11/11/07

Great pasta!

by go2chad

Wonderful place to go with friends and enjoy creative culinary. The staff if very friendly and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.

• Pros: Very good food.

08/04/07

Best Alfredo ever

by iamb

Last night was my first night there when eight of us agreed to meet there at 6pm on a Friday night. They pushed two tables together for us but this probably isn't the best place to go with a group greater than five. We ordered dinner at the counter (a tiny bit of a drag as noted below, but minor) and the cashier recommended a glass of Nebblio ($7). The wine was so good I ended up getting a bottle ($25) and sharing with the rest of the adults. I was there with my teenage daughter so we split a salad and each ordered an entree. The salad was simply a mix of greens but the shallot vinegrette dressing was fantastic. The bread they served on the table was very fresh served with olive oil and balsamic. I ordered the whole wheat pasta with garlic oil. My daughter had the penne alfredo. My pasta was cooked well but I wouldn't order this again. It had lots of garlic and bits of green olives but was otherwise rather plain. I wish the dish had something else in it like greens or broccoli. On the other hand, my daughter's alfredo cream sauce was the bomb. I've never had alfredo that was as rich, creamy and delicious. Served on a perfectly cooked pasta. I'd certainly go back for that again. I will note that when we left at 7:15, there was a huge line out the door and you don't get seated here until AFTER you've ordered your food.

05/27/07

Best Neighborhood Pasta Place

by portlandpalate

I happen to be lucky enough to consider Justa Pasta a neighbor. I order take-out all the time but also eat in just as much. I had a perfect experience every time. The staff is so friendly and helpful. Thank god they are there to feed me great food every night!

05/19/07

Puzzled by the great food in a cafeteria type of setting...

by myronwong

...as in order at the counter, carry your drink to a table, and get your own glass of water from the side bar. Still, order a salad because it is huge and good, very fresh and tasty with vinaigrette. I had a chicken dish that was great with pasta that filled the plate, not cute, but full and satisfying. It was definitely a good deal. And now that summer is here, an option is to sit outside, dine al fresco. Give it a try and wear your jeans or walking shorts because you will be well dressed in a nice casual way.

• Pros: Somewhat unusual for a bar and small plate kind of guy...
• Cons: Order at the counter? No table service...

10/24/06

Our favorite Italian!

by mangoswartz

Please dont listen to other reviews regarding the wine list at Justa. Knowledgeable people would appreciate the wine and the prices here!! You can find a nice quality red wine here for $14/bottle! Not many restaurants offer that! The beet salad is delicious and the servers are very welcoming and down to earth. A great place to relax and enjoy good food/wine!

• Pros: Relaxed atmosphere, fresh ingredients, good wine

10/07/06

awesome food awesome wine awesome people

by joyjoy11

I've heard about justa pasta for years, but never made it there. Finally I had the occassion to go when a co-worker invited me to dinner. I tell you, i haven't had a dinner this good in Portland! The butternut squash ravioli with chanterelle cream sauce was divine! My co-worker ordered the lamb lasagna and it is not something i would normally order. Delicious! The wine was a soave and went perfectly with my ravioli and the chocolate cake was the best in the city. I mean THE BEST! It was busy, but felt like a "buzz." My co-worker has been several times ... add me to the list of regulars. This place rocks!

• Pros: food, vibe, wine
• Cons: it's not closer to my house

07/29/06

Italian thats affordable!

by littleanda

I love justa pasta! Good wine selection cheap or expensive choices. All pasta is made fresh and you can buy the pasta to go! All dishes are yummy and you can choose large or small portions (small is more than enough).

• Pros: cheap, variety

07/17/06

Get what you pay for

by mountianman

Went here with 6 friends for a casual dinner, and received just that. I had a ravioli w/ a garlic chili oil that was decent. The chili infusion was a bit much for my pallet, but I bet a lot of you would love it, that is if you like spicy food. Oh yeah, and it was only...like...$8.50 of something close. The meal filled me up and my buddies had no complaints either. It won't knock your socks off, but it is well worth the price.

• Pros: Simple, filling, kinda fun also
• Cons: Limited options

Fresh pasta from the source.

by Contributor

In Short
The loft-like interior includes a retail outlet and a restaurant that fills up fast at lunch and dinnertime. Artisan-quality spaghetti, penne and a wide range of ravioli are offered with simple sauces like marinara, puttanesca with olives and capers, and meatballs in garlic-chili oil. Basic dishes are offered in small and regular sizes to accommodate every budget and appetite. The Caesar salad is a perfect blend of garlic, Parmesan and anchovy coating crisp romaine.

04/11/06

A nice local dine...

by out_of_fashion

Coming here for dinner is quite relaxing, JP has a chilled, unpretensious & neighborhoodly vibe. The food is fresh, straightforward & simply delicious coming in two serving sizes, there is also specials & wine too. This place can also be quite romantic with its softer lighting & plush interior. The service is a nice bonus too, the staff & chefs are all top-notch. Definitely worth a munch!

• Pros: Cosy, Food, Staff
• Cons: Limited winelist?