could hear the displeasure I had with the bartender and the lack of chilly flakes. 30 seconds later the chef appears with it and apologizes about the situation at the bar. Again staff was very nice and ill just chalk it up to 1 apple.
(4)Mike S.
We found this location on accident Saturday when visiting in Chicago when walking to the Flat Top Grill on Wabash for dinner. I try to eat at Vapiano's whenever I am in DC and like their food, so we ate there instead of Flat Top. Food is a good value for the price. Very reasonable for the loop. My favorite is Spaghetti with the Carbanaro sauce. I like how they cook the food in front of you. I also like that they have small size desserts.
(4)Kat H.
You have to wait for ur food at the station, the "chefs" aren't friendly and the food is overpriced...we r waiting our own tables and yet I still pay as if I'm at a nice restaurant. No thanks! Carpaccio was pretty good tho
(2)Puja B.
I enjoyed eating here! It was casual and inviting place. The card system really isn't that confusing. They explain it to you before you order. The pesto pasta was decent and the pizza was delicious! I really liked the concept of the place!
(4)John G.
This is why I walked out without ordering. There was no clear indication of which employees were open for taking orders. Furthermore there was no signage indicating where I should order my non pasta non pizza non salad entree. When I approached two employees at an open window they rudely told me there window was closed. Good bye.
(1)J J.
Don't let the bad reviews discourage you. Came here without reading the reviews, so I had no expectations. All the pastas that our party had were great. The pizza was ok. Extra stars for a cool decor, and a fresh new way of dining. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Steven Y.
Cool design, food was good but not exceptional. The small water glasses were incredibly annoying.
(3)Dean H.
It was unimpressive. The pizza tasted frozen even though I saw it being made. The place was stylish however and the price was right.
(2)Nadine G.
Okay, they JUST opened, so take this review with that in mind, but I did not get a positive first impression of this place. The dining area is very pretty, but I was so annoyed with the ordering process that I just ended up taking everything to go. Basically, the whole system is very chaotic. The restaurant is set up with stations: pizza, pasta, salad/antipasto, dessert/alcohol. If you want more than one kind of item you need to wait in separate lines to order. You swipe a Vapiano card at each station and pay on your way out. I ordered a pizza and then a pasta and salad to take home for dinner. The pizza station was pretty together (although nobody at any station seemed to have turned the computers on before they opened for lunch), but the other two areas were very chaotic. It is an open kitchen, and it is very unclear who you are supposed to order from, where you are supposed to wait, when to swipe your card...the whole process needs to be clarified and streamlined. Right now, as there is a learning curve for both the staff and the customers, they should post hosts or managers at each station to help people through it all. As for the food....I had the Capriccioso pizza, which was good, with a relatively fast cook time for a personalized pizza. I ordered the Pesto Rosso pasta, and that was highly disappointing; very bland and a very small portion for the price. I also had the Strawberry Spinach salad, which was okay, but also quite small for the price. Also, I think they should automatically put all dressings on the side for to-go orders, but I didn't specify, so that's on me. I also tried to order tiramisu to go, but they were unable to offer that dessert to go for some reason. The to go containers are very nice, but they were out of bags already (they just opened a few days ago), which made the schlep back to work kind of awkward. When I went to swipe my card on the way out, only one of my items showed up, despite my having swiped at each station and being told that I was fine. Overall, it took me about 30 minutes to order and get my food; I would have much preferred sit down service, as I was standing the whole time, dodging other customers. I did express my opinion to a manager that the ordering process was very confusing, and he seemed to put the onus on the customers to "get used to it". Overall, I think the staff needs to be more guest-focused, and I say this as someone who worked as a restaurant server for 10 years; I know it's a hard job, but the staff is openly stressed, confused & irritated, and they do not always do a good job of helping the guests through the ordering process. I will go back and give it another try, especially for the pizza, but not for at least another month.
(2)Lexie H.
Food is ok, not too bad but not great either. I came in for dinner. The staff are friendly but the food is nothing special and not good with the price you pay for. The interior is really nice, music is a bit loud if you wanna have business lunch or conversation in here.
(2)Rick F.
Avoid the free-for-all lunch rush at all costs. But at quiet times the food is good and the atmosphere great.
(3)Kristy A.
Really a 2.5. Stopped here sort of late for a glass of wine and a little something sweet. Had no idea that they were still in their first few weeks, but that does explain some things. I can definitely see why this place has some varied ratings. Overall, I found the place a bit confused. It's basically a cafeteria that is trying to be something more upscale. You go in and are given a card that you have to swipe when you order. There are different stations for pizza, pasta, wine, dessert, etc. I only had wine and dessert, which were at the same station. I would have had to stand in a herd for anything else. My wine and dessert were average and I noted lots of spots on my glassware. I also noticed dead bugs in the overhead light fixtures (happens to all of us, but sort of ruins the effect of the pretty drum shades and is not so appetizing). I set my card down somewhere and while I found it later, I was sort of left to wonder what happens when one misplaces a card. I also had to wait in line to pay on the way out -- diner style. Just didn't do it for me. To be fair, I didn't try much of the food, but even an excellent meal might have only added a star.
(2)Steve G.
I tried this place twice, it was terrible both times. It has nice ambiance, but everything else is awful. The food is just so-so, I tried the salad, soup and pasta, all were mediocre. The dishes were dirty, I don't think they wash them properly, there was food scum on the undersides. They don't clean up the tables quickly, so both times I had to remove the dirty dishes from the prior group and wipe down the table with a napkin. The staff all have attitude, not a smile or friendly remark from anyone. I won't be back.
(1)Matt L.
Tried to place a special order over the phone, but was rudely turned away by a manager who claimed that he couldn't take credit card payments over the phone because there was no way to verify the card. I've worked at many restaurants who allow this and I've placed special orders over the phone with a credit card countless times. Ruined my plans.
(1)Kaye K.
Good food but sssslllooooowwwww which is a surprise since the concept is for faster food. Good design and comfortable seating.
(3)J L.
We came on Sunday morning after church with our 2 kids. Interesting concept with great food Audrea White went the extra make to make sure our chicken was excellent and the kids had gummy bears! We will be back.
(5)Hester K.
Great first impressions! I love this concept and am glad it came to Chicago! The food is one of the many reasons I love to go here. I would recommend one of their housemade pastas. The atmosphere is perfect for a party of any size. I recommend this restaurant to my friends all the time.
(5)John S.
Vapiano was a favorite of mine back east, and since we don't have any yet on the west coast I was happy to stumble on this location while visiting Chicago. The prices are reasonable, not just for food but also for coffee and beer/wine in a pleasant downtown location. This time I tried the BBQ Chicken pizza which had an added topping of melted smoked gouda cheese. So basically it had all my favorite ingredients together. I would eat here every day if I lived nearby.
(5)John S.
Went to Vapiano before the Pet Shop Boys concert. Really liked the atmosphere. For a counter service style restaurant the atmosphere here is trendy and clean. The card system they use and different stations make this a great place to go with a group when you would split the bill. The staff is friendly and quick to take your order. For dinner I had the pizza. The pizzas are cooked to order and reasonably priced. If I was grading just on food, service and atmosphere this place would easily be 4 stars. The bad side is the drinks here are tiny. 8oz bottles of coke cost $2.50. So I had to get two of those. They have free water but the glasses are like 4oz in size. You would think we were rationing liquids with the drink sizes here. Over all has potential. Would eat here if I was in the area and need a quick bite, however think I will get it to go and get my drink elsewhere.
(2)Andrew D.
They don't even stay open until their posted hours. Hostess was totally useless. Completely lame.
(1)Mario P.
Its a beautiful space (beautifully designed and furnished). The experience, however, is difficult to understand. While I like the 'personal credit card approach' it took a good amount of time for someone to educate us on how its managed. Then, you have to wait in a line-cue for the person that's going to cook your food to take your order (in our case a long 10 minutes); and then you stand and watch your food being prepared (which took another 7 minutes, plus a few minutes to understand the beverage situation). Then, you're expected to carry your tray and find a table ... which can be a bit intimidating when its a packed lunch room. Its a pretty extensive menu, yet we had difficulty deciding on what to order. We settled on the Pesto Pasta. Regrettably, it lacked punch. The Capanelle pasta was too el dente for my palate (meaning, too chewy to enjoy). If you want bread "ask for it." Otherwise, it wasn't offered. We agreed that the "chili oil" at the table was a good idea. In short, an average experience with some positive and negative impressions. The space is amazing; while the meal experience leaves one to wonder if they'll consider changing their approach.
(3)Gary S.
I'll keep it short and sweet. Food was very good. Had pizza and a salad, fresh, ingredients were excellent. Price was what I would expect from Loop area joints. But simply put: Too. Much. Work. I don't want to have to think that much to order a freaking pizza and a coke, and find a place to sit. Too much work, up and down, free refills but from the fountain (why give out little bottles to begin with)? It was awkward with a small group to have everyone's food come out at a different time given that it's (sort of!) a sit down restaurant. I've never wanted to be simply waited upon in my life.
(2)Blair A.
I can't express my disappointment enough This place is like a cafeteria. You go up and order your food at a cafeteria counter. I ordered a prosciutto pizza. They made it then told me 20 min later that they had no prosciutto. Had to wait another 15 min for a diff pizza. The drinks are the tiniest possible. I was so confused. Cokes come in 8oz glass bottles w no refills. My pizza was cold. Bruschetta was terrible. Girls are the front entry were gossiping about getting spanked. I couldn't make this up. Food was a 2.5 Service was a 0 Process to order food was a 0 Italian is extremely hard to do poorly but vapiano has achieved that. The pizza was very similar to the pizzas at subway.
(1)Valerie P.
Food is good, but WTF Is going on? I had never been to one of these before and as I walk up to the counter the gal hands me a bunch of cards like I have a clue what to do with them! I basically wandered around a bit lost and confused and when I asked the server (? if that's what they are?) for things I pretty much got a "duh-don't you know this" kind of attitude. I give them 2 stars for having amazing bruschetta.
(2)Ida n.
There are no words for how delicious the truffled wild mushroom and shaved radicchio pizza is. I eat a lot of fancy pizza, and was really surprised to receive such an elevated pie at a fast casual place like this. I only ordered a soda, but they had a full bar that was well-stocked. Hope they open one nearby in Los Angeles soon! (Minus one star for the awkward ordering/payment system and the dreadful, couldn't-care-less hostess.)
(4)Jamie H.
I went there on 3/1/14 with 3 of my friends & IT WAS AWESOME!! The food is great (I had the Salmon, lemon cream, mushrooms, garlic, with Parmesan cheese it was AMAZING! The decor is so cool yet subtle! The service was friendly, helpful, without being overbearing! You gotta try this place with friends, a nice first date, or just a lovely dinner alone for you won't be disappointed at all!
(5)Eric W.
Fun experience, casual dining. Our pizza was great and came out really fast. We are from Cincinnati and this is just what we were looking for. Nice bar too!!
(5)Wenwen L.
Interesting restaurant! It feels like a lounge bar, but you can have pasta and pizza here. I'm so into its decoration! Foods are great and with reasonable price. Must have in the loop!
(5)John K.
This place is not very accomdating. I picked up their menu to order a carry out since I was staying across the street at the Palmer house hotel. Their menu takes you to some weird Web site viapianio.com . That Web site has very little to do with the restaurant. No phone number, no menu. Anyway I found their phone number through yelp. They not do call in orders. I was mad and just said forget it. What kind of place is this?
(1)Fraggle B.
Perfect combination of german efficiency and italian home cooking! I just love this place - great home made pasta, delicious pizza, cheap wine and yummy desserts. The whole place is some what self serve. You get your card, charge up whatever you want, seat yourself and then pay at the end of the meal. Not ideal for those who want to be waited on but very convenient for splitting the check if you are in a big group of people. The bruchetta pizza is my favorite. Love this place and so happy they opened locations in Chicago. Please open one in Wicker Park as well.
(5)Samantha T.
The food is absolutely delicious! Very fresh tasting. The restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere. I first discovered this place in Germany and was elated to see it in Chicago. What holds me back from giving 5 stars is the wait. It is very long. If you go in a big group, it is best to go in deepest lines and hope that you all get your food about the same time.
(4)Stephanie F.
The food was good for the price. Décor was clean, modern and pleasant, staff was friendly, variety of meal choices without being an over- whelming menu. That being said poor organization leads to long lines at each "station" my husband stood in line for bruchetta for 20 minutes while I sat alone at our table, not how I pictured our date night. With slow service at each station timing your meal properly is nearly impossible, not to mention trying to coordinate everyone in your party getting their entree's on time. Also hold on to your drinks ladies and gentlemen, as we were away waiting in line for an unnatural amount of time our half finished drinks were cleared from our table. We will not be back.
(1)Michelle O.
I'm not sure why there are so many negative comments. I love this place. It's a great lunch spot in the loop. Location is perfect too. All the dishes I've had, I've loved and everyone I've brought here loves the place.
(5)J F.
Nothing like the other Vapiano on Clark Street. No sandwiches, miniature sized everything when it comes to drinks. The glasses of water are 3 oz and 8oz for the sodas. I saw a lady stock up on 8 glasses of water at a table by herself. They don't have fountain drinks so give people normal human sized glasses for water! Organization has not made its way to this location yet. It's overcrowded during lunch - the order line is also the wait line. Don't plan on getting your food anytime close to when your friends get theirs. Descent/mediocre food, unless you want a salad and in which case it's one leaf chopped up. The owners should visit the Clark location at some point.
(1)Eric S.
I wish I could have experienced this meal like the movie Memento. It would have started off with the checkout lady not looking surprised at all. Then me saying "honestly, not very good at all". Then her asking "how was your meal?" Ok back to the beginning. This place looks pretty cool. What doesn't look cool is all the people standing around because no one knows where to stand while waiting for your food. That's ok, I waited awkwardly for my food, no big deal, now I'm ready to eat. Except my pizza won't be ready for another 20 minutes. No big deal, I'll watch my wife eat her pasta while I drink wine out of a frosted wine glass. Wait what's that? My wife tries to tell me its not frosted. Wait, It's not frosted? nope, it's just the dirtiest glass I ever drank from. I'll update this review if I get mono. Until then, just assume its terrible food and an annoying dining experience.
(1)Agda A.
Saw this restaurant right in front of hotel. It was late they were almost closing. Very pretty looking but chaotic. The ordering system is somewhat overwhelming. I just wanted some food, but it was too much to learn just to order. Cards to swipe, different stations to order stuff. I decided to take-out. Pasta was ready first, but I had to wait for the pizza. In the end headed to cashier, after so much swiping I was charged drinks which they forgot to give me. My hands were full, they had no bags. I was so tired of this whole ordeal that I forgot about the drinks and they were charged. Very confusing, very hectic, too chaotic for me to go back. The food was not that great either. Very frustrating, and disappointing.
(1)Kelly S.
I helped coordinate a lunch for a large group of conference attendees at this Vapiano on a Sunday afternoon. The management team (Andrey, Guy and Jeff) who helped me to set up the reservation were friendly, attentive and easy-going. They made the process very easy. It was the perfect spot for a big group. The pizza I had was delicious - I had the Tropicale and really enjoyed it! We will definitely keep this place in mind for future events with lots of people.
(4)Luis C.
Food was very good.. At least the pasta I ordered. The concept to order food is not practical at all.. Its a nice place but need to change up the concept..... Will not come back if its not changed....
(2)B L.
Wow, you can spend your entire lunch break standing in various lines! -- one line for your pizza, then another line for your salad, and if you want a dessert --- go stand in that line. It's thee most inefficient, confusing "self serve" setup I've ever seen. (A cafeteria setup is at least efficient.) I had to stand in a variety of lines, then find a table and carry my tray and drink there. When the entree or pizza is ready, my beeper would go off and I'd get up from my seat and go pick the pizza up. BIZARRO!!!! It is like you gotta be in some secret club to figure out how this place runs. But even if you figure it all out, the various lines will sap you of your time and patience. About 90% of chairs have no backs! Sorry, I need some support. I don't like leaning like I'm at a picnic bench. Why the TIP JAR? The customer is the one needing tipped. He'll be losing his job if he keeps eating here and getting back from lunch late. And those tiny drinking glasses? --- Hey, when in the US, do as the Americans do. A tiny glass ain't cutting it with us here. PS: The pizza was good, tho the dough needs more salt.
(1)Anne T.
The food is good, sizes can be large... except for the shot glass of water you have to serve yourself. Come on? I work across the street, and have been a few times, impressed with amount of staffing they typically have on. I absolutely am not a fan of the ordering process, it is confusing and often find myself assisting tourists on how to order and receive food. The lunch hour is crazy busy. Order the brusetta and greek salad!
(3)John N.
Good addition to the roster of casual Loop lunch options. Nothing here will be remembered as the best Italian you ever had, but anything here beats another day of Jimmy John's, Chipotle, Subway, etc.
(4)Hotfive D.
If all restaurants were like this one, there would be a lot more home cooking going on.
(2)Norm J.
The concept of Vapiano is pretty much you get a card when you come in, you walk around to the different stations (antipasti, soups, insulate, pizza, pasta, dessert, drink bar) and what ever you order gets swiped on your card; which you turn in to the cashier to find out the total you owe. I've been to the Vapiano in Lincoln Park and have always enjoyed my dining experience there. So when my best friend suggested a group of us go to the one in the Loop I was all in. Well I can say that the food about both locations taste the same, which is a HUGE PLUS because I love the food here. Every pasta dish I've gotten here has always been cooked to perfection. The pizzas are large enough that I, at times, haven't been able to finish them. If you decide to venture into Vapiano I recommend you try some of my favorite dishes. - Margherita Pizza - Americana Pizza (has spicy Italian sausage & Sicilian pepperoni) - Salame Pizza - Coconut Shrimp Pasta (so good you'll want to like the bowl it comes in) I like Vapiano, but i prefer the location up in Lincoln Park better which is way I am giving this location 3 stars. I would have given this place 4 stars, but I felt that the customer service we experienced at this location wasn't as good as what we've experienced when dining at the Lincoln Park location on multiple occasions.
(3)samatha r.
I have no idea how good food here is, but if I have to stand forever in line to even order it when half the restaurant is empty, it's not worth it. I had to finally resort to eating cheese pizza, which I usually put on same level as McDonald's. Well, I am never going to any of their branches again.
(1)Bex A.
This was an interesting concept, you get a card that you swipe when you order something, then at the end pay the total. Personally, I think that can be dangerous if you keep swiping and swiping. I like the ambience, fresh herbs at you table (I assume you can use?), but I felt a disconnect of the cafeteria style ordering with the high-end look and feel. I would much rather be served. The bartender was great and did bring us our food. Bruschetta was tasty, but the tomato bisque I would of preferred to be creamy. Otherwise I feel like I am eating pasta sauce. I would give this place another try if I am in the area.
(3)Kendra N.
A little surprised by the low rating - I really like this place! It's kind of a new take on cafeteria style, so everyone who enters is given a card they can scan at each station and order what they'd like. There are salad, pizza, pasta, dessert, and bar stations. We've tried many different combinations and we have enjoyed everything we have tried. We always find that one pasta is plenty for two people. I do think they do have some staff problems recently. It took forever the woman to make our pasta even though it wasn't busy at all and while I was waiting I saw a dispute between a manager telling an employee to clean a table and she was visibly mad and annoyed by this (even though it was clearly her job). She then proceeded to do a really crappy job of cleaning the table and later I saw her walking around with her phone "hidden" in her wash cloth. Seriously, a terrible employee - she was so unprofessional. Overall though, this place is great. Especially sharing one pasta between two people, this place is a steal for dinner in the Loop! The ambiance is lovely as well - overall a solid 4 stars!
(4)S. B.
The food was very good as expected. What I didn't like was the talking between the staff-members in front of the guests. They were talking about different issues which should not be discussed in front of customers. If you are up to Italian food freshly prepared, Vapiano is your place to be.
(3)Sonia L.
Wow I can't even remember the last time I've ever given any restaurant five stars, but this place definitely deserves it. The quality of the food, the organization, the aesthetics, the communication, and the sweet sweet service!!! I am so shocked.
(5)josie w.
The pizza rocks-the calzone was good! The coffee is 5 star and the beer selection is decent!
(5)Alissa S.
Interesting concept but terrible service. I tried to come here for a quick drink with a friend and we were ignored by the three bartenders on staff. I watched one of them scrap off chocolate from a plate for 10 mins instead of taking care of the guests waits for a drink... The food was also just mediocre
(2)peter d.
Came in on an ordinary Thursday evening about 8 pm for a late dinner. Got in line to order - was about 5th in line (the other lines were longer). It took about 10 minutes for one customer got served. So we walked out. This place is really stupid. The food looks interesting but the service style is ridiculous.
(1)Ann H.
Confused maybe? So the bf and I came to eat here after we went to the symphony. We love pizza so it sounded like the obvious choice. Entering the restaurant you don't know where to go, and if the receptionist/cashier is busy you may end up standing around and left to figure out how to get food by yourself. Ah however if you wander around you wont know you need a card to scan your food to track the bill. Eventually we figure this out and get cards which work at all stations. We ordered a pizza which they then instruct you to pick up a buzzer and tell them the number. Okay now I have a buzzer and a card. It's a lot just to order food. We ordered a pepperoni pizza as I recall and it was a decent size and tasted good. A lot of oil on top which we removed with napkins. The pizza was slightly too salty for my taste but my bf liked it just fine. After eating you leave the plates at your table and then go to the cashier at the front to pay. I really like the restaurant decor and trees inside! Tables are unique with cute mushroom lamps. Vibe is casual yet trendy. Glad I stopped in but was very confused at the concept / execution for the ordering process.
(3)T L.
This place is cute, it's unique and there's great energy flowing through the place. The process to order your food seems a little bit confusing on purpose but once you understand the flow you'll be fine. I order a Margarita pizza and a glass of Chianti. I took my seat and people watched and enjoyed the music playing throughout the restaurant. I dined solo this night but it seems like this would be a great place to come with friends. I checked out other dishes that other diner was received and their food looks pretty good. The pizza I order was delicious as was my glass of wine. I topped off my night with a mini triamisu. Great evening at Vapiano and will definitely return next time I am in Chicago.
(4)Tiffany C.
As someone else said, Vapiano never dissapoints. I love the set up, comfort, and price. It is my go to. Ambiance: Super cute. Choose from a couch, community table, individual table, lounge, or bar to sit at. The lighting is dim, the space is clean, chique, and stylish. It feels like a fun happening lounge, but its really just a restaurant with a bar. Its awesome Service: Good. They are there to help and answer any questions. Waiting in line for your food at the service stations is a little annoying, but its a part of the deal. So roll with it and you will be pleased with what is presented. Food: Good enough for me. I think its yummy quality food at a cheap price. Dont expect something to blow your mind, but do expect it to satiate your taste buds and your wallet with typical dishes. Price: Cheap for the loop. Id say expect to pay about $25 for food, wine, tax, and tip per person. This is my go to right before seeing a show. Love this place. Its an easy meetup for a first date, time with girlfriends, or a cheap stop before your night begins
(5)Ryan V.
Their food consistently is tasty and fresh. It can take a while during peak periods, so don't be in a hurry if you see it's busy. The desserts are fantastic. My favorite is the strawberries and mascarpone.
(5)Yesy D.
Bumped into this place after a job and it was the greatest accident ever. Some of the workers are a little antsy and easily annoyed if you're not familiar with their menu/ordering, but for the most part everyone was super helpful. The hubby and I hadn't eaten all day and went to this place at about 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon. We both ordered pizza and they both were DELICIOUS. Seriously the greatest pizza I've had in a long time. I really did the thin crust and this place did not disappoint. What was even nicer was the fact that they sell beer and sangria. We decided to indulge and had a beer each and two sangrias. The atmosphere is casual but you can definitely get away with doing a date night in this place. I really like the table setup because they were intimate yet casual. I will probably be coming back to taste their yummy looking pasta.
(4)Mike M.
Dropped in here later at night when it was the only decent spot open in the neighborhood. I like the concept but the quality on food is really lacking. Decided on a prosciutto pizza and a glass of house Cabernet. The pizza was essentially a cheese pizza with cold prosciutto and flakes of Parmesan placed on top post baking. The prosciutto was lacking taste and very stringy. Definitely not de Parma. The wine was above room temperature and even seemed like it could have been heated. I'd give it another try and order pasta or a simpler pizza. The scan card system is very welcoming and the staff was rather attentive and friendly which gave it two stars. Recommendation: go with a simple dish that is hard to screw up. Skip the drinks. Price: fair for the area but expensive for what you get.
(2)Vaidehi T.
I had an enjoyable dinner at Vapiano. They have a cool ambiance - more like a modern lounge bar. The ordering system is a little unique. Basically each individual is given a card which is charged with whatever you choose to buy. The pastas, salads are made fresh to order and they can be customized. I ordered the mista salad and chose a spicy citrus dressing with it. Hubby ordered the Pasta pomodoro. Both the dishes were simple and flavorful and the portion sizes were pretty good. My only complaint here would be that the prices are a bit too high for a place where you don't have a sit down table service.
(4)Sophie J.
Very cool place. High ceiling with good decor. Decent price for tasty and big amount of food
(4)Daniel S.
Everyone complains about the lines taking forever and there being nowhere to sit, i went at 1130 and there was no wait at all, my pizza was done in like 10 min, (however at 1215 the line was much longer) i got the calzone, which i thought was a pizza but was actually a calzone, while the toppings were good, there was a bit too much bread and not enough meat, i tried the trio bruschetta, which wasnt bad, you get the regular tomato kind and then one with cheese and pesto sauce, the shot glasses for the water are annoying though, and it's very reasonably priced, i just mention because i heard a lot of people saying it was too expensive
(4)Marisa R.
