Baru 66
6587 University Ave, Windsor Heights, IA, 50324
Baru 66 Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Windsor Heights for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Windsor Heights for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Windsor Heights for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
6587 University Ave
Windsor Heights, IA, 50324 - Phone (515) 277-6627
- Website https://www.baru66.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Romantic, Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Kim P.
Wonderful restaurant with amazing service & phenomenal food.
(5)Ashley O.
Excellent service, food was wonderful, we did the 6 course Chef's choice tasting menu and were pleased with 5 of the 6 courses. One of the seafood courses was bland. The staff was extremely attentive and made it a special evening for us. Next time we go back we will definitely be ordering from the menu rather than doing the tasting menu but it was a fun experience. Glad to see Des Moines doing fine dining!!
(4)Luke F.
I travel a lot for work and have the good fortune to try great restaurants all over the country but had one of my best dining experiences in a while last night in Des Moines at Baru 66. We were there during Restaurant Week so the menu was a little limited but everything we had was wonderful. I had the lox, braised ribs and goat cheese spread for dessert. And while the food was delish it was the usual charm of a quaint, chef-owned restaurant that won me over. All of the wait staff was great, the bartender made some great drinks and the chef's wife was so nice. At the end of the evening the chef David came behind the bar and chatted with me and my co-worker. Really fascinating story and he introduced us to some drinks on his dime. Very cool experience and I will definitely be back. Keep up the great work!
(5)Caroline M.
Definitely the swankiest meal in town! Make a reservation and prepared to be wowed. Baru has a very seasonal menu highlighting the most pristine, vibrant produce around. I dined at the tail end of May, so this review is a tiny bit overdue. My dining companion and I both selected the chef's degustation menu, which featured a seasonal chilled spring pea soup, delicate scallops, smoked salmon & crab roll, duck breast, and an unbaked cheesecake. The courses were paced nicely, so my dining companion and I could really enjoy the whole experience. My favorite courses were the pea soup and, surprisingly, the cheesecake. It was delicate and was accompanied by fresh berries. I recommend getting a cocktail from their thoughtful list. Also, service was attentive and professional. They weren't busy (it was a Monday night), but they weren't hovering, which was much appreciated. I look forward to dining here again!!
(5)Laura M.
I have now been to Baru on two occasions, and that is for one simple reason...excellence! The service has been near perfect on both occasions, and the food is quite exceptional. The fact that a patron can try a bit of the whole seasonal menu for a reasonable price of $45 for a starter, entree and dessert makes the venue even more appealing. Make sure to ask questions about the items on the menu, and the sommelier about what to pair each item with. It is no question why this is a candidate for a James Beard award! Kudos Baru team! :-)
(4)Arianne N.
A year later and my favorite restaurant in Des Moines is still my favorite! We made dinner reservations for Monday in the hopes that the restaurant would be dead since we'd have to take the baby along. It was surprisingly buzzing with activity when we arrived. My heart initially sank because I was concerned that the little one would get fussy and some patron would complain. So totally not the case. Not only did no one bat an eye at the fact that we had a wiggly six month old in tow, the staff was extremely welcoming as well. The hostess even went out of her way to get a high chair from next door for the baby to sit in. When the hostess saw that she was still wobbly and tiny for the high chair, she brought us some table cloths to help support her. A++ service! We wound up doing the tasting menu. I also had the Lady Baru whilst the boyfriend had a yummy beer and a coffee later on. While we enjoyed trying the tasting menu, we both agree that we'd rather pick our own appetizers, main dishes, and desserts next time. Our favorites from the tasting menu were the salmon appetizer and duck main course.
(5)Marvic R.
We came here as an early Father's day treat for my man. We live right across the street and we thought we try their food without anyone actually suggesting the place, not that it matters since I ran out of option to do on the special day. Let me start of with the ambiance. The place was small, which I like by the way but you wouldn't know how . It feels intimate and if you need anything they'll get to you faster. I notice they have the right amount of lighting and have simple decors. (I will get to the food, eventually). But you know what, the place does matter to the kind of mood you are wanting to set-up. I got lucky to make a same day reservation too. I enjoy the 3-course I had and it was reasonable price for what it is and the steak that my husband had was really good too.We started with bread and palate cleansing salad in a can with tiny spoon, which I found cute. It was good. Then our server came with a basket of bread. I love the bread and what tasted like a homemade bread and butter. That bread almost was a little heavy, I know I was supposed to just have one but I got another one when she came back and asked if I want more. Lol! I started with foie gras and this was one of the reason why I opted to come here. This is the first time I tried it and since I have no point of comparison, I just thought this is how everyone should eat duck or fat. I love liver on every animal really but this is one of those every once in a while luxury. Don't get me wrong I would probably eat it everyday if I can. Then came the 2nd course which was a duck roasted breast. I love duck meat, as long it was prepared and cooked right since they really tend to get greasy. The flavorful is what I always liked about duck meat it's kinda hard to explain and to my friends I can't even explain it. All I know is that it was good and the garnish and sauce made it all better too. It also came with what I can only think was a very light potato balls. Our very nice lady help me choose a good red wine that will go with it and of course but I'm sure it's pinot noir, I forgot what it's called but it work well with my duck. It's what you'll need anyway, lighter bodied, smooth and a good amount of acidity to cut through the greasiness. It was nice that if you don't know what to choose someone will be more than happy to help. My husband had the steak frites maître d'hôtel. He said it was good and probably better than he had from one from the other french place downtown which was over power by the peppercorn looks like chard. Had it in medium rare, which some may disagree but this is the only way steak should be eaten. He gave me a slice some and it was so good so I asked for one more. Finally, the dessert, I opted for cherries jubilee w/ madeleine cookies coz it sounds interesting. They poured the lavender syrup last minute and since the cherry that was on the plate has warm syrup, it melted the ice cream that they have in there as well. I guess it was a little too much syrup on a small about of ice cream. To our surprise, after we're done with our shared dessert (God knows I ate a lot so it's just appropriate to share, well always anyway), they gave us macaroons!!! Someone will have to be crazy to say no to that, I always have room for good macaroons, same room that I have given the cherries jubilee. Lol! Yes, to sum it up, it was a wonderful experience for me and my husband on a very special day. Our host was very attentive and just lovely person, I think she happens to be sister-in-law of the owner. At the end of the night, he actually came out and say hi and thank you to us. It was nice that he did that, he's pretty a busy man but finding the time to do it was just made the night even better.
