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The pasta is excellent, and so are the sides. I had the rigatoni with the pork ragu and I couldn't help but try the Brussels sprouts that had been lightly fried with a mustard sauce, and they were excellent. Here's the thing though, you walk in and the cavernous space doesn't really give your eye or your body any direction or a place to land, and when you finally figure out that you're ordering from a counter... in a strange backhanded way, the staff exhibits a little bit of contempt that you don't know how to navigate this massive space. So if you've been here before and you know how to do it, it really works. Just know that your initial visit may be a little bit uncomfortable.
Came back into town for a visit with my Grand-daughter... Based on my first visit to another Grassa location, during a previous stay, I knew I had to dine at the nearest one ASAP!!! I brought two special guests this time, and they too fell instantly in love! This restaurant had a great vibe. It was very busy. The line moved smoothly though. Staff were friendly, and seats comfy... Ordered the meatballs, because it is a MUST HAVE!!! My girls don't even like meatballs, and they got up in the middle of the night to eat the cold leftovers! What does that tell you! The Fusilli Alla Vodka was incredible last time, and it was even better at this location it seemed like. Highly unlikely... I think I was just so thrilled to have it again!!! Tried the Pork Belly Mac & Cheese for the first time. It blew our minds!!! Whoever came up with that sauce... and the idea to add pork belly to it... topped with the PERFECT type of pasta... is a culinary GENIUS I tell you! L*O*V*E Just like the other location, this did not disappoint. Absolutely had a fun time, and the food was amazing all the way... grazie mille!
Wowowowowow this is some good pasta. The short rib was unreal. The flavor, freshness of the pasta, and the cheese cannot be beat. The caesar salad was a skip for me... needs acidity and needs more dressing. The garlic bread was also a skip and needed salt. The meatballs were undercooked and had zero flavor. The pasta alone was good enough to give this place 5 stars, that's how good it was.
I'm sorry Grassa but you've gone downhill enough that I have to give you 1* now. While this location is nice and convenient, the service and food just isn't enough for me to come back to this location. Bucatini carbonara, and Mac and cheese used to be regular order but on my last visit there was hair in it (yuck)! Because of how you order (pay upfront first) I couldn't flag someone down quickly. The server who dropped the food off just ran off quickly before I could say anything. Going up to the service area you could see the kitchen staff not wearing hair nets or even caps. When I got someone's attention, there was no apology, no offer of a refund, just an "oh". They handed it to the kitchen and said they'll remake. Unfortunately I lost my appetite so I just walked away. On other visits, they changed the Mac and cheese recipe and the pork belly was just too sweet. The noodles have also been "more than al dente" the last few times, maybe a sign of them rushing.
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.
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,
We spent two nights in Portland and my family wanted to eat here both nights! And so glad we did!! The food is really that good! It is pasta done right. Fresh made pasta with delicious sauces made with the finest ingredients. Everything we tried was so flavorful! The staff were friendly and the food was on our table very quickly. Large open air eating area with booths, tables and high tops, plus picnic tables for outdoor seating. I'd return to Portland just for more Grassa!!
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.
Casual. Easy. Delicious. You order up in the front and they'll bring it to your table. We got the truffle papardelle, pork belly mac and cheese, burrata, and Brussel sprouts. The mac and cheese was recommended to us and was definitely not a lie. Sweet, slightly spicy(not really), creamy, and tangy. A perfect blend of the best flavor profiles with sauce hoarding pasta. It's a life regret to not order this dish. Everything else was also very solid. I really enjoyed the refreshing flavors of the burrata dish and the Brussel sprouts were a necessary addition of vegetables.
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.
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.
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.
Order takeout carbonara on a game day (wish I didn't) and only got 2 pieces of meat in my carbonara:(. Genuinely so sad and disappointed
5 months ago
I love this place. Must stop when visiting Portland. Fresh, simple and easy. Great atmosphere and service read more
1 year ago
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
1 year ago
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
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
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
12 days ago
17 days ago
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
15 days ago
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 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
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
1 year ago
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
2 months ago
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
2 months ago
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
1 year ago
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
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
Visited this PDX location when a concert at the Moda Center was postponed. Took a little bit to find parking, but it's Portland, and very near to Cheryl's on 12th so a very busy area. The inside is warm and cozy. Order at the cashier when you walk in and then choose a seat. The tables are like hightop lunch tables and a few booths over on one side and a bar. I sat at the bar since I was solo and the place had a good crowd onna Friday night. View of the kitchen was comforting. I had the rigatoni with Sunday pork ragu and a Caesar Salad. The salad was crisp and fresh with actual anchovies. I haven't had a salad like that since I was in Europe. The rigatoni was good and the ragu was flavorful, but it wasn't impressive enough for me to take the leftovers. Overall though, solid meal and I'd go back to try the meatballs and have another salad. read more
25 days ago
