Dearest gentle readers, A most scandalous correction must be issued how careless of me. The establishment in question is none other than the divine Grassa, a name that now rolls off the tongue with the same richness as its most indulgent fare. And oh, what fare it is. Here, along the lively stretch of Portland, one may witness noodles brought to life before their very eyes fresh, authentic, and handled with a confidence that borders on audacity. These delicate strands are then enrobed in a mac and cheese so decadently composed, so brazenly elevated, that it dares to redefine comfort itself. And just when one believes it cannot be improved enter the pig belly. Crisp, tender, and unapologetically rich... a finishing touch that transforms the dish into something whispered about in only the most exclusive of circles. Yes, dear reader, this is the sort of indulgence that lingers long after the final bite... the kind that ruins lesser versions without remorse. And so, with that final truth properly set, I take my leave once more. The tales of this fair city draw to a close, but not without leaving behind a most delicious legacy. Until our next adventure ever eastward. Yours most faithfully, read more

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Visiting Portland and found this local chain of Italian restaurants. Everything we tried was delicious. The pasta was perfectly al dente. The sauces are flavorful. The food was freshly prepared and served promptly to the table. They have a selection of alcoholic beverages as well. You order at the counter so that could be a little time consuming and the food is served to your table. The seating is a mix of booths and communal tables. Definitely would visit again if the occasion arises. read more

Grassa - Carbonara - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Great food, lightening speed service, and very reasonable prices. All around great experience and clean, open seating. I ordered the chopped salad (delicous), meatballs (came out piping hot, generous size), and carbonara (tasty). All were good but surprisingly the salad was my favorite! It looks so regular & unassuming but the flavors were super subtle, fresh, and just pleasant. The carbonara was nice but just slightly salty- still good enough to devour tho! Great spot. read more

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My husband and I have been to Grassa PDX several times and it's always been awesome. We've tried a few of their pastas and they've all been delicious. We LOVE their Caesar salad. The waitstaff is friendly and helpful. We like that there are lots of tables to sit at and like the wooden ones best. Would love to try the Grassa in Portland sometime too! Definitely recommend to other folks looking for a bite before leaving on a trip if you're at PDX. read more

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Grassa has been on my bookmarks for quite some time, glad I was finally able to come in to check it out. We swung by for a final lunch before flying home. Im always on the hunt for vodka pasta so I had to get the fusilli alla vodka, we also tried the fritto misto, rigatoni with pork ragú, carbonara and the adult miles (Mac n cheese). Everything was soo delicious, fresh pasta with the perfect bite, great flavor and quick service. I can see why everyone recommends Grassa, it does live up to the reviews. A great meal and I'd love to check it out again next time we're in Portland. read more

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If you're looking for a place that makes you question whether you've been underestimating pasta your entire life, Grassa is it. I ordered the carbonara, Caesar salad, and garlic bread, which in hindsight is the exact order you place when you fully commit to carbs and have zero regrets. The carbonara was rich, creamy, and perfectly coated every noodle like it had a purpose in life. The Caesar salad was crisp and refreshing, which helped me pretend this was a balanced meal. And the garlic bread? Buttery, garlicky, and absolutely necessary for cleaning the plate like a civilized person. The atmosphere was chill and casual, the kind of place where you can show up hungry and leave happy without feeling rushed. The staff were friendly, efficient, and kept everything moving even when it was busy. Overall, amazing food, great vibes, and a spot I'll definitely come back to. Next time I might branch out and try something new... but realistically I'm probably ordering the carbonara again. read more

Grassa - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Dined here for my birthday dinner - and from what I remember, it was very delicious and it was the only thing that was open late night from what I remember as we were walking down this cute neighborhood. I'm always craving pasta so that was a win! The quality of the pasta was amazing as it handcrafted. Taste, outstanding! We got seated on the booths and our server was attentive. Service was great as well. read more