(5)Gerald Z.
For those of you that read my reviews...you will know that I gave Baru a 2 star rating during my last visit....Baru management graciously reached out to me and gave me a gift card inviting me back. It took me awhile to get back but I figured Valentine's was the perfect day to try the restaurant again. For those of you that like short and to the point here its. Baru is probably the highest quality french restaurant in the Des Moines Metro area. It is however NOT a good value for your money. It is a restaurant to come and visit to experience good to very good french food BUT it is at too high a premium. The quality of the meal that was served to us (primarily the dessert) was good to great, in fact if the six course tasting menu wasn't $120 pp then this would be 4 stars. But for me food has to be outstanding to command that kind of price point and I am willing to pay that for outstanding food. Baru's food quality while approaching that zenith is not there yet. You will see why as I break down the courses. Baru's Love Affair (the menu is entitled) - rated... Amuse - Cupid's Arrow (no description on the menu). Some type of crab preparation on toast...my wife enjoyed it but since I am allergic to shellfish (anything that turns orange when cooked) I had to ask for a substitution. They gave me chopped up strawberries....downer. My amuse was more like a dessert. Oh well. 2 Stars Course 1 - Cured Salmon and Seared Scallops with lettuce coulis and lemon cream. Very good, the scallaps were perfectly cooked and when mixing all the elements together it worked. Although it tasted weirdly like a bagel and lox...which is fine since I love a good bagel and lox. 3 stars Course 2 - Zucchini bisque with lobster ravioli, curry oil and almonds. This was just okay. First off the bisque was served to us cold meaning it was sitting on the pass waiting for our server to bring it to us. Since I could not eat the lobster I was given a ravioli filled with chorizo which while good the flavors really didn't meld with the zucchini and curry. 2.5 stars. Course 3 - Sea bass with pickled radish crab salad and roast cauliflower. So this plate was very good (they omitted the crab from my dish). The pickle on the radish worked very well with the sea bass. It almost had a japanese vibe to it. Very good and well balanced. 3.5 stars Course 4 - Prime New York Strip with beets and truffles. Not very innovative but very good. Meat was beautifully rare and the truffles and mushrooms gave a great umami flavor. The roasted beets went well with the beef although the texture of the meal was all kind of mushy. Mushy mash, mushy beets, tender meat...needed some crunchy texture. 3 stars Course 5 - Cheese Course - Goat Cheese Honey Mousse, figs and nuts. This dish suffered from a proportion problem. As you will see in the picture (sorry it was dark and the flash was a bit harsh) the amount of cheese dwarfs the accompaniments. We needed more figs to pair with the amount of cheese given to us. Additionally if you are charging 120 pp for a tasting menu, do something inventive with the cheese course...I could buy everything on this cheese plate from Trader joe's. 2 stars Course 6 - Dessert - Strawberry Champagne sorbet, rose marshmallow, white chocolate mousse, meringue. As I read the description I realize that I cannot find everything that was mentioned on the plate. IT DOES NOT MATTER. Out of everything we ate this evening this was the most inventive most palate exciting dish. There actually was a cotton candy with pop rocks on the top of the sorbet. The combination of flavors, strawberry with the cotton candy and pop rocks and white chocolate was amazing. As in previous visits their dessert shines. Their pastry chef is VERY good and inventive. If I had seen this type of inventiveness in the other 5 courses this review would have been very different. This course on its own is 5 stars. I am conflicted with Baru. They set a price point which causes me to have higher expectations. I either expect perfectly executed classic french dishes or an innovative tasting menu. It ends up a muddled mix of both. There are some dishes that amaze (dessert wow still amazed) but courses like the cheese course and cold soup course fall flat. The remaining dishes are okay to good. Their cocktails are very good though. For me, my wife and I will stop by for dessert and drinks after having dinner somewhere else. If we return we won't be ordering the tasting menu, it just doesn't deliver the innovation that I have come to expect from a tasting menu for the price point.
(3)Sam C.