If you're looking for something unique and different this is the place to go. You start by ordering your food at the counter and watch them make it in front of you. Everything is fresh and the best part is that the pasta noodles are all Homeade! You can really tell a difference. The atmosphere is very Mello, I love that they have candles and fresh herb plants at each table. They have large windows across every wall so you can look out to the city while you're eating. The only thing I have to say is that if you're looking for a restaurant that will cater to you this is not the place to go. You order your own food and take it to your table yourself
(4)Jinu J.
The pizza is one of my favorite and the setting gives you a new experience
(4)Akiko I.
As everybody say, it is very confusing place, I visited there for my dinner, it was 10pm and had to wait for more than 1 hour for a single pizza. Although cook told me beforehand and it was our fault to make such decision, I wonder why it took such a long time! Food was good but I don't like such busy and confusing place to eat!
(2)Carrie S.
Pros: Good pizza, interesting lunch menu, trendy interior. Cons: Convoluted ordering system, rude-ish staff, kind of weird seating, insultingly tiny water glasses. They're like shot glasses! I like this place but I would only come here if I wanted one item: pizza, salad, or pasta. Not two. The lines are pretty long and the wait for your food is long too. To have to wait in two lines for two different items would be torture I had an arugula pizza which was the shizzy. I am pretty confident I could eat these for the rest of my life. Also life tip: maybe come here with an experienced friend for your first time. It's seriously confusing and you need a guide to show you the way.
(3)Saahithi G.
Love the ambience and the fact that every dish is prepared from scratch here. Pasta is a must try. I have had scampi which is great. You can select which kind of pasta and choose the level of spiciness. Pizza has a very light crust and tastes good.
(5)Abdullah G.
Great experience with professional chef's I love the fact that the food is cooked just for you and in front of you Definitely amazing I will go back again to try more food I recommend it for all
(5)Lisa H.
I don't get why this place doesn't have higher reviews? Vapiano originated from DC. I used to live in Pittsburgh and one of the main motives for me to go to DC (aside from visiting the ex) was for this! So, i was overly excited when i heard Vapiano was opening in The Loop. I LOVE Italian and LOVE pastas and pizzas. They have the oven baked pizzas, which are around $10 and takes only 10 min to make/bake. Their pastas are so amazing; i don't know where to start. They offer a variety of pastas to choose from: standard ones like penne, spaghetti, fettuccine, but i enjoy their Campanelle, tagliatelle, & pappardelle the most. 9/10 times i get the campenelle with bolognese sauce blended with some cream sauce. The pastas are so fresh and so are the ingredients. Everything here is FRESH.They make everything in front of you, and you can select additional or replace ingredients in your dish. All pasta dishes are under $12. Great portions so you may have leftovers. Vanilla bean panna cotta is so friggin' good! It's literally only 3 bites though. You get free bread with every dish AND free gummy bears at the exit where you pay, leave your tray and dishes at the table, no need to clean. Warning: could get really packed at lunch, so i'd come here for dinner b/c it could take a while to get your food. Other than that, it's superb!
(5)Nicole H.
2 1/2 stars I don't know how I feel about this place. It was okay. I can't say that I was impressed. Sooo... The decor is nice enough. You can sit in or takeout. I think this place is more suitable for dining in. Other reviewers have outlined the ordering/paying system. The actual stations are not that obvious to me but I figured it out. Hey, it is what it is. I had a salad and a tiramisu. The desserts all come in small glasses. I ordered my food as takeout. You pay a deposit of $1 for the glass if you choose to have dessert as takeout. Bring the glass back and the dollar goes towards your bill. I guess. The food was okay. The lady who made my salad was quite helpful and nice. I don't know. I think I may give it another shot and perhaps try some pasta.
(3)Larissa D.
One of our favorite places to unwind in the loop. This place has a unique ordering style, as others have mentioned. Best part of it all is that the food is good and inexpensive. It's a dark casual and comfortable setting. Perfect for a dinner/lunch date. Note: your food is prepared once you place your order. I enjoy knowing my food was made fresh just for me.
(4)Shilpi D.
Got to know about the place last week. have already been there twice. Diablo pizza is worth a try and loved their pastas too. Bruchetta was little underwhelming but the amazing tiramisu filled up the gap. Definitely going again.
(4)Stephanie S.
Major meh. I'd never been here before and when we were given a card at the entrance, I asked, "So how does this work?" Instead of an explanation, the girl just said something like, "It's an open dining concept." I figured I'd get the gist, but after ordering a pizza and not understanding if someone brings it to me, where I get a drink, where I pay, I went back to the front desk lady. I again said, "I still don't understand the way this works," and cited the issues I just described. She went on to give me major attitude and treat me like I was an idiot. Apparently I should've asked the guy making my pizza for a drink, and after fighting through a group of rude people to order, I'd have to do it again to pick up my meal. Pay when you leave. They're trying to be inventive with this, and I guess that's OK, but you need to be clear with the directions. Otherwise people mill around aimlessly and ruin the experience for everyone. Also if it's my first visit (which you would know since I was asking for instruction) this is the time to offer good customer service so that I actually want to return. The food was very meh. My friend and I got pizza that was limp and soggy. She said it was over-salted, and mine just wasn't very flavorful. Some of the other options looked pretty good, but I don't know that I'll be back to try it.
(2)Kimberly H.
Your managers are rude and inconsiderate!! Especially tasko? I believe he was the chef? It smelled of marijuana there. I told him to remake my dish because it was cold. He had the nerve to tell me that I would have to pay for another dish because he thought my cold dish was fine. Also it's pretty dirty I'm there. Never coming back! The one in NYC is better!
(1)Schlonda M.
Dinner was great right across from the hotel very elegant and affordable. Chef was excellent food was delicious.
(5)Toni S.
I absolutely love this place. I can't wait to go back and try more foods from their menu. The ordering system IS a bit confusing at first. But that shouldn't stop anybody from enjoying delicious food. I recommend this place to anyone who loves pastas, salads, and pizzas.
(4)Josh N.
Read the negative reviews please! This place is very tasty! I've been here several times and love the place. The architecture is very nice, the staff are great, and again the food is amazing. People have been reviewing this place poorly because of confusion of the ordering system, everyone gets a card to swipe at a station when they order and then they swipe the card at the cashier to pay. Kinda weird system but whatever, the pasta is totally worth it! The pizzas aren't my top Neopolitian style pizza but are still good. I don't eat salad as an entree so I couldn't tell you how that is.. Please don't ever order salad as your entree at any restaurant, it makes me sad because its not real food. I could go on an on about how much I despise salad as an entree but i'll stop.. After this last statement: Taco salad is acceptable. Anyways if you read this part, just remember to fully understand the ordering system and know that you should expect to wait 5-15 minutes per item ordered.
(5)Adam K.
I once thought, Corner Bakery, owned the market for dysfunctional and convoluted ordering. Clearly, I was wrong. This place was built by marketers, not operations people. On the surface it seems like a wonderful place to eat. That is, if you can ever get to order it. Here's a small list of things that make zero sense: 1. There are random lines for ordering specific things. If you want a salad and pasta, that's 2 lines. 2. Menus aren't displayed anywhere, except on small pieces of paper right in front of where you order. This means you spend 20 minutes in line without ever seeing a menu. Then when you come face to face with your chef, you finally get a menu and scramble to order. 3. Make sure to order a drink when you get the food. If not, you're back to waiting in line. 4. Everything you order is attached to a RFID card. You don't pay as you go. You pay at the end. In theory this is great. It's insanely complex with a group of people. If by chance you can stand to wait 20 minutes to order and finally receive your food, good luck finding a place to sit and eat. First come first serve. That's cool, but the bad ordering system means you don't have a nice continuous flow of people coming and going. Instead you have giant surges of people coming and going. It's a battle royal to see who gets a seat. It's good food. It really is. You'll just wait forever to taste it.
(1)Henry D.
OK, so I read the other reviews before going. Yes the card system is confusing, but not impossible. Here is how it works. It is like a cafeteria, kind of. 1) Get a card when you walk in. 2) go to the 'window' that has what you want to order. Note, we took menus to the table and decided what we wanted before ordering and then went to the windows to order. There is a window for pizza, pasta, salads etc. 3) Order what you want and get your dish. 4) take it to your table and go back for more, or take a tray and go to the next window. Note, at each window pass your card over the thing to record what you got. 5) when you have all the food you want, just go and eat. 6) when you finish, take your card to the cashier and pay. So much for that. I compare it to Olive Garden, since it is about the same price for an entire meal. The salads are great. The pizza has a very thin crust, is oily, but tasty. The tomato flavored pasta was very good, the Alfredo was very bland. The desserts were nice. The atmosphere is much more casual and unrushed than Olive Garden. In OG I get the feeling I am being rushed. Here I had the feeling that no one cared. Note I went at a very slow time though. The decor is not as fancy, but OG is a bit 'disneylandish'. So overall I liked it better than Olive Garden, although OG has meatier dishes. If you want something a bit more formal and some real meat in your pasta, go to OG. If you want to kick back and enjoy a more 'hip' experience go to Vaps.
(3)Bernard A.
Very good food. There is a unique ordering system in place here. They give you a card and you put your tab on the card for everything you order and you pay when you are done. Very unique, great ambiance, and the food is great.
(4)Kevin S.
Confusing concept! If I wanted cafeteria food I would go to a hospital or commissary at the local college. The food was average at best and what put the nail in the coffin was the pizza chef taking the pager reminder with his gloves on and then continuing to make pizza. I was going to tell the manager on duty, Mike, regarding the health hazard. However the hostess was too busy chatting, as was most of the staff.
(2)Kate M.
Despite some minor downsides with occassional wait times and sort of weird seating arrangements, I really like this place. I have always been pretty lucky or planned to go on the early side of lunch rush so I don't get caught behind 10 people at the salad station so I don't really have many gripes in that department - isn't that what most people in the loop do if they don't want to deal with everyone else trying to feed themselves at the exact same time? I know waiting is annoying but it's a fact of (Chicago) life, especially considering this place is kind of in the heart of a tourtisty area. Even when I've sat there for most of lunchtime, it never looked to be out of control. Given it's location, that might be why some people have described it as "kitschy" or basic, but I actually think it's pretty nice for a casual spot and just fine by me (the little potted herbs on the table are cute - come on!) My favorite thing that I get everytime is the salmon nicoise salad - it's so good and I love that they assemble it when you order it. They have always been fast enough for me and never messed up my order even though I usually have a few specific requests, ingredients have always been fresh and delicious. I want this salad all the time! It rivals the salmon nicoise salads I've had at much nicer places. I met my Mom here yesterday for lunch and in addition to my salad, we shared a prosciutto pizza. I was amazed that it was ready as quickly as my salad - it it was really good. I love their pizza sauce and it was just a really good woodfire style pizza. So the pasta is the only category I haven't sampled but it always looks/smells great, and I like that they have many pasta options, as in lots of different shapes and some being whole wheat and gluten free as well as various sauces. Options are always good! Their desserts are nice finishes. Last time I had a chocolate mousse and yesterday I tried the pannacotta. Both super delicious. Don't skip the dessert! People always comment on the seating - it is mostly communal. Larger tables and some weird loungey areas. They could benefit from some basic 4 top tables. But one nice thing is they now have some outside seating. Yesterday it was a little chilly and they even had blankets out on the chairs. I'll definitely be back soon for that salad...
(4)J B.
I wanted to like this place. It's visually appealing from outside and inside. However, we had a negative experience, from the minute we walked in. The hostess did not greet or welcome us (or any others who arrived while we were coming in) but rather asked of each guest, "You been here before?" Not the typical first thing one usually hears when walking into a restaurant (or any other business, for that matter) and thus, confusion, as almost everyone asked her to repeat that, please. She rolled her eyes at an older lady and seemed annoyed that she had to ask it again. Seriously, I've rarely seen a more disinterested and disengaged "hostess." The ordering system is unique but is also needlessly complex. It was clear that several people did not understand how it worked. Why use a system that leads to confusion? Not a good start to any dining experience. It also creates needless delay in ordering and getting the food out. No, this isn't fast-food .... but still, too long to get orders placed, and they weren't THAT overwhelmed with customers at 3pm. As for the food, the spaghetti was ok (better than Olive Garden but not even close to a real Italian restaurant). Pizza was attractive in appearance but u fortunately sad in taste. The cheese tended to puddle into the middle. More cooking time was clearly needed. $43 for two for food that was worth maybe $20 and service that was poor at the beginning. Don't think we'll be returning. In fact, I'm sure we won't.
(1)Abhishek M.
I specially enjoyed the food ordering concept where every person gets their own meal card that gets charged for individual items (food or beverage). This is ideal when you are in large groups and splitting checks poses a challenge. Vapiano's is neither the family owned Italian restaurant kind nor the Olive Garden chain variety. I say that since the food is prepared fresh right in front of you with what appear to be fresh ingredients. You even get to chose your pasta and perfect portion size packets are emptied and boiled within a couple of minutes before being tossed in sauces and other ingredients. We got a BBQ chicken pizza and Fugulii (sp?) in a tomato sauce with roasted red peppers. We were charged a little extra to add marinara sauce since it wasn't part of the dish. A few other things to remember - they have beer, wine and a full bar with ample open seating. There is no table service and they have gummy bears, rather than mint at checkout.
(4)Mark B.
Some co-workers and I came here for lunch and enjoyed the meal we had. Décor: This is a big place that has a really neat Italian feel to it. You order your food, from which you can watch it be made, and then sit down at one of the many different kinds of tables available. We sat at a "high boy" style picnic table but there were regular tables, "lounge" chair tables/seats... it was really cool. They also have a bar you can sit and that serves (if you feel like having one of "those" lunches). There are tons of windows that let in plenty of natural light and, although it gets busy, the ambiance and atmosphere is very relaxed and enjoyable. Bathroom: unknown Staff: Everyone was more than happy to help guide us in the right direction (a few of us were n00bs) and all the chefs were very friendly and smiling. Food: We had an assortment of items from salads (which looked good but were VERY small... they would only classify as a side salad in my book), to pasta (a decent sized helping that was very tasty), to pizza (a good-sized personal thin-crust pizza that was very flavorful!). Like I said, they have a bar that serves beer and wine or other drinks but they also have a big pitcher of water. I also had bruschetta, which was tasty but very small... Value: Given the portion sizes I would like the prices to be lower. The food is all very good but there just needs to be more of it. I really enjoyed my meal, and the ambiance of this place, but given the prices for the serving sizes I won't be returning very often at all.
(3)Monika B.
The idea of the meal card and ordering at different stations is always one that appealled to me, I think it makes for a fun experience. However, nothing was explained to us when we came in, so we kind of had to figure it out ourselves. The guys working behind the pizza and salads counters were very sweet and helpful when they realized I was a little bit out of my element. Overall, fun vibe, interesting concept to try out, but the food wasn't out of this world. If I was in the neighbourhood and looking for a quick meal, I'd probably pop in again, but wouldn't go out of my way!
(3)Jazzie R.
I work near this restaurant so I go here often and normally my experience is fine but lately i have experience some terrible service. Last week I came in to get my favorite pasta and was shocked that my food was cooked extremely fast, but it was crowded and I don't think much of it. To I start eating and realize my pasta wasnt done! My shrimp was still raw and honesty how long does it take to cook shrimp!!! I was pissed that I spent 15 dollars on lunch and couldn't even eat it. Like i said before i have ate here many times before and i figured it was a new person so i decide to go back today. So i ordered a pizza simple right! I order a chicken pesto pizza ( the same pizza i have been ordering since OCTOBER) and everytime i order it, it comes up to 8 dollars but today when I gave her my card she told me my total was 18 dollars. I asked her why and the convo went like this: Worker: your total is 18.50 Me: why? I just order a chicken pesto pizza Worker: yeah and its 18.50 Me: why? I thought it was 8 dollars. Worker: it is but it 3.50 to add chicken. Me: but its a chicken pizza how are you chargering me for chicken. ......... After about 5 minutes of going back and forth about the price I just walked away. I couldn't believe the service! They hired new people and now the place sucks.
(1)Rochelle W.
I don't understand why people knock stars off the rating because they don't like the ordering system - it could be improved, but it's not that bad! Just cool out, wait for the food, and have enough confidence in yourself to not feel awkward doing it. Anyway, the food is great! I've had pizza and pasta, but I typically get the pasta. Salmon carbonara, cognac filet of beef, and the scampi e spinaci are the best to me, so far. But I haven't had anything I don't like from here. Fresh ingredients and they give u enough to eat at a later time.
(5)Michael M.
Vapiano was hard to navigate at first. But after the initial awkwardness and confusion of their ordering system I was set to enjoy it. The atmosphere has a nice amount of class to it, even though the ordering is somewhat "cafeteria" style. The fresh margarita pizza was amazing. Thin crust--enough to feed one person with a big appetite, or two people to leave them satisfied. Great variety of appetizers. I've eaten at their bar, and had had nothing but pleasant experiences with their staff. Drinks are a bit on the pricier side, so maybe stick to tap water. Or one drink. Most tables have fresh herbs that you can snip yourself. I recommend asking for extra Parmesan flakes for when you order the pizza--adding that with some oil and fresh herbs, really makes for a sensual eating experience.
(4)Bobby S.
Vapiano's is essentially an upscale Noodles & Company. I have given the place a 3 star rating for multiple reasons (I happen to be a big fan of this place). 1. Depending on the time you arrive, you could be eating within 10 minutes or 45. Not very many pasta lines and the chef can only cook 2 meals at a time. 2. The quality of your food is based on the chef, specifically for the pasta dishes. Pretty hard to mess up a pizza or salad, but you never know.. 3. They have paper menus - there should be a large menu behind the cooking stations. Love the individual meal cards, although they can be confusing at first. Eliminates the hassle of splitting checks if you arrive with a group.
(3)Ashley C.
Vapiano is okay. I can see how their ordering system could be confusing especially if no one explains it to you. You get a card and then order your food at the different stations (pizza, pasta, salad, etc.). I waited while they made my salad but got a buzzer for the pizza. It goes to your card and you pay after you eat and before you leave. (Tip: Do check an itemized receipt for any errors). Service was just okay. Since this is more cafeteria style, I am not expecting a lot but wish the waitresses were friendlier and more helpful. Thankfully, one of the servers at the stations gave us the 411 on how Vapiano operates. Once you get past the ordering system, the food is pretty good. They have a lot of options and I'd recommend looking at the menu before you get there. I started with the caprese salad. The mozzarella tasted very fresh although I thought the choice of cherry tomatoes was a bit odd. I probably would skip it next time. I ordered the prosciutto pizza for the main. It was tasty. I liked the thin crust but wish there were more toppings. It was pretty good and made some nice leftovers. My dining companion also seemed pleased with her arugula pizza. The salad, pizza and a glass of wine came to about $26. Vapiano isn't a destination but is a good middle option between a sit down fancier restaurant and something more casual in the Loop.
(3)Frank O.
Good italian food, just a weird ordering system. It makes sense for the pizzas, you order, get a device, and then they page you when it's done. But if you order pasta, you have to wait in line, then get to the front, order, stay nearby because they will ask you customization questions, and then you get the food after a 5-min cook time. Salads and drinks are made quickly (so not an issue), and deserts are pre-made (so very quick). But why is the pasta line so inefficient? I can't imagine this place during lunch time, lines must be horrible... But the food is great. Americana and Salame pizzas both tasty, but a tad salty and certainly oily (but you can remove that by dabbing with a napkin). The Toscana pizza has more intriguing flavor and is less greasy, a bit better in my opinion. The Filetto Di Manzo Rucola pasta was just average pasta, while the Cognac Beef Filet is my usual staple with a creamy and tasty sauce. Shrimp scampi was lacking in flavor, I suggest skipping it. The side salad with balsamic dressing was solid, and healthy. Crema di fragola and panna cotta both great ways to end a meal, and ask for extra strawberry sauce since it's delicious!
(4)Ollie E.
Love everything about this place except the ordering system. A bit chaotic when busy and there is always the necessity to explain the system to everyone. Otherwise, custom food choices are endless, ambiance reminds me of an Italian grandmother's country kitchen with a dash of big city sophisto. The food is always consistent and good!
(4)Rheta E.
This place is so fun! It has a unique, refreshing atmosphere. The ordering system is really cool. I loved the laid back open style seating. The food was tasty. My barbecue chicken pizza was delicious but a little too heavy on the sauce. My husband had the calzone. It had great flavour but was a bit heavy on the bread. Overall it's a wonderful experience. The staff was very helpful and pleasant. I'd definitely eat here again. I'd love to try the pasta. Keep up the good work guys!
(4)Hinna S.
I went to Vapiano for the first time today. I have to say the pizza I tried today was good, I am vegetarian and I can't remember the type of pizza but it had Zucchini, cheese, apparently it's the best vegetarian pizza and it was thin crust. Personally I would have preferred a little more flavor as mine was kind of bland but I did supplement it with Tabasco from the bar. My friend also who comes here frequently and has tried the Arrabbiata before did not enjoy her meal today and did not even end up finishing it which was a disappointment as we were excited to come here! I liked the vibe of the restaurant however when we came in i wasn't really explained anything as the ordering situation is a little different, which isn't hard to understand but when I went to get a tray it was dirty with pasta in it but apparently that's where we get the trays from. Overall it was a decent experience, maybe if we come back here I will try the pasta. The one positive that stood out were that some of the chefs we spoke to were extremely friendly.
(3)Jennifer G.
I looked this place up on Yelp before going, which is the only way I had the least bit of a clue what to do when the hostess threw some cards toward us. It really would be helpful if the greeter explained the ordering and serving process or at least gave out instructions. It would also be helpful if there were menus on the wall above each station. (Hint: Fight the crowds and find the small, paper menus next to the ordering window.) I don't mind cafeteria-style serving, but it was confusing and there was no help figuring out the system. It took quite a while for our food to come, and in the interim we just sort of sat there staring toward the window, wondering how we would know our food was ready. (It took too long to mill around in the crowded ordering area.) The pasta line was very long, so I tried a reef 'n beef salad. I specifically asked for a non-dairy dressing on the side, and for no cheese on my salad. My friend had the caesar with chicken. My salad had cheese in it, and I had to return for dressing. There were 4 pieces of shrimp and a slice of burned steak with some roasted veggies (actually good if over-cooked) on top of a pile of lettuce. Aside from the beef, it tasted great, but I'm not sure I would line up to pay $13.50 for another. 2 salads, 2 glasses of wine = $50. I know people rave about the atmosphere here, and it is pretty nice. There are fresh potted herbs everywhere, and the tables are lovely. The only seating that isn't high (think bar stools turned into benches) is couches and arm chairs, which turned out to be more comfortable than I expected..
(2)Rahul G.
Could go many ways with the star rating here, but I'll go with what Yelp says: A-OK. Food was solid/above it. It was good, not great. Since it is next to the City Year (!) office, I probably will be back. Pizzas are big, I had plenty of leftovers. Got a salad on the side, which was very good. Bread on the side? THAT'S A LOT. Ordering system is touristy, but whatever. It was quick. Funky decor. JUST MAKE SURE YOU DON'T LOSE THE CARD. And they have toothpicks, which is always a very nice thing. Considering the area, you don't have many different options. McDonald's, Corner Bakery, or some random grease pits. Just come here and grab lunch and be done with it.
(3)Ben A.
Came by for lunch with some co-workers. The place is set up with different lines based on food choice (pasta, salad, pizza, etc.) I ordered the Bolognese with penne pasta. You can choose the type of pasta you want. All orders are made to order which is pretty neat. Took about 6-8 minutes to prepare dish. The pasta was a perfect al dente and the sauce was nice and chunky, not overly sweet nor over-powering. The Bolognese sauce started with a base of garlic and grated carrots. Pasta dishes also come with two slices of crusty Italian bread. I finished the entire dish and it is plenty of food. During lunch rush there was still plenty of seating options. They have a water dispenser near the bar and different olive oils on the window sills. I'd come back to try some of the other menu items, particularly the calzone which looked great. In and out within 40 minutes and free gummy bears near the register.
(4)Olivia K.
Such a fun atmosphere! The card thing was a bit confusing at first and there have been a few times where I almost lost it, but other than that this place is great. the food is amazing, especially the pasta. Great place to go for lunch.
(4)Rafia J.
Vapiano is like an Italian fast food place. Cheap and food is pretty decent. I've been there multiple times and always found their food to be only good while you eat there. Food doesn't taste remotely the same when you take it home. Also, I've found the quality of food to be based on who cooks your food. I was lucky enough to get these amazing chefs to cook my food to perfection. It was delicious. However, on a subsequent visit I had a different chef who didn't care about making the pasta more than just throwing in ingredients into the pan. The pasta turned out to be utterly bland & tasteless! I didn't end up eating more than a couple of bites and threw away the rest. My friend ordered pizza and it wasn't bad. The only reason that place gets a 3 star is because their food had been great previously, but I think the management should spend extra time and money training all their cooks the same way! Other than that, the place is nice, softly lit, and the atmosphere is pretty nice. Perfect place to go eat with a bunch of people with cheap fare. Service is self serve.
(3)Monika P.
Food is amazing! Fresh, light, smells and tastes like heaven. I specially recommend pastas. This place has a vibe.
(5)Fara C.
