Gerard Craft emerged into the Clayton restaurant world when he moved his premier restaurant, Niche, to Clayton in November 2012. Â Since then, his vision has expanded into four restaurants. Â Two of these (Brasserie and Taste) lie in the Central West End, while the fourth–Pastaria–sits next to Niche in Clayton.
In addition to providing delicious food, Pastaria and Niche have become quintessential aspects of the Clayton community, providing a unique culinary experience that invites all to join in.
“When I opened Pastaria…I wanted people from all walks of life in the community to feel comfortable coming here with their family, friends, dates, etc.  This is what rustic Italian food is all about,†Craft said.
Craft’s restaurants–each fiercely unique but with the same belief in quality food–do an exceptional job at synthesizing this Clayton community in their staff, chefs, and customers.
“In this space no one feels out of place and you get a true snapshot of the Clayton community,†Craft said.
Niche and Pastaria represent two establishments of the array of restaurants such as Half & Half, The Libertine, Mad Tomato and Five Star Burger that are working to put Clayton at the top of St. Louis culinary life.
“Clayton is already beginning to take back its claim of the number one restaurant neighborhood in St. Louis,†Craft said.
The visionary menus and commitment to excellence and community that so strongly embody Craft’s stores make him one of Clayton’s most influential and valued leaders.
