Justa Pasta is Justa Place for Great Italian

There’s something a little stressful about sitting down in a restaurant, waiting for the server to come, having to decide in a certain amount of time, and then wait until they come around again if you need something. Sometimes, you just want it cheap and easy. Dinner, I mean.

At Justa Pasta on NW 19^th and Pettygrove, it’s just that. Cheap and easy. But just because it’s cheap and easy doesn’t mean it isn’t tasty as well.

Standing in line browsing the menu, if your turn comes up and you aren’t ready, just wave the next person to go in front of you and take your time. There’s lots to choose from. Salads, soups, pasta, dessert. And the specials. You have to notice the specials posted online (everyday!) and on the chalkboard when you walk in.

[image by vj_pdx, flickr]

The night I went, there was an apple soup with blue cheese. My friend, a little skeptical of the taste asked the cashier, “So is that like applesauce with melted blue cheese?” The cashier laughed, “Let me get you a sample, then I’ll tell you how I make it.” Now that’s what I call customer service.

The pastas range from whole-wheat rigatoni to ravioli and just plain spaghetti, all available with a variety of sauces. Marinara, meatball, puttanesca, alfredo, and pesto – the typical offerings at any pasta place.

But Justa Pasta makes their own pasta on a daily basis, which makes it anything but typical. They also use local, sustainable ingredients as much as possible. Hormone-free meat stars in their heavier dishes.

The service is excellent and though you do need to grab your own table when you go in, if you go with a group like I did, they will put together a few tables for you. After you order, just take your number and sit down. They’ll bring you baskets of bread, all kinds, and olive oil. Water is in a cooler near the kitchen with lemons in it to brighten the taste. When you get thirsty, no need to wait for a waiter – it’s serve yourself.

For the price, (entrees range from $5 - $12), Justa Pasta is a great option. They deliver salads that are as meaty and filling as any entree, good homemade pasta and great service. The location at 19^th and Pettygrove makes parking easy, even on a Friday night.

If you’re looking for just pasta and not the ambience of a fancy Italian restaurant, then Justa Pasta is what you need. Check it out at www.justapasta.com

Article By Elizabeth Fuss, Lizzy Dishes Portland