Baratta’s

Reviews

• Yishy B.

  star star star star star 25 September 2026

  Tried out the hot sausage sandwich and onion rings. Very tasty. I'm anxious to try more items from here. Note do not order this from Doordash. I think it'll be better and fresher in person. Yum

• Kevin J.

  star star star star star_border 21 September 2026

  Baratta's is one of the remaining Italian family restaurants in Des Moines, tucked away in a south-side neighborhood in an old house. They've been there for years and have a loyal following.
  
  The place is setup using several rooms in the house, walking into a bar area at the front door, with other dining rooms around the corner or up the stairs.  We were seated in an empty dining room, but on the plus side there was a line-up of servers waiting to, well, serve, so excellent service (and throughout the meal). The room filled up quickly though, with a smattering of large families and couples. An adjacent room (a sun porch I think?) had a boisterous family gathering of some sort, but it just added to the ambiance of the place.
  
  The menu is extensive, focusing on familiar Italian dishes, and lots of different salads. One unique spin here is how they bread the chicken; breaded and broiled. It's good and they do it that way for a few of their dishes. We both had the chicken Amaggio, a specialty of theirs. The servings were plentiful, enough to take home for a second meal. Try their Sangria too. They make it themselves and it's delicious.
  
  As noted the service was superb, food well above average, and the ambiance homey. About $60 bucks for an appetizer, entrees and a couple of glasses of wine. About what you'd pay to eat at Applebee's and SO much better. Go find it (that adventure is worth it alone), and enjoy a real local experience.

• Sammy M.

  star star star star star_border 14 September 2026

  This is definitely one of my favorite, local Italian restaurants in Des Moines! Been in the neighborhood (literally) forever and they have such an amazing relationship with their regulars!
  
  It's literally in the middle of a south side neighborhood so this definitely fits the definition of "hidden gem".
  
  They have a giant chalk board right when you walk in that has the specials listed. There's also a full bar right around the door!
  
  The building is a little compartmentalized with 3 major dining rooms and a few booths near the bar area. The food is great! Large portions in my opinion (average if you're thinking homemade Italian food). The service is always great and friendly! Their focaccia bread is out of this world! My go-to is the spinach tortellinis. I've literally gotten this every single time I go. I've had them with all the sauces and most recently had them with the pesto cream sauce that also comes with mushrooms and tomatoes. Yum per usual!
  
  Highly recommend giving this place a try if you're in the neighborhood!

• Dan T.

  star star star star star 7 September 2026

  I think the restaurant is in it's 26th year...  From humble beginnings what started as a residence, then sprouted a grocery story, and later in the early 90s the Baratta's we know came to fruition...
  
  You can tell as you enter the parking lot there's some history here.  It may not be the prettiest building from the outside, but you can see their roots.  A lot of that "home" feel is still in place there on Union.
  
  Of course they have continued to grow with Cafe Baratta's, their event and catering business, and partnering with several other metro landmarks.
  
  I still remember my first meal at Baratta's years ago...  It was the veal parmesan.  And I was in love...  I always seem to waffle between the veal and the chicken amaggio when I visit for dinner.  Though I really don't think you can go wrong with anything on their menu...
  
  Their menu runs the gamut from the Italian classics, pizza, home-style cooking (like steaks, pork chops, fried chicken, etc.), to burgers and sandwiches.
  
  I think even the pickiest eater would be hard pressed to not be able to find something they'd like at Baratta's...  There's literally something on the menu for everyone.
  
  Yesterday for lunch I ordered the Italian beef/dip sandwich and a side salad with blue cheese dressing.  The sandwich came with au jus, their angel ranch sauce, and a nice big chunk of sourdough bread.
  
  The sandwich was cooked perfectly.  The thinly sliced beef was nice and tender.  It had been toasted and the outside of the roll had a nice crunch to it.  It was a good sized portion...
  
  They sure don't hold back on the meat...  A reasonably priced lunch for $12.75.
  
  If you haven't been to Baratta's it's a metro classic that I'd put alongside the rich history of Tumea and Sons, Noah's Ark, Chuck's, Tursi's Latin King, and many of our other local eateries which have withstood the test of time.

• Kyle T.

  star star star star star 30 August 2026

  IMO, this is one of 3 great Italian places in Des Moines. Classic Italian cuisine great prices and service. Homemade food that is fresh and tasty. Anything with red sauce here is amazing.