This place was amazing. Great service. Ambiance is great, plenty of seating. They ran out of Ravioli, the manager made me a special pasta dish instead. It was to die for. We had a large group of 10, all of us ordered different things. Since its order yourself and they give you a card( like a college cafeteria) it made the large group situation easy. They truly care about customer service. The manager was very friendly and all the staff went above ans beyond. Would come here again and again and again if I lived here!
(5)Torkan F.
The food was terrible, the only good thing about this resturant is the nice interior design nothing more.
(1)Timothy N.
Check your bill. Or should I say ask for an itemized bill and then check it and then explain what is wrong. I want to like this place, I really do. If you are in the loop in Millennium Park or shopping on on the retooled State Street for the money, Vapiano has great salads, pizza and pasta all made with fresh ingredients. Nice reasonably priced wine and beer options. What is a buzz kill and almost earns them two stars is their "tap you card each time you get something" and then pay on your way out system. Honestly, it would be kind of cool if they didn't perpetually put things on your bill that you didn't order or get to enjoy. In my visit tonight they overcharged me +$11.00 on a $80.00 bill. When you check out despite their funky system they do not give you an itemized bill - unless you ask - nor is the big screen with all the items they are about to charge you for visible - rather it faces the cashier - totally useless since she has no idea what you ordered. After I worked through tonight's inaccuracies with minimal help from the cashier she informed me in a nonchalant manner that "I guess some items from a prior order didn't clear before you tapped your card". Gee thanks! Give it a try but check your bill on the way out. I bet tourists get overcharged here all the time.
(3)Sara L.
The location is great since it is in the loop and near Millennium Park. Great place to bring friends or family since everything is made to order and close to major attractions. As for the food, I love it. Everything I've had here has been pretty damn good or pretty solid. Not going to lie, I do think the pasta in the individual bags are a waste. There is much eco-friendly way of storing pasta portions. Yes, I understand the card system is a little confusing for some people. However, it isn't impossible to understand. Think of it as the food court in Water Tower....can you tell how many times I've explained this to people while dining here. If they had a big sign explaining this system, then I would probably have given it another star.
(3)Lisa N.
Definitely come here if you want a petite iceberg lettuce salad with a generous three pieces of shrimp and 4 whooping shreds of beef in the reef and beef salad for $13. The highlight is the bitter balsamic vinegar and oil for my cold slices of bread. The service was top notch, the server wouldn't give us water and instead directed us to California portions in a poorly stocked self serve area.
(1)Aaron S.
I felt like everyone working there hated to be there. It was uncomfortable to ask for anything since they made it seem like a big inconvenience. Food was good, but not good enough to overcome terrible service.
(1)Ravon R.
I love it! The ambiance, the food and decor, are all great! Yes, the ordering system can seem a bit disorienting but I imagine after a few times or if you come with a pro, you'll get over it. I love the wood finishes and graphics, which make you feel cozy, the mixture of high-top, and lounge seating add to the feel. So many choices and I love how they make it fresh in front of you! I'll have to try the DC location when I get back.
(5)Jen B.
For my welcome lunch, my coworkers took me to Vapiano's nearby. They warned me that the place had a somewhat novel yet confusing order-eat-pay concept. We were ready for this challenge. At lunchtime, Vapiano's is packed. Again, it is prime tourist season, and the place was packed with telltale tourists and local workers. Once you arrive, the cashier gives you a card, much like a giftcard. You have 4 stations to order from: Salads at the end, Pasta in the middle, pizza at the front, and in the center of it all, the drinks (wine, beer, water, etc). You line up at your station and the cook takes your order. There are menu cards placed at the front of each station, so I recommend grabbing one of these before jumping in line. Let the cook know what you want, place your card on the scanner on the station, and voila! You're set. For now. I ordered the wild mushroom and beef pasta dish with fusilli. You have the option to choose your pasta, how well done you want the beef, and if you want the beef seasoned with garlic or chili. I asked for well done meat and seasoned with both. Sadly, my dish was supposed to come with gorgonola cheese, but I got chunks of blue cheese instead. This was not the most appetizing combination. If you like beef with blue cheese, then ask for this, but my cook mistakenly put blue cheese instead of gorgonzola in my dish. I ate what I could, but blue cheese is a strong flavor. You can pick up a small glass at your station and get water, both plain and lemon-lime infused, at the drink station. The glasses are almost shot glasses, and my coworker picked up 3 of these just for water. Service: Vapiano's is definitely self-service, like a food court or a school cafeteria. Food: Minus the blue cheese, it was good and very reasonably-priced. Ambiance-Not the best for a private conversation or work meeting. Come here at lunchtime to chow down and peace out. Paying for your order-Plan to wait in line just for this. For your food and to pay. There is a bowl of gummy bears at the pay station to make your wait worthwhile. Advice for those coming in for lunch during the workday: Not a quick lunch. Make that 30 minutes an hour lunch!
(3)Zoey K.
One of the sweetest and delicious restaurant I have been too. Me and a couple of new friends came from a fundraising Iftar event, the food was alright the event and we were still hungry. So my friend Muz said lets go to this place since on google it said it is open till 1am. We were excited and happy that we can do our sahoor (breakfast before we fast). So as soon as we got there the staff told us that they are closing in like 5 min it. We looked our phones and iwatch saw it was only 11:56. So my lovely friend told them that on Google ur restaurant is open till 1 am . The lovely manager overheard us. Said I will jus open the restaurant for u guys. We are so thankful for him. Mashallah he was the sweetest guy ever. The food was even better. The pizza was cooked perfectly too. Everyone should definitely go.
(5)Trisha B.
Love the family style eating experience and Mike made sure we always had everything we needed. Great fresh handmade food to order, highly recommend.
(5)Jacqueline B.
I'm all for unique concepts, but this was a pretty confusing dining experience for me. I came for dinner and drinks with a friend before heading over to the I Love Lucy live on stage show at the Bank of America Theater. Our original destination was Miller's Pub, but it was packed and we were slightly crunched for time. Unfortunately, time was not on our side at Vapiano either. Let me explain... For those who haven't been to Vapiano, here's the situation: 1) Get a debit like card from the hostess 2) Choose a seat 3) Go stand in the line for the item you wish to order - salad, soup, pasta, or pizza 4) Place your order, and scan the debit card which keeps track of what you owe 5) Wait for your food. 4) Go to the bar for a drink if you wish Now, the main problem about my experience was that nobody explained this to me. My bff and I were first timers here and we found it SUPER confusing. Not to mention inconvenient. I guess if I would have known the concept we would have gone somewhere else, because we were looking for a relaxing but fun place to have dinner and drinks before our show. This dinner situation was way more work than I was looking for. I ended up ordering the salami e ricotta con rucolo. It was a suggestion from the chef behind the pasta station, and I have to say, it was just meh. It was good, but honestly nothing special and definitely not worth the wait or the cost. My friend got a salad and it looked very fresh and delicious. The bruschetta we shared was pretty good too. I don't live nearby, but if I'm in the area again and not in a rush, I may stop by for soup, salad, or a drink, but that's probably about it. I think it could be a really great restaurant, but there are some kinks to work out such as explaining the concept, speeding up cook times, maybe get buzzers for when food is ready? Just a thought.
(3)Gops P.
Nice descent place for dining just perfect no complains.
(3)Chrissey N.
One of my favorite casual dining spots in Chicago, Vapiano has an amazing atmosphere and food for much less than its worth. The pizzas trump Eataly, and the pasta trumps a lot of places, plus the options are absolutely endless! The fact that the servers make the food right in front of you adds to the novelty as well.
(4)Cynthia R.
I totally get what other reviewers are annoyed about with this place. It's super confusing with the card system. No one tells you what's supposed to happen, they just let you wander around and figure it out on your own. That's kind of a hot mess way to run your biz in my opinion. That being said, I really loved the vibe and look of the place. Really cool concept, if they can find a way to get new patrons in the know before they are thoroughly frustrated. what's up with the bartenders? What an interesting bunch. Actually two of them were fine. They smiled and were helpful when asked a question. They just weren't overly assertive in asking customers what they needed. The one bartender, however, just had this weird blank stare on his face and had like, tunnel vision or something. He asked what we wanted and seemed annoyed that my friend didn't know what kind of tea they had. I asked him for a to go box and it took literally 15 minutes until he remembered. I don't know, he just seemed a tad spaced out or something. Oh well, whatevs. The place has a ton of potential. Just not there yet.
(3)laura c.
While I generally do not frequent chain restaurants, I will say that I love vapiano especially for groups of people. Everyone gets a card when they enter, and whatever you want you just tap your card for so it's super easy for everyone to check out individually. I will say that every vapiano I have visited handles the stations/ waiter situation different. Some utilize waiters, some don't, some have buzzers to get your food, some make you wait at the station. I think this is a bit confusing sometimes. At this location, there were waiters wandering around (but we did NOT have a waiter come to our table), the pasta station asked us to sit while it cooked and come back up in a few minutes, and the pizza station gave us a buzzer to come back up when the food was ready. This location was very disorganized, and there didn't appear to be much consistency whatsoever. Drinks and pizza were standard with what I've gotten at other locations. My pasta, however, we lackluster at best. I ordered the chicken alfredo (which I usually love from vapiano) and asked to add broccoli and mushrooms, which is an extra charge and I paid for. The guy making my pasta told me to come back up in about 8-10 minutes for my food. When I went back up, he gave me my pasta and bread and had put the bread on my pasta bowl and said they were out of plates. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but they serve their bread with oil/vinegar to dip in...so if you don't have a plate for the oil....you can't dip your bread. Little nuance, but a bit annoying. I also started eating my pasta and realized that there wasn't broccoli or mushrooms in it. I went back up and asked if he would just take the charge off of my card because I didn't want to spend extra money for food I didn't get, and he wouldn't. He insisted that he re-make my pasta. This was frustrating because my friend already had her food, and I would have much preferred to just eat at the same time. Instead I had to wait another 10 minutes for food and she was done eating by the time I got my pasta. The second time it also didn't taste as good, and wasn't spicy (I had asked for it spicy). Like I said, I LOVE vapiano locations, but this was for sure the worst I've been to.
(2)Sanaz E.
I've been here three times. First two times ordered the bolognese... Hearty, heavy, delicious. This time however went with a salad. $13 for a handful of arugula, 5 slivers of an orange, maybe 4 shavings of arugula, and 5 shrimp. No.
(3)Scott C.
First time visiting this establishment. The food was very good. The people are friendly. The atmosphere is unique and comfortable. We sat along the windows on Congress and watched all the foot traffic. It was great. I am glad a read some reviews before I went. The ordering can be construed as a bit cumbersome. Especially if you want a side salad with your pasta or pizza. I was overwhelmed. We stood there by the bar for what seemed like an hour, probably only 5 minutes, just getting acclimated to the ordering process. While the salad line said order here and pick up here, the pasta area did not. We figured it out and got our food in short order. The next time will be easier and the time after that will be even easier.
(4)Jennifer S.
Not the place to come to if you just want to sit and be served since you must stand in line at various stations - pasta, pizza or salad - to order your food. Once you've done that, however, you sit down and enjoy a delicious, beautiful meal prepared with fresh ingredients. Homemade pasta and pizza dough are made daily here. You watch as each chef prepares your dish with simple, fresh ingredients. We had a 'mista' salad which was quite large, and was beautiful, colorful and delicious. We also had the filetto de mango e rucola pasta - homemade pasta with beef flllet, vegetables and arugula in a white wine sauce - which was also impressively good. Their Montepulciano was a good one too. Evening ambiance was nice, dimly lit. Loved the pots of herbs on the tables. It's a busy busy place -complete with tourists and families - likely because it is so reasonably priced and right in the Loop. I will definitely return.
(4)Michelle W.
Came here twice in two days because my friend and I loved the ambiance, but also the convenience of the location and the food was pretty good. When you walk in, everyone is handed a mysterious card that they expect you to hold onto the whole time and return on the way out. You pick a like based on what you want to get and order from the menus they put near the lines. The individual card aspect makes it easy to have groups come, but they don't actually have giant tables to seat large groups mostly, although there is a decent amount of seating. I ordered the aglio e olio pasta and then kind of just had to stand around waiting for it since they don't give you buzzers for the pasta. It wasn't a terribly long wait, just the time that it takes them to make it. They so give you free bread if you ask for it. My pasta just tasted like olive oil and garlic with some Parmesan cheese on top, but it was the pasta itself that really made it - you could feel how fresh the noodles were. I actually had to get it with linguine since they ran out of spaghetti but the linguine was really good. I also added chicken for an extra $3.50 and I'm not sure it really added much to the bowl as a whole, expect that I got in my protein fix. It wasn't a ton of chicken and it was all mostly at the bottom of the bowl. I really liked their bread - it seemed pretty fresh baked and chewy. Their food and wine is pretty solid and I like the chill lounge seating so it was kind of a nice place to just hang around and socialize while eating slowly. To top it off they also have free gummy bears!
(4)Kirsten A.
Cool concept and would be a great place to go with a bunch of people you don't want to deal with splitting the check with. All the stations you swipe your card at (then pay for yourself at the end) had super friendly people and pretty good service times we went on a weeknight and only waited about 5 minutes for food. Soda was a bit pricy, but the rest was affordable. Pizza and pasta were good. The vibe is casual swank and has an interesting collection of business people, tourists, and loop visitors. Seating is a mix of low tables, hi boys, and group tables. Worth a visit if you're in the area.
(4)Kyle F.
After a show my wife and I were starving. We had rushed to the theater and didn't want to walk far for dinner. We decided to check this place out. The three stars are for food. It's tasty. Id give no stars to the concept. It's like a cafeteria, but I'm paying table service prices. The layout is annoying. Probably won't be back.
(3)Rheta E.
This place is so fun! It has a unique, refreshing atmosphere. The ordering system is really cool. I loved the laid back open style seating. The food was tasty. My barbecue chicken pizza was delicious but a little too heavy on the sauce. My husband had the calzone. It had great flavour but was a bit heavy on the bread. Overall it's a wonderful experience. The staff was very helpful and pleasant. I'd definitely eat here again. I'd love to try the pasta. Keep up the good work guys!
(4)Hinna S.
I went to Vapiano for the first time today. I have to say the pizza I tried today was good, I am vegetarian and I can't remember the type of pizza but it had Zucchini, cheese, apparently it's the best vegetarian pizza and it was thin crust. Personally I would have preferred a little more flavor as mine was kind of bland but I did supplement it with Tabasco from the bar. My friend also who comes here frequently and has tried the Arrabbiata before did not enjoy her meal today and did not even end up finishing it which was a disappointment as we were excited to come here! I liked the vibe of the restaurant however when we came in i wasn't really explained anything as the ordering situation is a little different, which isn't hard to understand but when I went to get a tray it was dirty with pasta in it but apparently that's where we get the trays from. Overall it was a decent experience, maybe if we come back here I will try the pasta. The one positive that stood out were that some of the chefs we spoke to were extremely friendly.
(3)Jennifer G.
I looked this place up on Yelp before going, which is the only way I had the least bit of a clue what to do when the hostess threw some cards toward us. It really would be helpful if the greeter explained the ordering and serving process or at least gave out instructions. It would also be helpful if there were menus on the wall above each station. (Hint: Fight the crowds and find the small, paper menus next to the ordering window.) I don't mind cafeteria-style serving, but it was confusing and there was no help figuring out the system. It took quite a while for our food to come, and in the interim we just sort of sat there staring toward the window, wondering how we would know our food was ready. (It took too long to mill around in the crowded ordering area.) The pasta line was very long, so I tried a reef 'n beef salad. I specifically asked for a non-dairy dressing on the side, and for no cheese on my salad. My friend had the caesar with chicken. My salad had cheese in it, and I had to return for dressing. There were 4 pieces of shrimp and a slice of burned steak with some roasted veggies (actually good if over-cooked) on top of a pile of lettuce. Aside from the beef, it tasted great, but I'm not sure I would line up to pay $13.50 for another. 2 salads, 2 glasses of wine = $50. I know people rave about the atmosphere here, and it is pretty nice. There are fresh potted herbs everywhere, and the tables are lovely. The only seating that isn't high (think bar stools turned into benches) is couches and arm chairs, which turned out to be more comfortable than I expected..
(2)Rahul G.
Could go many ways with the star rating here, but I'll go with what Yelp says: A-OK. Food was solid/above it. It was good, not great. Since it is next to the City Year (!) office, I probably will be back. Pizzas are big, I had plenty of leftovers. Got a salad on the side, which was very good. Bread on the side? THAT'S A LOT. Ordering system is touristy, but whatever. It was quick. Funky decor. JUST MAKE SURE YOU DON'T LOSE THE CARD. And they have toothpicks, which is always a very nice thing. Considering the area, you don't have many different options. McDonald's, Corner Bakery, or some random grease pits. Just come here and grab lunch and be done with it.
(3)Ben A.
Came by for lunch with some co-workers. The place is set up with different lines based on food choice (pasta, salad, pizza, etc.) I ordered the Bolognese with penne pasta. You can choose the type of pasta you want. All orders are made to order which is pretty neat. Took about 6-8 minutes to prepare dish. The pasta was a perfect al dente and the sauce was nice and chunky, not overly sweet nor over-powering. The Bolognese sauce started with a base of garlic and grated carrots. Pasta dishes also come with two slices of crusty Italian bread. I finished the entire dish and it is plenty of food. During lunch rush there was still plenty of seating options. They have a water dispenser near the bar and different olive oils on the window sills. I'd come back to try some of the other menu items, particularly the calzone which looked great. In and out within 40 minutes and free gummy bears near the register.
(4)Olivia K.
Such a fun atmosphere! The card thing was a bit confusing at first and there have been a few times where I almost lost it, but other than that this place is great. the food is amazing, especially the pasta. Great place to go for lunch.
(4)Rafia J.
Vapiano is like an Italian fast food place. Cheap and food is pretty decent. I've been there multiple times and always found their food to be only good while you eat there. Food doesn't taste remotely the same when you take it home. Also, I've found the quality of food to be based on who cooks your food. I was lucky enough to get these amazing chefs to cook my food to perfection. It was delicious. However, on a subsequent visit I had a different chef who didn't care about making the pasta more than just throwing in ingredients into the pan. The pasta turned out to be utterly bland & tasteless! I didn't end up eating more than a couple of bites and threw away the rest. My friend ordered pizza and it wasn't bad. The only reason that place gets a 3 star is because their food had been great previously, but I think the management should spend extra time and money training all their cooks the same way! Other than that, the place is nice, softly lit, and the atmosphere is pretty nice. Perfect place to go eat with a bunch of people with cheap fare. Service is self serve.
(3)Monika P.
Food is amazing! Fresh, light, smells and tastes like heaven. I specially recommend pastas. This place has a vibe.
(5)Fara C.
This place was amazing. Great service. Ambiance is great, plenty of seating. They ran out of Ravioli, the manager made me a special pasta dish instead. It was to die for. We had a large group of 10, all of us ordered different things. Since its order yourself and they give you a card( like a college cafeteria) it made the large group situation easy. They truly care about customer service. The manager was very friendly and all the staff went above ans beyond. Would come here again and again and again if I lived here!
(5)Torkan F.
The food was terrible, the only good thing about this resturant is the nice interior design nothing more.
(1)Timothy N.
Check your bill. Or should I say ask for an itemized bill and then check it and then explain what is wrong. I want to like this place, I really do. If you are in the loop in Millennium Park or shopping on on the retooled State Street for the money, Vapiano has great salads, pizza and pasta all made with fresh ingredients. Nice reasonably priced wine and beer options. What is a buzz kill and almost earns them two stars is their "tap you card each time you get something" and then pay on your way out system. Honestly, it would be kind of cool if they didn't perpetually put things on your bill that you didn't order or get to enjoy. In my visit tonight they overcharged me +$11.00 on a $80.00 bill. When you check out despite their funky system they do not give you an itemized bill - unless you ask - nor is the big screen with all the items they are about to charge you for visible - rather it faces the cashier - totally useless since she has no idea what you ordered. After I worked through tonight's inaccuracies with minimal help from the cashier she informed me in a nonchalant manner that "I guess some items from a prior order didn't clear before you tapped your card". Gee thanks! Give it a try but check your bill on the way out. I bet tourists get overcharged here all the time.
(3)Sara L.
The location is great since it is in the loop and near Millennium Park. Great place to bring friends or family since everything is made to order and close to major attractions. As for the food, I love it. Everything I've had here has been pretty damn good or pretty solid. Not going to lie, I do think the pasta in the individual bags are a waste. There is much eco-friendly way of storing pasta portions. Yes, I understand the card system is a little confusing for some people. However, it isn't impossible to understand. Think of it as the food court in Water Tower....can you tell how many times I've explained this to people while dining here. If they had a big sign explaining this system, then I would probably have given it another star.
(3)Lisa N.
Definitely come here if you want a petite iceberg lettuce salad with a generous three pieces of shrimp and 4 whooping shreds of beef in the reef and beef salad for $13. The highlight is the bitter balsamic vinegar and oil for my cold slices of bread. The service was top notch, the server wouldn't give us water and instead directed us to California portions in a poorly stocked self serve area.
(1)Aaron S.
I felt like everyone working there hated to be there. It was uncomfortable to ask for anything since they made it seem like a big inconvenience. Food was good, but not good enough to overcome terrible service.
(1)Ravon R.
I love it! The ambiance, the food and decor, are all great! Yes, the ordering system can seem a bit disorienting but I imagine after a few times or if you come with a pro, you'll get over it. I love the wood finishes and graphics, which make you feel cozy, the mixture of high-top, and lounge seating add to the feel. So many choices and I love how they make it fresh in front of you! I'll have to try the DC location when I get back.
(5)Jen B.
For my welcome lunch, my coworkers took me to Vapiano's nearby. They warned me that the place had a somewhat novel yet confusing order-eat-pay concept. We were ready for this challenge. At lunchtime, Vapiano's is packed. Again, it is prime tourist season, and the place was packed with telltale tourists and local workers. Once you arrive, the cashier gives you a card, much like a giftcard. You have 4 stations to order from: Salads at the end, Pasta in the middle, pizza at the front, and in the center of it all, the drinks (wine, beer, water, etc). You line up at your station and the cook takes your order. There are menu cards placed at the front of each station, so I recommend grabbing one of these before jumping in line. Let the cook know what you want, place your card on the scanner on the station, and voila! You're set. For now. I ordered the wild mushroom and beef pasta dish with fusilli. You have the option to choose your pasta, how well done you want the beef, and if you want the beef seasoned with garlic or chili. I asked for well done meat and seasoned with both. Sadly, my dish was supposed to come with gorgonola cheese, but I got chunks of blue cheese instead. This was not the most appetizing combination. If you like beef with blue cheese, then ask for this, but my cook mistakenly put blue cheese instead of gorgonzola in my dish. I ate what I could, but blue cheese is a strong flavor. You can pick up a small glass at your station and get water, both plain and lemon-lime infused, at the drink station. The glasses are almost shot glasses, and my coworker picked up 3 of these just for water. Service: Vapiano's is definitely self-service, like a food court or a school cafeteria. Food: Minus the blue cheese, it was good and very reasonably-priced. Ambiance-Not the best for a private conversation or work meeting. Come here at lunchtime to chow down and peace out. Paying for your order-Plan to wait in line just for this. For your food and to pay. There is a bowl of gummy bears at the pay station to make your wait worthwhile. Advice for those coming in for lunch during the workday: Not a quick lunch. Make that 30 minutes an hour lunch!
(3)Zoey K.
One of the sweetest and delicious restaurant I have been too. Me and a couple of new friends came from a fundraising Iftar event, the food was alright the event and we were still hungry. So my friend Muz said lets go to this place since on google it said it is open till 1am. We were excited and happy that we can do our sahoor (breakfast before we fast). So as soon as we got there the staff told us that they are closing in like 5 min it. We looked our phones and iwatch saw it was only 11:56. So my lovely friend told them that on Google ur restaurant is open till 1 am . The lovely manager overheard us. Said I will jus open the restaurant for u guys. We are so thankful for him. Mashallah he was the sweetest guy ever. The food was even better. The pizza was cooked perfectly too. Everyone should definitely go.
(5)Trisha B.
Love the family style eating experience and Mike made sure we always had everything we needed. Great fresh handmade food to order, highly recommend.
(5)Jacqueline B.
I'm all for unique concepts, but this was a pretty confusing dining experience for me. I came for dinner and drinks with a friend before heading over to the I Love Lucy live on stage show at the Bank of America Theater. Our original destination was Miller's Pub, but it was packed and we were slightly crunched for time. Unfortunately, time was not on our side at Vapiano either. Let me explain... For those who haven't been to Vapiano, here's the situation: 1) Get a debit like card from the hostess 2) Choose a seat 3) Go stand in the line for the item you wish to order - salad, soup, pasta, or pizza 4) Place your order, and scan the debit card which keeps track of what you owe 5) Wait for your food. 4) Go to the bar for a drink if you wish Now, the main problem about my experience was that nobody explained this to me. My bff and I were first timers here and we found it SUPER confusing. Not to mention inconvenient. I guess if I would have known the concept we would have gone somewhere else, because we were looking for a relaxing but fun place to have dinner and drinks before our show. This dinner situation was way more work than I was looking for. I ended up ordering the salami e ricotta con rucolo. It was a suggestion from the chef behind the pasta station, and I have to say, it was just meh. It was good, but honestly nothing special and definitely not worth the wait or the cost. My friend got a salad and it looked very fresh and delicious. The bruschetta we shared was pretty good too. I don't live nearby, but if I'm in the area again and not in a rush, I may stop by for soup, salad, or a drink, but that's probably about it. I think it could be a really great restaurant, but there are some kinks to work out such as explaining the concept, speeding up cook times, maybe get buzzers for when food is ready? Just a thought.