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Grassa's situated in the Vancouver Waterfront with an awesome view of the water. Upon entering, I noticed how spacious the area was with booths, tables, and bar-height tables. I was stuck between the Radiatore and the Chicken Parm, so I asked the staff what they suggest. The staff was pretty quick to answer which I should choose and they did not miss. The chicken itself had the perfect crunch to it with the cheesy goodness complimenting the dish. The serving of spaghetti was a bit smaller than expected but it still hit the spot. This was definitely the safest choice for someone who isn't familiar with the restaurant or area in general. Would come back again! read more

Grassa - Chicken Parm. - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Quite easily one of my favorite pasta places in Portland! Incredible house made pasta for a reasonable price. Love how they are able to get such bold flavors out of simple fresh ingredients. My husband and I shared the Cacio e Pepe and the butternut squash gnocchi and they were both amazing! The gnocchi was our personal favorite, with a really good balance of sweet and savory flavors, but the Cacio e Pepe was also delicious- very creamy and peppery. Highly recommend checking out this Portland staple if you haven't already! read more

Grassa - Cacio e Pepe and the butternut squash gnocchi (January menu) - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Dined in on a Saturday evening and ordered the smoked pork Mac n cheese and carbonara with a side of garlic bread and everything tasted great. The Mac and cheese was perfectly al dente and had the cheese a a great robust flavor that was not too overpowering and addicting. The smoked pork was very tender and fatty and offered the dish some nice variety of flavor and texture. The Carbonara again was a good al dente and the overall flavor was great. The pork used for the dish also tasted great as well. The egg topped with plenty of parmesan was a great compliment to the dish as well. I will say I preferred the Mac n cheese over this however. The service was great; No complaints there. The carbonara will run you $15 and the smoked pork Mac n cheese $18. For home made pasta that taste great, you can't go wrong with those prices. Overall a solid Italian place that won't break your wallet. read more

Grassa - Smoked Pork Mac n Cheese - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I was looking for a place to have lunch after getting to downtown and stumbled on this place. I noticed they had pork belly mac and cheese on the menu and that was enough to get me to eat here. I ordered immediately as there was no line and sat down at a booth. Despite there being other tables, I got my food pretty fast, in about 10 minutes. Honestly, was expecting a bigger portion for 18$ but was still delighted with the mac and cheese. It was really good mixed in with the pork belly and I enjoyed every bite of it. Also, I liked their self-serve water station. I did not have to wait for anyone to bring me water when I finished my cup, I could just go and refill it myself. read more

Grassa - Pork Belly Mac & Cheese - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Great food! Reasonable prices. The staff is friendly and helpful. I love that the pasta is fresh. You can try taste the difference. Perfect little spot to pop in for a meal. read more

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This was my first casual counter service experience for an Italian restaurant, which was cool not having to dress up fancy just for some pasta. They make their own noodles in house too which is cool, but I was kinda disappointed by the carbonara I tried. The bucatini noodles were too al dente, the egg was much too fried almost over-hard. The sauce was weak and missing that rich creaminess and the whole dish tasted almost a bit watery. I still may try them once more as I like the concept of cheap, fast-casual Italian. read more

Grassa - Carbonara $15 (not very good) - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The food was to die for! The menu was fairly limited, but what they did have was more than enough. The portions are great, the flavor is amazing, and the drinks are fun and flavorful. The restaurant itself is very cute and usually full, but I've never had to wait long. The staff is always friendly, although the service (understandably) may take awhile. read more

Grassa - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

We decided on Grassa after seeing it around the city during our trip and it did not disappoint. It was our last night and we were in the mood for pasta. You order before you sit and then they bring you your food to your table. We got the caesar salad and garlic bread to start with. The salad had the perfect acidity and loved that it came with anchovies. The bread went well with the pasta but definitely filled us before we got to the mains so I'd go with one. For the pasta we tried the carbonara and fusilli alla vodka. They both were really tasty and the homemade noodles combined with the sauces were delicious. I liked the egg in the carbonara and the combo of yoke and sauce, along with the guanciale. Overall, a solid spot for Italian. read more