Decided to treat ourselves to a fine French meal. Arrived early on a weeknight without a reservation. Though the restaurant was fairly empty, we were seated at a table right next to the doors to the kitchen. Strike one. After being seated, we were issued three menus instead of two and a wine list. Our waiter arrived, introduced himself and explained that he would be taking care of us for the evening. Even though the restaurant had just opened, we were informed of the items they were out of. Shortly thereafter, our real waitress arrived. The amuse-bouche was described as a stuffed cherry - it was a stuffed cherry tomato. I'll chalk that one up to nervousness. The signature cocktails were as creative and unique as they were delicious. This restaurant is in desperate need of a makeover. Surfaces are worn, extra tables and chairs are pushed against walls, and the art work is dated. Food is served on plates and dishes that detract from the presentation and make the food difficult to eat and precarious to serve. My three course fixed price meal was $45. I chose pan seared scallops in a corn pudding, steak frites, and sorbet\ice cream for dessert. Three slices of scallop browned on only one side appeared in a large bowl on a yellow sauce - that was the corn pudding. The fries were thin and cooked well, but the steak, though medium rare as ordered, was not served warm enough to melt the tab of herb butter atop it. The accompanying sauce was mediocre at best. Th array of mini-vegetables garnishing the plate, however, were delicious! My dessert choice was a scoop each of strawberry and blackberry sorbet and vanilla ice cream. Alas, the vanilla ice cream had not set properly so I chose a pistachio instead. It was the best pistachio ice cream (more like a gelato) I have ever had, but it had half melted by the time it arrived at my table. Three small scoops sat at the bottom of a gigantic bowl resembling the end of a Jai Alai stick. Such a shame they had not be served up in a proper dish to show off what was the highlight of the meal. Upon requesting our check we were then served a tiny shot glass containing a blackberry, a small Norwegian shortbread, and something foamed into the consistency of spittle. Service was annoyingly intrusive, interrupting mid-conversation. Obviously, they were trying, but not quite delivering fine service. I would try them again, but I wouldn't be expecting much.
(2)Jason G.
In Des Moines this week for a business trip, so I trusted Yelp to find me a place for a nice meal, and boy did it ever. Baru 66 is an outstanding French restaurant located in Windsor Heights. Its unassuming exterior belies what lies within, that being an establishment that would not be out of place in San Francisco or New York City. The first things you notice when you arrive is that the space is extremely well put together. The tables are set comfortably apart so you can walk between them, and you won't feel like your neighbors are sitting in your lap. The artwork on the walls is beautiful, and the table settings are impeccably laid out. The next thing you notice, and will continue to notice, is that this staff is extremely well trained and they understand service. From the moment I walked in to the restaurant, I was met with friendly and helpful servers. They were always attentive and never intrusive. Then I looked at the menu and was faced with my first frustration - too many items that piqued my interest. A good problem to have, to be sure. With the help of my waitress, I was able to decide on an order and then waited, hoping to be wowed. I started with a French Martini. I'm not a wine drinker, and didn't think any of the beers on their menu sounded like they'd match particularly well, so I went with something a little froofy. Vodka, chambord, and pineapple juice. It was girlie, foamy, and tasty. The meal began with an amuse bouche of a small piece of mozzarella served with a slice of prosciutto. The meat was nice and salty, but the cheese was a little too solid, as if it weren't fresh mozzarella. A mild disappointment to start the meal. They brought out bread and butter to the table. The salted focaccia was nice (soft and salted) but the dinner rolls weren't particularly interesting. Cold butter accompanied the room-temperature bread, which is a bit of a peeve of mine. My starter was the St. Jacques - Seared scallops with crispy smoked bacon over a butternut puree with a sprinkling of micro greens. This was served on a half-scallop shell. The scallops could have used a touch more sear, but otherwise were perfect. The sweet puree and the salty bacon worked very well together, but I think the bacon could have been a little crispier so it would have been crunchy rather than chewy. Still very good, but not quite perfection. My main was a quail stuffed with foie gras and truffles. This dish was mind-blowing. It had so many elements that all worked together. Juicy quail made super-rich from the truffle and foie gras. Fried potato puffs that were like fluffy potato pillows. A subtle carrot mousseline underneath. Baby leeks to add pungency. Fried sweet potato chips for crunch. A roasted parsnip for some earthiness. Perfectly cooked baby green beans and mushrooms. A rich Bordelaise sauce brought it all together. Topping it off (literally) was a piece of foie gras. Just writing this is making me hungry again. For dessert I ordered the creme brulee. This came out in a long olive plate rather than the usual round. The result of this presentation was a higher ratio of crust to custard, thus ensuring a sweet crunch in every rich, eggy, creamy mouthful. This was served with a scoop of homemade vanilla bean ice cream. The cold ice cream lent a less sweet counterpart to the warm rich sweetness of the brulee. I was about to burst when they brought out a final amuse, a five-spice meringue topped with pineapple sorbet. This was a nice refreshing way to end the meal. So there were definitely small areas where I felt they could improve, but my overall impression is that this was an outstanding meal. If I ever find myself in Des Moines again, I'll definitely come back to Baru 66. You should, too.
(5)Justin B.
