If you love digging into a massive serve of pasta, in a no-nonsense eatery and not spending a fortune for the experience, an option is Knot Just Pasta, says dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.

A local for those living in Campbell, Knot Just Pasta opened in early 2023. Today, a major part of its trade is take-away.

The place, as its name implies, is “not just pasta”. Also on offer are burgers, big-stack sandwiches, schnitzels, wraps, salads and more. Be aware that there’s no pizza, even though the overriding theme is Italian (might be because Pizza Hut is next door).

We wanted outdoor seating, but it was cold and rainy. We lucked into a seat away from the front door and near a window, feeling we were dining more in a takeaway shop than a café. 

To start, we shared hot, thick slices of garlic bread ($8 for four slices). Other starters include arancini balls (eight for $16) and mozzarella sticks (six for $12). 

Pasta is about building your own. Choose from one of 11 sauces. Next, choose a pasta (fettuccine, penne, spaghetti, rigatoni, ravioli). If you fancy something extra, add goodies such as Italian sausage, prawns, anchovies, mushrooms… you get the drill.

The Puttanesca penne was al dente. The generous serving of salty olives and rich anchovies added a welcoming flavour boost. The dish, not short on Napolitana sauce, was piping hot ($23). 

The fettuccine Amatriciana was also al dente and piping hot ($23). It featured the same Napolitana sauce and heaps of bacon, chilli and olives.

Both pasta dishes were decent, but not inspiring. We found them overly salty. While portions are ginormous, the good news is that Knot for Pasta is happy to package up leftovers. 

Salads can easily be converted into a protein bowl with seven options available ($4 each), such as southern fried chicken, chorizo, and lamb kafta.

Our Caesar salad was loaded with bacon bits, crunchy croutons, and a mound of Parmesan. It was smothered with dressing ($15), and we simply couldn’t plough through it.

Those with a sweet tooth will celebrate desserts such as the oven-baked chocolate brownie. It’s so big it’s cut into eight slices (a bargain at $13 and obviously a group or family option). 

Nutella fans can get their fix with a puff pastry calzone filled with the creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread. It’s dusted with powdered sugar and Nutella swirl ($15).

Knot for Pasta’s interior features a forest green and white colour scheme. Big, lit-up takeaway signs are positioned high on the wall above the big open kitchen. Order and pay at the front counter, grab a number and settle in until grub’s up.

Staff were polite but not overly welcoming.

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