Fast Casual Italian Arrives in the Loop

Vapiano Sidewalk Patio on Monroe

Vapiano, the German fast causal Italian restaurant, opened its second Chicago location today. I had a chance to check out the food, drink and location during an opening preview party. I had seen the Vapiano Lincoln Park location and was always curious to see what it was all about.

The chain of restaurants features made-to-order fresh pasta, pizza, and paninis, as well as desserts and drinks. Each Vapiano location is strategically placed on busy corners in their respective cities. The Chicago Loop location is no exception. The restaurant is in the former Carson Pirie Scott building at the corner of Wabash and Monroe. While the inside of the dining room is extremely modern, the space still has some of the original doors and fixtures of the Carson Pirie Scott building.

What I love about Vapiano is the fact that they make all of their pastas by hand while you watch! The food has a strong focus on freshness and there are even fresh rosemary and basil plants on each table for you to add to your meal (I think?!).  I had a great time sampling the antipasto dishes, pizza, pasta, and desserts, while sipping on some lovely prosecco.

Check out some photos from the opening party below, as well as my first ever Tastemade video! What's Tastemade you ask? It's a recently developed app that allows you to take short, 1-minute videos of your dining experiences. Everything is pieced together into a professional-quality video, all using just an iPhone! My first video is definitely not the best, (I need to work on being more candid in front of the camera and my eyebrows need to stay put! It also didn't help that I'm battling a brutal cold.) but then again, it is my first one! Let me know what you think in the comments!

Food Counter

Caprese Salad, Chilled Tomato Soup & Grilled Shrimp

Funghi & Pomodoro Pastas

Roasted Tomato & Garlic Pizza

Vapiano
www.vapiano.com
44 S. Wabash
Chicago, IL 60603