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What we ordered: * Truffle pappardelle (4/5) * fusilli alla vodka (4.5/10) * rigatoni (5/5) [Taste: ] - Wow impressed with the quality of the pasta, especially since it is a counter service establishment. You can really tell the pasta is made in house. Each of the sauces were tasty and distinct from one another. I especially liked the cheese they used! Note that their fusilli is more al dente, and was a little too chewy for my preference. [Service: ] Self serve !! [Comments: ] Lots of options, and fair prices for the portions. I thought the portion sizes were perfect and generous with the protein. [bathroom: ] Yes read more

Grassa - Fusilli alla vodka, Rigatoni Pasta, truffle pappardelle - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Mmm mmm! Pasta made fresh and refreshing creme sodas! We came here on a Tuesday evening, right at the 5pm dinner rush, and had no issues ordering. The guy at the register was helpful and shared some great recommendations since we've never eaten here. We simply went with the Fusilli alla Vodka, the Carbonara, and the Adult Luke (aka Spaghetti & 3 meatballs). All three $15 each. To add to that, we gave their flavored creme sodas a try as well. The dishes we ordered appeared to be regular dishes up on the menu board. And I gotta say, they make some thick hardy noodles! I also recall the Italian sausage having a nice spice, and the red sauce having a pleasant and subtle flavor. Not too tomatoee and not overly salty. As for the dining area, they've got sturdy wooden booths and high tables, that appear to be quite clean! I don't mind the 'bus your own table' idea as the place can get busy. Because after we ordered, the place got packed and pretty loud. But order yourself a freshly made orange creme soda, give everyone a "Toast," and you won't have a worry in the world. read more

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This spot offers fancy food but not fancy service. Set the expectations right so you won't be disappointed. It's not a fancy spot. It's very laid back. I'd say the drinks match this ambiance - more on the sugary standard drinks side. Don't expect any actual fancy drinks here. The food though is awesome. You can tell that the pasta is fresh by the texture that it's chewy and evenly cooked all the way through. I'd say that carbonara doesn't traditionally have an over easy egg thrown on top, it's usually just the egg yolk. But it was good regardless (little on the chunky/hard side for the pancetta though). The sauce for the meatballs has a nice spice to it. read more

Grassa - Carbonara - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I was waiting for a red eye flight in PDX when I came upon this gem of a restaurant. A fresh Caesar salad and a glass of delicious cold Willamette Pinot Gris made my day and totaled only $21! My server, Raul, made sure I was comfortable at the bar and told me that even though they would be closing soon, I could stay as long as I needed. I will definitely try their pasta next time and there will definitely be a next time. Thanks! read more

Amazing food. The pasta manages a delectable balance between delicate and chewy -- it's thin but still substantial. And the truffle with salt flakes and ground pepper makes for a mouthwatering cream sauce. Likewise, the seasoning on the beet salad - a mix of salts, pepper and spices kicks it up a notch from the usual. And the blueberry jasmine lemonade has distinct floral character that transcends the usual mocktail sweetness. This was a great spot to sit on a summer night, however the fact that you order up front and then take a table means that no one came to check on us when our meal was spectacularly late. And no one came to apologize or offer us a comp even though we went up to the counter to inquire about our food. It marred what would have otherwise been a perfect experience though the food was good enough that I'll definitely give them a second chance. read more

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Upon entering, no one greeted me so I was confused whether I sit down or order at the bar. Eventually I just waited and ordered at the bar and got a number and chose any open seating. It is self serve for water and utensils. The Mac and cheese with pork belly was phenomenal. The garlic bread was nice and toasted warm. The other dish had a slight truffle flavor and the added on pork belly was not seasoned the same as the Mac and cheese so it was slightly bland. The seating feels a bit off at the booth since I felt the table was too low for my posture compared to the other tables. Recommend if you're craving some pasta ! read more

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What a great discovery! The price point, serving size, and taste is such a good deal for what you're getting here. I love that they also have one at the airport. Be mindful that the pasta here is cooked al dente so the noodles are slightly chewier. The flavor is still really good so I don't mind how the pasta is cooked. The carbonara is so creamy. It's such a good and simple dish that you won't be disappointed in. We also got the blackberry lemonade. Probably one of the best lemonade I've had, it doesn't taste artificial and has a great balance of sweet and tart. read more