(3)Gops P.
Nice descent place for dining just perfect no complains.
(3)Chrissey N.
One of my favorite casual dining spots in Chicago, Vapiano has an amazing atmosphere and food for much less than its worth. The pizzas trump Eataly, and the pasta trumps a lot of places, plus the options are absolutely endless! The fact that the servers make the food right in front of you adds to the novelty as well.
(4)Cynthia R.
I totally get what other reviewers are annoyed about with this place. It's super confusing with the card system. No one tells you what's supposed to happen, they just let you wander around and figure it out on your own. That's kind of a hot mess way to run your biz in my opinion. That being said, I really loved the vibe and look of the place. Really cool concept, if they can find a way to get new patrons in the know before they are thoroughly frustrated. what's up with the bartenders? What an interesting bunch. Actually two of them were fine. They smiled and were helpful when asked a question. They just weren't overly assertive in asking customers what they needed. The one bartender, however, just had this weird blank stare on his face and had like, tunnel vision or something. He asked what we wanted and seemed annoyed that my friend didn't know what kind of tea they had. I asked him for a to go box and it took literally 15 minutes until he remembered. I don't know, he just seemed a tad spaced out or something. Oh well, whatevs. The place has a ton of potential. Just not there yet.
(3)laura c.
While I generally do not frequent chain restaurants, I will say that I love vapiano especially for groups of people. Everyone gets a card when they enter, and whatever you want you just tap your card for so it's super easy for everyone to check out individually. I will say that every vapiano I have visited handles the stations/ waiter situation different. Some utilize waiters, some don't, some have buzzers to get your food, some make you wait at the station. I think this is a bit confusing sometimes. At this location, there were waiters wandering around (but we did NOT have a waiter come to our table), the pasta station asked us to sit while it cooked and come back up in a few minutes, and the pizza station gave us a buzzer to come back up when the food was ready. This location was very disorganized, and there didn't appear to be much consistency whatsoever. Drinks and pizza were standard with what I've gotten at other locations. My pasta, however, we lackluster at best. I ordered the chicken alfredo (which I usually love from vapiano) and asked to add broccoli and mushrooms, which is an extra charge and I paid for. The guy making my pasta told me to come back up in about 8-10 minutes for my food. When I went back up, he gave me my pasta and bread and had put the bread on my pasta bowl and said they were out of plates. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but they serve their bread with oil/vinegar to dip in...so if you don't have a plate for the oil....you can't dip your bread. Little nuance, but a bit annoying. I also started eating my pasta and realized that there wasn't broccoli or mushrooms in it. I went back up and asked if he would just take the charge off of my card because I didn't want to spend extra money for food I didn't get, and he wouldn't. He insisted that he re-make my pasta. This was frustrating because my friend already had her food, and I would have much preferred to just eat at the same time. Instead I had to wait another 10 minutes for food and she was done eating by the time I got my pasta. The second time it also didn't taste as good, and wasn't spicy (I had asked for it spicy). Like I said, I LOVE vapiano locations, but this was for sure the worst I've been to.
(2)Sanaz E.
I've been here three times. First two times ordered the bolognese... Hearty, heavy, delicious. This time however went with a salad. $13 for a handful of arugula, 5 slivers of an orange, maybe 4 shavings of arugula, and 5 shrimp. No.
(3)Scott C.
First time visiting this establishment. The food was very good. The people are friendly. The atmosphere is unique and comfortable. We sat along the windows on Congress and watched all the foot traffic. It was great. I am glad a read some reviews before I went. The ordering can be construed as a bit cumbersome. Especially if you want a side salad with your pasta or pizza. I was overwhelmed. We stood there by the bar for what seemed like an hour, probably only 5 minutes, just getting acclimated to the ordering process. While the salad line said order here and pick up here, the pasta area did not. We figured it out and got our food in short order. The next time will be easier and the time after that will be even easier.
(4)Jinu J.
The pizza is one of my favorite and the setting gives you a new experience
(4)Jennifer S.
Not the place to come to if you just want to sit and be served since you must stand in line at various stations - pasta, pizza or salad - to order your food. Once you've done that, however, you sit down and enjoy a delicious, beautiful meal prepared with fresh ingredients. Homemade pasta and pizza dough are made daily here. You watch as each chef prepares your dish with simple, fresh ingredients. We had a 'mista' salad which was quite large, and was beautiful, colorful and delicious. We also had the filetto de mango e rucola pasta - homemade pasta with beef flllet, vegetables and arugula in a white wine sauce - which was also impressively good. Their Montepulciano was a good one too. Evening ambiance was nice, dimly lit. Loved the pots of herbs on the tables. It's a busy busy place -complete with tourists and families - likely because it is so reasonably priced and right in the Loop. I will definitely return.
(4)Michelle W.
Came here twice in two days because my friend and I loved the ambiance, but also the convenience of the location and the food was pretty good. When you walk in, everyone is handed a mysterious card that they expect you to hold onto the whole time and return on the way out. You pick a like based on what you want to get and order from the menus they put near the lines. The individual card aspect makes it easy to have groups come, but they don't actually have giant tables to seat large groups mostly, although there is a decent amount of seating. I ordered the aglio e olio pasta and then kind of just had to stand around waiting for it since they don't give you buzzers for the pasta. It wasn't a terribly long wait, just the time that it takes them to make it. They so give you free bread if you ask for it. My pasta just tasted like olive oil and garlic with some Parmesan cheese on top, but it was the pasta itself that really made it - you could feel how fresh the noodles were. I actually had to get it with linguine since they ran out of spaghetti but the linguine was really good. I also added chicken for an extra $3.50 and I'm not sure it really added much to the bowl as a whole, expect that I got in my protein fix. It wasn't a ton of chicken and it was all mostly at the bottom of the bowl. I really liked their bread - it seemed pretty fresh baked and chewy. Their food and wine is pretty solid and I like the chill lounge seating so it was kind of a nice place to just hang around and socialize while eating slowly. To top it off they also have free gummy bears!
(4)Kirsten A.
Cool concept and would be a great place to go with a bunch of people you don't want to deal with splitting the check with. All the stations you swipe your card at (then pay for yourself at the end) had super friendly people and pretty good service times we went on a weeknight and only waited about 5 minutes for food. Soda was a bit pricy, but the rest was affordable. Pizza and pasta were good. The vibe is casual swank and has an interesting collection of business people, tourists, and loop visitors. Seating is a mix of low tables, hi boys, and group tables. Worth a visit if you're in the area.
(4)Kyle F.
After a show my wife and I were starving. We had rushed to the theater and didn't want to walk far for dinner. We decided to check this place out. The three stars are for food. It's tasty. Id give no stars to the concept. It's like a cafeteria, but I'm paying table service prices. The layout is annoying. Probably won't be back.
(3)Bobby S.
Vapiano's is essentially an upscale Noodles & Company. I have given the place a 3 star rating for multiple reasons (I happen to be a big fan of this place). 1. Depending on the time you arrive, you could be eating within 10 minutes or 45. Not very many pasta lines and the chef can only cook 2 meals at a time. 2. The quality of your food is based on the chef, specifically for the pasta dishes. Pretty hard to mess up a pizza or salad, but you never know.. 3. They have paper menus - there should be a large menu behind the cooking stations. Love the individual meal cards, although they can be confusing at first. Eliminates the hassle of splitting checks if you arrive with a group.
(3)Norm J.
The concept of Vapiano is pretty much you get a card when you come in, you walk around to the different stations (antipasti, soups, insulate, pizza, pasta, dessert, drink bar) and what ever you order gets swiped on your card; which you turn in to the cashier to find out the total you owe. I've been to the Vapiano in Lincoln Park and have always enjoyed my dining experience there. So when my best friend suggested a group of us go to the one in the Loop I was all in. Well I can say that the food about both locations taste the same, which is a HUGE PLUS because I love the food here. Every pasta dish I've gotten here has always been cooked to perfection. The pizzas are large enough that I, at times, haven't been able to finish them. If you decide to venture into Vapiano I recommend you try some of my favorite dishes. - Margherita Pizza - Americana Pizza (has spicy Italian sausage & Sicilian pepperoni) - Salame Pizza - Coconut Shrimp Pasta (so good you'll want to like the bowl it comes in) I like Vapiano, but i prefer the location up in Lincoln Park better which is way I am giving this location 3 stars. I would have given this place 4 stars, but I felt that the customer service we experienced at this location wasn't as good as what we've experienced when dining at the Lincoln Park location on multiple occasions.
(3)samatha r.
I have no idea how good food here is, but if I have to stand forever in line to even order it when half the restaurant is empty, it's not worth it. I had to finally resort to eating cheese pizza, which I usually put on same level as McDonald's. Well, I am never going to any of their branches again.
(1)Bex A.
This was an interesting concept, you get a card that you swipe when you order something, then at the end pay the total. Personally, I think that can be dangerous if you keep swiping and swiping. I like the ambience, fresh herbs at you table (I assume you can use?), but I felt a disconnect of the cafeteria style ordering with the high-end look and feel. I would much rather be served. The bartender was great and did bring us our food. Bruschetta was tasty, but the tomato bisque I would of preferred to be creamy. Otherwise I feel like I am eating pasta sauce. I would give this place another try if I am in the area.
(3)Kendra N.
A little surprised by the low rating - I really like this place! It's kind of a new take on cafeteria style, so everyone who enters is given a card they can scan at each station and order what they'd like. There are salad, pizza, pasta, dessert, and bar stations. We've tried many different combinations and we have enjoyed everything we have tried. We always find that one pasta is plenty for two people. I do think they do have some staff problems recently. It took forever the woman to make our pasta even though it wasn't busy at all and while I was waiting I saw a dispute between a manager telling an employee to clean a table and she was visibly mad and annoyed by this (even though it was clearly her job). She then proceeded to do a really crappy job of cleaning the table and later I saw her walking around with her phone "hidden" in her wash cloth. Seriously, a terrible employee - she was so unprofessional. Overall though, this place is great. Especially sharing one pasta between two people, this place is a steal for dinner in the Loop! The ambiance is lovely as well - overall a solid 4 stars!
(4)S. B.
The food was very good as expected. What I didn't like was the talking between the staff-members in front of the guests. They were talking about different issues which should not be discussed in front of customers. If you are up to Italian food freshly prepared, Vapiano is your place to be.
(3)Sonia L.
Wow I can't even remember the last time I've ever given any restaurant five stars, but this place definitely deserves it. The quality of the food, the organization, the aesthetics, the communication, and the sweet sweet service!!! I am so shocked.
(5)josie w.
The pizza rocks-the calzone was good! The coffee is 5 star and the beer selection is decent!
(5)Alissa S.
Interesting concept but terrible service. I tried to come here for a quick drink with a friend and we were ignored by the three bartenders on staff. I watched one of them scrap off chocolate from a plate for 10 mins instead of taking care of the guests waits for a drink... The food was also just mediocre
(2)peter d.
Came in on an ordinary Thursday evening about 8 pm for a late dinner. Got in line to order - was about 5th in line (the other lines were longer). It took about 10 minutes for one customer got served. So we walked out. This place is really stupid. The food looks interesting but the service style is ridiculous.
(1)Marisa R.
If you're looking for something unique and different this is the place to go. You start by ordering your food at the counter and watch them make it in front of you. Everything is fresh and the best part is that the pasta noodles are all Homeade! You can really tell a difference. The atmosphere is very Mello, I love that they have candles and fresh herb plants at each table. They have large windows across every wall so you can look out to the city while you're eating. The only thing I have to say is that if you're looking for a restaurant that will cater to you this is not the place to go. You order your own food and take it to your table yourself
(4)Ann H.
Confused maybe? So the bf and I came to eat here after we went to the symphony. We love pizza so it sounded like the obvious choice. Entering the restaurant you don't know where to go, and if the receptionist/cashier is busy you may end up standing around and left to figure out how to get food by yourself. Ah however if you wander around you wont know you need a card to scan your food to track the bill. Eventually we figure this out and get cards which work at all stations. We ordered a pizza which they then instruct you to pick up a buzzer and tell them the number. Okay now I have a buzzer and a card. It's a lot just to order food. We ordered a pepperoni pizza as I recall and it was a decent size and tasted good. A lot of oil on top which we removed with napkins. The pizza was slightly too salty for my taste but my bf liked it just fine. After eating you leave the plates at your table and then go to the cashier at the front to pay. I really like the restaurant decor and trees inside! Tables are unique with cute mushroom lamps. Vibe is casual yet trendy. Glad I stopped in but was very confused at the concept / execution for the ordering process.
(3)T L.
This place is cute, it's unique and there's great energy flowing through the place. The process to order your food seems a little bit confusing on purpose but once you understand the flow you'll be fine. I order a Margarita pizza and a glass of Chianti. I took my seat and people watched and enjoyed the music playing throughout the restaurant. I dined solo this night but it seems like this would be a great place to come with friends. I checked out other dishes that other diner was received and their food looks pretty good. The pizza I order was delicious as was my glass of wine. I topped off my night with a mini triamisu. Great evening at Vapiano and will definitely return next time I am in Chicago.
(4)Tiffany C.
As someone else said, Vapiano never dissapoints. I love the set up, comfort, and price. It is my go to. Ambiance: Super cute. Choose from a couch, community table, individual table, lounge, or bar to sit at. The lighting is dim, the space is clean, chique, and stylish. It feels like a fun happening lounge, but its really just a restaurant with a bar. Its awesome Service: Good. They are there to help and answer any questions. Waiting in line for your food at the service stations is a little annoying, but its a part of the deal. So roll with it and you will be pleased with what is presented. Food: Good enough for me. I think its yummy quality food at a cheap price. Dont expect something to blow your mind, but do expect it to satiate your taste buds and your wallet with typical dishes. Price: Cheap for the loop. Id say expect to pay about $25 for food, wine, tax, and tip per person. This is my go to right before seeing a show. Love this place. Its an easy meetup for a first date, time with girlfriends, or a cheap stop before your night begins
(5)Ryan V.
Their food consistently is tasty and fresh. It can take a while during peak periods, so don't be in a hurry if you see it's busy. The desserts are fantastic. My favorite is the strawberries and mascarpone.
(5)Yesy D.
Bumped into this place after a job and it was the greatest accident ever. Some of the workers are a little antsy and easily annoyed if you're not familiar with their menu/ordering, but for the most part everyone was super helpful. The hubby and I hadn't eaten all day and went to this place at about 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon. We both ordered pizza and they both were DELICIOUS. Seriously the greatest pizza I've had in a long time. I really did the thin crust and this place did not disappoint. What was even nicer was the fact that they sell beer and sangria. We decided to indulge and had a beer each and two sangrias. The atmosphere is casual but you can definitely get away with doing a date night in this place. I really like the table setup because they were intimate yet casual. I will probably be coming back to taste their yummy looking pasta.
(4)Mike M.
Dropped in here later at night when it was the only decent spot open in the neighborhood. I like the concept but the quality on food is really lacking. Decided on a prosciutto pizza and a glass of house Cabernet. The pizza was essentially a cheese pizza with cold prosciutto and flakes of Parmesan placed on top post baking. The prosciutto was lacking taste and very stringy. Definitely not de Parma. The wine was above room temperature and even seemed like it could have been heated. I'd give it another try and order pasta or a simpler pizza. The scan card system is very welcoming and the staff was rather attentive and friendly which gave it two stars. Recommendation: go with a simple dish that is hard to screw up. Skip the drinks. Price: fair for the area but expensive for what you get.
(2)Vaidehi T.
I had an enjoyable dinner at Vapiano. They have a cool ambiance - more like a modern lounge bar. The ordering system is a little unique. Basically each individual is given a card which is charged with whatever you choose to buy. The pastas, salads are made fresh to order and they can be customized. I ordered the mista salad and chose a spicy citrus dressing with it. Hubby ordered the Pasta pomodoro. Both the dishes were simple and flavorful and the portion sizes were pretty good. My only complaint here would be that the prices are a bit too high for a place where you don't have a sit down table service.
(4)Sophie J.
Very cool place. High ceiling with good decor. Decent price for tasty and big amount of food
(4)Daniel S.
Everyone complains about the lines taking forever and there being nowhere to sit, i went at 1130 and there was no wait at all, my pizza was done in like 10 min, (however at 1215 the line was much longer) i got the calzone, which i thought was a pizza but was actually a calzone, while the toppings were good, there was a bit too much bread and not enough meat, i tried the trio bruschetta, which wasnt bad, you get the regular tomato kind and then one with cheese and pesto sauce, the shot glasses for the water are annoying though, and it's very reasonably priced, i just mention because i heard a lot of people saying it was too expensive
(4)Akiko I.
As everybody say, it is very confusing place, I visited there for my dinner, it was 10pm and had to wait for more than 1 hour for a single pizza. Although cook told me beforehand and it was our fault to make such decision, I wonder why it took such a long time! Food was good but I don't like such busy and confusing place to eat!
(2)Carrie S.
Pros: Good pizza, interesting lunch menu, trendy interior. Cons: Convoluted ordering system, rude-ish staff, kind of weird seating, insultingly tiny water glasses. They're like shot glasses! I like this place but I would only come here if I wanted one item: pizza, salad, or pasta. Not two. The lines are pretty long and the wait for your food is long too. To have to wait in two lines for two different items would be torture I had an arugula pizza which was the shizzy. I am pretty confident I could eat these for the rest of my life. Also life tip: maybe come here with an experienced friend for your first time. It's seriously confusing and you need a guide to show you the way.
(3)Saahithi G.
Love the ambience and the fact that every dish is prepared from scratch here. Pasta is a must try. I have had scampi which is great. You can select which kind of pasta and choose the level of spiciness. Pizza has a very light crust and tastes good.
(5)Abdullah G.
Great experience with professional chef's I love the fact that the food is cooked just for you and in front of you Definitely amazing I will go back again to try more food I recommend it for all
(5)Lisa H.
I don't get why this place doesn't have higher reviews? Vapiano originated from DC. I used to live in Pittsburgh and one of the main motives for me to go to DC (aside from visiting the ex) was for this! So, i was overly excited when i heard Vapiano was opening in The Loop. I LOVE Italian and LOVE pastas and pizzas. They have the oven baked pizzas, which are around $10 and takes only 10 min to make/bake. Their pastas are so amazing; i don't know where to start. They offer a variety of pastas to choose from: standard ones like penne, spaghetti, fettuccine, but i enjoy their Campanelle, tagliatelle, & pappardelle the most. 9/10 times i get the campenelle with bolognese sauce blended with some cream sauce. The pastas are so fresh and so are the ingredients. Everything here is FRESH.They make everything in front of you, and you can select additional or replace ingredients in your dish. All pasta dishes are under $12. Great portions so you may have leftovers. Vanilla bean panna cotta is so friggin' good! It's literally only 3 bites though. You get free bread with every dish AND free gummy bears at the exit where you pay, leave your tray and dishes at the table, no need to clean. Warning: could get really packed at lunch, so i'd come here for dinner b/c it could take a while to get your food. Other than that, it's superb!
(5)Nicole H.
2 1/2 stars I don't know how I feel about this place. It was okay. I can't say that I was impressed. Sooo... The decor is nice enough. You can sit in or takeout. I think this place is more suitable for dining in. Other reviewers have outlined the ordering/paying system. The actual stations are not that obvious to me but I figured it out. Hey, it is what it is. I had a salad and a tiramisu. The desserts all come in small glasses. I ordered my food as takeout. You pay a deposit of $1 for the glass if you choose to have dessert as takeout. Bring the glass back and the dollar goes towards your bill. I guess. The food was okay. The lady who made my salad was quite helpful and nice. I don't know. I think I may give it another shot and perhaps try some pasta.
(3)Stephanie S.
Major meh. I'd never been here before and when we were given a card at the entrance, I asked, "So how does this work?" Instead of an explanation, the girl just said something like, "It's an open dining concept." I figured I'd get the gist, but after ordering a pizza and not understanding if someone brings it to me, where I get a drink, where I pay, I went back to the front desk lady. I again said, "I still don't understand the way this works," and cited the issues I just described. She went on to give me major attitude and treat me like I was an idiot. Apparently I should've asked the guy making my pizza for a drink, and after fighting through a group of rude people to order, I'd have to do it again to pick up my meal. Pay when you leave. They're trying to be inventive with this, and I guess that's OK, but you need to be clear with the directions. Otherwise people mill around aimlessly and ruin the experience for everyone. Also if it's my first visit (which you would know since I was asking for instruction) this is the time to offer good customer service so that I actually want to return. The food was very meh. My friend and I got pizza that was limp and soggy. She said it was over-salted, and mine just wasn't very flavorful. Some of the other options looked pretty good, but I don't know that I'll be back to try it.
(2)Kimberly H.
Your managers are rude and inconsiderate!! Especially tasko? I believe he was the chef? It smelled of marijuana there. I told him to remake my dish because it was cold. He had the nerve to tell me that I would have to pay for another dish because he thought my cold dish was fine. Also it's pretty dirty I'm there. Never coming back! The one in NYC is better!
(1)Schlonda M.
Dinner was great right across from the hotel very elegant and affordable. Chef was excellent food was delicious.
(5)Toni S.
I absolutely love this place. I can't wait to go back and try more foods from their menu. The ordering system IS a bit confusing at first. But that shouldn't stop anybody from enjoying delicious food. I recommend this place to anyone who loves pastas, salads, and pizzas.
(4)Josh N.
Read the negative reviews please! This place is very tasty! I've been here several times and love the place. The architecture is very nice, the staff are great, and again the food is amazing. People have been reviewing this place poorly because of confusion of the ordering system, everyone gets a card to swipe at a station when they order and then they swipe the card at the cashier to pay. Kinda weird system but whatever, the pasta is totally worth it! The pizzas aren't my top Neopolitian style pizza but are still good. I don't eat salad as an entree so I couldn't tell you how that is.. Please don't ever order salad as your entree at any restaurant, it makes me sad because its not real food. I could go on an on about how much I despise salad as an entree but i'll stop.. After this last statement: Taco salad is acceptable. Anyways if you read this part, just remember to fully understand the ordering system and know that you should expect to wait 5-15 minutes per item ordered.
(5)Adam K.
I once thought, Corner Bakery, owned the market for dysfunctional and convoluted ordering. Clearly, I was wrong. This place was built by marketers, not operations people. On the surface it seems like a wonderful place to eat. That is, if you can ever get to order it. Here's a small list of things that make zero sense: 1. There are random lines for ordering specific things. If you want a salad and pasta, that's 2 lines. 2. Menus aren't displayed anywhere, except on small pieces of paper right in front of where you order. This means you spend 20 minutes in line without ever seeing a menu. Then when you come face to face with your chef, you finally get a menu and scramble to order. 3. Make sure to order a drink when you get the food. If not, you're back to waiting in line. 4. Everything you order is attached to a RFID card. You don't pay as you go. You pay at the end. In theory this is great. It's insanely complex with a group of people. If by chance you can stand to wait 20 minutes to order and finally receive your food, good luck finding a place to sit and eat. First come first serve. That's cool, but the bad ordering system means you don't have a nice continuous flow of people coming and going. Instead you have giant surges of people coming and going. It's a battle royal to see who gets a seat. It's good food. It really is. You'll just wait forever to taste it.
(1)Larissa D.
One of our favorite places to unwind in the loop. This place has a unique ordering style, as others have mentioned. Best part of it all is that the food is good and inexpensive. It's a dark casual and comfortable setting. Perfect for a dinner/lunch date. Note: your food is prepared once you place your order. I enjoy knowing my food was made fresh just for me.
(4)Shilpi D.
Got to know about the place last week. have already been there twice. Diablo pizza is worth a try and loved their pastas too. Bruchetta was little underwhelming but the amazing tiramisu filled up the gap. Definitely going again.
(4)Wilkins K.
A great way to enjoy a mid-day dining experience smack dab in the middle of Chicago's bustling, workday loop district. Zig-zag people watching goes hand-in-hand with the smooth and professional courtesies extended by the friendly staff. I wanted a fresh, lively and taste filled lunch and that is exactly what I got! The aroma and zest of the tomato sauce imbedded into my delicate Calzone was fantastic.
(4)Henry D.
OK, so I read the other reviews before going. Yes the card system is confusing, but not impossible. Here is how it works. It is like a cafeteria, kind of. 1) Get a card when you walk in. 2) go to the 'window' that has what you want to order. Note, we took menus to the table and decided what we wanted before ordering and then went to the windows to order. There is a window for pizza, pasta, salads etc. 3) Order what you want and get your dish. 4) take it to your table and go back for more, or take a tray and go to the next window. Note, at each window pass your card over the thing to record what you got. 5) when you have all the food you want, just go and eat. 6) when you finish, take your card to the cashier and pay. So much for that. I compare it to Olive Garden, since it is about the same price for an entire meal. The salads are great. The pizza has a very thin crust, is oily, but tasty. The tomato flavored pasta was very good, the Alfredo was very bland. The desserts were nice. The atmosphere is much more casual and unrushed than Olive Garden. In OG I get the feeling I am being rushed. Here I had the feeling that no one cared. Note I went at a very slow time though. The decor is not as fancy, but OG is a bit 'disneylandish'. So overall I liked it better than Olive Garden, although OG has meatier dishes. If you want something a bit more formal and some real meat in your pasta, go to OG. If you want to kick back and enjoy a more 'hip' experience go to Vaps.
