Vapiano Dallas

I think some people are expecting a unique, quaint experience based on some of the descriptions of the "European" type ordering technique. Let me clarify what that really means--there is a long food line, like you would see at Luby's or some odd place. There are 4 signs located pretty close to each other, one for "pizza", one for "salads", and two for "pasta". There is no structure to these lines, and if more than two people are in a line, they butt into the dining tables beside the food line. The "unique" ordering style is so inefficient that I cannot believe they are still in business. Once you order a pasta, the "chef" makes it in front of you. He/she will not work on anyone else until your order is completed. So basically, if there are three people in front of you, expect to wait 20 minutes before leaving the line with your food. STANDING in the line. The pizza line, at least, gives you a pager and rightfully so as it took over 30 minutes for me to get my pizza the one time I was unfortunate enough to go here.

As to the food. Very heterogeneous as each "chef" adds spices to their own preference. The pasta is too spicy and the pizza greasy and with a soft crust. No special flavor to the pizza.

The ambiance: very crowded, very disorganized, rude cleanup staff, and high metal ceilings that amplify sound so that the place is even louder sounding than it really is.

Overall, terrible restaurant due to disorganization, long waits for below average (at best) food, higher than rightfully should ask prices, and poor atmosphere.

Do yourself a favor and avoid this place. Seriously.

Unfortunately I can't say enough bad things about the service at this place. When I went to order a beer at the bar the bartender didn't say a word to me. Not hello, thank you, buzz off...anything. My friend ordered a beer as well and all the bartender said to him was - "card!". So rude and dismissive. Gave this feedback to the manager and she said she would comp the beers, but when we tabbed out, they were still on the bill. Just paid and left as all I wanted to do was get out of this place.

As an Italian with an obsession with true Italian pizza, I have to say that this is the best I've ever had in Dallas. Using fresh ingredients is the key and the potted fresh herbs growing at your table show that Vapiano knows what they're doing. Prosciutto, wild mushrooms, home made pasta, fresh arugula, you just can't find that anywhere else in Dallas (not for this price at least).
I give this place an A++ and I really hope it survives today's economy.

It is a little confusing if you have never been there before on how to order and get a cocktail, but the pizza is nice and thin crust and cocktails were better than some other restaurants. Plus the complaint about the sun shining in has been taken care of... the tables don't leave you much room but different enough to peak your interest for at least a few meals.

Here's what I like about Vapiano: It's unlike anything else in Dallas. We have a lot of great options in Dallas, but this euro-chic environment and concept is just downright cool. It helps that the food is very good for this price-level -- very fresh, great flavors, etc. Some grumpy people (ahem) will gripe about not having a waiter, and that will probably affect their opinion of everything else, but I hope this restaurant makes it. Dallas is the birthplace of the casual chain restaurant, so it's refreshing to have something different. But you can't go in with a typical snooty Dallas attitude ...

I didn't like the dining card idea. You get a card, stand in line at various stations (one for drinks, one for pizzas, one for pasta) and then swipe the card to have the food added to your bill.

Some of my dining companions thought it was fun for something different, but I really just wanted to be waited on after a long day at work. I probably won't make another trip unless my friends are just dying to go there.

The food wasn't bad -- the ham and mushroom pizza was pretty good, the pesto pasta just OK. I liked all the fresh herbs growing around the restaurant. Smelled good.

Also, the outside lounge area needs some comfier cushions -- hard as a rock.