You'd never guess a restaurant of this caliber was hiding in the "Windsor Heights strip" As a matter of fact, if you blink you may miss it altogether. (and that would be your loss) Service: Iowa people are nice, but "nice" doesn't always mean "well-trained." It's obvious the owners have spent time training their staff. They don't miss anything, are experts at their menu and know the perfect balance of personal service / privacy. Food: I'm probably insulting Baruthio (chef / co-owner) by even writing a review. Let's just say the food is very French, very rich, cooked perfectly, presented well and tastes delicious. We had quiet a few entrées / courses, so I'm not going to break it down. (No one reads this stuff anyway) Ambiance: What they've done to their current space is nothing short of a miracle -- It's cozy, well decorated, quaint & warm. The one improvement I'd like to see, is for them re-locate into a building that is just as special as their quality of food and service. The experience was a great, and my wife and I will be back for sure. I'd would highly recommend Baru 66, if you don't like it, I'll eat my hat. (FYI: They are expert caterers as well, check them out at The Des Moines Art Center)
(5)K T.
Wonderful food and service! A fantastic place for a romantic dinner. Although families fit in just as well! But my husband and I found this to be a special treat. We are quite picky and we are hardly ever surprised by restaurants any more, and we were pleasantly surprised by Baru 66! If you're looking for a special date night place thats different from the average steakhouse, try Baru 66! Enjoy! We sure did.
(4)Mark M.
I've started this review I don't know how many times. Each time I quit because I couldn't think of the how I wanted to say things...... I realize though that not getting something on here is doing a disservice to the restaurant so i'll add the following; sorry for not going into detail on the food. We've been here only a couple times but each time has been an extremely enjoyable experience. I will say that this is easily my favorite restaurant in Des Moines even though i'm only likely to eat here once or twice a year. Service is impeccable and the food quality above any other I've had in Des Moines. They do (or did when we brought our bottle of wine) have a $20 corkage fee which is a bit disappointing but if the wine is special I can look past that. Been to two other "French Restaurants" in the area and they are fine, but they do not hold a candle to Baru 66.
(5)Martin B.
Amuse Bouche. Call it what you may, this was the most over the top dinner I have ever had. And i would do it again! App - lentil with egg, Acorn soup, Salmon, Duck, Cheese, and port. I know this isn't the best description of the meal but it best describes how my mind and stomach felt while eating each course of the chef's creation: yummy, yummy, yummy! Can't wait to go again.
(5)Cheryl K.
This is how food was meant to be shared. Exquisite, slow and with friends. The Chef is a genius.
(5)Adrienne K.
Baru 66 continues to amaze me! I will be honest, I am extremely lucky. Years ago my husband opened my eyes (and my palate!) to a world of food I had never experienced before. His passion for food and my passion for travel have become that magical combination that drives us to seek out culinary experiences. We have eaten in some of the finest restaurants in the United States and have both traveled and eaten in Europe, but the one place I have never been let down is right here at home in Windsor Heights, Iowa. Baru 66. Sometimes we order directly from the menu, while other times we allow the Chef to decide for us. Last evening my sister-in-laws and I decided to dine at Baru 66, and I had one of the best meals I have ever had there. We chose a 6 course tasting and told our server (who was phenomenal) to allow the Chef to decide all of our courses. I started off with a Lady Baru Champagne cocktail (Ladies...if you haven't tried it, DO!) followed by the amuse-bouche of a petit French onion tart accompanied by a butternut squash cappuccino with a divine foam sprinkled with spices. Chef Baruthio had me exactly where he wanted me...right in the palm of his hand ready for more of the culinary presentation that was about to unfold. Each course was just the right size and built the anticipation for the next course. Our meal consisted of a crab cake and crab salad, a seared fish and scallop sea food presentation, delicious potato gnocchi with a truffle and chestnut cream, an excellently prepared sliced filet with root vegetables, a goat cheese and fresh fig tarte tatin, and closed with dessert: a tempura battered and lightly fried apple ring with butternut squash puree and a caramel drizzle accompanied by a clementine sorbet. While that sounds like a lot of food, I did not find myself uncomfortably full. It was just right. I my appetite was completely satisfied. Our ladies night was a success! The ambiance of the restaurant was delightfully inviting, the service staff never missed a beat, and the food was art on the plate. I couldn't wait to tell my husband... he was so jealous that we will be going for dinner at Baru 66 again soon!
(5)Cornel F.
Was there last night for an anniversary. We were sat next to the kitchen with lots of traffic around us ... They showed me a different vintage of the wine I selected ... The mood changed when the food came in: good hearty and buttery home food. We loved the mushrooms there (soup and starters). Ditto with the gnocchi and the Arctic char and the creme brûlée. We will return
(4)Lyric D.
Wonderful place. Service is excellent. Clean, quiet, friendly and unpretentious. Chef is a genius who really cares. Wine list is well done. Try the Pomme Frites!
(5)Craig D.
The best food in the city, I say again, the best food in the city!!! If you haven't tried it you are missing out. David and Sara make the whole experience really special.
(5)D B.
We had a great dining experience at Baru 66. A wonderful Bordeaux, scallops to start, filet mignon, and finally crem brulet. Everything was perfect and the service was excellent.
(5)Kathiravan K.
We were informed that they were out of Escargot and Trout despite being the Day's special. Was it because we visited on a Thursday? The wine choice was limited. I would gladly pay more for better wine than drink a glass of overpriced cheap wine. For a restaurant in this price range, I should knock off two stars for those. That being said, My veal chops were soft and tasty so was my friend's salmon. the knife just slices through the fish like butter. The portion size was just right and cooked well. Our waitress was very helpful, polite and hospitable. The noise level is low, the ambiance is definitely romantic. This place is great for dates, special occasions like anniversaries. I would probably visit this place one more time on a weekend to give it a second chance but not too keen on it though.