(3)Bernard A.
Very good food. There is a unique ordering system in place here. They give you a card and you put your tab on the card for everything you order and you pay when you are done. Very unique, great ambiance, and the food is great.
(4)Kevin S.
Confusing concept! If I wanted cafeteria food I would go to a hospital or commissary at the local college. The food was average at best and what put the nail in the coffin was the pizza chef taking the pager reminder with his gloves on and then continuing to make pizza. I was going to tell the manager on duty, Mike, regarding the health hazard. However the hostess was too busy chatting, as was most of the staff.
(2)Susan C.
I went here a few times and i love this place. It is a self serve place where you get a card when you come in and you used the card to get your food and pay for your food. They have really good italian food and the prices are very reasonable. You can come with just two people or a large group of people. I had there pizza one time and it was really good. I also had their salad and pasta and it was also really good. I would go back to this place anytime for a quick bite to eat for lunch or dinner. I definitely would recommend this place to others.
(4)Sandy L.
This place is so unique. You order you food directly from the chef. They make it on the spot. Food was delicious. We had the chicken Alfredo and the bolognese. The pasta was fresh. Atmosphere was sooo cool.
(5)Kate M.
Despite some minor downsides with occassional wait times and sort of weird seating arrangements, I really like this place. I have always been pretty lucky or planned to go on the early side of lunch rush so I don't get caught behind 10 people at the salad station so I don't really have many gripes in that department - isn't that what most people in the loop do if they don't want to deal with everyone else trying to feed themselves at the exact same time? I know waiting is annoying but it's a fact of (Chicago) life, especially considering this place is kind of in the heart of a tourtisty area. Even when I've sat there for most of lunchtime, it never looked to be out of control. Given it's location, that might be why some people have described it as "kitschy" or basic, but I actually think it's pretty nice for a casual spot and just fine by me (the little potted herbs on the table are cute - come on!) My favorite thing that I get everytime is the salmon nicoise salad - it's so good and I love that they assemble it when you order it. They have always been fast enough for me and never messed up my order even though I usually have a few specific requests, ingredients have always been fresh and delicious. I want this salad all the time! It rivals the salmon nicoise salads I've had at much nicer places. I met my Mom here yesterday for lunch and in addition to my salad, we shared a prosciutto pizza. I was amazed that it was ready as quickly as my salad - it it was really good. I love their pizza sauce and it was just a really good woodfire style pizza. So the pasta is the only category I haven't sampled but it always looks/smells great, and I like that they have many pasta options, as in lots of different shapes and some being whole wheat and gluten free as well as various sauces. Options are always good! Their desserts are nice finishes. Last time I had a chocolate mousse and yesterday I tried the pannacotta. Both super delicious. Don't skip the dessert! People always comment on the seating - it is mostly communal. Larger tables and some weird loungey areas. They could benefit from some basic 4 top tables. But one nice thing is they now have some outside seating. Yesterday it was a little chilly and they even had blankets out on the chairs. I'll definitely be back soon for that salad...
(4)J B.
I wanted to like this place. It's visually appealing from outside and inside. However, we had a negative experience, from the minute we walked in. The hostess did not greet or welcome us (or any others who arrived while we were coming in) but rather asked of each guest, "You been here before?" Not the typical first thing one usually hears when walking into a restaurant (or any other business, for that matter) and thus, confusion, as almost everyone asked her to repeat that, please. She rolled her eyes at an older lady and seemed annoyed that she had to ask it again. Seriously, I've rarely seen a more disinterested and disengaged "hostess." The ordering system is unique but is also needlessly complex. It was clear that several people did not understand how it worked. Why use a system that leads to confusion? Not a good start to any dining experience. It also creates needless delay in ordering and getting the food out. No, this isn't fast-food .... but still, too long to get orders placed, and they weren't THAT overwhelmed with customers at 3pm. As for the food, the spaghetti was ok (better than Olive Garden but not even close to a real Italian restaurant). Pizza was attractive in appearance but u fortunately sad in taste. The cheese tended to puddle into the middle. More cooking time was clearly needed. $43 for two for food that was worth maybe $20 and service that was poor at the beginning. Don't think we'll be returning. In fact, I'm sure we won't.
(1)Jamie M.
Remember in "The Lord of the Rings" when they talked about "Second Breakfast"? Well, in this place, it's all about the "Second Wait", then the "Third Wait", and so on, and so on.... Upon entering, you stand in line to be issued a plastic "meal card" you must swipe at each and every food and beverage station - lose it upon penalty of flogging. "First Wait". Complete. After you've been issued your "debit dining card", you then wait for a table - and there's a mish mash of high-slung, low-slung and no-slung seating options, most with mismatching chairs stacked against un-bussed, dirty tables. If you're fortunate enough to find an open table -we'll call that "Second Wait"- it's time to play "Third Wait" at the individual lines for the "Pasta", "Pizza" and "Salad" stations. So, you get in line and stand there, getting bumped and bruised in the flow of traffic, and you watch the "personal chef" prepare -ever so slowly- everyone's order ahead of you. Stand. Stand. Stand. Watch. Watch. Watch. For those of you keeping score, this is where "Fourth Wait" begins. Finally, that magical moment arrives when the chef looks your way and asks, "So, what'll ya have?". That's when you shout out to your personal chef de' jour, over the clang of pots and pans, "I'll have the pesto with chicken!". "OK. And what kind of pasta would you like with your pesto - the list is right there on...", and you immediately cut him off, screaming back, "WhichEVER pasta boils the fastest"! Now, the "Fifth Wait" begins - this is where you get to stand at the front of the line and watch your personal pasta jockey cook -ever so slowly- your noodles and protein-of-choice. Butter in the pan. Heat. Protein in the pan. Stir. Salt. Pepper. (Slow down Sparky, I'm getting dizzy!) Take the individually packaged bag of dry pasta off the shelf. Drop pasta in the water. Boil. Boil. Boil. Drain the pasta. Toss pasta into the pan. Whoops! Forgot the pesto. Toss in the pre-packaged blob-o-pesto. Cook the chicken more. More. MORE! Pull out a bowl. Wipe the bowl down. Swirl the pasta, pesto and chicken combination.... ..."Tell you what, just put that in a To-Go bowl, will ya?", you say. From the time we walked in the door, stood in line(s) and finally walked our meal back to our waiting seats, a whopping 28 minutes had elapsed. Our friend's pizzas took more than 45 minutes from the time they ordered until their "pizza pagers" went off - and yes, they had to stand in line to pick up their pizzas. Total bill; $18.80 for a smallish bowl of pasta with pesto sauce, pine nuts, six nibbles of charred chicken breast and an Arizona Iced Tea. No, we we didn't leave a tip... ...especially after we had to stand in line to pay off our debit cards. Three words that sum up Vapiano: Pack. A. Lunch.
(1)Sandie B.
This place is kind of a rip off unless you order a specialty item. Like the wild mushroom and beef pasta was awesome and worth every penny, but the pesto pretty good but nothing extraordinary, and the portion of added chicken was downright paltry. The pizzas look great. Cute atmosphere and the bread that comes as a side is yummy with their olive oil. Left me in a bit of a carb daze.
(3)Vishal B.
Indeed a different concept than many other lunch spots. I like that its huge, they serve beer and wine, and they have amazing little dessert cups. The pizza was very fresh and nicely made, the pasta is where it's at when you come here. Its a bit more pricey than Bacci or Go Roma but I like that they are open late even on weekdays because in the Loop.. nothing is!
(4)Chris V.
The ordering system at this restaurant is a really cool idea but was poorly explained to us. We were really confused on how to order. When the orders are placed they ask you some additional question that are not shown on the menus and seem annoyed if you don't understand. I sympathize as I'm sure they are annoyed by first timers not knowing what to do. The food was good but nothing spectacular. The pizza crust was impressively thin; however, my pizza was made with way too much sauce and the centre of the pizza was completely saturated. It turned into mush. When I went to pay I was charged for several items that weren't mine. I brought this to the girl's attention and she promptly fixed it - almost. I checked the refund and it only added up to 3 out of 4 items that I never ordered. I brought it to her attention and she refunded the final item but was very annoyed. Overall I think the system and food could be very good but they must tweak it if they want first time customers to return. Most importantly, I think the restaurant manager needs to do some quality checks to ensure things are going smoothly and put policies and procedures in place to prevent what happened to me from happening to others. With proper instructions, all options listed on a board at the ordering station or on the menu, more understanding/sympathetic staff and ensuring the card is clear before giving it to a new customer (or maybe reviewing the order with the customer before charging) this restaurant could be excellent.
(2)Frank S.
Open concept. Didn't work for me. Lines were confusing and "chefs" did nothing to make it easy. Maybe someone who's been here 3 or 4 times will make it work better but I was frustrated by the concept and put off by the attitude. Food was OK. Grape tomatoes in the caprese? Really?
(2)Y H.
Ate here for the first time before seeing the Book of Mormon and I must say I LOVED this restaurant! We all did. We ordered the following: 1. Roasted tomato and garlic pizza 2. Truffled mushroom pizza 3. Chicken Alfredo pasta 4. Bruschetta 5. Tiramisu Roasted tomato and garlic pizza and the chicken alfredo were amazing! You will not regret it! Truffled mushroom was also good if you want to try something outside the norm. Bruschetta was good, nothing out of this world, but then again it was only a few dollars. Tiramisu was also okay, as a dessert aficionado I have had much better tiramisu elsewhere, but again for a couple of bucks it'll take care of your sugar craving. Giving this place 5 stars because the quality of the entrees was superb and the prices are extremely fair. Lovely ambiance. Great for couples or bigger groups! There's something for everyone and of course great location! They use the same method as Foodlife for ordering food, which is pretty straightforward-they give you a card, you swipe it at the counter where you order food and then you pay the cashier when you're done eating. Will definitely be frequenting this place and bringing my friends and family!!!
(5)Elizabeth A.
The drink prices were a bit expensive but the food was good and the experience was fun and different. I would definitely commend this place and their pizza selection. Everything is self serve but they still found a way to maintain a cool and classy kind of vibe.
(4)Victoria G.
I did not like the service and food. The idea of having self service with restaurant feel is not bad at all. However, it still took a while to order and get food. And by the time everyone did, my food was cold. Then we had to order drinks and spent time waiting there. At the end when we were finally seated we could enjoy the cold food with a glass of wine. They say they make everything in house but to me food felt prepared and pasta was overcooked. Also, tomato sauce felt like canned sauce with few fresh tomatoes to give it a fresh feel. Overall, felt like eating fake Italian food.
(2)Elizabeth W.
I have been here a few times since it opened and every trip has been a better experience. This is a HUGE space and I think they underestimated the lunch hour crowds during opening week. Initially, the wait was incredibly long and I watched several customers give up and find somewhere else. I'm glad I stuck it out because I really enjoyed the food! In follow up trips, things seemed to run much smoother and the speed and consistency has improved. It's a great option to add to the loop lunch selections. Portion size, for me, was fairly large. It was lunch and a late afternoon snack. Fresh ingredients and good quality. So far, I have only tried pastas but I look forward to sampling more of the menu but with all the options and combos available at the pasta station, it's hard to be lured away!!!
(4)Chole L.
Great place for lunch or dinner. Their portions are big and prices are pretty reasonable considering they are located in the loop.
(4)Bradley S.
Food is great but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get your act together! The setup is so confusing which stresses out the employees (which it's very obvious that most hate their jobs) which in turn stresses out the customers! Make some sort of centralized ordering system/location so that the employees know who has ordered and who hasn't. Maybe give everyone a pager or number... Or better yet, have a food runner because no one like to stand there awkwardly waiting for 10min while they watch someone cook their food. I want to love this place but each time I come back, I hate it more and more. Oh... And why do you have 2 partially different menus that look exactly the same?! Please do something about the experience immediately!
(1)Margs K.
I came here for dinner recently, not knowing anything about it, except that it looked nice and candle-lit from the outside windows! So, the concept is instead of a sitting at a table, waiting for someone to bring you your food, you wait in a line for the cooks to make your food and then you bring it back to a table yourself. This worked out well for me, as there wasn't anyone in line ahead of me at the pasta-station, but then a crowd of 10 came in right after me, and I probably would have had a different experience, if I had been behind all of them instead of in front. I opted for the carbonara, which was good (not the best I've ever had but a big portion,) followed-by a glass of Prosecco (which required another short wait at the bar) and a small tiramisu. The tiramisu was AMAZING. I think my bill came to something like $23 - a really fair price for an Italian dinner in a nice setting.
(4)Karen C.
I love when a new lunch spot opens up by my office, and I love it even more when it is a place I actually enjoy going to. The first time I came here I was admittedly confused, as there is so much going on. 2 different menus, tons of different stations (salad, pastas, pizza, bar, etc.) and people just standing everywhere. But, I persevered and I have grown to really love Vapiano. The pizza I ordered (the Bruschetta pizza, added chicken) was obscenely delicious. If you're considering getting the Margherita pizza, skip that & go for this one instead. Cooked to perfection and the chicken was actual chicken, none of that scary cubed crap. The decor is so great, I love the many different seating options... all of the herbs everywhere and the overall design of the entire space is just gorgeous. All of the staff are super nice as well, and not in that over-the-top creepy way. They actually seem earnest. My only complaints are 1) the price [granted, everything was super fresh & I wouldn't normally think $12 for a huge pizza like mine was outrageous, but there's no way I could go here more than once a month or so for lunch at these prices] and 2) those ridiculous shot glasses they call water glasses. I got up 4 times to get more water. I realize I'm a thirsty American, but those little glasses are insane. Next time I'll definitely BYOW.
(4)Nick L.
Great food for a great price. This place is great for bringing a friend and I would highly recommend their thin crust caprese pizza to share. Definitely a place to check out if you're looking for a quick lunch or dinner.
(4)Monica L.
Food was AMAZING. Seriously so good. Hostess was very friendly. However, the reason for 4 stars instead of 5 was the rest of the staff. They have an unconditional ordering system. Being a first timer who had never even heard of the place, I wanted to make sure I was doing it right. The people at the food stations were really rude about it. I imagine that they get it all day long and are annoyed with people not getting the concept completely, however a restaurant that has an ordering system like this should expect that, and should train their employees to act differently. The atmosphere was casual but trendy, and the prices were very reasonable! I will go back again for the great food, just will make sure to not ask the employees at the food stations any questions!
(4)Glenn H.
Important Note: Not ideal for the 60 minute Loop lunch. Outside of taking a bit longer than I was hoping for, Vapiano was a well executed fast-Italian concept. As other reviews state, their ordering system is a bit unique, but having freshly cooked pasta at a reasonable price was great. I'll come again, but when I've got more time to spend enjoying the food, rather than taking giant bites and racing back to the office.
(4)Daniel M.
Great food, great style, awesome atmosphere! Don't go if you're too hungry because the lines can get pretty long at times!
(5)Nemcikova C.
Super cool venue... DIY order stations!
(5)Manisa K.
I came to this place unexpectedly. It was so crowded that night, actually every night. Me and my friend had to wait like an hour. Be prepared. Relaxing atmosphere and nice dining area. The staffs were so nice and professional. We ordered bruschetta and fried calamari to start off with. They were really good. Italian bread came as a complimentary appetizer every table. I personally didn't like their bread because they weren't soft as it should be. We had pizza and pasta. They were so good. Self-service water is cool concept, but I just didn't like this way. A little pricey though. I would come back fun place to hang out with friends.
(4)Erica F.
The system for ordering is so bizarre and poorly thought -- you "scan" your card, individually order each thing you want at different stations, wait for each item to cook, the other items getting cold, watch your bored chef make your "fresh" pasta-- it made no sense. Table decor that inhibits sharing and discussion just made things worse. The pasta was Olive Garden-esque Also, we lost one of the ridiculous ordering cards, and the woman insisted we needed it. I questioned this and told her, you really have no record of what I ordered? Sure enough she did....Really poorly thought out system. Will not return!
(1)Jessica F.
The place is very cute. I like the dark lighting and the tables with their own individual pots of fresh herbs. We went while there was a company party so it was very loud and difficult to get around. The ordering process is confusing and the woman preparing our meal was not very helpful. My friend was trying to make the dish how he wanted and instead she did what she wanted. The food was decent. I ordered the shrimp spinach scampi and was disappointed by the lack of flavor. If you want a glass of water you need to serve yourself. The glasses are literally the size of a double shot so be prepared to walk across the restaurant multiple times.
(3)Adrienne G.
Think Foodlife meets Italian contemporary restaurant. I like that the make their pastas in-house, however it is a mess when it comes to the lunch rush. As in - they should have one person dedicated ringing people up at each station, and not multitasking (ie ringing someone up and preparing food). I ordered a shrimp salad and waited over 25 minutes for it because they did not see my order (they literally overlooked the slip of paper with my order on it after the same person keyed it into the system,) and then had to remake it because the last person in the salad area added steak to my salad. I'm glad I asked to speak with the manager when checking out, because he did comp my meal, which I truly appreciated. I've been here after work for drinks and it's not crowded, and off-hours during lunch. Skip the lunch rush and come back later to enjoy some pretty good food.
(3)Kathleen C.
I truly had to drop a star due to service at this spot. First of all, we arrived late, so there was not a huge crowd. We walked in the front door to an empty desk. This was my first visit, but my friend had been there before, and he tried to head straight to the bar. We were told to stop walking by a woman across the restaurant who finally came over - and then proceeded to help 2 people paying before giving us our cards to enter the restaurant. We said we were going straight to the bar, but she told us the whole restaurant concept anyway. Finally, we sit down....and the staff at the bar was friendly, but slow. I'm not sure if I was just confused about how this place works (basically an Italian FoodLife in my book...), or if they were 'busy' working with the 2 other customers (by the way - the bar was about 4x more staffed than the front door). We finally ordered one glass of wine each and proceeded to chat. Now, this isn't a spot to really go and sit by the bar. Others are constantly coming up to order things (though, a few folks were eating at the bar), so it is not very relaxing. Anyway, the wine was ok (though for the price, I was expecting better...I should have just gone with the house wine for $6 for what I suspect was a similar wine). We were ready to leave after one glass and waited a bit for our bill. When we arrived at the front desk, we found....no one. We waited, and waited and I was honestly shocked that no one was at the checkout. I mean, this is where people pay and we waited way too long. I could see people just wandering out the front door without anyone noticing. In any case, when someone finally showed up - she helped two people ENTERING before us.... This wouldn't normally annoy me, but she made us wait to check people out on our way in, and then made us wait to pay when others walked it. Really inconsistent. I did leave a tip, though the service didn't warrant it. I thought this concept seemed ok, but I was totally unimpressed with the service. During busy hours, I can't even imagine what a mess it might be in here. We visited since our planned bar/restaurant was closed for the evening, but it's back open now, so I don't see a lot of diverting to Vapiano in my near future.
(3)Richa T.
Interesting concept, poor in execution. My friends and I decided to stop by late dinner after sight-seeing all day. We liked the idea of having cards that would track everything you ordered and being able to go to different stations. But after a while the novelty fades off. It became a little annoying to have to go back each time with the card so you could pick up the food and place another order. One friend ordered a salad, which looked delicious. Spinach, strawberries, and feta cheese - yum. The ingredients looked fresh and she absolutely loved it. My other friend ordered a pasta in meat sauce, which she really didn't care for. The way she described it was that it was something you could easily whip up with canned Ragu at home. I ordered the BBQ pizza which was good but could have used more vegetables on top. I liked my food, but in the crowd, it was just a little too much to take in. The other thing that I found a little annoying was their puny doll sized water glasses. After walking all day, we were incredibly thirsty and it would have been nice to not have to get up every two minutes to get a little bit of water. After the second run, i decided to stand by the counter and drink water until I had enough to keep my hydrated throughout my meal. This place has some serious potential, but they need to work on their execution.
(2)Layla R.
This place is a semi-great idea that's just missing a few key details. The atmosphere is designed nicely and the food is actually more like 3.5 stars. It's not bad at all and I enjoyed then salads, but the cocktails are terrible as they don't have qualified bar staff. I also think that they need to train their staff on how to treat customers and elevate their approach. They're brash and don't have the proper training.
(2)Toan P.
Amazing place; great price; good service; beautiful decor. Highly recommended! (Coming from a person who has traveled to Italy many times)
(5)Windy C.
The ordering system is different. Get over it !!! As confusing as the ordering system is, once you've tried it a couple times you learn the ropes. The food is incredibly fresh and tasty. Their pizza and salads are quite authentic without the "Eataly" prices. Their arugula and bruschetta pizza are loaded with ingredients and are delicious. I'm definitely a fan.
(4)Chris M.
The craziest ordering system I've ever seen. Too cumbersome and time consuming. I had the chicken Caesar salad which was ok, but not worth the $11 Very slow service- I understand everything is made to order. No one that ordered their salad to go actually got it in a to go container. Might try pizza and pasta some time that I'm not in a hurry.
(3)Maria F.
As our ast dinner at Chicago, we decided to go to downtown Chicago @Vapiano. AS prr recommended per friends.. so, I asked Freddy (the chef) pasta section to wow me..he did not disappointed. It was fantastic!! I felt like I was eating a symphony with so many flavors each bite was unique!! Thank you Chef Freddy!! Ohhh almost forgot.. he even came to the table to ask if I had liked it.. liked??? I was in heaven!! Superb food! Great ambiance!! A must do while in Chicago!!
(4)Tracy K.
I was a little confused at first on the ordering thing. But it was all clear after a few seconds. I'm so glad we found this place. The ceasar salad was perfect. The scampi spinaci was perfect!!! The decor was so trendy!! The chefs are very cute!!! And the food was amazing!!
(5)Kelly K.
I bet this place is great for the tourists, who don't mind paying extra for average food. Went here with my co-workers around 11:30am, and thankfully we beat the rush. Two of us ordered pasta, the other two of us ordered pizza. The ordering process is a bit different, but thankfully the employees were more than willing to help us out with it. They also gave us two separate menus which further added to the confusion. it would be helpful if everything was on one menu, or better yet, posted to the wall. My pizza was fine, but nothing special. It was a decent size, and I took a few pieces back to the office with me (only to be devoured a couple of hours later). My pizza was $10.95, which I found to be quite overpriced when I can find much better (and tastier) deals in the loop. If you decide to have water with your meal, the cups they give you are tiny, shot sized, so be sure to grab a few glasses on your way to your table. I did enjoy the ambiance here, as it's got a cute European vibe to it, but I probably wouldn't go again unless my co-workers talk me into it.
(3)Al D.
One of the best places for lunch in the Loop. Healthy, fast, and not over-crowded. They even give you a microwave-safe container for your leftovers. However, it is rather expensive, especially for the tiny drinks.
(4)B V.
The food is really good and fresh. The atmosphere is bright and modern with some nice dance music pumping from the speakers. The only thing I'm really not feeling is the fact that you cannot call ahead to get your food. That is a big loss in the downtown Chicago area where some people only have 30 mins for lunch. I came in today and there was only one pizza chef and he seemed a bit frazzled. I literally waited about 10 mins before he could even take my order. That leaves me with the only choice of walking somewhere else or wait another 15 to get my food. So here I am waiting. The other thing is they have great desserts here but they are not to go. They make you eat them here. Other than those two things I love this place. I would just like to have more "grab and go" service.
(4)Tony W.
y wife had been trying to get me here for a while. I don't know why, but I had already made up my mind I was not going to like this place. So you walk in, they give you a electronic card. You have to go to stations to order your food. I had the Americano pizza, and my wife ordered a pasta dish. You put your card down on the glass and your order is placed on it. If you want a drink you go over to the bar order it and do the same thing with your card. There is no table service, you get up and get everything yourself. My pizza was not bad, but the wife's pasta was quite plain. I put some salt and pepper on it, but i guess i missed the place where you add some cheese, couldn't find it. We had that, plus she had a sangria and i had two gin and tonics. The bill was quite reasonable. This is not a place I will frequent, but I will go there with a group.
(3)Anna P.
I like this location - it's a good location for a business lunch, although the format (having to wait in line and then having to wait different amounts of time for your food) means that you need to schedule a larger chunk of time than you would otherwise. That said, the food is very high-quality, you literally see it being made right in front of you, it's delicious, and it's very reasonably priced. Give it a try when you have some time!
(4)Kim G.
Overall I really liked this place. The pizza is great and all the other food I saw looked good . The process was a little slow, it took longer than expected to get our pizza. However, the bar was fast so we just got another beer while we waited. I went on a weekend but I plan to go back during the week for lunch and see how it is.
(4)Raju S.
Yes. The ordering system is complicated but I'm sure the second time around, it makes sense. Unfortunately, there probably won't be a second time. The pizza is pretty good but the pasta was disappointing. The tirimisu was ok as well. As far as service is concerned, the waiter was decent but the hostess seemed annoyed about something when we arrived and her attitude was the same on our way out. The restaurant itself is visually appealing and chic but the subpar food and grouch at the front of the restaurant will probably keep me away from a pretty good brick oven pizza.
(2)Mahsa T.
