In the first few years after the pizza was invented, it was delivered, often with disastrous results, by a discus thrower. At Vapiano, the edible frisbee experience is far less dangerous. For $10, you get $20 worth of pizza, pasta, and salads, and more from the sleek, almost slippery concept restaurant.

Vapiano's interior looks like a NASA artist's rendering of what a pizza place should look like on the moon. Bright, clean light and modernist, spacious design comingle with live herbs and pizza trees. The menu features thin-crust pizzas cut laser-thin without using a pizza-laser. Treasure this crispness with a pizza salsiccia, tackled by spicy Sicilian pepperoni and savoy cabbage ($10), or a crudo with prosciutto and parmesan ($10). Each pasta dish contains everything your body needs to survive if you floated out of the comforts of Earth's atmosphere. Try the filetto di manzo with beef filet, fresh veggies, mushrooms, and arugula ($11) or the tacchino piccante, with chicken, chili sauce, bok choy, and bell pepper ($10).

Like the last ship leaving behind a devastated, pizzaless earth, Vapiano's has no waiters and no table service—just a card that records your order. If you want more, just swipe more, and nab the pie when it's hot and ready. Without the hassle of juggling multiple credit cards, the conversation stretches long, ideal for enjoying the vast array of wines and cocktails—none of which come in little aluminum pouches. Vapiano is located across from Mockingbird Station.

Reviews

The Dallas Observer says:

• I have to say I'd totally go back to Vapiano (now that I get it). Dishes were nicely crafted, well portioned, and fairly priced. – Eddie Garza, Dallas Observer

Yelpers give Vapiano three stars, and 84% of Urbanspooners like it:

• This was the greatest restaurant I have ever been to. I loved the concept and the food was fresh and delicious. The hostesses were so helpful and the chefs were friendly and made good conversation and the cake (death by chocolete) was amazing. – andrew mcclay. Urbanspoon
• The experience is great...especially since it's very serve yourself. The pasta and pizza is [sic] made fresh right infront [sic] of you and can be made in the way that you want it. The desserts and the coffee are the best part though. – Jax D., Yelp
• The pizza was perfect...thin crust and fresh toppings and just enough herbs in the mix..light from the big windows, fresh herbs, trees in the middle of tables...Definitely a great place for fresh, yummy food and a few drinks with friends! – Kim N., Yelp