This quick service style Italian eatery is a known as a good stop for a fast bite. Food was served pretty quickly and I saw more going out the door in to-go bags than staying in the room. I had the Fusilli ala Vodka which I found surprisingly spicy, though I tend to have a solid tolerance, but could have stayed in the water for another minute or even two. Overall the experience was largely middling with nothing particularly good or interesting presenting itself during the visit. Admittedly it seemed neat to be tied to the taphouse next door so I might be tempted to give it another go if I'm out later. read more
What a delicious meal! We came here by recommendation of some friends who visited before us....and we loved it! You order at the register that you are greeted by up front. then find yourself a seat. We found a seat for three at about 6pm on a Saturday quiet easily at one of the high top communal tables. Your self-serve water, utensils and water are there for you to help yourself to. The food (salad and apps first, then the pastas) comes quickly and at a good pace. My son said their burrata was exceptionally good and all three of us enjoyed their Caesar salad. My husband devoured the clams and pasta dish (I forgot the name - but only a tad of sauce was left!), my sons vodka pasta dish was delicious and my rigatoni was great as well. I'd say the rigatoni was our third favorite of the group - but even then it was very, very good. We're only visiting for the weekend but my son asked to return tomorrow to eat here again! read more
We didn't plan to come here but stumbled across it and decided to give it a try. My friends and I were excited to try their handmade pasta. We ordered the $15 Rigatoni Sunday Pork Ragu and the $9 meatballs. The interior was clean, and it wasn't busy at all since we went a little before 5 pm. After our food arrived, more people started to pour in. I thought the meatballs were just ok, but the Rigatoni was delicious! Overall, it was a great dining experience, and I would definitely come back to try their other pasta dishes! read more
I like how Grassa was very clean and spacious. You order at the front and the food comes to your table, but you're in charge of getting your own water, utensils, etc. The spaghetti aglio olio was $10! It was very affordable and I enjoyed the baked breadcrumbs, garlic, and chili flakes. I wished I ordered extra toppings but I couldn't tell if you could add more sides like vegetables. Definitely a smaller portion, but I was content by the end of my meal. read more
3 months ago
Wow I wasn't expecting that and my favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs. Thank you Grassa!!! read more
My son, visiting from FL, decided he wanted italian. We were at the book store and ended up walking a couple of blocks to Grassa. Cute little place with a bustling vibe! More fast casual ham i was expecting, but a good selection overall. The way the menu is set up it appears that they change it frequently. I ordered something with bolognese which was great - meat was tender and the sauce was super flavorful! My son had the pork belly mac and cheese, which was also very good! we split a cesar salad. the lettuce was incredibly fresh and the right amount of dressing. Overall, it was enjoyable! I would certainly return. thumbs up on this one! read more
7 months ago
What a tasty spot, I highly reccomend for an affordable meal! It threw me off a bit that you ordered at the counter, but getting to sit at a bar made it all worth it. Everyone in my party loved their dinner, with solid portions and great taste, what's not to love! read more
2 months ago
This is a must visit every time we visit Portland. You cannot beat these prices for these portions. Incredible. We ordered the pork belly Mac and cheese (WOW, a must order, the caesar salad (another wow, the lemon really takes it up a notch), the spaghetti aglio olio (another winner) and the carbonara (usually a party favorite but it was just alright for us). The service was prompt and there was a busy atmosphere but it wasn't too crowded. The kids loved the coloring pages too. We will definitely be back! read more
I loved the truffle pappardelle here. The pasta just tasted so fresh and the sauce was delicious. I also ordered a side of garlic bread, this was good, but not super special. The prices here are pretty good for fresh pasta as well. I liked the pasta here so much, I picked up a rigatoni at the Grassa location at the airport a day later. The rigatoni was good, but I didn't like it as much as the pappardelle. I think it could have used more sauce and been a bit more flavorful. read more
1 year ago
Super cute lunch spot and space! Our food tasted delicious and we were happy with the kind service too :) Only thing was that it felt pricey for the portion but that might just be pasta nowadays. Thank you!! read more
we ordered the pork belly mac and cheese, wedge salad, meatball starter, pappardelle, aglio e olio, cacio e pepe, and pizza hot pocket. the most flavorful dish out of everything we ordered was definitely the pork belly mac and cheese, but it's definitely on the heavier side. the pork is fatty, tender and bursting with a slightly sweet flavor. the wedge salad is a great addition, and if you'd like a milder, lighter pasta option i would recommend the algio e olio. the black truffle pappardelle is buttery but could use a bit more salt for seasoning. i believe the tomato based pasta dish in the photo is the radiatore, which was my personal favorite. the tomato sauce was perfectly acidic and the dollops of whipped ricotta spread throughout creamily cut through the tartness of tomato in the dish. service is fast and casual, and they have a connected bar that you can get beers from. the ambiance is very millennial-burger-joint coded if ykwim LOL. love it though i'm so upset i'm not local, this would definitely be a consistent craving if i was a portland local! read more
10 months ago
It was delicious, even the bowl was good. Great portions! Will come back again. It's in downtown so parking will be a struggle but the place is really modernized decorated and the service was amazing! read more
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Ask the Community - Grassa
Can they make Carbonara or other offering vegetarian on request? Are there servings small to medium or large?
Do you offer vegan options?
Any Gluten free pasta?
When is a non crowded/busy time to go?
We went on a Tuesday around 7 pm and beat a crowd. Seems like Monday-Thursday after 7 pm is lighter.
Is this a good place for a first date?
If you are sure your date will want to have trendy Italian and doesn't mind busy locations, I'd say yes.
Do you take reservations? We’re a party of 3, meeting around 6 on Thursday- should we expect a wait?
Is there any gluten free pasta?
Most pastas are available gluten free for an additional $3!
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