(3)Jamie C.
Amazing food, staff, owners and place! Nothing compares for this uber-picky lady! I really appreciate what David Baruthio and Sarah Hill have brought to Des Moines. I also highly recommend their other restaurants Blue Tomatoe, and the Baru at the art center. Once you go to any of their restaurants your standards will never be the same. Now, if only I can convince Chef to open a restaurant in Dallas!
(5)Jeff M.
The food here is pretty amazing, and it makes it as one of the most memorable dining experiences we've ever had. We started the night out with an escargot and pate appetizer. The escargot came with an amazing pistachio butter sauce - large chunks of meat, and a delicious light pastry on top which left me wanting more! The pate plate had its pate styled like ice cream, but had the texture more like whipped cream. Spread on bread, it melted similarly and was just plain delicious! Our entrees were the duck breast and a chicken breast special. They both were the most succulent, juicy, most well-prepared pieces of meat we've ever had in our lives. They were just so perfectly cooked we couldn't believe that they were actually cooked - the meats were just so perfect! We asked our server how they were prepared - maybe sous vide. He said it was pan roasted, but we didn't believe it - the texture was too tender and meat too juicy. The accompanying vegetables each had their own thing going on. I loved the carrot (even though it's odd to say something like that) - there was a single sweat pearl onion that both my wife and I later commented on as something we noted. It was just a plate full of beautiful flavors that all told their own story - drizzled with a lovely sauce that had both of us moping our plates up with. We had desserts - chocolate creme brulee and an ice cream pastry - which were both great but at that point I was ready to pass out in bliss. Not only did we get an amuse bouch to start the meal, but a little strawberry panna cotta treat after dessert for us to remember them by - which just sealed the deal for me as to a very special meal. At the end of it all, my wife & I joked that we felt like we were judges on Top Chef or Iron Chef. Every course came out with that same level of creativity and quality that we watch on those shows, and we were lavishing every bite! I've read Chef David Baruthio's bio about wanting to bring France to Des Moines, so you can have the experience without having to book the flight. After having been o France and having had some great meals in Paris - in terms of what was put on our plates, I would say that he's done much better!
(5)Megan H.
We recently visited Baru 66 to celebrate a special occasion, and I was absolutely blown away by the food. Our visit got off to somewhat of a rocky start when we arrived promptly at 5:00 and the hostess couldn't find our reservation. She seated us anyway, but it was clear they weren't expecting guests so early as we could overhear a server being trained, the bartender and the hostess were chatting casually just feet away from where we were seated, and none of the candles on the tables had been lit. Soon enough others started arriving, and lo and behold, we could overhear that the hostess also had no record of THEIR reservations - clearly some new-restaurant kinks to be worked out, but nothing that can't be fixed. Once the food started arriving, we forgot all about those first few uncomfortable moments. Warm bread was served with a compound butter that had been whipped with sea salt and truffles - amazing. Then an amuse bouche arrived at our table - a nice surprise, just the right size, and very good. Baru 66 has some very reasonable prix fixe options if you don't want to spend an arm and a leg to eat here. Charlie ordered three courses for $29, which includes just specific dishes (and is only offered in the earlier part of the evening), while I decided to splurge and order the $45 prix fixe (you can choose anything on the menu or the specials to make up your three courses). I ordered an escargot cassoulet to start, which was absolutely amazing. I was so glad it was served with toasted bread so I could sop up all the delicious duck stock in the bottom of the dish. Charlie had some kind of delicious soup, I'm sure - I was just so smitten with my escargot I couldn't manage to look up long enough to notice. For the main course, Charlie had a duck leg confit which was served with lentils and... I don't know, again, I couldn't manage to look away from my lamb provencale long enough to figure out what else was on the table. It was small (I couldn't have ordered just this without having the other two courses to round out the meal), but it was beautifully composed and presented. Delicious lamb, fresh asparagus, and amazing little piped potato galettes - I'm sure I'm not describing it with the detail it deserves, but the flavors were just fantastic. To finish, Charlie had a wonderful creme brulee and I had the cheese course - three amazing selections alongside apples, walnuts, bread, and a house-made jam. The triple cream brie almost put me in a food coma. Make no mistake, this is not an inexpensive restaurant - but you absolutely get what you pay for. "Wonderful" doesn't do the food justice, and the atmosphere is perfect for a special evening out. There were so many amazing things on the menu that I was dying to try, I'm sure I'll be back very soon.
(5)Chuck M.
