Baratta's Italian Restaurant
Baratta's Italian Restaurant has been a cornerstone of the West Des Moines dining scene for decades. What started as a modest family-run Italian kitchen has grown into one of the most beloved restaurants in the Des Moines metro area, earning a loyal following among locals who return week after week for the generous portions and familiar flavors.
The restaurant occupies a comfortable, unpretentious space that feels like walking into a family gathering. The walls carry years of memories, and the aroma of garlic bread and simmering marinara sauce greets you the moment you step through the door. This is not a place that tries to reinvent Italian cuisine — it is a place that does the classics right, every time.
The Menu
Baratta's menu reads like a greatest hits collection of Italian-American comfort food. Their pasta dishes are the backbone of the operation, with options ranging from spaghetti and meatballs to fettuccine alfredo, baked ziti, and eggplant parmesan. Every pasta dish comes with the option of their house marinara, meat sauce, or creamy alfredo, and the portion sizes are famously generous. It is not uncommon for diners to take home enough leftovers for a second meal.
The pizza at Baratta's deserves special mention. Hand-tossed and loaded with toppings, their pies have a thin, crispy crust that holds up well under the weight of quality mozzarella and fresh ingredients. The Italian sausage pizza and the supreme are among the most frequently ordered. For something lighter, their Italian sub sandwiches and chef salad are solid lunch options that still deliver on flavor without the heaviness of a full pasta plate.
Atmosphere and Service
The dining room at Baratta's is spacious enough to handle large groups without feeling cramped. Tables are set simply, and the decor leans into classic Italian restaurant aesthetics with checkered accents and warm lighting. The overall feel is casual and comfortable, which makes it an easy choice for everything from a solo lunch to a family celebration.
Service at Baratta's is friendly and efficient. The staff clearly knows the menu well and can make recommendations based on your preferences. During peak lunch hours the restaurant fills up quickly, but the kitchen maintains a consistent pace that keeps wait times reasonable. Water glasses stay filled, bread baskets appear promptly, and the check arrives without you having to chase it down.
Why Baratta's Stands Out
In a world of chain restaurants and trendy pop-ups, Baratta's stands out by simply being what it has always been: a family restaurant that serves honest Italian food at fair prices. The consistency is remarkable. Whether you visited five years ago or five days ago, the lasagna tastes the same, the service feels the same, and the experience delivers the same satisfaction.
That reliability is what keeps Baratta's at the top of the lunch spot rankings in West Des Moines. Newer restaurants come and go, but Baratta's continues to fill tables because it has earned the trust of the community through years of delivering exactly what it promises. For Italian food in West Des Moines, there is no better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Baratta's serves classic Italian-American cuisine including pasta dishes, hand-tossed pizza, sandwiches, and traditional entrees like chicken parmesan and lasagna. Their menu is rooted in family recipes that have been served for decades.
The portions are generous and the ingredients are fresh. They also offer a selection of salads and appetizers that make excellent starters for a lunch visit.
Baratta's is well-suited for lunch, with service that balances quality with efficiency. During weekday lunch hours, the kitchen moves at a pace designed for diners on a schedule. Most meals arrive within 15 to 20 minutes of ordering.
If you are short on time, their sandwich and pizza options tend to come out fastest. Calling ahead for a takeout order is another option that many local workers rely on regularly.
Yes, Baratta's has several vegetarian-friendly items on their menu. Pasta dishes can be ordered with marinara or alfredo sauce without meat, and their pizza menu includes cheese and vegetable options. Salads also provide plant-based choices.
While the menu leans toward traditional Italian-American fare that often features meat, vegetarians will find enough variety for a satisfying meal.
Baratta's typically opens for lunch service Monday through Saturday. They begin serving around 11:00 AM. Hours can vary during holidays and special occasions, so checking their current schedule before visiting is always a good idea.
The restaurant tends to be busiest between noon and 1:00 PM on weekdays. Arriving slightly before or after that window usually means a shorter wait for a table.
Baratta's is very family-friendly. The restaurant has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that accommodates diners of all ages. They offer a children's menu with kid-sized portions of popular items like spaghetti and pizza.
The spacious dining room means families with young children have plenty of room, and the noise level is comfortable enough that you will not feel self-conscious with energetic kids at the table.