I think I've been here once many years ago and was not as impressed but was back in Portland in July for a work trip and my friend and I stopped by after another friend recommended it from a recent trip. I had the fried calamari and we got two pastas and a salad. All were excellent. I really enjoyed the calamari which had a light batter, and the salad was super fresh.

Grassa is AMAZING!! Their homemade noodles are fantastic and the quality of ingredients is superb. It's my favorite fast pasta place. My go to is the pesto pasta, highly recommend!

Delicious food with a quirky dining setup Pros: - Excellent pasta dishes - Perfectly cooked noodles - Spot-on sauces Cons: - Unusual ordering and seating system - Lacks comfort and coziness for dine-in experience Overall: Great food, but the unconventional dining arrangement might not suit everyone.

Grassa is hands down one of my favorite spots for fresh, mouthwatering pasta. If you're in the mood for something comforting and delicious, this place won't disappoint. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, with a cool, modern aesthetic that fits perfectly with the open kitchen concept. One of the best parts about dining at Grassa is being able to watch the chefs work their magic, turning out plate after plate of beautifully crafted pasta dishes. The menu at Grassa is focused but diverse enough to cater to different tastes. You can tell they put a lot of thought into each dish. I've tried a few different items, and every one of them has been spot-on. The sauce, for instance, is rich and creamy, with just the right amount of smoky flavor and a perfectly amount of umami. The pork belly mac and cheese is another standout--simple, but so well-executed, with a perfect balance of peppery bite and cheesy goodness. One thing I really appreciate about Grassa is the portion sizes. They're generous, so you definitely feel like you're getting your money's worth, but not so overwhelming that you can't finish your meal. The pasta is always cooked to perfection--just the right amount of chew, and it holds up well to the sauces. The staff here also deserves a shout-out. They're friendly, efficient, and genuinely seem to enjoy what they do, which makes the whole dining experience even more enjoyable. Even when the place is busy, which it often is, they manage to keep things running smoothly without making you feel rushed. Grassa is the kind of place you can pop into for a quick, satisfying meal, but it's also a spot where you could linger with friends over a glass of wine and a couple of plates to share. If you're a pasta lover like me, this place should definitely be on your list. It's comfort food done right, with a touch of flair, and I can't recommend it enough!

The pasta is so good. My son loves it. The air inside the restaurant is fresh . People are nice.

Came to Grassa and was able to get a seat in the booth inside! The food itself was great - I got a Fusilli Allá Vodka (8/10). Only thing is, I wish the pieces of sausage were smaller. Upon entering you are greeted and you pay first. From there you have a server that helps you out! Lastly, there is indoor and outdoor seating. Personally, really liked being inside! Thanks Grassa!

This was honestly the best pasta place I've been to in my life. Yes this is a bold claim but hear me out. First, the price is so affordable; living in the Bay Area, I'm used to high prices for anything, so this was a breath of fresh air. There's also no sales tax, making it even cheaper. The pasta itself was super al dente. The cooks knew exactly how to prepare this, but my favorite was really the truffle sauce. The only thing really missing was some sort of protein - pretty much just pasta and sauce. Will come back anytime I'm back in Portland:

A super casual pasta place in DT. you order at the counter and then sit it a table where they'll bring your food. I really wanted to try the squid ink pasta since that seemed the best from other reviews, but when I went, it wasn't an option :c We got the fried Brussels sprouts to share, I had the clam gnocchi, and my friends tried the hazelnut pesto and pasta with red sauce and Italian sausage (lol forgive me. I don't remember the actual name) The Brussels sprouts were okay! They were a bit bitter, and the mustard sauce they added doesn't add much to the greens themselves. The pasta on the other hand... the clam gnocchi was so beautifully delicious. The gnocchi had been pan fried, so they had this nice crisp outside and fluffy potato-y inside. The clams didn't taste super fresh, but that's okay. The sauce was divine, would've been so good to have some bread just to sop up the extra sauce. The hazelnut pesto and pasta with red sauce were super good too. I especially liked the pesto - nutty, fresh, garlic-y. The red sauce was not as good, just plain tomato, but the pasta was cooked the best there, perfect amount of bite. Overall, super solid place! It's super casual and quick and the prices are super fair for the portion sizes!