Grassa - Carbonara Pasta Rigatoni Pasta - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Great Garlic Bread, Good Pasta We stopped by Grassa and tried the black truffle pasta--it was really tasty, but honestly, the garlic bread stole the show. Hands down the best part of the meal! The customer service setup is different: you order at the counter, get a number, and then find your own table while they bring the food to you. It's efficient, but not super personal. The overall vibe of the place is okay--nothing amazing, but it gets the job done. Worth visiting if you're craving pasta, and definitely don't skip the garlic bread! read more

Grassa - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Fairly disappointed. My first should've been that the restaurant was entirely empty. I got the Fusilli Alla Vodka and Garlic Bread. Pasta was okay, very average. I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between that pasta and Olive Garden (not a good sign). The garlic bread was clearly heated up in a microwave. Very soft and the top was very pale (wouldn't be pale if it was in an oven of some sort). They also placed it upside down in the bag, so the oil/fat was dripping from the microwaved bread into the pasta container. Customer service was average and place looked decently clean. I've been to Grassa near NW23rd in Nobhill and it was a much more pleasant experience, this location happened to be closer this time. read more

Solid fast casual fresh pasta spot in downtown Portland. You order and pay at the front and then seat yourself. They will bring your order to your table and clear the plates away. There's some booths, large shared tables, and some counter seating. I tried the rigatoni with pork sugo and the fusilli with vodka sauce and sausage. Both were good and the pasta itself was pretty tasty. Overall, I liked the fusilli more. The vodka sauce had a ton of flavor and the fusilli was larger than the normal boxed pasta which was fun. read more

Grassa - Rigatoni Pasta - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This spot is truly so cool! I love that it is casual - ordering at the door before you sit - but such high-quality pasta and food! I went with some friends, so was able to try a bit of every dish - but the truffle pappardelle and the burrata were huge hits! But honestly, every dish we tried - from the carbonara to the rigatoni - were exceptional. Food came out quickly, hot and fresh, and we were able to linger a bit without feeling rushed out! read more

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Walked in here spontaneously and were seated right away. It seems to be a casual restaurant but feels elevated. We ordered the burrata and pastas which tasted as expected. This would be a place I'd go for a nicer work lunch read more

Grassa - Burrata, Black Truffle Pappardelle - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Great fast casual Italian restaurant with house made pasta. You order at the register from items listed on a large board. They bring your food to your table. Nice atmosphere like a regular restaurant. Prices are modest. My sister wanted to eat there every night we were in town. It is a chain; there is one near the airport too. read more

Grassa - I forgot which pasta this was but it was perfectly done. - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Wanted to love it but honestly just okay. When visiting Portland Grassa popped up as one of the top restaurant recommendations. Staff was great but the meal did not standout. The restaurant feels like a "fast casual" spot. Once you enter the hostess takes your order, you get a number, and find a seat. Water is self serve at the table you choose and all of the glasses were extremely dirty. Food came out very fast and at first glance looks great. Rigatoni - handmade pasta is a plus but sauce had no flavor. The pork chunks were tender but again lacked flavor. Fusilli Alla Vodka - best dish out of the two but still lacked flavor. The sausage was a much better pairing but not something I'd order again. Unfortunately, this spot should be a skip on your Portland itinerary. Could be a decent spot for a quick bite but not a place I'd revisit. read more

Grassa - Rigatoni Pasta - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Ordered food to go. Pork Belly Mac & Cheese, calamari and truffle pappardelle. The food was 4/10 I would say and they gave us no utensils to eat our food with. No napkins nothing. I even tipped them. I was very excited to try this place but would never go back or recommend. read more

Grassa is a well-established restaurant specializing in handmade pastas. It just so happened that I was in the area that day and decided to try Grassa for the first time. Needless to say, it was a phenomenal experience, and I returned twice afterward over the next couple of days. The carbonara is hands down the best I've had. Al-dente pasta with small crunchy pancetta bites and a sunny side egg cooked perfectly to bring it all together. Pros: Fast, friendly service. Reasonable prices with great portions. Cons: N/A read more