Carol and I truly enjoyed our first dining experience at Baru 66 on the corner of 66th street and University Ave. The service was very attentive and the food OUTSTANDING. I loved the brown on dark brown decor, a single room with French vocal music in the background, and how the walls are covered with pictures of French-themed oils and other tasteful decorations. We took advantage of their $45 Fixed Priced menu of three items; Appetizer, entrée, and dessert. We started our early dinner with Carol ordering the Lady Baru which appeared to be champagne with Chambord and a raspberry, and I ordered a glass of their Pinot Noir which we enjoyed. Our bread basket contained their special Focaccia and Country Wheat breads along with a dish of butter which both were very fresh and delicious. Prior to our appetizer we were served a small serving of pickled herring with fresh cream and cucumber/tomato salsa along with a small glass of a watermelon tonic. It was delightful to the palate!! Then my appetizer of Avocado and Crab w/ micro salad arrived which was delicious; although I found part of an inedible avocado stem in my dish which I reported to our waitress for quality control purposes. Carol had the sea scallop with caper berry and a micro salad which I sampled and thought it was well prepared and seasoned. The entrées were next where Carol ordered the Black Sea Bass with Lobster Risotto & Spring Vegetables, and I had the Salmon with porcini (?) mushrooms, purple potatoes, carrot, green beans and asparagus. Both entrées were gastronomic delights, prepared in the authentic French Contemporary style. Carol's said the coffee was up to her high standards and the tea selections that I was presented were of a good quality. For dessert, Carol had the Meringue glacée which she simply adored, and I just had to try the Deconstructed Black Forest Cake which was incredible. I was in Chocolate Heaven with this dish. To top it all off, we were finally presented with a mini-Ball jar containing sorbet and pineapple pieces along with a small, filled macaroon. There were other equally creative and delectable selections for desserts as well as other entrée items that we will definitely try on our next visit
(5)Jesse M.
How about 6 stars? 10? Baru 66 has raised the standards for fine dining in Des Moines. Django is good, "midwestern French", as another reviewer stated, but this is the real deal, people. David Baruthio is not playing around with midwestern sensibilities here...with the exception of locally sourced products. Everything else is pure French cuisine. I was sad to see Sage Restaurant leave this space, but it's now occupied by an even better (really?) restaurant.
(5)Lim K.
We went to Baru 66 to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The place was small but had a nice atmosphere. After looking through the menu we chose the $45 pre fix menu; appetizer, main course and dessert. My husband ordered prawns with melon, which had two small prawns on top of a square of water melon. His main course was steak and frites. I had smoked salmon and sea bass. We had one dessert sampler to share. The prawns were cooked perfectly and the melon was tasty. The waiter told us the steak is usually cooked medium rare, however, when the food was served the steak was well done. The waiter promptly took the steak back and about 10 minutes later he brought us another steak, This time it was rare, however, my husband liked it that way. The steak itself did not have much flavor without lots of sauce or cream. Unfortunately they did not have Tabasco sauce. When we were in France a couple of times every restaurant we went to had Tabasco sauce, even upscale restaurants in Paris. There is nothing wrong with having Tabasco sauce in a French restaurant. My sea bass was probably the best food we had there. It was flaky and tasted fresh. My salmon appetizer did not have much flavor. The desserts looked fancy but did not meet my expectations. Overall, we did not find anything special. The service was great.
(3)Jessica J.
This was, hands down, the best meal I have ever had in Des Moines. Everything from the service to the food to ambiance to value was A+ all across the board. I dined with my sister last night to try the Restaurant Week menu, and the place was packed - but not noisy. Good insulation, ceiling, and acoustics still let it feel intimate, but not stuffy. The decorations were sparse but beautiful, fresh flowers on each table, freshly pressed linens - we were pleasantly impressed. Our server was just the warmest, friendliest, and fun woman. We were well taken care of, had some great conversation, and she didn't make a single mistake all evening. Every course came out in a timely manner (but not rushed) and she was obviously very passionate and excited about the food she was serving - something I think is so rare and singular about servers today. The food... oh my, the food. Our amuse bouche, a profiterole with goat cheese and parmesan filling, was amazing. My sister and I joked we wanted a dozen of them for our entree. The bread was fresh and sliced thick, served with black truffle butter and salt, and it was just to die for. I had a light salad of spring greens, goat cheese, and walnuts. Nothing too spectacular, but my sister's foie gras mousse was incredible. Luscious and just the right amount on the plate so it wasn't overwhelming. My entree of Parisienne sytle gnocchi with English peas was scrumptious. Light, yet hearty with awesome fresh flavor, it was the best gnocchi I've had since I ate at Thomas Keller's Bouchon. My sister's duo of pork was delightful. The pork belly was bursting with flavor, the potato and carrots on the plate were delicious. The loin was a bit tough, but still had great flavor. For dessert, my sister indulged in confit pears poached in some spicy, sweet sauce with a rich and amazing blue cheese. I had the peach creme brulee which had the perfect sugar-glass crust on top and delicious caramelized peaches inside. As we sipped a glass of champagne after dessert, my sister and I couldn't believe the value of our meal. The amount of food, the quality, the service, all for $25, was unreal. I made reservations on my way out for next weekend again so I can try other things on the menu, and I can't wait to go back! I've found my new favorite restaurant in Des Moines and love it.
(5)Mallary M.
I am struggling between 3&4 stars for this restaurant. I went with 3 b/c of the "A-OK" 3 star description - that's what it was. A good meal, A-OK. First, the goodies... just like other reviews state, the service is simply OUTSTANDING. Seriously, some of the best I've had in a very, very long time. Your water is constantly filled, the food comes out together - timing is right on, the waiter is patient and knowledgable, etc. Also, loved the generous accompianments - i.e. the amuse bush (sp?) as well as the complimentary dessert nibbles at the end. It was the actual food itself that just didn't completely pull through for me. Maybe I just don't have the sophisticated pallete a place like this requires, but I just thought the food was 'good'. For the price, I was expecting out of this world, fantastic, dying to go again, GREAT - but to me, it just didn't go there. I had the $45 pick your own deal... you choose a app (salad, soup, seafood), a entree and a dessert. I thought this was a pretty cool deal. I had the salad special for the evening - fruit, nuts, a little blue - tasty, but nothing amazing. For my entree, I had the halibut. Good presentation, nicely cooked, but kind of bland. For dessert, I shared the au' chocolate w/ my fiancee. Which was also good, but kind of dry like it had been cooked a day before. All in all, we were SUPER excited to try this place and it's very cute. However, if I'm going to splurge on a meal, I think I'd probably go to Flemings, Django or 801 before going back to Baru.
