Portland is packed with famous restaurants that grab all the headlines, but tucked away in the heart of downtown sits a pasta powerhouse that locals can’t stop raving about. Grassa, the brainchild of Rick Gencarelli (yes, the Lardo legend), has been quietly winning over diners with its handmade noodles, creative specials, and sides so good they deserve their own fan club.
This fast-casual Italian spot doesn’t need reservations or fancy tablecloths to deliver an unforgettable meal that rivals any high-end trattoria in Oregon.
Forget everything you thought you knew about quick-service pasta joints because Grassa is rewriting the rulebook one perfectly chewy noodle at a time. Ever wondered what happens when a chef brings serious culinary chops to counter-service dining without the pretension?…