Vapiano

This place is fresh but the food is rather average. The price is reasonable.

The food isn't exciting but the concept and atmosphere kind of compensate that. But my friend called this restaurant a 'posh self-service canteen'.

If you are looking for good food, then there are better options. But if you want something try a new concept restaurant, then give it a try.
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Jo
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Sunday, November 23, 2008

We ate at this restaurant for the 3rd time last night. When it first opened I liked the concept was good and although there were a few teething problems I felt they could be ironed out. However, on the second visit things rather than improved had gotten worse and half of our order was disappointing. For example the pizza was soggy and uncooked in the middle and the ravioli was cold inside. The tirimisu was also stale.

We decided to give it a few weeks to sort itself out and give it another try. However, last night was by far the worst visit. The people who prepare the food were different from the previous visits and did not seem to know what they were doing. The antipasti was missing a number of items and those that were present were sparse and badly presented. For example, the bruschetta consisted of small end bits of the ciabatta which were burned around the edges. There were another few small pieces of ciabatta which were cut extermely thinly. There was no crayfish or smoked salmon and two tiny slivers of mozzarella. The meat was the only thing that was in the correct quantity for the dish and that is because it had been pre-prepared and possibly checked by someone. A margherita pizza which is so simple as to be impossible to get wrong, had disgusting processed cheese on it and was badly cut into irregular pieces ranging from large slices to slivers. i would sooner have cut it myself if they were going to take so little care in its presentation. Myself and my companion agreed that there was a bad taste after eating the food.

The pizza chef looked despondent and his disinterest in the way he presented the food is a reflection of that. I would say it won't be long before this place runs into problems. They may get the student crowd going there for somewhere to meet up but I doubt that will keep things going.

Sorry to say we won't be going back as there has been no sign of improvement.

There are a few good and affordable eateries springing up but this place is not one of them. I can see it being popular for drinks and coffee though.
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steph
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 3
Friday, November 14, 2008

Very good restaurant. I loved the food and the atmosphere was great. Really good for fast lunches yet would also be great for dinners and drinks to relax.
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, September 24, 2008

I discovered Vapiano a few weeks back in Germany and i loved the concept. So on friday we, a group of friends, went to visit the london branch..still loving it, the food is so tasty and i just love the fact they make it in front of you. I love that swipe card, not being pestered by staff is awesome and you feel you can enjoy, relax without being rushed.

The basil plants are so fab - we want more to decorate downstairs, natural deco and great to add to your own food.

that strawberry cocktail was delicious and i cant wait to return ...love the concept, great value, great food and no argument in splitting bills ever again.

my only comment would be the music was a bit too loud but apart from that I wish all restaurant used that swipe card..this is the future.
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cecile
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Monday, August 18, 2008

Went to Vapiano for lunch and prices are reasonable, but the process is a little confusing. You collect a plastic card on the way in and go to the various sections for food. Everything is charged to your card and at the end you present your card to the till point and pay.

I can see why the idea is a good one, but in practical terms it over complicates and puts people off. You could see confusion on faces and it was easy to spot first timers as it seemed to be the only topic of conversation at the table!

Nice decor and a good venue - daft ordering and paying system - shame - it lets the place down.
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Malachi Williams
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Saturday, August 09, 2008

Went there for lunch and have to say that if you look for a good value for money deal (5.50 for basic Pasta or Pizza), this is a very good choice. The interior is nice and after a quick introduction to their paying concept (everything is captured on a card and you pay when you leave) it is simple to understand. Will definitely go back!
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Having been to a Vapiano in Stockholm, I was familiar with the concept (i.e. self-service), but my colleagues who hadn't found it confusing, as did a lot of other customers by the looks on their faces. On my visit to the new London branch, my initial view that this is a flawed concept was reinforced.

The main flaw is that it is virtually impossible for all members of a dining party to get served at the same time without losing your table when you go up to order! Even if you do all order at the same time, the dishes are started at the same time and some will inevitably be ready before others! Depending on how busy each station is on the day, the queuing process can be frustrating and slow. Instead of relaxing and chatting over a drink while waiting for your food, you spend your time running around and queueing to get what turns out to be pretty unremarkable food in the end. £8.50 for a small bowl of very average beef ravioli that I have had to queue for myself for me is not good value. Strada, ASK or Pizza Express knock the socks of this place, and they will even bring the food to your table for you! This place is a gimmick and I won't be back.
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Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, July 01, 2008