Grassa - Carbonara Pasta - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Exceptional, creative dishes, plentiful, no fuss, no muss menu. Love the simplicity of the whole experience, order at the counter, they bring it to you. Pasta, Salad and Garlic bread - $36 No real server, person @ walk up counter took order. garlic bread - $6 - Best I have ever had and lot's of garlic. tomato watermelon salad - $11 - Super fresh and refreshing. Pasta Corn Agnolotti = $19 - OFF THE CHART FAN-TAS-TIC. Wish we'd ordered 2 orders. If you are in the area, you MUST GO HERE for phenomenal and creative pasta dishes. Had we been staying a few more days, we would have gone back multiple times. read more

The pasta and salad is sooo good. I would suggest they work on customer service. They were short staffed the night I went and the lady was very rude and gave poor service. I would come back because the food is really, really good. 10/10!! read more

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I love Grassa and wish more Italian restaurants had a fast-casual order at the counter concept! I live in San Diego and whenever we want to get freshly made pasta we have to go somewhere more upscale and pricey. The pasta is delicious here and you can see the chefs preparing your meal behind the counter. The portions are very filling! read more

Grassa - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Carbonara, garlic bread and a half bottle of Merlot. The wine was a gentle upsell from the cashier- "if you're going to have two glasses the 1/2 bottle is cheaper." The pasta was fantastic. Best I've had in a long long time. Nice work chef. House made (?) noodles, great crispy pancetta and a slightly lemony sauce. Very good. Garlic bread served in a paper sleeve fits their seat-yourself vibe: you order and pay at the door (tip before you eat/are served? Don't like) then you seat yourself at one of the high top communal tables or at one of three booths. The food is the high point. And maybe the cocktail menu. The music is too loud. Service is pretty scaled back...they bring food out, they take the plates away. No frills in this new business model...but why do I have to tip up front...what's that for? Service? I paid about $46 with a tip for a bowl of pasta, two glasses of wine and two pieces of garlic bread. I'd eat the pasta again in a heartbeat but I'd probably only come if someone else was paying. read more

Grassa - Menu - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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This is the place to eat before a show at the Crystal Ballroom! The food is excellent, comparable to a high-end Italian restaurant. The drinks are also great, and the prices are reasonable. Highly recommended! read more

The food here is really good, the pasta was super flavorful and the garlic bread was to die. They give you a lot too so it feels worth the price. The kiwi margarita was good but seems a little bit too expensive for what you get. You order at a counter and someone brings you the food so it's more casual than I expected. They also have a location in the airport if you miss it while you're out. Would definitely recommend. read more

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We stopped by Grassa after it was recommended by one of our travel guides who raved about their fresh, house-made pasta. You order up front and take a seat - nobody checks on you thereafter. I ordered the Spaghetti al Pesto and the Pizza Hot Pocket. The spaghetti was unfortunately a bit too al dente for my taste and could've used more seasoning--especially salt. On the flip side, the Pizza Hot Pocket was a pleasant surprise! A fun, flavorful twist on the typical calzone or hot pocket, and definitely the highlight of the meal. While I appreciate the concept and atmosphere, the pricing felt a bit steep considering the simplicity and portion size of the dishes. Still, I'm glad we gave it a try. Worth a visit if you're curious, but I'd suggest going in with tempered expectations. read more

Grassa - Italian Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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It was my first time here and I loved it. Not pictured (Caesar Salad, 5/5). The ambiance was amazing, lights dimmed but a great atmosphere to converse with those around you. Service is interesting, you order before eating but I feel like this has become the norm at many restaurants post pandemic. read more

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This is a lovely spot and when I return for my annual conference in Portland, I will definitely be back. I popped in one evening when I had walked about a mile late looking for a spot to try. It was on a weeknight so I got in pretty quickly (they do the same style that a lot of restaurants are doing nowadays where you order your food at a counter up front & then you grab a seat until they bring your order to you). So you gotta make sure you get everything you need because they don't come around often(; it's basically self service to some degree but no complaints on this just a key point to note. I had some spaghetti and meatballs and a nonalcoholic mule and both were really good I also had their Cesar salad whicj had a lemony twist and was super fresh and delicious. Quality place & experience read more