Vapiano

Second time coming here for a concert across the street and I must say this place is amazing. The food is delicious. Chicken alfredo and the pizza were my main favorites so far. Everything is so fresh and clean. And its very reasonably priced considering this is DC. Deffinatly recommend for anyone in the area. It would be 6 stars if that were an option.

My favorite place for pasta in DC! Why?! They make your pasta dish in front of you. Everyone knows, your eyes eat before your mouth, which is horrifying and sexy, and this place is proof of that. Choose your noodle (childishly choose the kinds of pasta that look most like something naughty) and then choose from one of the many dishes on the menu! Or just tell them what you want, like, «penne with red sauce and bacon.» See what happens! I suggest getting some wine too, because it’ll make you feel like a classy lady, or man or lady man or whatever you are! The food is sooooo good. It always fills me up perfectly and there’s also pizza! Cold water is out and about for your convenience and you can buy a bag of their fresh pasta!
Important: they give you a tap card to charge your selections to. I love this place but this always stresses me out. Because you don’t have a waiter and you can dine anywhere it makes sense to keep track of what you get this way, but I don’t like being handed something in a restaurant I’m not allowed to swallow. I know, that’s unfair. You’re thinking — there are a lot of things you’re handed you can’t swallow. Well, that’s personal, and you’re wrong.

There’s three things I like about this place: the concept, the price and the space. What I enjoy about this concept is that it allows for movement within the restaurant, which makes you feel like in a bar in some way. It’s generally reasonably priced, especially the wine list, although it’s not the best. Overall I’ve had a good experience going to Vapiano and it’s on my list of places to stop by when I don’t know where to go.

My Italian wife and I recently moved back to the States. This was our first trip to Vapiano. Very good Italian food for America, fair by Italian standards. Particular ambience, I’m not used to receiving a debit card when I walk in the door at anywhere other than a strip club. I understand there are a number of Italians who are regulars at the other Vapianos in DC. As it’s a chain, that should tell you something about their quality. Price was good, food was served quickly. We will be going back, probably with (or to meet) friends.

I came here to grab lunch on a Sunday afternoon and it wasn’t crowded at all (it’s the NFL playoffs and it was GAME TIME).
When you enter, the first thing the hostess asks you is if you’ve been here before. If it’s your first time, they’ll give you the run down. They hand each individual a meal card that you scan at whichever station you order at and then you pay at the counter on your way out. This system makes it great for coming in groups when you want to split the check.
Then you head over to the different stations depending on what you fancy (they have a pasta/​risotto station, pizza station, salad station, dessert station, etc. — just check the signage). They’ll have paper menus at each station and occasional specials posted. Once you place your order and scan your card, the fun begins!
I ordered the risotto al funghi (aka mushroom risotto with onions, cream, rosemary and parsley). The chefs are friendly, informative, and really take the customization feature to heart. When I placed my order at the pasta/​risotto station, the chef asked if I wanted to add any proteins, how spicy I wanted, what seasonings, etc. He also let me know that my dish came with complimentary bread (which I appreciate, because at some places, they’ll ask you if you want X and then charge you for it without letting you know it costs extra! I mean, if I knew it cost extra, I may reconsider depending on what it is). One of the main things that I enjoy at Vapiano’s is getting to watch them cook your meal right in front of you. My risotto was prepared, decorated with Parmesan cheese, and lookin’ good! Then I brought my risotto and meal card back to the front to pay. It cost about $ 14.
I have been craving risotto for a while, and this dish hit the spot. It was still warm when I opened the container and the bread complemented the creamy risotto. The risotto was generous with the mushrooms so that it had almost a meaty quality. The onions gave it some needed texture and you can taste the freshness of the herbs. The risotto itself could of had a little more bite to it, and it was on the winey side. Other than that, still quite delicious and a positive experience for sure!
Instead of the typical mints that many restaurants offer on your way out, Vapiano’s has a bowl of gummy bears — so don’t forget to grab some on your way out!

This place was not as bad as I thought it would be. They have such a large selection though, which probably is the reason why everything is pretty much average. Don’t expect amazing pastas and pizzas. Keep your expectations low and you won’t be disappointed.
This is a place for picky eaters. Pretty much everyone would find something they would like here as the menus selection is insanely big. Staff extremely friendly!

This place is a pretty cool concept. The pizza was delicious except all the onions were on one slice of the pizza. The drinks were good but we tried about 4 tables and they were all wobbly…

Really dig this spot for a quick pasta fix. Usually very fresh and tasty. Not as authentic as my gram but delicious none the less. If you ever stop by go to Cameron he is the absolute best.

