Business Details
33 Years
experience
Authentic Italian Dining & Catering in Des Moines
Cafe Baratta's Italian Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Des Moines' culinary scene since 1993, preserving generations of traditional Italian recipes while adapting to modern tastes. Founded on the legacy of the Baratta family's 1920s grocery store, our establishment combines historical charm with contemporary hospitality. We specialize in handcrafted Italian classics like lasagna al forno and cannolis, complemented by American cuisine options. Our team of experienced chefs and service professionals maintains rigorous standards of quality, using fresh ingredients sourced from trusted local suppliers. With multiple venues available for private events, including the State Historical Building and Blank Park Zoo, we offer both in-house dining and full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, and family gatherings.Our commitment to excellence has earned us consistent recognition as a top Italian destination in central Iowa, serving over 50,000 satisfied guests annually. The restaurant's original South Union location retains its historic character while featuring modern amenities like booth seating and an expanded bar area. Our staff receives ongoing training in both traditional cooking techniques and contemporary service standards to ensure every guest experiences authentic Italian hospitality. We maintain strong community ties through partnerships with local organizations like the Iowa Arts Council and FFA Enrichment Center. Continuous investments in facility upgrades and menu innovation demonstrate our dedication to evolving while honoring our heritage.
Services
Catering Services
Wedding Catering
Private Banquets
Takeout Orders
Event Delivery
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We preserve authentic Italian recipes passed down through three generations
- Our catering team has successfully executed over 200 events annually since 2005
- We offer exclusive catering rights at prestigious venues like Blank Park Zoo
- Our staff maintains 98% customer satisfaction ratings across 15+ years of reviews
- We combine historic charm with modern amenities in all event spaces
What people say
Best Italian restaurant
Excellent service
Amazing food quality
Perfect wedding catering
Historic atmosphere
Services
Catering Services
Cafe Baratta's full-service catering brings authentic Italian cuisine to weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings across central Iowa. Our experienced team handles menu customization, venue coordination, and on-site service for events ranging from intimate dinners to large-scale weddings. With exclusive catering rights at prestigious venues like Blank Park Zoo and the State Historical Building, we combine traditional recipes with modern presentation to create memorable culinary experiences.
Private Banquets
Host special occasions at our historic South Union location or the State Historical Building's third-floor caf space. Our banquet facilities accommodate groups of 20-40 guests in our original location or larger crowds at partner venues. Complete with customized menus, table service, and event coordination, these spaces offer the perfect setting for graduation parties, retirement celebrations, and corporate luncheons while maintaining Cafe Baratta's signature Italian hospitality.
Wedding Catering
Specializing in wedding catering since 2005, Cafe Baratta's provides comprehensive services for ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners. Our dedicated wedding coordinators manage menu selections, vendor partnerships, and day-of logistics at venues across Des Moines. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, we offer customizable packages including premium menu items, cake services, and specialized dietary accommodations while maintaining the authentic Italian flavors that have earned us 98% client satisfaction ratings.
Takeout Orders
Enjoy Cafe Baratta's signature Italian dishes at home with our family-style carryout meals serving 4-6 people. Each order includes traditional entrees like lasagna al forno, fresh-baked bread, and house-made salad, prepared with the same quality ingredients as our dine-in service. Available for pickup at our South Union location, these ready-to-serve meals maintain our commitment to authentic flavors while offering convenient meal solutions for busy families and special occasions.
Event Delivery
Our catering delivery service brings freshly prepared Italian cuisine directly to your event location throughout Des Moines and surrounding suburbs. From corporate luncheons to graduation parties, we ensure proper food temperature maintenance and timely arrival for events of all sizes. Specialized menus for funerals and graduation celebrations include complimentary delivery within our service zone, while our experienced team handles setup and presentation to maintain the quality and presentation standards expected of Cafe Baratta's catering services.
People
Joe Gatto
Co-Owner
Joe Gatto has co-owned Cafe Baratta's since 1993, bringing over 30 years of restaurant management experience to the historic establishment. He oversees daily operations and catering services.
Lisa Kruger
Co-Owner
Lisa Kruger co-owns Cafe Baratta's with her husband Joe, managing banquet services and special events since acquiring the business in 1993. She coordinates venue partnerships and client relations.
Questions
Does Cafe Baratta's offer gluten-free menu options?
Yes, we provide gluten-free alternatives for many traditional dishes including pasta entrees and cannolis. Please inform your server about dietary restrictions when ordering.
Can I rent Cafe Baratta's venue for a private event?
Our South Union location's private room accommodates 20-40 guests. Larger events can utilize our partner venues like the State Historical Building. Contact our events team for details.
How far in advance should I book catering services?
We recommend booking 6-12 months ahead for weddings and large events. Smaller catering orders can be arranged with 72 hours notice depending on availability.
Do you offer wine pairings with meals?
Our wine list features Italian and domestic selections carefully chosen to complement our menu. Staff can recommend pairings for any dish upon request.
Are gift cards available for Cafe Baratta's?
Yes, we sell physical and digital gift cards in any denomination. They can be used for dine-in, takeout, or catering services at our Des Moines locations.
What areas do you deliver catering to?
We deliver within Des Moines city limits and surrounding suburbs including West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Urbandale. Delivery fees apply outside our primary service zone.