They need to work out the kinks in this location to be able to accommodate the lunch rush because that's going to be the bulk of their business. They need to figure out how to get people in and out faster...become more efficient, hire more employees, do whatever you need to do. But especially please fix the layout of the restaurant so people aren't bumping into fixed counters waiting in the three separate lines for pizza, salad, and pasta. And especially, move those lines and the cashiers away from the front and only entrance so that there's not a huge bottleneck and people can actually enter and exit. Who came up with this messed up layout??? During opening week, I waited close to 40 minutes to get food. Decor and space are bright, clean and cheerful, love the floor to ceiling windows. If I were rating just on experience, wait time and service, I would give it two or three stars. However, the food is actually fresh and good, so I'm giving it four stars. My shrimp salad was crisp and delicious and the shrimp was perfectly flavored and cooked. The bruschetta pizza we shared was equally delicious with all fresh ingredients and a great crust. The food here is expensive for the amount that you get. I hope they figure out a way to make it faster and easier to dine here.
(4)Kelly D.
Really unique place ,friendly staff,fun concept you get to watch as your food is prepared more importantly the result is delicious and relaxing atmosphere
(5)Yao W.
Nice food but the waiting was annoying. It took me well over 20mins for a meatball pasta. I would give it four star if there was no lineup.
(3)C C.
I agree with others reviews regarding the confusion. I was greeted by a hasty hostess who breezed through the spiel and was just trying to get me through the process. I was not happy to learn that I have to go get my wine as well. I'm clumsy so I was afraid of dropping it and the food all over trying to sit down! I made the best of it and I enjoyed my pasta, but I was in town for work so I really wanted to sit down and have someone wait on me. This is an interesting idea in theory but you really can't rely on human beings to just get it without plenty of instruction. I'm sure many people leave here confused.
(3)Sarah L.
Nothing special. I had the Margherita pizza and it didn't taste very Margherita. you can't get refillable soda..for a student, this is big in my mind. I heard them deny a little extra sauce on a pizza to a man in front of me..really? The water cups are toddler sized. i won't probably come back and I'm in the area 4 days a week for classes. Ah well. I suppose the stations are cool in a way..but i think a first come first serve ordering system is better.
(2)Assaf G.
Food is fresh but only decent. The ordering process is perplexing. Crowds accumulate near the salad station, and you can't tell who's in line I order and who's picking up. Americana pizza was 4 stars. Bruschetta trio was 3 stars(the olive one sucked). Bottom line: Meh...
(3)Evan M.
Hey, Vapiano, get your shit together! I wanted to love this place because the food is actually tasty and they have self-service lemon-lime water, but it's such a clusterfuck of disorganization, and employees that make the post office look fast and competent. Clueless girl at the cash register handed us our cards, then told us we'd order food at the stations, and the food would be brought to us. (OK, well that was a load of shit. You have to stand there and wait for it.) There are three main stations: pizza, antipasti and pasta. Well, two of them have "order here" signs (pizza and antipasti, which is conveniently shoved right next to pasta). There is no "order here" sign for pasta. After waiting in line for five minutes behind the most indecisive woman in the world, I was finally rudely told by the antipasti guy that APRIL FOOL'S THIS ISN'T THE PASTA ORDER LINE. Here's where the real run started. My friend had already put in a pizza order, and I was still trying to put in the pasta order we'd share. After this compiling time suck, I decided I had to go to the bathroom, and he'd get in line for the pasta. Three of the four stalls had no toilet paper. Two of the three soap dispensers had no soap. NOT AT 11PM. AT 3PM. Seriously, how the fuck do you run out of all of that before it's even dinnertime?? Get your shit together! The seating is weird also. You get either still benches, high bar tables or reeeeeally far apart cushy chairs. Can you get some damn normal tables and chairs up in here?? Even FoodLife at the Water Tower with its crush of lost tourists was more efficient than this mess.
(2)Eunice K.
I went in with a friend hoping to buy him a wonderful dinner for a lot of work he had helped me with but was extremely disappointed. The food wasn't great and the environment made me feel uncomfortable although the idea of the restaurant is intriguing it was a horrible experience.
(1)Jennifer T.
This place takes way too long! I arrived from CA and I was starving. My friend suggested this place and I didn't know they took forever. If I would have known, I would have gone somewhere else. First of all, you get a card and then have to stand in line. Each entree has its own line, so there's a pizza, salad and pasta line. The Pasta line was extremely long. But I waited. I seriously felt like I was about to faint. When I finally got my food, I was not impressed. I like that it is freshly made but I felt that there was not enough flavor. Lesson learned, don't go when you are really hungry.
(2)N A.
Food is really good. It's just that their system for ordering can get overwhelmed and ends up chaotic sometimes.
(4)Jéssica G.
Very Good restaurant! Everything are delicious. Love the Desing of the place too. The price is perfect!
(5)Anna S.
This is a nice place to sit and relax at the end of the day. Other than that, there is no reason to go back here. We waited 5 minutes just for someone to acknowledge us waiting when there wasn't anyone in front of us. The person making our food messed up both of our pasta orders even after she repeated them back to us. So that was mildly annoying as you have to stand and wait awkwardly as they make your food in front of you. The pasta was super gummy and the tomato sauce wasn't anything special. Quite honestly the most frustrating thing was the shot glass size glasses they give you for water. If you are eating mushy, salty pasta, then you're gonna need a bigger glass to make it through.
(1)Alfreda D.
Interesting concept. You come in, the host/ess gives you a card, you decide what station you want to order from - pizza, salad, pasta - and get in line. When you order, you tap the card in front of the station and the cook will add your food (and drink) items onto your card. Wait for your food, find a table to eat (or take it to go) and on your way out, hand your card to the cashier who will then tell you how much you owe. Not really better or worse than a typical café style order, pay, sit down vs. order, sit down, pay. Whatevs. I came for lunch and it didn't look overly busy or anything. My coworker ordered a pizza and I waited in the salad line. After 20 minutes or so, he had received his pizza (not a slice, an entire pie), eaten his pizza, and boxed the leftovers ready to leave. Where was I? still in the salad line. One could say, dang, that's your fault, you shouldn't have waited. True story. I was just so stunned by the delay and I was convinced that at any moment it would be my turn!! Finally, I ordered. What happened next WAS my fault. I was already irritated so I should have went all out and ordered a salad I knew would make me happy. I didn't. I tried my luck with the caprese salad. Fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, right? I didn't think it would come on a bed of lettuce so I also ordered a side salad. SMH. So wasteful. I ended up with two salads. Neither of which were good. I went back to work hungry and angry. Thankfully my coworker let me eat a slice of his pizza. It was actually decent... the barbeque chicken pizza. I'm not going back though. Who has time for a 20 minutes wait for a salad???? Sure, the other options might be tasty but the wait is such a turn off. I'll pass. The ONLY positive about this place for me was that they have gummy bears at the register. I wanted to scoop larger than a handful so I jokingly asked the cashier if she had a container for it. She was like sure, let me grab you one. Word? The gummy bears to-go were the best part of my lunch.
(2)JM R.
My new favorite place! Great food, fun atmosphere, innovative concept, good price. What else do you need?
(5)Wealtz Z.
I used to love this place ever since I tried it the first time in Berlin. The Dallas franchise was good. This Chicago one sucks. Been here more than 5 times and every time it disappoints. Pizzas are floating in cheese. No Italian pizza is like this. Pasta quality also has gone downhill. Take your business elsewhere. Dear German owners, you need to do some quality check. This is unacceptable.
(1)Emily T.
The 2 stars are for the decor. When reviewing a restaurant, that's bad. I just checked out Vapiano for lunch with a coworker- and I don't know that I'll be rushing back- I will add to the much- complained about ordering/payment situation- I had the Capriccioso pizza (minus the mushrooms) which would have been really good, had it been fully cooked. In the middle of my pizza, the dough was clearly much soggier. I know why it was undercooked- the Pizza line got hit at the lunch hour, (naturally... ) and they were trying to crank those puppies out, since there was only 1 pizza line! 4- FOUR pasta lines, one pizza line. WTF? Pasta- Have it boiling in pots, prior to the lunch rush, ready to go, serve and add sauces and veg. They should be able to crank out pasta dishes in a few minutes. But pies have to bake. Grrrr..... this place needs at least 2 lines dedicated to only pizza. My second gripe- the water glasses. Today's high temp is 93 degrees in Chicago, high humidity. Vapianos water glasses (self-serve) are.... About 3 oz. I kid you not. I had to ask the woman behind the bar for one of their pint glasses, and inquired about the shot of water everyone else gets, "Well, we are a European chain, and they are doing it European-style" basically. This seems silly to me, because had I not been given a pint glass, I would have consumed about 5-8 of those small glasses, and I didn't want to have to sit by the water jug or interrupt my meal and make a bunch of trips. My coworker astutely pointed out, "Well, this is America. McDonald's changes the Big Mac to suit other countries, can't we get more than 3 oz of water?" Friendly staff, though. And the pizza was flavorful, despite being undercooked. But this will probably not find itself among my regular lunch spots.. UPDATE: 3 months later and I still haven't been back.
(2)Harvey G.
First time coming here for lunch and it was absolutely delicious. The ordering concept is different, but very cool to me. I will definitely be back.
(5)Anh N.
The concept of this place is cool, but I'm just not that big of a fan of their food and what you're paying for it. If you want something that's not extremely plain like just pasta and pesto, you're paying around $9-$11. The pasta is fresh and pretty good...but it's nothing that you can't throw together at home. Especially when they're busy, you're waiting quite a while for your food because you have to wait in line and watch while they're making it for each person. The last time I was here, we were looking around for a table for a while before just sitting down at one that wasn't cleaned. We had to move dirty plates trays to another table and it was another 10 minutes before that was picked up.
(2)Carrie M.
Stopped here for a quick bite post happy hour and pre-bed at hotel. Hostess kindly explained how to order-both chefs and bartender were helpful in recommendations. Atmosphere was great-can see quiet small groups, individuals dining alone and slightly larger business groups being comfortable. Good food for value. Slightly self serve, but fine if you are in a hurry and don't want to be bothered.
(4)Kevin T.
Subpar pasta and small 8 oz sodas in a overrated atmosphere, as in average grocery store pasta cooked on the stove is superior. I strongly dislike the ordering system as it took like one minute to process their card each time, and it's just plain silly.
(2)Mark W.
Overall, I think this place will be great in another month or two, but WOW, do they have some kinks to work out. I'll start out by saying that I went on their opening night: I understand that some stuff was bound to go wrong, but it was pretty bad. The food was actually pretty good: I got the caprese pizza and the bruschetta trio. Both were made fresh and tasted pretty good. Not the best Italian I've ever had, but for the price, I was content. Now, for the bad part: the entire organization of the place and process of getting your food. It was abominable, to say the least. You get a card when you walk in, to which you "charge" each item ordered to. There are 4 different stations from which you can order food, all of which have their own method of notifying you when it's done. You want pizza? You'll get a buzzer. You want salad? You'll awkwardly wait next to the station until it's made. You want a beer? Pull up a seat in the middle of the room. In addition to the disorganized method of ordering food, my pizza came out VERY wrong. They remade it, but I didn't get another buzzer? Let's just say it was a miracle I ended up with plates in front of me. While checking out, the cashier asked me how everything was and I shared that it was just okay because of the chaos. She found a manager and took half off my meal, which was cool, and where they're earning one of their stars back. Go for the food (which is pretty good!) and don't go when they're busy. Otherwise, avoid.
(3)Brandon M.
Pasta was good ingredients were fresh but the whole service structure is a bit confusing. I had a salad and pasta both were good, however, had to get up and chase someone for a drink. Would definitely come back fun place for a date!
(4)Carisa A.
The food was great and so were the people who were making the food and drinks. Unfortunately the hostess was the least helpful and she was the person who is suppose to help you and the first person you see. This was my first visit and I didn't know what to do. The hostess' brief instructions were the food is set up like stations and go where you want to order. That's it? What if I want a drink or does it come to my table or should I wait around? Nope the hostess was not helpful. I found the cook and bartender/ barista more helpful than the hostess. Thanks guys for answering my questions while making the food and my drink.
(3)Miles M.
I must say I was not ready for this and walking in to a Grommet buffet sort of speak is not what I was ready for. You walk into the place that has three entrances and only one of the double doors actually works and no signage letting you know that. The hostesses greet you and hand you hotel style cards to order your food and point to the areas to select food from. Off in our own we are along with self seating. How to prefer when you have know idea what they offer or what's on the menu till you get closer to kitchen areas. We were not happy and choose the first area which happened to be pizza and after ordering we were asked if we wanted drinks and if so they are at the bar behind us. We get to wait for our food and I go to order a lemonade and ice tea, the bartender looks at me and says you get that back there which is where we just ordered food. So annoying and I hate buffets and this style of ordering is on that list. Food was decent but if you can't make pizza than you have bigger issues. Sorry I'm not a fan of this style of Resturant.
(2)Truth P.
A visitor to this restaurant should know that the wait staff (servers) and the beverage staff are not well trained at all. There are a few specific instances which can be elaborated in detail but instead of tiring out the description exhaustively; for one example, though this place seems like a legit Italian restaurant with a legit espresso bar, they cannot make iced coffee or even an iced americano (espresso, water, and ice). In actuality he did not know what an iced americano was since it was verbally expressed that he wasn't sure what makes an iced americano. Yet indeed he made one and it was in a cappuccino cup (on a saucer) -- and in it was espresso and ice cubes floating on top of it. I could not drink this without feeling dumb. Potentially, some customers may even feel like they're being insulted (angry staff purposely serving something ridiculous in mockery). Really, this is the responsibility of the management. The managers just don't realize that the staff needs training. They probably think all they need to do is make schedules and that the staff are showing up on time and not slacking off. This was my third time visiting this Vapiano but experiences like this one also show that the franchise owner does not care or is not aware of what entails a restaurant experience. So much potential, but it's tragic.
(1)Mike F.
With a group looking for a basic Italian dinner... Vapiano is like an upscale cafeteria setting with stations for salads, pizzas, pastas etc. Food was above average, service confusing. Cheesecake was not up to par for this New Yorker but the Caprese Salad was very good- Chicken Alfredo sauce was too salty! The Arrabbiata was just zesty enough. I'll go back but it won't become a habit.
(3)Brandon B.
A new place open late in the Loop: which is a welcome event, open until midnight Fri and Sat. A variation on self service: you are given a card at the door and then you go to various stations (bar, pasta, salad, pizza) and order what you want, which is made on the spot. Reasonably priced and very fresh. Best is the eclectic decor with various colors and styles of seating that vary throughout the restauarant: you just grab whatever seat suits you best. Modern tango playing--felt like I was in a swanky Buenos Aires cafe. Great central location and a quick place to eat before or after a show, I think this will be a new favortite.
(4)Janine K.
I'm a fan because I've been working in the area for over 8 years and pretty psyched to finally eat lunch at a NEW place!!! For one, get to this place at 11:30 because the closer to the noon hour the crazy crowded confused people flood the area soon after. Confused about the card system, where they want to eat, the fact it's new, etc. Other than that...it's very clean, the service was great, and so was the food. This time I had a margarita pizza, next visit I'm trying a salad. The portions are generous and the price is just right for downtown lunch.
(4)Natalie L.
After my meal I went to use the restroom. I headed upstairs and realized there was a bathroom at the bottom of the stairs. I headed inside and realized quickly the entire restroom stunk of urine. The floor was wet, toilet seat was up, toilet paper was strewn all over the floor and thankfully, I noticed the toilet paper roll was empty. I turned around and headed upstairs to what turned out to be a much more pleasant experience. I figured I would tell someone about the condition of the lower level bathroom as a courtesy to the restaurant. This is when it all went down hill. I explained the situation to the hostess when she snapped back at me "we tell people don't use the handicapped bathroom because the drunk people piss all over the floor and it's always a mess." I apologized and told her that I just wanted to know about it's condition. She snapped back "use the woman's restroom upstairs next time." How is a paying customer supposed to know that the lower bathroom is kept disgusting? Why would you walk all the way up the stair case when there's a restroom on the lower level? Why wouldn't the restaurant want to know that they are all out of toilet paper. And most importantly what are handicapped people supposed to do when they have no choice but to use this foul restroom. This totally soured my experience of a restaurant I used to love. I don't know that I'll be back.
(1)John G.
Apparently I am too stupid to eat here. All I wanted was some carry out pizza. I had to take a card, go to a station. Do something with the card which puts the order on it? Then I pay with the card? I just wanted some pizza. Simple pepperoni. To many steps, no thank you.
(1)Alan S.
If you don't mind spending a little more for lunch, this place make a good personal pizza. It's actually a tad big for one person, but no way shareable for two people. I didn't love spending $12+ for lunch and feeling the need to finish more food than I wanted, but ah well. It's a weird place because of the self service and I really didn't understand what was going on. Either charge me a little less or explain the system better and I'll change this to a four. The pizza it self was quite good! Also the gummy bears at the end are a nice touch.
(3)J.e.e. M.
It's cafeteria style. But food is good and affordable. Friendly staff as well... Somewhere nice to chill. Not good for dates nor intimate dinner.
(3)Mert S.
Worst service ever! They are slow, mass up your order often. Too much pain for average food.
(1)Ellen P.
I liked the vibe here immediately. The hostess asked if I'd dined with them before, and when I said no, fully explained the concept, handed me two menus (past and pizza), my meal card, and off I went. I ordered my pizza (spinach and pesto, added chicken), and while that was cooking, got a glass of wine. Seating was challenging, but that is to be expected at dinner time down town on a Friday night. Also, you don't come here for a cozy, private dinner for two. The seating is primarily shared tables - so be prepared to sit next to people you don't know. Yes, you can do it. I met some fun people visiting Chicago for a convention, and as a native was able to give them tons of suggestions for their free time activities. Very good food, very fun concept. I'll be back.
(4)Edgar M.
I am very familiar with Vapiano as we have always dined at the Lincoln Park location. On Friday evening at about 6:30pm, we met a friend who was here from out of town and the restaurant of choice was Vapiano in the loop. Immediately after entering we waited until the cashier was free to take care of us. The entrance here seems a bit confusing and we weren't sure if there was a separate line to get our card. Eye contact to acknowledge we were there would have gone a long way. After the cashier was done with her line, she gave us a menu and a card and we sat in a nice corner towards the back of the restaurant. A young man that evening was running around the WHOLE restaurant on his own taking drink orders. He pretty much was the highlight of our evening. He was so friendly and attentive and took our drink order. The poor guy was drenched in sweat as he was the only one running around taking drink orders. Was this place short staffed?? Probably. To order your pasta you get in line and tell the cook what your pasta choice is. The young lady behind the counter was just not having a good day and was not very friendly at all. My pasta was basically flavorless and didn't look appealing. I was surprised how quickly my pasta had been prepared. This may be the cause of the tasteless pasta. At the lincoln park location your pasta takes about 10-15 minutes for it to come out. I don't mind waiting for food that will be good quality food. I was starving and ate it anyway. The margherita pizza was tasty but it was just a basic cheese pizza. Nothing margherita about it. At checkout the same cashier who gave us a card told us to form a line and she pointed where to go. A second later a lady stepped up to the counter just as I had and she took her immediately without hesitation. Ummm that was rude!!!! Overall the experience here was just BAD and that young man running around taking drink orders seemed like the only one who was doing his job and enjoying it. I'll just continue to go to the Lincoln Park location
(1)Scott R.
This place fails in almost every way. We stopped by today after noticing a list of interesting specials yesterday. The bread was good; the chicken soup was all right; other than that: 1. Salad with raspberries and walnuts; first the salad was drowned in dressing and left to sit while the kitchen searched for raspberries. The raspberries and walnuts were added and voila: a droopy mix of ingredients that didn't work together at all. 2. Gorgonzola pasta with pistachios: Incredibly salty gorgonzola; the pistachios which were dumped on did not blend in; this dish was a disaster. 3. Caprese Salad: Basic unimaginative salad not worth the price. Seating is "cute"; if you sit on a two sided sofa it will move around if anyone fidgets (or jumps up and down as the guy next to me did). Otherwise you've got high tables and low spots which look uncomfortable but I wont be back to try them.
(1)Joanne K.
This place is pretty awful. Terrible service, pasta tastes like paste & the pizza is just ok. It was utter mayhem with lines everywhere & staff looking confused and overwhelmed. Won't ever be back.
(1)Justin B.
If you're a Chicagoan and have eaten at Foodlife in Water Tower Place, you'll be familiar with this concept. If not, here's the deal - the restaurant is divided into stations and, depending on what you want (pizza, pasta, salad, etc.) you pony up to them, a mail card gets charged and you pay upon exit. Think of it as a high-end Italian cafeteria. The pizza was thin, with slightly crispy edges. I know a traditional marg pizza has light cheese, but this was simply a cheese pizza. Pretty tasty, though. I wasn't really sure where to order a beverage. It took some investigating but then realized I could order one from any station. I expected it to be a little more crowded. Although, I didn't mind it since lunch places are usually crazy busy. The staff was pretty on top of things. They greeted me with a smile and even asked if I would have liked something afterwards, as a dessert or coffee. The decor takes on a light and airy feel, with tall Windows and light colored furniture. Offering a full bar, Vapiano might be a decent place for happy hour and a snack for two.
(3)A n.
They had 8 people working the pasta and pizza bar and no one took my order or even told me where to order. (Signs were all wrong) I had to ask three times and they gave me three different places to go. Then when I got in line they acted like I didn't exist. So I left. This place will go out of business very soon without better staff.
(1)Nicole S.
I don't care what anyone else says. I LOVE Vapiano's! Fresh pasta made daily on site? Flavorful, fresh pasta and pizza made to order while you watch? Friendly, helpful chefs? I've been here more times than I can count and every experience has been good, even when the wait has been longer. Yes, the format takes some getting used to (but it's not rocket science!) Yes, you will wait longer than if you had ordered at Burger King. Yes, the water glasses are laughably small. All of this is moot. The food is fresh, delicious and filling! This will remain one of my regular lunch spots. I'm so glad they're only a block from my office.
(4)N L.
Caught a meal here after a show and appreciated the relaxed vibe, lighting and overall mood of the place. The whole experience was a bit rough around the edges. The format of the restaurant is basically an upscale cafeteria; there are different stations for different kinds of food. This format has its pros and cons, but on the whole, I found it a bit awkward to have things timed so that my dining partner and I could actually have a meal at the same time. Another weakness of the format is that being a good cook/line cook requires a different set of skills than being a server or a patron-facing person. I found the cooks, who you order directly from, to be a bit surly and unfriendly. A kitchen can be a high-stress environment to begin with; so having customers right there to witness it unveiled a bit of that stress. That level of dissatisfaction with the staff extended to the ladies working the counter as well...no one seemed very happy to be working there. I enjoyed the food itself. I had the Beef and Shrimp salad and it was very good; my dining partner had the carbonara and was very good as well. In conclusion, the food and ambiance are quite good, but they have some work to do to button up their customer service.
(3)Valerie Yvonne B.
Okay, first of all DO NOT go here if you're short on time. Meaning, if you're trying to get that 1 hr lunch in, NOPE. Now, the food is delicious, fresh and creative. I've been here a number of times already because of that fact alone. I would usually go on the weekend when I've done a little shopping or just in the area. The process of ordering is this: The person at the door gives you a card, you keep that card and guard it like old boy from Lord of The Rings because that card is tapped by you each time you order a meal or drink. You grab a menu from either the pasta, salad or pizza side and then stand in either line to order. There are trays, glasses and utensils at the head of these lines for you to use once you finally get up front and order. The problem with this place is they always seem short staff and I think this is a "teaching" restaurant which I personally have no problem with. Students and newer chefs need love too. As long as they cook my food right, I'm good. But yeah, watching them cook reminds me of how cooking professionally is pretty much a labor of love. They work their asses off. Every dish I've had there was good. The ordering system just takes a little getting used to.
(4)Merve Åž.
People are getting their newly cooked pizzas in minutes but how come the already prepared salads take ages!!!silly.
(1)Jess S.
Yes, it takes a little longer than a fast food joint to get your food. But it isn't fast food - they make your food to order, and it's pizza, and pasta which isn't quick. I've waited five minutes and I've waited 20 minutes. I do not come here when I'm in a hurrry, just in case, but every time I come here I love the food and the atmosphere. The chefs are so friendly. The manager is always cooking with the rest of them. Expect yummy food and great service, and don't expect to be in and out in five minutes.
(4)Laurie S.
This place is different. Has a very good look but the ordering process is too confusing. The person taking my order couldn't speak above a whisper and since it was my first time this was crazy. Food was tasty but not outstanding. Very casual.
(3)Mike K.
Got it here during lunch time on Thursday. No one explained instructions. Waited for 20 minutes just to order and then another 10 min till food is ready. Food is horrible, extremely salty. Did not even offer bread. Bartender is extremely rood an said that they don't have fresh lemons. Zero stars for this place. Don't come here, ever!
(1)Cody B.
Pros: -Nice spot to eat outside (love outside dining) -Good selection of sauces -interior decor in dining area was nice -being able to watch your food prepared quickly right in front of you gave a sense of freshness and possibilities for customization. Cons: -First time diners can be confused by card system. -Even when relatively slow (for downtown) lines for cooking stations can be tiresome. -Would be nice to have option to simply sit down and be served.
(3)Caitlin M.
