Vapiano UK

Hidden away in prime real estate, just behind Oxford Circus, Vapiano is a modern take on Italian dining.

I don't know what I love more about this place, it's chilled out atmosphere, the fantastic food, the entertainment value of watching their master chefs cook your meal, or the gummy bears on the way out.

Vapiano operates a unique ordering system. On arrival, you'll be given a card, which you take with you to order your food, tap the machine, and then pay on the way out. Their downstairs kitchen front is divided into three sections. Antipasti and salads, pizza and pasta, where you can order your food, and then watch them create it. Vapiano make all their pasta fresh on a daily basis, and you can choose what kind, with so many options available, including spelt pasta for the health conscious among us! You can add extra chilli or garlic, and have a side of freshly baked bread with your pasta for no extra cost, and jugs of water sit on the bars, with mint and lime in for an extra fresh taste. Even their salad dressings are handmade everyday.

Tagliatelle Tacchino Piccante and Pappadelle Bolognese

And the best thing is, the food tastes fantastic! Since discovering this restaurant I have tried their Bruschetta, salads, Bolognese, Ravioli Rucola and Tacchino Piccante, and I've loved every single one!

This place is perfect for any occasion, I've seen birthday parties, business lunches, students, dates and family meals here, and it's reasonable prices mean that it's great for everyone!

My only complaints with this restaurant were;
1.) The second time I went was a Monday lunchtime, and I still spent 25 minutes queuing to order my pasta...
2.) I ordered a drink when I ordered my starter, then when we went to order my main, a member of staff cleared our drinks, despite them being almost full, and our bags, coats and phones all still being on the table. I tweeted about this and recieved a reply from Vapiano, stating "Will mention it -sorry. We do urge people NOT to leave bags & phones unattended, just better to be safe" This of course is completely reasonable of them, however the issue wasn't with my stuff, it was about our missing paid for drinks! I feel like it's a little silly to expect patrons to carry all their stuff and their drinks up to order food, and then probably have to find another table with a main course.

Despite all this, I will continue to return to Vapiano when I fancy Italian food. I love that everything is made and cooked fresh on the day, it's reasonable, and the food is great! Would definitely reccommend this restaurant to anyone!