(3)Thomaz P.
This was an excellent meal. The reason I give it 4 stars is because the tasting menu does not list what you will be getting, it is completely up to the chef. I think that this is a good idea and I love it but I realize that it may not be for everyone. Not everyone likes everything. I think it would be good to at least say what types of meat will be served or types of seasoning. Another thing was that there was a very long wait between the second and third courses which disrupted the flow of the meal. Other than that this was an excellent meal. They offer a 4 course tasting menu for $52, a six course for $66, a 3 course prix fixe from the menu for $45 and a la carte as well. The restaurant looks unappealing from the outside but once you go inside the ambience changes completely and it is very inviting.
(4)Dana N.
Worst experience at a restaurant ever. Our server was MIA we were finally able to order 30 minutes after getting there and there were only 5 other tables there. Our drinks then arrived 15 minutes later. After another 30-45 min I asked about our food when the server finally walked by again. He came back to inform us that they ran out of the sauce for my husbands and had thawed out new and our food would be out shortly. When it finally arrived 60 minutes after we ordered it, my husbands dish was cold! They made him another, that was hot, but didn't give us any discounts for our experience. Top that off with a floor that was so slippery with humidity and grease that I almost fell twice just visiting the restroom.
(1)Rod B.
Best restaurant in Iowa!!! We read the online reviews and were tempted. My husband and I are experienced foodies from Los Angeles and New York City, so we were curious about this latest addition to the emerging Des Moines restaurant scene. Well, what we'd hoped would be a pleasant dinner at a budding restaurant turned out to be the best meal we've had in Iowa. The menu is appealingy diverse; we were tempted by every option. All the options are mouth watering. But, we decided to take advantage of the Plates du Jour. When the owner and hostess went out of her way to visit with us and describe the options, we knew it was the perfect meal for a couple like us: bean and bacon salad with a light vinaigrette and broccoli blue cheese soup as starters. Then, our entrees were layer upon layer of abundant, yet not overwhelming flavors. It was like we walked into Julia Child's kitchen: beef bourguignon with a potato gratin en terrine and a salmon filet on a light vegetable risotto. All of which simply melted in our mouths. We were already full when the decadent desserts- chocolate creme brulee and strawberry salad arrived. Did I tell you that the ice cream and breads are made on premises? They are. And they're delicious. What really added to the experience was the modern decor, impeccable service (we never had to ask for refills and did not feel rushed at all; food came out perfectly) and friendly yet professional hostess. By the end of our meal, we even met the chef! Finally, the portions are midwest sized, guaranteeing the best bang for the buck. Like us, you will want to lick your plates clean!!! Luckily, the owners, David and Sarah, encourage such behavior. They are friendly, approachable, and clearly care about the experiences of their guests. We have decided to make this OUR restaurant. So it is with some reservation that we share this rave review with the rest of the world. But alas, we want Baru 66 to succeed wildly. Tell all of your friends. We will! If you can't make it on Friday or Saturday, definitely any chance you can, and you'll be hooked. If you are looking for a classy, yet unpretentious culinary experience, this is a place worth going to. Get ready for a gastronomic delight that you will not regret.
(5)AJ K.
Started with an amazing amuse-bouche....no idea what it was but my taste buds had not experienced anything like that before. YUM. This was followed with a soup ...again delicious and a great portion. Next came the pan-seared salmon, fantastic. The desert was very unique and of course, delicious. Obviously I am not a 'foodie' by any means, but I can assure you this place is well worth the price. Exceptional food and service.
(5)Donnie S.
Be prepared for fantastically pure french cuisine. Not sure of the chef's specific pedigree, but clearly a classically trained french chef. The chef served an amazing amuse bouche that was a foam/creme, I forget the specific flavors, topped with fresh chives. Very nice! I had the escargot appetizer, which is prepared in a beautiful pan sauce with sweetbreads micro greens and a light pastry crust. Deliciousness! The sweetbreads did not overpower the escargot as I though it might. Perfect. Wine pairing was Syrah (one of their excellent burgandies was the correct pairing, but I was by myself so I stuck with "by the glass") For my main dish I chose the quail stuffed with foie gras, shouldn't need much explanation beyond that... However, it is worth mentioning how perfectly cooked the bird was; it was perfectly juicy. Also worth mention were the whipped purple potatoes and the roasted veggies with the amazing wine sauce, more of a jus really. Kept with the Syrah, which was working well at this point. For desert I had the rose macaroon with fresh raspberries, creme, and house made red berry ice cream, which was amazing paired with a nice cognac. The desert was world class and totally house made. I would be interested to try the chef selected desert trio as all the deserts sounded so delicious. What a great experience. Go in with an open mind and really try to savor the complexity of the food and wine and you will not be disappointed. I spent too much time explaining the food, so let's just say the service matched the food! The restaurant was lovely and clean, as one would expect.
(5)Christian R.
