Italian slow food specialist, VAPIANO, opens first restaurant in Geneva

: Published: 15 June 2014

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By Hiba Giacoletto

In response to the growing demand for "slow food" served quickly, VAPIANO, has just opened its first restaurant in Geneva.

First created in Hamburg in 2002, this is the third VAPIANO in Suisse Romande, which builds on the success of its Lausanne and Fribourg restaurants. The menu is decidedly Italian, ingredients are all fresh, high-quality, mostly local and seasonal, and everything is prepared right before your eyes.

Taking up 700m2 across two floors that will accommodate more than 200 diners, and with a terrace that seats up to 96 people, VAPIANO is centrally located on the Place Saint-Gervais, near Manor and the Rhône river. The Italian architect and designer Matteo Thun is behind the conception of the space which uses Mediterranean touches such as an olive tree and herbs in pots to create a modern and welcoming atmosphere.

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VAPIANO was inspired by the Italian phrase “Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano”, meaning “slowly but surely.” This celebration of "slow food" is evident in the preparation of homemade pasta which can be viewed behind the glass of the “Pasta Manifattura”, visible from rue Vallin.

VAPIANO appeals to professionals working in the surroundings looking for a quick yet high-quality lunch or dinner, as well as tourists, young people and families. Of particular interest for families is a special kid’s menu as well as pizza and pasta cooking classes for children coming soon.

Part of the unique atmosphere behind VAPIANO lies in the 60 or so ‘Vapianisti’ or staff it employs at the Geneva restaurant: people hired primarily for their attitude and motivation without necessarily having past experience in the restaurant business.

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Another particularity is the magnetic card you are given upon entering the restaurant. This is used to record all your purchases, allowing you to pay everything upon leaving.

Food choices include a pasta station, a pizza station and a salad and dessert station where all food is prepared in front of you. Choose among different types of fresh, homemade pasta and a wide variety of sauces or stone-oven pizza or salad options. Italian desserts (dolci) such as tiramisu are also fresh and homemade while antipasta such as bruschetta or carpaccio make for the perfect after-work snack.

For the first time in a VAPIANO restaurant, a take away station is also available from rue Vallin - making it possible to order and take your food without going into the restaurant.

If you are looking for healthier options, two types of wholegrain pasta are available and options with leafy greens such as arugula or spinach can be found in both pizza and pasta choices. You can also compose your own salad, with some ingredients such as chicken strips prepared right in front of you.

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