The
Baratta's story begins in a small grocery store on the south side of Des Moines
in the Mid-50s. Even then people from the neighborhood knew where to get excellent
Italian favorites.
The Barrardi family raised 10 children in the what is now the main dining room of the restaurant and an archway harkens back to the old family grocery store.
When Cat died, he left the restaurant to his brother. In 1993, Baratta's was sold to Curt and Lisa Kruger and Joe Gatto, three Lincoln High school pals, who own and work the restaurant today.
The old world charm is still evident in many of the old family recipes like lasagna, peppersteak, steak Deburgo, and cannollis, but fun new recipes like chicken amaggio, Southwest pasta, pollo penne and everyone's favorite, our peppercheese soup, have also been added. In addition, Lisa, Curt and Joe have expanded business, updated the decor, and added a full-service catering business.
A Des Moines tradition for nearly 50 years, in 2000 Baratta's was awarded the key to the city by Mayor Preston Daniels in recognition for contributions to neighborhood churches and schools. At Baratta's Lisa, Curt and Joe and the whole staff know how to make sure customers leave satisfied—great recipes, attention to detail, and of course, just as Cat did, make sure to treat customers like family.