Pastaria in Clayton has some of the best Italian food in St. Louis

Sauce 75: the essential St. Louis restaurants right now

It’s been 12 years since Niche Food Group opened Pastaria, but Gerard Craft’s restaurant is still an essential stop for anyone seeking out the best Italian food in the city. Watch fresh pasta being made by hand, and taste the difference in dishes like papardelle with smoked pork ragu and bucatini all’Amatriciana. The wood-fired pizza and gelato are also outstanding. In the space next door, Pastaria Deli & Wine offers a discerning collection of take-home provisions, along with a lunch menu graced by delicious sandwiches served on Union Loafers hoagie rolls. We’ll always go back for the green goddess salad, elevated by tangy giardiniera, gently dehydrated chunks of tomato, Grana Padano cheese, greens and a verdant dressing. Pastaria Deli & Wine also offers Detroit pizza specials on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

7734 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.862.6603, eatpastaria.com

The Sauce 75 is a photomosaic of the best in St. Louis dining. This list is a celebration of the diverse skills, techniques and culinary traditions that meet across our region. In sum, it tells a story about where St. Louis has been, where it is now and where it’s going next. Many great and good St. Louis restaurants have not made the cut. (Seventy-five is a lot fewer than you think!) Restaurants are constantly growing and evolving and go through ups and downs. Newly opened restaurants can take time to find their feet: There are a few exciting new places we’re cheering for, but which we feel haven’t yet fully hit their stride. Read the entire list here.