Vapiano takes a modern approach to Italian cuisine. They hand make all of their pastas and sauces in-​house and use fresh ingredients to do so. Vapiano has three stations you could order from: pizza, pasta, and antipasti/​salads. They also have some solid dessert options. They give you a card that you are supposed to bring to each station that records the total for what you’ve ordered throughout your stay at the restaurant. After you’ve finished your meal, the host at the front takes your card and asks for payment.
The ambience of Vapiano is very relaxed and inviting. They have stylish oak tables with olive trees being the most prominent feature since they are coming out from the center. The chefs prepare the food in front of you in an open kitchen and cook everything to order. There are fresh herbs sitting around the place, which I’ve seen people pick leaves from to put in their pasta dishes. With an open floor plan, you are free to choose anywhere you’d like to sit.
I’ve been to Vapiano a couple of times at their Bethesda location (before it closed down) and this one in D.C.‘s Chinatown once before. After visiting a friend in D.C., we decided to have lunch here and see if their pasta was as good as it was when I first tried it a while back.
I ordered the Crema Di Funghi from their pasta station. It came with your choice of handmade pasta (my choice was their campanelle pasta), fresh oyster mushrooms, that’s refined with white wine, cream, and parsley. You can add chicken or beef fillet for an upcharge.
The beef fillet was cooked to the correct temperature, and was very tender. The pasta was a little more on the al dente side, and not too mushy. The only thing I didn’t like was the sauce. It was a bit soupy, so the pasta was just sitting in a pool of the sauce. I was hoping it would have more of a thick, creamy consistency like from what I remember it when I first tried their pasta.
Vapiano is a very nice concept. I dig the lively, inviting atmosphere which adds to the dining experience. Although the food hit the spot, I wish that they would work on the quality control and consistency of how things are made. The pasta was alright, but it definitely could’ve been better.

Came here for a bite to eat with a friend. Havent been here in a while and noticed that the menu has changed significantly. Ended up getting the longest title (under pasta) that you can get. In the most broadest terms, it was beef in a wine tomato sauce and veggies. I picked the fusselli pasta to accompany it. The gentleman that assisted me with cooking looked like he hated his job or just me. Anywho that was the vibe I picked up. Ended up having a glass of wine. There was a special for a red for $ 5. Score.

Favorite restaurant. I can not wait until they come out to Colorado. The first one I went to was in London and I feel in love. The contemporary design, the food, the new payment technology or style make this place one of a kind.
My family lives out in DC. I went here last Christmas and it was everything I had in London. Great food, awesome atmosphere, great imported beer, and cool area of DC. I took my dad and he thought I was hyping it up to much before we got there. Once I saw him picking basil still growing from the table I asked him and he was in awe.
We both will be going back every time we go to DC. This place needs to make it out to Denver, Colorado. Vapiano is going to change how restaurants are. I recommend the Bolognese pasta with a Peroni to wash it down.
Please open one in Denver Colorado! It would make a killing in the Cherry Creek area of town.

My friend was working in Chinatown for 6 months, so we’d routinely go to this location as he’s a big fan. He was gone for a few months so when he got back, this was where he wanted to go. So tonight for dinner, Vapiano!
First off, let me say, I really really really don’t like the way this place works. It’s a restaurant without any waiters that charges like there are waiters. Also, it gets really crowded. There’s no real ‘tables’ to speak of it’s just kind of stools everywhere. Also, the water cups they give you are stupidly small. It’s frustrating and I always end up grabbing 4 – 5 of them to bring to my table. Water’s free, how about offering real cups?
All this being said, I got the strawberry spinach salad. I requested romaine instead of spinach and they were able to do it with no problems. The food itself is very good, it’s the only reason I put up with all the other nonsense. If you can deal with everything else I highly recommend this place for the food!
Overall, definitely go here!

I ordered the strawberry, spinach salad on my most recent visit to Vapiano. The salad cost $ 10.45, which seems overpriced given the size of the salad I received and the fact that it didn’t include a protein, which could be added on for even more money. For less money, you can get a larger salad that includes chicken elsewhere, so I am not sure why Vapiano decides to charge so much for a salad that is essentially the size of a side salad.
The description on the menu states it includes fresh spinach, but as I was eating the salad, I frequently had to pick out wilted bad leaves of spinach, so I definitely question how fresh the spinach is. While I liked the raspberry, maple salad dressing, I’m unlikely to order the salad again if I go back to Vapiano, especially given how expensive it was in proportion to its size. Additionally, while the worker clearing dishes was trying to be friendly, when he struck up a conversation with us, it was a little awkward and he started serenading us, which made for an uncomfortable situation!

I like this location. I enjoyed my chicken alfredo with all the fresh ingredients and watching it be made in front of me. I do not dine here often since it is a bit on the more expensive side especially if you add additional things to it. When I do come here though (Vapiano in general, not necessarily this location…) I’ve never really had any issues.
My favorite part of Vapiano aside from the food is the open atmosphere and the plants they have on the table. If I want to add basil onto my meal, all I have to do is pull it off the plant.
Yummy food that will make you want to take a nap afterwards.