Oh Vapiano. It's a little kitschy, but you have to expect that from something in the middle of the loop. The place is fast/fresh casual. For those of you not in the business, that means- You walk up and you order. Every ingredient of your dish is made for you alone, but it's fast. You pick up your order and you scurry back to your eating spot, knowing it's not been under a burner for 10 minutes. Fresh casual. Done. Dine in your college hoody, North Face or whatever. They have wines available, which is a fun twist. It's definitely the place you want to go after work or class. The servers are friendly. I wasn't too sure about the hostess/greeter, but I am pretty sure they were still training. Although it is self service, they have wait staff to see to your drink and dessert needs. They are pretty on point and personable without bothering you. Food (You know, the part you've been waiting for...): My friend and I had gotten the suggestions. She had the BBQ chicken pizza and I had the beef cognac pasta. The sauce on the pizza was nice. Not too overboard on the BBQ flavor, which I personally like. The veggies were fresh and topped after the dough and cheese was baked. The pasta was great. They let you choose your own noodle!!! I wasn't very decisive about how well I waned the beef cooked, so the chef made some suggestions. He was also super personable and fun to talk to while he cooked my meal. I like this place a lot. The company seems solid and it's a fun and different dining experience. Imagine FoodLife ten yeas ago! It probably isn't what people are expecting and can be a bit pricey, but I think it's worth it to see you food cooked and know it's all made for you and not in a giant vat.
(5)Jacob G.
I like the food at Vapiano. It's a good restaurant to go to for lunch or dinner.
(3)Lisa S.
We loved it!!!! 8.00 pizza and I mean a whole pizza not a slice. Tons of options and large portions! Excellent salads! We want one where we live back in Idaho!!!!
(5)Kathy K.
This place isn't succeeding due to its location. Picky yuppies(I'm one of them) in Lincoln Park and big international chains(except Starbucks) don't mix. Put this place on Michigan Ave. next to a place like Cheesecake Factory and the line would be out the door. Location, location, location.
(3)JR R.
Love this place. First ran across one in Berlin, Germany. Fresh food, great atmosphere...one of my favs
(4)Matt S.
A very fun experience! We enjoyed the laid back experience of eating the fresh italian cuisine at this restaurant. The antipasti selections are fabulous and the pizza and pasta was very good. The personal billing card makes for an easy way to go with friends and not worry about how to split the check. Down side is the pre made dessert options aren't as fresh as they could be but still good. Staff is helpful and atmosphere is decent.
(4)Daryle N.
Don't come here if you expect to be treated nicely. The hostess that worked last night July 7th was the rudest/snobbiest hostess in all Chicago. The atmosphere and food doesn't warrant her looking down her nose at people that dropped $120 for slow service and sub par food. Go to Atwood or 312 Chicago, they appreciate your money.
(1)Liam A.
I personally wasn't wowed. I work in the area and am always looking to try new places for my lunch break or post-work. The set-up looked a lot like a glorified cafeteria much like (as some of you have mentioned) Foodlife at Water Tower Place. There was enough of a selection at first glance but upon further inspection a lot of the food didn't really seem all that appealing to us. The freshness was definitely there and what we chose tasted decent (nothing too special, really) although there were long lines for each station. I liked that it wasn't so crowded and the decor was nice. With that said, we waited quite a while to be greeted and again to be charged after our meal. It's a block away from where I work so I might return and give it another shot. Their efficiency in getting traffic in and out is an area of opportunity. Definitely a poor execution of a familiar concept though.
(3)Shanti N.
After reading the other reviews, I regret that my first venture here was not for lunch, and preferably a later one, after the crowds had settled down (if ever they do!). I ended up here after the Doris Kearns Goodwin talk at the library, as the space looked so warmly lit and inviting on a cold, drizzly night. When I stepped inside, I was immediately greeted by a hostess who explained the swipe card system, whereby I could order anything that I liked, at any of the various stations, swipe my card, then settle up at the hostess stand at the end of my dining experience. It was close to 8 pm by that point and finding myself in need of a glass of wine I made the bar my first stop. I ordered (and swiped for) a decent glass of malbec. Since I had not yet solved where to sit, I made my way over to the food stations. It would have been nice to see a list of menu items above each one, similar to the setup at Sopprafina. As it was, I had to take a menu card and was puzzled that some of the cards included the pasta specials and others did not. I decided to go with the bruschetta, as that line was the shortest and least bottlenecked. Once I ordered, I went in search of seating. I'm normally not one to clear away other people's dining detritus, but was just desparate enough to sweep an empty pizza tray (with just a few crusts) out of the way and into the hands of a passing busser so that I could be seated at one of the low tables in the back of the restaurant. Apparently, I had chosen toddler-central, as there were a bunch of young screechers in the area; fortunately, this crowd soon departed. By that point, my order was up, so I had to make tracks to put my coat over my seat, so that I could go up to the counter and claim it (side note: by that point, the customer is exhausted, so the food should be brought out to each table, similar to how it is done at Corner Bakery or Panera). The food itself was nothing spectacular, and I was mainly glad to have nabbed a seat and figured out the complex ordering system. Fortunately, the bill--even with alcohol included--was comparable to lunch at a fast casual spot. By the end of it all, there was no shadow of doubt in my mind that I would not be tipping, as it seemed not to be required given that it was essentially all self serve. Probably, if I were less lazy/tired, I could have made the same type of pesto at home as what was on offer here.
(3)Josh C.
My wife convinced me to try this place again and the food was a lot better this time. The service too! My only complaint is that it's still a really confusing order/payment process.
(3)Marta K.
I was pleasantly surprised on my first visit. There are no waiters here, you order your food and then pick it up a few minutes later. It has the look and feel of a normal sit down restaurant. Great for when you are meeting multiple people for dinner, and not everyone can get there on time. We had 8 people for dinner, 2 of us arrived first, so we snagged a larger table for us all, and grabbed drinks while we waited. At the end of dinner, you don't have to worry about splitting checks because everyone has their own card (check). And best of all, the food is great!
(5)#NAME?
I read a couple reviews prior to going and it seemed it would be a bit challenging going in here and that is the truth.... Went in for lunch around 12:30, yes I know it's the prime time for lunch, but it was confusing-You get a card where all items purchased are put on by tapping it to a scanner- When you walk in there is a wall in the back where you order, where people are cooking and where you get your food-In short it's a MESS- There is the salad section, pizza and pasta-You have no idea if the person in front of you has ordered, if they are waiting to order, if they are waiting for their food or if they are just checking things out- Ordered the pasta fungi, selected the pasta I wanted and then tapped the card to the scanner thing- Then I stood back a bit and waited, and waited and waited-It was about 10 minutes-So awkward for you don't have anywhere to go-Your food will not be brought out to you, and with the theft fear why would you leave your belongings at a table then come back to get it-You need to go with someone in order to get a spot, so then one person is the designated waiter- So after 10 minutes we were motioned that the food was ready-Then we had to find a table, got a small one on the Monroe side of the place- For drinks they have mini glasses of water glasses available, and I mean "mini" I could down that water in a gulp and a half- So I wanted a Coke, went to the bar area and I had to tap the card in order to get it-I didn't have it on me, my friend did-So I had to run over to him amongst the mess at the order, wait and pick-up area to get the card so I could tap it against the scanner thing so I could take my Coke away- Food was ok, pasta was cooked to perfection, sauce was decent and lots of mushrooms-It was way too much for one person, so they should really have half portions for half the price- For 2 pastas, 1 Coke the price was $21.00- I really don't want to go there again b/c it's a zoo in there-They really should have a service like Noodle & Co. where they bring it to you, would make things so much easier-How hard is it to give you a number to place on your table and they bring it to you-If Corner Bakery, Noodle & Co and others can do it why can't this place?
(2)Irshaad G.
Great place to find some Italian-style pizza inside the loop. Their salads are good too. Their setup and ordering system is a bit unorthodox, but effective. We went on a Sunday afternoon and it wasn't too busy.
(4)Erica W.
I really enjoyed my experience at Vapiano. The decor is bright and trendy, and it has an interesting layout. It's laid out kind of like a food hall in London, or like a restaurant at Eataly in NY. Basically you get a card, go to the station you want (pasta, pizza, etc.) and the staff swipes the card to record what you are purchasing. You eat, and then you pay on your way out. There were several options to choose from - I chose the pesto chicken pizza, which was quite tasty, and I also got the vanilla panna cotta which was the perfect texture, and the vanilla flavor really came through. They also give you a nice reusable plastic take-out container that you could use again - it's almost the quality of tupperware. It's nice to have a restaurant like this in the loop. They are also open pretty late (until 10-11pm) I would go back!
(4)Ryan M.
Kind of expensive. Staff is friendly and suggests food. Ran into Dunlevy and the asian trainer for the Bulls. He caught me staring and I think he thinks I'm stalking him....he knows now...I must hide in different spots.
(3)Ingrid R.
Seriously. Wow. Poor, poor execution of what could be a good lunch spot. So it's just opened - I get it. Growning pains etc. First off when you come from the Monroe side they have a lovely little gate in their fence to go through that is completely hidden. Let's call it stealth gate. We approached stealth gate and said we want to eat here. Great she beamed. How do we get in? Oh - here. We cannot have been the first people who felt locked out... Should have taken the hint and ran... I came in with 3 colleagues at lunchtime. We lined up in our corresponding pasta, pizza, salad lines. After about 10 minutes of not moving in the pizza line one colleague moved over the a pasta line. So they serve people one at a time, make their food, give them their food, put the charge on the "special card that holds what you ordered", next person, etc. It's SLOW and also very slow. I ordered a salad with 5 ingredients in it. When I got it I didn't see the pine nuts. "Are there pine nuts in there?" I asked in a friendly tone. "Why yes" she cheerfully replied. Half way into the salad - "where are my effing pine nuts?" My 5 ingredient salad ($9.95 with no meat) was a 4 ingredient salad. It was then we realized there was another large line to pay with the "special card that holds what you ordered". Oh - this is fun. Thankfully we sat near it so when it calmed for a minute I ran up to pay. When we went to leave we left by the entrance. I didn't know it was not an exit. It was a door that was open to the outside. You have to show your receipt if you leave that way. That's all well and good but have a sign or something. What if I threw my receipt away? Overall, the decor is lovely, the food was nice enough, but.... the prices are high, the experience sucked a really big heap of lotness! I can't see many loop lunchers putting up with this lark for long.
(1)Debbie F.
I bring everyone here. Guys I'm interested in, guys I'm not interested in, and I would probably bring my parents here too. The clean environment of glass, green, beige wooden tables, wood benches, red lounge chairs is perfect for most settings. Though there's always couples on [what looks like] their first date, so no, sorry, you should not wear your pajamas. Vapiano's has a pretty big variety of pasta choices and flavors (compared to other establishments in Chicago), and there's always the option of customization. Their ingredients are fresh, though some dishes (i.e. Scampi Spinachi?) can feel heavy quickly. The crayfish, the pesto with pinenuts, those have been amazing. Their desserts are okay; nothing to rave about. Things I love: Free Olive Oil Free bread (just ask at the counter) Free herbs (at all tables) Self-serve water (No more waiting for slow waiters :D) Clean bathrooms (at least five cubicles in the Ladies') Warm and friendly service every time, from chef to cashier Things I don't love: The peak hour crowd (5pm-7pm?). They magically appear, and they're not from my imagination :( I really hope more restaurants like this open up in Chicago. I think it's pretty obvious that it's not the restaurant's fault if there are long lines - demand/supply chain - there is a bottleneck effect because we need more tasty and affordable places in the Windy City that don't serve "errything with fries."
(5)Jacob A.
I had lunch here a couple weeks ago with a friend. I had the pesto pizza for $7.95 and it could have fed 2 people. Great bang for your buck. The pizza was thin crust ,delicious and very flavorful. My friend had a pasta dish for $10.95 and the portion was small and he didn't really like it, he said it had a bland taste. The chefs cooking in each of the food stations were very helpful and explained the process in an easy to understand manner. The reason I'm giving this place 4 stars and not 5 is because of the bartender. After sitting down I realized they had no crushed red pepper on the table only a spicy olive oil mix. So I went to ask the bartender about it since she was 2feet away and she responded with a bit of an attitude. I don't know If she was having a bad day or not but tried get a more clear answer from her but again was rebuffed and told that the spicy olive oil was all that they had. I went back and sat down to eat my lunch with my colleague. Some of the chefs were having their lunch at the end of our table and could hear the displeasure I had with the bartender and the lack of chilly flakes. 30 seconds later the chef appears with it and apologizes about the situation at the bar. Again staff was very nice and ill just chalk it up to 1 apple.
(4)Mike S.
We found this location on accident Saturday when visiting in Chicago when walking to the Flat Top Grill on Wabash for dinner. I try to eat at Vapiano's whenever I am in DC and like their food, so we ate there instead of Flat Top. Food is a good value for the price. Very reasonable for the loop. My favorite is Spaghetti with the Carbanaro sauce. I like how they cook the food in front of you. I also like that they have small size desserts.
(4)Kat H.
You have to wait for ur food at the station, the "chefs" aren't friendly and the food is overpriced...we r waiting our own tables and yet I still pay as if I'm at a nice restaurant. No thanks! Carpaccio was pretty good tho
(2)Puja B.
I enjoyed eating here! It was casual and inviting place. The card system really isn't that confusing. They explain it to you before you order. The pesto pasta was decent and the pizza was delicious! I really liked the concept of the place!
(4)Nadine G.
Okay, they JUST opened, so take this review with that in mind, but I did not get a positive first impression of this place. The dining area is very pretty, but I was so annoyed with the ordering process that I just ended up taking everything to go. Basically, the whole system is very chaotic. The restaurant is set up with stations: pizza, pasta, salad/antipasto, dessert/alcohol. If you want more than one kind of item you need to wait in separate lines to order. You swipe a Vapiano card at each station and pay on your way out. I ordered a pizza and then a pasta and salad to take home for dinner. The pizza station was pretty together (although nobody at any station seemed to have turned the computers on before they opened for lunch), but the other two areas were very chaotic. It is an open kitchen, and it is very unclear who you are supposed to order from, where you are supposed to wait, when to swipe your card...the whole process needs to be clarified and streamlined. Right now, as there is a learning curve for both the staff and the customers, they should post hosts or managers at each station to help people through it all. As for the food....I had the Capriccioso pizza, which was good, with a relatively fast cook time for a personalized pizza. I ordered the Pesto Rosso pasta, and that was highly disappointing; very bland and a very small portion for the price. I also had the Strawberry Spinach salad, which was okay, but also quite small for the price. Also, I think they should automatically put all dressings on the side for to-go orders, but I didn't specify, so that's on me. I also tried to order tiramisu to go, but they were unable to offer that dessert to go for some reason. The to go containers are very nice, but they were out of bags already (they just opened a few days ago), which made the schlep back to work kind of awkward. When I went to swipe my card on the way out, only one of my items showed up, despite my having swiped at each station and being told that I was fine. Overall, it took me about 30 minutes to order and get my food; I would have much preferred sit down service, as I was standing the whole time, dodging other customers. I did express my opinion to a manager that the ordering process was very confusing, and he seemed to put the onus on the customers to "get used to it". Overall, I think the staff needs to be more guest-focused, and I say this as someone who worked as a restaurant server for 10 years; I know it's a hard job, but the staff is openly stressed, confused & irritated, and they do not always do a good job of helping the guests through the ordering process. I will go back and give it another try, especially for the pizza, but not for at least another month.
(2)William D.
Had the pleasure of visiting this restaurant after a concert in February. Enjoyed the semi- Do It Yourself feel of the restaurant. You can choose between Pasta, Pizza, or Salad. There was a full bar available. Will visit when I return to the area.
(3)Kristy A.
Really a 2.5. Stopped here sort of late for a glass of wine and a little something sweet. Had no idea that they were still in their first few weeks, but that does explain some things. I can definitely see why this place has some varied ratings. Overall, I found the place a bit confused. It's basically a cafeteria that is trying to be something more upscale. You go in and are given a card that you have to swipe when you order. There are different stations for pizza, pasta, wine, dessert, etc. I only had wine and dessert, which were at the same station. I would have had to stand in a herd for anything else. My wine and dessert were average and I noted lots of spots on my glassware. I also noticed dead bugs in the overhead light fixtures (happens to all of us, but sort of ruins the effect of the pretty drum shades and is not so appetizing). I set my card down somewhere and while I found it later, I was sort of left to wonder what happens when one misplaces a card. I also had to wait in line to pay on the way out -- diner style. Just didn't do it for me. To be fair, I didn't try much of the food, but even an excellent meal might have only added a star.
(2)Steve G.
I tried this place twice, it was terrible both times. It has nice ambiance, but everything else is awful. The food is just so-so, I tried the salad, soup and pasta, all were mediocre. The dishes were dirty, I don't think they wash them properly, there was food scum on the undersides. They don't clean up the tables quickly, so both times I had to remove the dirty dishes from the prior group and wipe down the table with a napkin. The staff all have attitude, not a smile or friendly remark from anyone. I won't be back.
(1)Matt L.
Tried to place a special order over the phone, but was rudely turned away by a manager who claimed that he couldn't take credit card payments over the phone because there was no way to verify the card. I've worked at many restaurants who allow this and I've placed special orders over the phone with a credit card countless times. Ruined my plans.
(1)Kaye K.
Good food but sssslllooooowwwww which is a surprise since the concept is for faster food. Good design and comfortable seating.
(3)J L.
We came on Sunday morning after church with our 2 kids. Interesting concept with great food Audrea White went the extra make to make sure our chicken was excellent and the kids had gummy bears! We will be back.
(5)Hester K.
Great first impressions! I love this concept and am glad it came to Chicago! The food is one of the many reasons I love to go here. I would recommend one of their housemade pastas. The atmosphere is perfect for a party of any size. I recommend this restaurant to my friends all the time.
(5)John S.
Vapiano was a favorite of mine back east, and since we don't have any yet on the west coast I was happy to stumble on this location while visiting Chicago. The prices are reasonable, not just for food but also for coffee and beer/wine in a pleasant downtown location. This time I tried the BBQ Chicken pizza which had an added topping of melted smoked gouda cheese. So basically it had all my favorite ingredients together. I would eat here every day if I lived nearby.
(5)Rob K.
Food is "good" I liked our pepperoni and sausage pizza. Had a Caesar salad too which was shared between my wife and I. Desert was tiramisu (below average) and a cheesecake that was pudding like. Now for the odd part of this restaurant, there are no servers or plates. You eat off what they prepared your food in/on. They give you the "menu" once you walk in the door and you're on your own to walk up and order your food at different stations. You keep track of your orders with a "credit card" type card and pay at the end for what is on the card. If it wasn't for my wife I would've walked right back out as I don't usually make time to order my own food and drinks when going out. Pricing was on the high-side considering its average quality food. I would eat there again, but only if other options aren't available.
(2)Lexie H.
Food is ok, not too bad but not great either. I came in for dinner. The staff are friendly but the food is nothing special and not good with the price you pay for. The interior is really nice, music is a bit loud if you wanna have business lunch or conversation in here.
(2)Rick F.
Avoid the free-for-all lunch rush at all costs. But at quiet times the food is good and the atmosphere great.
(3)John S.
Went to Vapiano before the Pet Shop Boys concert. Really liked the atmosphere. For a counter service style restaurant the atmosphere here is trendy and clean. The card system they use and different stations make this a great place to go with a group when you would split the bill. The staff is friendly and quick to take your order. For dinner I had the pizza. The pizzas are cooked to order and reasonably priced. If I was grading just on food, service and atmosphere this place would easily be 4 stars. The bad side is the drinks here are tiny. 8oz bottles of coke cost $2.50. So I had to get two of those. They have free water but the glasses are like 4oz in size. You would think we were rationing liquids with the drink sizes here. Over all has potential. Would eat here if I was in the area and need a quick bite, however think I will get it to go and get my drink elsewhere.
(2)Andrew D.
They don't even stay open until their posted hours. Hostess was totally useless. Completely lame.
(1)Dean H.
It was unimpressive. The pizza tasted frozen even though I saw it being made. The place was stylish however and the price was right.
(2)Valerie P.
Food is good, but WTF Is going on? I had never been to one of these before and as I walk up to the counter the gal hands me a bunch of cards like I have a clue what to do with them! I basically wandered around a bit lost and confused and when I asked the server (? if that's what they are?) for things I pretty much got a "duh-don't you know this" kind of attitude. I give them 2 stars for having amazing bruschetta.
(2)Mario P.
Its a beautiful space (beautifully designed and furnished). The experience, however, is difficult to understand. While I like the 'personal credit card approach' it took a good amount of time for someone to educate us on how its managed. Then, you have to wait in a line-cue for the person that's going to cook your food to take your order (in our case a long 10 minutes); and then you stand and watch your food being prepared (which took another 7 minutes, plus a few minutes to understand the beverage situation). Then, you're expected to carry your tray and find a table ... which can be a bit intimidating when its a packed lunch room. Its a pretty extensive menu, yet we had difficulty deciding on what to order. We settled on the Pesto Pasta. Regrettably, it lacked punch. The Capanelle pasta was too el dente for my palate (meaning, too chewy to enjoy). If you want bread "ask for it." Otherwise, it wasn't offered. We agreed that the "chili oil" at the table was a good idea. In short, an average experience with some positive and negative impressions. The space is amazing; while the meal experience leaves one to wonder if they'll consider changing their approach.
(3)Gary S.
I'll keep it short and sweet. Food was very good. Had pizza and a salad, fresh, ingredients were excellent. Price was what I would expect from Loop area joints. But simply put: Too. Much. Work. I don't want to have to think that much to order a freaking pizza and a coke, and find a place to sit. Too much work, up and down, free refills but from the fountain (why give out little bottles to begin with)? It was awkward with a small group to have everyone's food come out at a different time given that it's (sort of!) a sit down restaurant. I've never wanted to be simply waited upon in my life.
(2)Blair A.
I can't express my disappointment enough This place is like a cafeteria. You go up and order your food at a cafeteria counter. I ordered a prosciutto pizza. They made it then told me 20 min later that they had no prosciutto. Had to wait another 15 min for a diff pizza. The drinks are the tiniest possible. I was so confused. Cokes come in 8oz glass bottles w no refills. My pizza was cold. Bruschetta was terrible. Girls are the front entry were gossiping about getting spanked. I couldn't make this up. Food was a 2.5 Service was a 0 Process to order food was a 0 Italian is extremely hard to do poorly but vapiano has achieved that. The pizza was very similar to the pizzas at subway.
(1)John G.
This is why I walked out without ordering. There was no clear indication of which employees were open for taking orders. Furthermore there was no signage indicating where I should order my non pasta non pizza non salad entree. When I approached two employees at an open window they rudely told me there window was closed. Good bye.
(1)J J.
Don't let the bad reviews discourage you. Came here without reading the reviews, so I had no expectations. All the pastas that our party had were great. The pizza was ok. Extra stars for a cool decor, and a fresh new way of dining. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Steven Y.
Cool design, food was good but not exceptional. The small water glasses were incredibly annoying.
(3)Ida n.
There are no words for how delicious the truffled wild mushroom and shaved radicchio pizza is. I eat a lot of fancy pizza, and was really surprised to receive such an elevated pie at a fast casual place like this. I only ordered a soda, but they had a full bar that was well-stocked. Hope they open one nearby in Los Angeles soon! (Minus one star for the awkward ordering/payment system and the dreadful, couldn't-care-less hostess.)
(4)Jamie H.
I went there on 3/1/14 with 3 of my friends & IT WAS AWESOME!! The food is great (I had the Salmon, lemon cream, mushrooms, garlic, with Parmesan cheese it was AMAZING! The decor is so cool yet subtle! The service was friendly, helpful, without being overbearing! You gotta try this place with friends, a nice first date, or just a lovely dinner alone for you won't be disappointed at all!
(5)Eric W.
Fun experience, casual dining. Our pizza was great and came out really fast. We are from Cincinnati and this is just what we were looking for. Nice bar too!!
(5)Wenwen L.
Interesting restaurant! It feels like a lounge bar, but you can have pasta and pizza here. I'm so into its decoration! Foods are great and with reasonable price. Must have in the loop!
(5)John K.
This place is not very accomdating. I picked up their menu to order a carry out since I was staying across the street at the Palmer house hotel. Their menu takes you to some weird Web site viapianio.com . That Web site has very little to do with the restaurant. No phone number, no menu. Anyway I found their phone number through yelp. They not do call in orders. I was mad and just said forget it. What kind of place is this?
(1)Fraggle B.
Perfect combination of german efficiency and italian home cooking! I just love this place - great home made pasta, delicious pizza, cheap wine and yummy desserts. The whole place is some what self serve. You get your card, charge up whatever you want, seat yourself and then pay at the end of the meal. Not ideal for those who want to be waited on but very convenient for splitting the check if you are in a big group of people. The bruchetta pizza is my favorite. Love this place and so happy they opened locations in Chicago. Please open one in Wicker Park as well.
(5)Samantha T.
The food is absolutely delicious! Very fresh tasting. The restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere. I first discovered this place in Germany and was elated to see it in Chicago. What holds me back from giving 5 stars is the wait. It is very long. If you go in a big group, it is best to go in deepest lines and hope that you all get your food about the same time.
(4)Stephanie F.
The food was good for the price. Décor was clean, modern and pleasant, staff was friendly, variety of meal choices without being an over- whelming menu. That being said poor organization leads to long lines at each "station" my husband stood in line for bruchetta for 20 minutes while I sat alone at our table, not how I pictured our date night. With slow service at each station timing your meal properly is nearly impossible, not to mention trying to coordinate everyone in your party getting their entree's on time. Also hold on to your drinks ladies and gentlemen, as we were away waiting in line for an unnatural amount of time our half finished drinks were cleared from our table. We will not be back.
(1)Michelle O.
I'm not sure why there are so many negative comments. I love this place. It's a great lunch spot in the loop. Location is perfect too. All the dishes I've had, I've loved and everyone I've brought here loves the place.
