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Vapiano is an Italian restaurant chain in Munich and other major German cities. The motto here is: choose, queue, wait, enjoy, pay! For example, the Vapiano in the 5 Höfe shopping center at Odeonsplatz is significantly larger and more spacious than the Vapiano on Richard-Strauss-Straße. I generally enjoy going to both Vapianos for salads or pasta. The pizzas are okay, but nothing special. Unfortunately, you have to wait in line for quite a while, especially at lunchtime and in the evenings. On average, it takes about the same amount of time to sit down, order, and get your food at a "normal" restaurant. Vapiano is a hot topic: some complain, others love it, and still others come here willingly and don't mind the long wait. I belong to the latter group. Even though you constantly read about scandals (caterpillars in salads, hair in pasta, "customers are charged for long waits and carrying trays," etc.), I still keep coming back. Admittedly, the staff is incredibly slow, with a new face behind the pasta counter every week (or rather, three or four new faces), and they're definitely untrained in most cases. You'll definitely need patience – but I think the result is worth it. Some people have told me I'd never eat there again if I'd ever taken a look at the ventilation and exhaust vents, but I still really enjoy the salad with scampi, the pasta with pesto, or even the occasional pizza.
The menus are small cardboard cards that you can study while waiting in line – sometimes a very long line. The salad line is usually the least busy. For pizzas, you simply place your order, receive a voucher, and wait until you can pick up your chosen pizza. Depending on what you want, you have to join the corresponding line (pizza, pasta, salad & antipasti). You can order drinks (except alcohol!) and bread directly with your meal. Small desserts in glasses are available at the separate bar, which also offers Hugo, coffee, wine, etc.
At the branch in the 5 Höfe shopping center at Odeonsplatz, I unfortunately once waited in line for over an hour for my salad – only to watch an unmotivated "chef" carelessly throw three lettuce leaves into a bowl for my large (!) Caesar salad. The staff – especially at the 5 Höfe location – are unfortunately very slow. Generally, everything is always fresh and delicious, and individual requests (more Parmesan, less dressing, extra tomatoes, etc.) are usually accommodated. The portions are ample – and bread is always available upon request (for 50 cents).
The Caesar salad is very tasty, as is the mixed salad. You can choose your own dressing. The pasta is also delicious, and there's a wide selection of different types to choose from – including whole wheat and spelt pasta. Unfortunately, at the Richard-Strauss-Straße location, the pasta is often undercooked, and a few times it tasted doughy – but of course, you can mention this, and your pasta dish (the scampi pasta and pesto pasta are very simple but delicious!) always tastes great.
The 5 Courtyards are a good choice if you enjoy sitting with a glass of wine – from the separate bar, where you unfortunately have to queue again – in the large rotunda overlooking the staircase to the first floor where the tables are located, and if you like people-watching and don't mind a certain level of noise. When it's really crowded, it can get quite loud. It's quieter on Richard-Strauss-Straße, and the upper floor is more intimate. There's also a small bar area where you can relax after your meal and enjoy a Hugo (no cocktails!).
You don't pay for your meals when ordering or at your table, but rather at the checkout counter downstairs, where you hand over your chip card, onto which the corresponding amount for your food and drinks will be loaded. Be careful – a lost card will cost you 50 euros.
There are currently four Vapiano locations in Munich. Give it a try. It's worth noting, however, that it's not necessarily cheaper than dining at a restaurant with table service. A large Caesar salad costs €7 without scampi and €12 with six scampi. The menu is varied, and they also offer daily soups, rotating new pizzas, antipasti, new pasta dishes, and much more. If I were you, I'd give it a go.
Place visited: Vapiano – 5 Courtyards (U-Bahn Odeonsplatz) or Richard-Str.-Straße (U-Bahn Richard-Strauss-Str.)
Address: Theatinerstraße 15, 80333 Munich or Richard-Strauss-Straße 80-82, 81679 Munich
Website
Pictures:
Dean and David – Munich | Bianca's Blog
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