Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Home for Authentic Italian Dining in Des Moines
Cafe Baratta's has been a cornerstone of Des Moines' culinary scene since 1920, rooted in a rich tradition of Italian-American cuisine. Originally established as a family-run grocery store specializing in Italian ingredients, we transitioned to a full-service restaurant in 1969, preserving the charm of our historic South Union location. For over five decades, we've served classic dishes like lasagna al forno and cannolis while expanding our offerings to include American favorites. Acquired in 1993 by Joe Gatto and Lisa Krugerlifelong Southsiders committed to maintaining our Italian heritagewe now operate multiple locations with catering services and takeout options.Our team combines decades of collective experience with a passion for hospitality, creating memorable dining experiences for casual meals, special occasions, and large events. With four dining rooms, a private banquet space, and partnerships at venues like the State Historical Building and Blank Park Zoo, we remain dedicated to quality ingredients, personalized service, and the warmth of a family-owned establishment. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as a local tradition, serving everything from intimate dinners to corporate events with the same attention to detail that defined our earliest days.
Services
Catering
Banquet Events
Delivery
Takeout
Italian Cuisine
Details
- Year established: 1920
Highlights and features
- We've served authentic Italian cuisine in Des Moines for over 50 years
- Our catering team handles events from weddings to corporate functions
- Private banquet rooms accommodate gatherings of 20-40 guests
- We deliver fresh Italian meals to downtown and south Des Moines
- Fourth-generation owners maintain the original family's culinary traditions
What people say
Great service
Fantastic food
Attentive staff
Perfect for events
Authentic Italian
Services
Catering Services
Cafe Baratta's catering team delivers authentic Italian cuisine to weddings, corporate events, and private parties. With customizable menus featuring homemade pasta and traditional Calabrian dishes, we handle events from 20 to 200 guests. Our services include venue coordination, on-site setup, and partnerships with locations like the State Historical Building and Blank Park Zoo.
Banquet Events
Host gatherings in our dedicated banquet room accommodating 20-40 guests at our South Union location. Complete with audiovisual equipment and customizable menus, our space suits celebrations from graduation parties to business luncheons. We provide full-service coordination including table settings, staff assistance, and specialty wine pairings.
Delivery Service
Enjoy Cafe Baratta's Italian specialties delivered to downtown Des Moines and southside locations. Our delivery zone covers from 63rd and Park to Easter Lake, including the Blank Park Zoo area. Orders include full meals with salad and bread, with special menus available for funerals and graduation parties featuring free delivery.
Takeout Options
Order our full menu for takeout with family-style portions serving 4-6 people. Featured items include lasagna al forno, steak deburgo, and cannolis. We offer convenient pickup during regular business hours with advance ordering available for large groups through our catering department.
Historic Dining
Dine in our original 1920s building featuring preserved architectural details and family photos. The restaurant maintains its historic charm across four dining rooms, each decorated with memorabilia from our nearly century-long operation. Guests experience the warmth of a family home combined with professional service and classic Italian-American fare.
People
Joe Gatto
Co-Owner
Co-owner Joe Gatto has operated Cafe Baratta's since 1993, preserving its Italian heritage while expanding catering services and venue partnerships. With over 30 years of restaurant experience, he maintains daily oversight of kitchen operations and menu development.
Lisa Kruger
Co-Owner
Co-owner Lisa Kruger manages event coordination and client relations at Cafe Baratta's. Since acquiring the business in 1993, she's developed catering partnerships with venues like the Blank Park Zoo while maintaining the restaurant's commitment to traditional Italian cooking methods.
Questions
Does Cafe Baratta's offer catering for large events?
Yes, we cater events for 20-200 guests with customizable menus and venue partnerships across Des Moines.
What is Cafe Baratta's history?
Founded in 1920 as an Italian grocery store, we've served Des Moines as a restaurant since 1969 with current owners since 1993.
Do you deliver outside downtown Des Moines?
Our delivery covers southside locations up to Easter Lake. For areas beyond this zone, we recommend third-party services.
Can I host a private event at Cafe Baratta's?
Our South Union location features a private banquet room for 20-40 guests with customized menu options available.
What are Cafe Baratta's signature dishes?
Popular items include lasagna al forno, steak deburgo, and homemade cannolis made using traditional family recipes.
Is Cafe Baratta's available for wedding catering?
We're the exclusive caterer at Blank Park Zoo and State Historical Building, with experience at over 15 Des Moines venues.