(5)J F.
Nothing like the other Vapiano on Clark Street. No sandwiches, miniature sized everything when it comes to drinks. The glasses of water are 3 oz and 8oz for the sodas. I saw a lady stock up on 8 glasses of water at a table by herself. They don't have fountain drinks so give people normal human sized glasses for water! Organization has not made its way to this location yet. It's overcrowded during lunch - the order line is also the wait line. Don't plan on getting your food anytime close to when your friends get theirs. Descent/mediocre food, unless you want a salad and in which case it's one leaf chopped up. The owners should visit the Clark location at some point.
(1)Eric S.
I wish I could have experienced this meal like the movie Memento. It would have started off with the checkout lady not looking surprised at all. Then me saying "honestly, not very good at all". Then her asking "how was your meal?" Ok back to the beginning. This place looks pretty cool. What doesn't look cool is all the people standing around because no one knows where to stand while waiting for your food. That's ok, I waited awkwardly for my food, no big deal, now I'm ready to eat. Except my pizza won't be ready for another 20 minutes. No big deal, I'll watch my wife eat her pasta while I drink wine out of a frosted wine glass. Wait what's that? My wife tries to tell me its not frosted. Wait, It's not frosted? nope, it's just the dirtiest glass I ever drank from. I'll update this review if I get mono. Until then, just assume its terrible food and an annoying dining experience.
(1)Agda A.
Saw this restaurant right in front of hotel. It was late they were almost closing. Very pretty looking but chaotic. The ordering system is somewhat overwhelming. I just wanted some food, but it was too much to learn just to order. Cards to swipe, different stations to order stuff. I decided to take-out. Pasta was ready first, but I had to wait for the pizza. In the end headed to cashier, after so much swiping I was charged drinks which they forgot to give me. My hands were full, they had no bags. I was so tired of this whole ordeal that I forgot about the drinks and they were charged. Very confusing, very hectic, too chaotic for me to go back. The food was not that great either. Very frustrating, and disappointing.
(1)Kelly S.
I helped coordinate a lunch for a large group of conference attendees at this Vapiano on a Sunday afternoon. The management team (Andrey, Guy and Jeff) who helped me to set up the reservation were friendly, attentive and easy-going. They made the process very easy. It was the perfect spot for a big group. The pizza I had was delicious - I had the Tropicale and really enjoyed it! We will definitely keep this place in mind for future events with lots of people.
(4)Luis C.
Food was very good.. At least the pasta I ordered. The concept to order food is not practical at all.. Its a nice place but need to change up the concept..... Will not come back if its not changed....
(2)B L.
Wow, you can spend your entire lunch break standing in various lines! -- one line for your pizza, then another line for your salad, and if you want a dessert --- go stand in that line. It's thee most inefficient, confusing "self serve" setup I've ever seen. (A cafeteria setup is at least efficient.) I had to stand in a variety of lines, then find a table and carry my tray and drink there. When the entree or pizza is ready, my beeper would go off and I'd get up from my seat and go pick the pizza up. BIZARRO!!!! It is like you gotta be in some secret club to figure out how this place runs. But even if you figure it all out, the various lines will sap you of your time and patience. About 90% of chairs have no backs! Sorry, I need some support. I don't like leaning like I'm at a picnic bench. Why the TIP JAR? The customer is the one needing tipped. He'll be losing his job if he keeps eating here and getting back from lunch late. And those tiny drinking glasses? --- Hey, when in the US, do as the Americans do. A tiny glass ain't cutting it with us here. PS: The pizza was good, tho the dough needs more salt.
(1)Anne T.
The food is good, sizes can be large... except for the shot glass of water you have to serve yourself. Come on? I work across the street, and have been a few times, impressed with amount of staffing they typically have on. I absolutely am not a fan of the ordering process, it is confusing and often find myself assisting tourists on how to order and receive food. The lunch hour is crazy busy. Order the brusetta and greek salad!
(3)John N.
Good addition to the roster of casual Loop lunch options. Nothing here will be remembered as the best Italian you ever had, but anything here beats another day of Jimmy John's, Chipotle, Subway, etc.
(4)Hotfive D.
If all restaurants were like this one, there would be a lot more home cooking going on.
(2)Lynn B.
I'm not sure why other people have a problem with this palce but I love it. Yes, the ordering system is a bit unconventional, but other than that the food is delicious, the atmosphere is modern, clean and bright. I actaully like the ordering system, everyone gets there own card so there is never a hassle with splitting up a check. A new go-to place for me!
(5)Jeff R.
I can't recommend this place when it's crowded, because their set-up for ordering and getting food is very inefficient -- especially when you're in a group. My family went on a Saturday night, and it looked busy - like many resturants do at that time. My son and I got in the pizza line, and my wife and daughter got in one of the pasta lines. After an hour we had ordered, received and eaten our pizza; while my wife didn't even get to *order* her pasta for more than 90 minutes! Turns out someone in her line ordered about 8 orders to go, and it threw the wait times into a tail spin. The other pasta lines were all crowded and also moved slow. Really? Two family members are done eating for 30 minutes and the others haven't ordered yet? Not what we had in mind for a family meal before a show. We were almost late despite allowing what should have been plenty of time. Decor and atmosphere was good (a lot of energy, but noisy). Food was fresh and pretty good; but there are other good restaurants options nearby that can better handle crowds when its busy.
(2)Daniel F.
This place is strange, like a gimic that the owners tricked all of the employees into believing was the future of the restaurant industry. The extremely awkward 10 minute conversation that you are forced to have with a complete stranger, who is also the person cooking your pasta was frustrating. I was really hoping to go in there, order and sit my a*s down and read a paper and be alone. That being said, for $10 I thought it was pretty good pasta and high quality chicken.
(2)Thomas L.
This place seems cool from the outside but a logistical mess on the inside. You go in line and order pasta and watch while the "chef" (one of many) cooks your food. Your friend's meal gets cold while they prepare the dishes in serial fashion. Be easier but beneath their style to put numbers in table and let them bring the stuff to you so you can relax while they cook rather than having to watch. Food is ok and ambiance nice and open but the getting to the table with food on tray spoils the mood.
(2)Erin B.
Go here! Great food, good service, super friendly. Don't be intimidated by it being different. In this case, different is good.
(5)Sandy K.
Ordered the Primavera "we recommend the penne". Instead was served a lump of 2 minute noodles with a few vegetables thrown in. Perhaps the recommendation is just a suggestion and you have to actually specify what type of pasta you want? If that is the case, shouldn't the servers ask what type of pasta you want? In any case, this dish was not good. If you are serving a dish with just vegetables they should at least be bigger than the size of a pea. Only the broccoli was a decent size. Will give them one more go before taking my business elsewhere. Disappointed.
(2)Andrew D.
I went here on a Sunday after the Gold Coast Art Fair with my mother and girlfriend. We were debating on whether to go to Miller's Pub or dine in Old Town. While crossing Michigan Ave we spotted this restaurant in the old Carson' s location. First, my mother is in a wheelchair and the handicapped entrance to the place is confusing. You have to enter the building next door which is closed and the door is locked on Sunday. When my girlfriend inquired about how to enter with a wheelchair they pointed out the entrance but offered no assistance. Bad move! When trying to use the entrance next door we had to bang on the door to get the doormans attention. When he finally noticed us he remained seated and yelled the 'entrance is next door.' After a minute he finally moved and came to the door when he noticed my mother in a wheelchair. This was not his fault it was entirely the fault of the restaurant. The manager should have come outside and opened the door when an inquiry was made regarding wheelchair access. Second, the service was slow, slow, slow...we waited over a half hour for two greek salads to be prepared. You go to the station with your card the girl takes your order, rings up your order and then cooks and prepares your food. I have never witnessed a more inefficient system. While waiting for our food my guests sat at the table waiting and waiting for us. Not good! While waiting in line a waitress came by and took our drink order. We got two glasses of Reisling. After she took our order we never saw her again. After 15 minutes I noticed two glasses of wine sitting on a ticket at the bar and inquired if they were mine. I was told by the bartender no! Of course our absentee waitress happened to walk by and stated they belonged to us. My mother had the bbq chicken pizza. She described it as bland, soggy and tepid. Me and my girlfriend got two greek salads and an antipasta platter. The salads were very good, but the antipasta platter was awful. Nothing tasted fresh! Also, it should be noted that the bathroom on the first floor was filthy. Upon leaving and paying a bill of 68 dollars for two salads and pjzza i mentioned to the manager about the slow, slow service. Instead of apologizing he made excuses about employees not showing up to work. Sorry but this a management problem that need not be shared with your paying customers. I was extremely disappointed with this place and will never return. The slow service, filthy bathroom, poor handicap access to the building and a genuine lack of concern for customer service has guaranteed I will dine elsewhere in the future.
(1)Karen P.
Total disappointment. I ordered a fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and spaghetti pasta. What I got was not good at all. They gave me angel hair pasta with some very very dry chicken pieces and there was almost no sauce. I also ordered their Panna cotta. Which was more like a pudding. Gross I could have saved my money. And done a better job myself.
(1)Lydia S.
the food is AMAZING. if you have been to food life, vapiano is similar like that in terms of paying. you get a card and you can whatever you want, and you pay in the final cashier. (everything is charged in your vapiano card) the pastas and pizzas are amazing. I definitely recommend trying their pastas if it's the first time, and chicken alferdo is the best!
(5)Erin B.
Ain't nobody got time for this. Besides the girl at the front with her back to the door, whom I walked right past and had to go back to since I had no idea how to order (she also gave me 2 of the same menus and insisted that I was stupid and that I actually had 2 different menus)...15 minutes for a pizza? To go? In the loop? Me thinks not. I walked out. Also, the pizza that came out as I was inquiring about the length of time to get my food, didn't even look fully cooked. Egads.
(1)liz h.
Terribly organized. If you want pizza, pasta, and a salad you have to stand in three different limes. Do you pay before of after you eat??? I'm not really sure. Food was ok. Decor is great. Just generally confusing from start to finish.
(2)Stef C.
I like the food. It's really fresh. However if you're going on your lunch break don't go because it takes a while to get the food done and it is hard to find a seat. Oh and the quotes on the wall are pretty cool!
(3)Shae F.
I think for the price you pay the food is pretty good, but more importantly the whole environment is very modern and nice, a good place to go!!
(4)Laura G.
I actually don't mind this places food quality wise, the meals are very tasty....if you ever get your meal. I just waited for a salad "To Go" for over 25 minutes. The customer service here is absolutely horrendous. My thoughts are this is a place where the kitchen should be hidden from the customer, because no one wants to stand there for 30 minutes waiting for their food when the chefs are talking with each other and could care less about any sort of hustle to get customers their food. One of them actually told the customer in front of me, who was still waiting for his food (also a salad) when I finally got mine, that it wasn't her fault that his order was taking forever. Word of advice, don't tell an already frustrated PAYING customer that it's OK your salad is taking over 30 minutes. I have no idea how this place is still around.
(1)David P.
It's OK, not great. I tried to order a Bellini from the bartender...he did not know what it was (even though we had been served two Bellinis by a different bartender). He kept saying that I wanted a mimosa, which we did not want.
(2)Melissa F.
I love that your dinner is made right in front of you! The decor is what first drew me to the place. I thought it would be upscale, but then you have to use a card to buy your food like a weird cafeteria and it kind of cheapens the place. Meh.
(3)Mary B.
Have been wanting to try this place since it opened but thought it was going to be pricey. Went in and was a little overwhelmed with ordering and how to pay etc but was really impressed with them cooking right in front of you, the quality of the food and the kind service. Really cool ambiance and the food was great and affordable. Kind of makes me mad i pay 10 dollars at a sub place when I can come here, eat a big meal and have leftovers and tastes great. Will definitely be back to try the pizza and salad. I had the carbonara and really liked it!
(5)Ev L.
Decent pasta, I had the chicken Alfredo. Super trendy though but tolerable if only their ordering system was more efficient I would've given them a 4-star instead. It's a nice hangout place with good food, small bar, and good desserts...only if you're not in a hurry cuz it'll take you awhile, cuz this ain't fast food yo!
(3)Dario I.
Amazing food! I love going to this place. The only downer about this place is that is quite disorganized during rush hour and for ordering pasta. I believe they should try to organize people when ordering the food. Definitely worth the long wait and the hazzle.
(4)A F.
Hats off to a staff member named Allegra! She knows what good service means. Allegra noticed I requested some bread but returned to my seat thinking I was in the wrong line (aned the other line was too long). She actually found me and delivered the bread! I had to find a manager and tell them how great that was. The card system takes some getting used to but so what--we're adults here. It is a great place for those who come into the city to visit. The surroundings are great, the food was delicious and obvously the staff is attentive. You can take your time and enjoy the views out of the huge windows. Even though the service was slow, (they will get it down with practice) I can't wait to go back. Loved it!
(4)Vin K.
The guy at pizza was rude and had an attitude that he doesn't care. I ordered a chicken pesto pizza and asked him to add jalapeño or banana pepper he said no to it. It gave me a feeling that he doesn't care about customers or how the business is doing.
(1)Dodo H.
Perhaps this restaurant works best if you're alone and want to buy ONE item for lunch. The decor is very soothing and beautiful and the food is delicious! But last night our party of four stopped in for late dinner on a quiet Tuesday evening. We had to wait in one line for pasta, long wait...another line for a small side salad, even longer wait, so long that we gave up, a different line for pizza, (a wait to order the pizza and super long wait to get the pizza once it was ordered) and another line for wine and espresso. After dinner I ordered 3 decafs and 1 regular and was given 1 decaf and 3 regular and no apology (after waiting in a long line). The cooking staff was friendly but an inefficient and clumsy concept. So instead of visiting with each other, we were waiting in line for food. And then we had to wait in line to pay to leave. (Reasonably priced.) And it wasn't that busy either. There were three elderly ladies coming in as we were leaving and I wanted to say "Don't stay." Despite the delicious food, and the friendly cooks, we won't be back. Not true Italian hospitality.
(2)Kristen C.
Guys, I don't know why this place doesn't have a better rating!! I just wandered in there today for the first time since this location opened, and I wish I would have wandered in sooner! It's a little intimidating when you first walk in, just because it's huge! Also, they give a card and you walk up to whatever station you wanna get food from. The selection is HUGE, so it can be overwelming, and everything is ala carte, so you can create your own combination. After you give them your order, you scan your card at this screen nearby, and they give you a device that vibrates when your food is ready. While you wait, you take your card to the front to pay after you made all your selections. Seems complicated, but it's actually kinda cool! My only complaints are: the wait was a little long, and they only have shot glass sized glasses of water, which was a little strange, so you have to juggle 2 or 3 tiny glasses of water without spilling. Once you sit down, though, you are surrounded with comfort. The communal seats feel like you are relaxing in someone's living room, with pillows and cushions. (I went alone, but this is a great place to grab lunch with a friend.) And if you choose a table, you feel like you are in your own little world, very private and cozy. The huge windows create a very open feeling with lots of light. Perfect for someone who has been couped up in a high rise office all day. I ordered the Roasted tomato and Garlic pizza, DELICIOUS!! Very simple, but full of flavor!! Thin, foldable, but crispy crust, fresh ingredients, and they have italian seasonings for you to add if you'd like. It looks like it would be too big for one person, but if you are hungry, it's not hard to eat the whole thing since it is so thin. Very sharable if you aren't starving though. The pastas looked like enormous portions! They also looked and smelled delicious, so that will be what I try next time! Everything seemed very affordable, especially for the size of the portions. AND to top it off, there were complimentary Gummy Bears at the front as you leave! WHAT?! Loved it. New lunch spot in the loop!
(4)Jason M.
So I am a big fan of vapiano it is by far my favorite chain. The one in Lincoln park is FANTASTIC. This new one is a little weird smaller portions, no fountain drinks, and not to mention the feeling of being out of place eating in the loop. It did just open and I hope they can get to the standards and the feeling from all the other vapianos I've been to in the country. And my last bit of advice if your with a party order from different chefs at this location they only make one at a time. For now ill be sticking to my friends in Lincoln park.
(3)B G.
Not the best food. Small portions and high prices. Very funky system of ordering and paying for mediocre food. I'd go tomany other places instead.
(2)Mike D.
This place just opened, so hopefully they will get the problems worked out. I had the diavolo pizza, which was excellent. However, every single aspect other than the food was as horrible as could be. First off, there was no discernible place to stand to place my order. There appeared to be a line but it turned out to just be a crowd of people who, just like me, had absolutely no idea where to stand. When my to-go order was finally placed, I found myself constantly wandering around, trying in vain to find a place to stand where I wasn't in the way. When my pizza was finished, is was not in a to-go box, and when I said it was supposed to be to-go, the employee snapped at me that I have to tell them when I order it (which, of course, I DID). At that point, I didn't even bother with the crushed red pepper and Parmesan cheese, I just wanted to get out of the chaos. But I was forced into yet another "line" to pay (which was really just a mass of people, some waiting to pay, some just standing around unsure of where to be). When I finally got to the register, exhasperated, I asked, is it possible to call ahead? The response, of course, was a very definite NO. In summary, the pizza was good enough that I'm willing to git it another try in 6 months.
(2)Leo S.
at first it was good and interesting, but as time passes the quality starts to drop. the only consistency there would be the dessert. it's sad because the place has so much potential yet it is so poorly managed. there would be times the chef cook the same thing differently and other times with stack of useless staff gathering around the cash register when the double sided bar has only one person only paying attention to one side. i have even caught staff sneak a shots of beer while working but who cares, all he does is stand by the cash register chatting anyway.
(2)Robert A.
The ordering system is overwhelming. The multiple menu system is confusing. You have to wait in multiple lines. The food is nothing special, and in fact, the ceasar dressing tastes really wierd.
(2)Wendy R.
I agree with previous reviewers. Good concept, poor execution. Food is good and they offer different size dessert portions. They are open late, which will help them do well. Prepare to deal with crowds at lunch. Bar staff is terrible. They just stand around and ignore you until their manager finally gets their attention for you. The rest of the staff are friendly and attentive.
(3)D W.
I understand the concept, but not for downtown rush hour. My co-workers and I stood in line for 20 minutes and had to leave because we were running out of time for lunch. As we stood in line, we noticed that each indiviual order took 20 minutes or more. So, my co-workers and I went to Chipotle and on our way back, we ran into to patrons that were in line in front of us. They said that it was an absolute train wreck and waste of money. The food was salty. Never again.
(1)Abhishek M.
I specially enjoyed the food ordering concept where every person gets their own meal card that gets charged for individual items (food or beverage). This is ideal when you are in large groups and splitting checks poses a challenge. Vapiano's is neither the family owned Italian restaurant kind nor the Olive Garden chain variety. I say that since the food is prepared fresh right in front of you with what appear to be fresh ingredients. You even get to chose your pasta and perfect portion size packets are emptied and boiled within a couple of minutes before being tossed in sauces and other ingredients. We got a BBQ chicken pizza and Fugulii (sp?) in a tomato sauce with roasted red peppers. We were charged a little extra to add marinara sauce since it wasn't part of the dish. A few other things to remember - they have beer, wine and a full bar with ample open seating. There is no table service and they have gummy bears, rather than mint at checkout.
(4)Mark B.
Some co-workers and I came here for lunch and enjoyed the meal we had. Décor: This is a big place that has a really neat Italian feel to it. You order your food, from which you can watch it be made, and then sit down at one of the many different kinds of tables available. We sat at a "high boy" style picnic table but there were regular tables, "lounge" chair tables/seats... it was really cool. They also have a bar you can sit and that serves (if you feel like having one of "those" lunches). There are tons of windows that let in plenty of natural light and, although it gets busy, the ambiance and atmosphere is very relaxed and enjoyable. Bathroom: unknown Staff: Everyone was more than happy to help guide us in the right direction (a few of us were n00bs) and all the chefs were very friendly and smiling. Food: We had an assortment of items from salads (which looked good but were VERY small... they would only classify as a side salad in my book), to pasta (a decent sized helping that was very tasty), to pizza (a good-sized personal thin-crust pizza that was very flavorful!). Like I said, they have a bar that serves beer and wine or other drinks but they also have a big pitcher of water. I also had bruschetta, which was tasty but very small... Value: Given the portion sizes I would like the prices to be lower. The food is all very good but there just needs to be more of it. I really enjoyed my meal, and the ambiance of this place, but given the prices for the serving sizes I won't be returning very often at all.
(3)Monika B.
The idea of the meal card and ordering at different stations is always one that appealled to me, I think it makes for a fun experience. However, nothing was explained to us when we came in, so we kind of had to figure it out ourselves. The guys working behind the pizza and salads counters were very sweet and helpful when they realized I was a little bit out of my element. Overall, fun vibe, interesting concept to try out, but the food wasn't out of this world. If I was in the neighbourhood and looking for a quick meal, I'd probably pop in again, but wouldn't go out of my way!
(3)Jazzie R.
I work near this restaurant so I go here often and normally my experience is fine but lately i have experience some terrible service. Last week I came in to get my favorite pasta and was shocked that my food was cooked extremely fast, but it was crowded and I don't think much of it. To I start eating and realize my pasta wasnt done! My shrimp was still raw and honesty how long does it take to cook shrimp!!! I was pissed that I spent 15 dollars on lunch and couldn't even eat it. Like i said before i have ate here many times before and i figured it was a new person so i decide to go back today. So i ordered a pizza simple right! I order a chicken pesto pizza ( the same pizza i have been ordering since OCTOBER) and everytime i order it, it comes up to 8 dollars but today when I gave her my card she told me my total was 18 dollars. I asked her why and the convo went like this: Worker: your total is 18.50 Me: why? I just order a chicken pesto pizza Worker: yeah and its 18.50 Me: why? I thought it was 8 dollars. Worker: it is but it 3.50 to add chicken. Me: but its a chicken pizza how are you chargering me for chicken. ......... After about 5 minutes of going back and forth about the price I just walked away. I couldn't believe the service! They hired new people and now the place sucks.
(1)Rochelle W.
I don't understand why people knock stars off the rating because they don't like the ordering system - it could be improved, but it's not that bad! Just cool out, wait for the food, and have enough confidence in yourself to not feel awkward doing it. Anyway, the food is great! I've had pizza and pasta, but I typically get the pasta. Salmon carbonara, cognac filet of beef, and the scampi e spinaci are the best to me, so far. But I haven't had anything I don't like from here. Fresh ingredients and they give u enough to eat at a later time.
(5)Michael M.
Vapiano was hard to navigate at first. But after the initial awkwardness and confusion of their ordering system I was set to enjoy it. The atmosphere has a nice amount of class to it, even though the ordering is somewhat "cafeteria" style. The fresh margarita pizza was amazing. Thin crust--enough to feed one person with a big appetite, or two people to leave them satisfied. Great variety of appetizers. I've eaten at their bar, and had had nothing but pleasant experiences with their staff. Drinks are a bit on the pricier side, so maybe stick to tap water. Or one drink. Most tables have fresh herbs that you can snip yourself. I recommend asking for extra Parmesan flakes for when you order the pizza--adding that with some oil and fresh herbs, really makes for a sensual eating experience.
(4)Ashley C.
Vapiano is okay. I can see how their ordering system could be confusing especially if no one explains it to you. You get a card and then order your food at the different stations (pizza, pasta, salad, etc.). I waited while they made my salad but got a buzzer for the pizza. It goes to your card and you pay after you eat and before you leave. (Tip: Do check an itemized receipt for any errors). Service was just okay. Since this is more cafeteria style, I am not expecting a lot but wish the waitresses were friendlier and more helpful. Thankfully, one of the servers at the stations gave us the 411 on how Vapiano operates. Once you get past the ordering system, the food is pretty good. They have a lot of options and I'd recommend looking at the menu before you get there. I started with the caprese salad. The mozzarella tasted very fresh although I thought the choice of cherry tomatoes was a bit odd. I probably would skip it next time. I ordered the prosciutto pizza for the main. It was tasty. I liked the thin crust but wish there were more toppings. It was pretty good and made some nice leftovers. My dining companion also seemed pleased with her arugula pizza. The salad, pizza and a glass of wine came to about $26. Vapiano isn't a destination but is a good middle option between a sit down fancier restaurant and something more casual in the Loop.
(3)Frank O.
Good italian food, just a weird ordering system. It makes sense for the pizzas, you order, get a device, and then they page you when it's done. But if you order pasta, you have to wait in line, then get to the front, order, stay nearby because they will ask you customization questions, and then you get the food after a 5-min cook time. Salads and drinks are made quickly (so not an issue), and deserts are pre-made (so very quick). But why is the pasta line so inefficient? I can't imagine this place during lunch time, lines must be horrible... But the food is great. Americana and Salame pizzas both tasty, but a tad salty and certainly oily (but you can remove that by dabbing with a napkin). The Toscana pizza has more intriguing flavor and is less greasy, a bit better in my opinion. The Filetto Di Manzo Rucola pasta was just average pasta, while the Cognac Beef Filet is my usual staple with a creamy and tasty sauce. Shrimp scampi was lacking in flavor, I suggest skipping it. The side salad with balsamic dressing was solid, and healthy. Crema di fragola and panna cotta both great ways to end a meal, and ask for extra strawberry sauce since it's delicious!
(4)Ollie E.
Love everything about this place except the ordering system. A bit chaotic when busy and there is always the necessity to explain the system to everyone. Otherwise, custom food choices are endless, ambiance reminds me of an Italian grandmother's country kitchen with a dash of big city sophisto. The food is always consistent and good!
(4)