I had the pleasure of meeting a pasta cook very professional definitely let me know that it was okay that I wasn’t too sure what to order and he basically showed me what will be great he said this adds flavor he was phenomenal I’m not too sure how to pronounce his name but it starts with D (Daequan) I will upload a picture of what he looks like he deserved an A+ I told him that he should get promoted he said its so much he wants to learn but he’s not against it hopefully management will look at him very closely for a position its very rare you find people that love there job
now for the young lady at the front with the dreads can’t say too much about her she seem like she didn’t want to be there

Great food, fast, good prices — and there’s a funny waiter who sings!
This is an interesting concept where you get a card when you walk in, order cafeteria style and put your order on the card (including drinks from the bar) and then pay the cashier w the balance on that card when you leave. Open seating, no reservations, no waiting for a waitress. Great for a casual dinner.

Great place to hang with friends and grab a very affordable meal and drinks. I have been to this Vapiano’s location a number of times and I can always count on their great service and delicious food! This is a great location because it’s right next to Gallery Place and the Verizon Center.
If you haven’t been here before:
–you get a plastic card and you swipe it whenever you order anything.
–You have to stand in line cafeteria style and carry your own food to your table.
–it’s seat yourself and super casual
I recently came here on Friday night for happy hour. We arrived around 5 and grabbed a small table and couch to sit on. About an hour later the place was packed! I definitely recommend coming early for happy hour so you can get a seat/​table.
The affordable wine and mojitos were great! Wine $ 4 and mojitos $ 6.50 happy hour prices. A server even came to our table and let us know when happy hour was about to end so we could order another drink. We we’re also flattered and entertained by Craig who was serenading diners and called us supermodels. :-)
Another highlight… The food was delicious! I created my own pasta dish and it was delicious. (About $ 12) The sundried tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach along with the fresh seasonings and sauce were yum. The bruschetta was really good too.
Awesome place… Bravo Vapiano’s.

Vapiano is an international chain restaurant with over 120 locations In 26 different countries. Originally founded in Hamburg Germany, this upscale chain restaurant has a relaxed and casual atmosphere encouraged by the brew house style open seating tables designed for large groups and mingling. They also have a unique pay structure based on a credit system in which each guest is handed a credit card upon entering which is used to make purchases of food and drink. When each guest leaves, the cashier takes the card and charges the guest for only what they purchased. This makes settling up for large groups very easy and this venue perfect for large parties and business socials. This way attendees can come and go as they please and there is no one person getting stuck with the bill.
So this location is very nicely decorated and has comfortable furniture and as mentioned an open seating arrangement with tall wooden tables and large comfy bar stools. A nice touch are the coat racks and hooks under the tables for accessories and purses. I found this location very clean to include the floors, tables, kitchen and bathrooms.
The Italian appetizers were great as well as the pizza and pasta dishes. Our large group was very satisfied and the restaurant received many accolades for the excellent service.
Thank you Simon, your manger Marco took very good care of us.

Vapiano is one of my favorites. The brand, the food selection, and the dessert are all a hit in my book. The only reason it doesn’t get 5 stars is because sometimes I just don’t like standing in line to order my food. It can be annoying especially when people start cutting in line.
Try the crème di fragola and thank me later.

I realized my husband and I had been going to a lot more chain restaurants since we moved to DC. I remember seeing a Vapiano near NYU back in the city but never bothered to give this place a try. After eating panera, chipotle, cava, shophouse, etc week after week, we finally decided to check Vapiano out.
Similar to Hill Country where each guest receives an ‘ordering” card, the restaurant is also divided into sections — pasta, pizza, salad/​antipasta, and sweets. My husband and I both went for the pastas — bacon, potato fusili special and spinach, ricotta ravioli in tomato sauce. Their pasta were made from scratch and on the spot. I watched in awe as my chef walked me through each step of his prep. He even threw in fresh cherry tomatoes into my sauce upon my request.
With a quick tab of our «ordering» card, we were chowing down our freshly made giant bowls of pasta in no time. Although we weren’t blown away by the taste of our food (they weren’t omg delicious or anything memorable), we were happily satisfied.
Reasonable price especially with the enormous portion size, clean, modern décor, ample seatings, and extremely friendly chefs, my husband and I now have a go to for a quick Italian fix!

Für alle Deutschen die sich nach Washington DC verirren. :) Vapiano ist ja bereits in Deutschland nun bekannt. Als wir durch Chinatown liefen entdeckten wir den Vapiano. Ein Stückchen Vertrautheit. Es ist wirklich wie in Deutschland. Essen bestellen funktioniert einwandfrei. Es war allerdings sehr voll gegen Abend. Vorallem haben es die Bedienungen hier besonders streng genommen mit dem Alter. Als ich einen Hugo bestelle verlangte die Bedienung einen Ausweis. (Fühlte mich ja fast schon geehrt so jung geschätzt zu werden). Also Ausweis nicht vergessen. Wir hatten nur nette Bedienungen und können uns nicht beschweren. Vorteil eines Vapiano’s in Amerika: Das Trinkgeld was sonst immer verlangt wird entfällt. Man merkte jedoch das auch die Amerikaner Vapiano für sich entdeckt haben. Es war sehr gut besucht.