Chef David Baruthio has accomplished something inspired with his new fine French restaurant in Des Moines. I ate dinner there last night (April 10) with friends and my 5 year old daughter. Our party deliberately ordered different items so we could taste each others choices, and there was not a bad pick in the group. One of our party ordered a fois gras ice cream concoction that was a highlight of the evening. I had one of the specials of the evening, the canard selection (duck breast, duck confit, and fois gras), and it was outstanding. It was definitely some of the best fois gras I have had in this country. Even my daughter had rave reviews, as it appears that the chef has children of his own and served her a fine small steak and fries which were a big hit. The wine list was well paired, the desserts amazing, the ambiance was a slight improvement over Sage's minimalist elegance. We'll be returning regularly when possible.
(5)Steve G.
Am I qualifed to write this review? I'll give you the background, and you can decide if you want to keep reading. If not, skip and find someone you think will give you a better opinion. So, I'm an eater, and I'm married to an eater. We love food. We've been lucky enough to travel to many countries (France, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, Ireland, England), and have been fortunate enough to dine in everything from local cafe's to multiple starred Michelin restaurants. In the states, we've made it to the French Laundry, Bouchon, Gary Danko, Aureole, B&B, Blue (Mina's), Prime, Tru, Alinea, Trotter's, Aureole (NY), Babbo, multiple 'Dining Rooms', etc. Beyond that, one of us has taken multiple courses in cooking, tasting and food / wine appreciation. We like to eat, drink and cook. So, that's us. Let's talk about them. We had been to Baru 66 one other time. It was almost unmemorable. When I asked my wife to return, she was surprised I asked. We made the trip. And I have to say, I was happy we did. What was unremarkable the first time, turned into a very fine experience. And I'm not going to add "for Des Moines, Iowa" to the end of that sentence. This meal was comparable to many great dinners we've had at Ritz Dining Room's, and probably put a couple of those to shame. And did I mention it was half the price of those dinners for similar levels of food quality and number of courses? Do I wish the decor was something different, yes. It seems stuck between trendy and bleak. Not much going on, and you are on top of one another. It's not Tru, but again, I'll sacrifice the decor to take $400 off the tab! I assume rent is cheap...and you don't spend time feeling like you're in a Modern Art Museum (ala Tru). Sage was here previously, and was a better fit. Andrew has a heartier feel to his food, and it seemed to fit the decor. Less French, and more love on the plate. And Baru doesn't necessarily fit the space as it sits, but maybe that's just my jaded vision of great memories of Sage. Service was mixed. Bar service was decent. They were busy, and the organization in the bar was confusing...but we got our drinks, they were made well, and staff was friendly, not uptight...which when eating food like this things can tend to get stuffy. Not a hint of that. Nothing major, just somewhat of a stop and start service. Glass of water - wait - glass of wine- wait - glass of water with a cocktail. Service at the table was perfect as usual. We're lucky to have a long-term relationship with our server, and we always get service that's beyond exceptional. Great with course explanations, special requests (they usual are answered before asked for), and working the menu to our liking. We had the 6 course tasting. I will highlight and lowlight so I don't drone on too long. First and last were the weakest points. Not bad, just the weak areas in comparison. The amuse was good, and did waken up the mouth, but I typically wait for a little mini bomb of flavor. The flavors in the profiterole (blue and walnut) were strong and almost cloying together, and the watermelon tonic was also muted. I'd rather see a fresh blast of flavor, rather than a tongue coating richness of blue for a starter, especially in a late Spring / early Summer menu. Dessert was good, but almost overwhelming. 5 miniatures on a plate. The much ballyhooed rose macaroon was good, but on the sweet side for my palate. The best on the plate was a white chocolate creme brulee. Perfect burnt bitter sugar to offset the rich and creamy. Loved it, and wished I'd had a whole plate full! Now the overwhelming winners of the night were all of the savory dishes served. NONE missed. And I'm picky. Multiple sous vide preparations, and done well. The terrine of FG was perfect. Parma ham accenting it with it's saltiness, and a spoonful of a glace of pear I believe. Some of the best I've had...and ample portions. Some of the most tender and flavorful duck I've ever had, and even my wife enjoyed it. Our server knew well my wife wouldn't want the duck, and supplanted that with a gorgeously rare peice of salmon...which unfortunately she scarfed down before I had a chance to sample it. Beef w/ black truffles and morels was also as good as we've had. The hawaiian butterfish in a mildly sweet tomato concasse was also spot on. So, all in all, very close to 5 stars - but really, I've only given 5 stars to 3 restaurants, French Laundry, Alinea and Babbo. All very different dining experiences, but all definite 5 stars. If Baru 66 polishes pre-dinner service, it would be 5 stars for me without question. I would say 4.75 stars! Do NOT hesitate to go here. Whether you're into food, or just want something out of the ordinary this is worth it. For $300 to get all of this (full tasting menu, corkage, cocktails, multiple wines by the glass, and tip) it's silly not to try it, or make it your special occasion place of choic
(4)Caitlin W.
This is one of the best places I have eaten in Des Moines. Hands down. Perfect portion sizes. Excellent service. Perfect atmosphere.
(5)Adam B.
I'm going to keep it simple. This is hands down the best restaurant in Des Moines. I've eaten in all of them multiple times, and the quality of food, preparation, and the explosion of flavors you will experience is truly amazing.
(5)B B.
Great food. My boyfriend and I chose the 6 course meal chosen by the chef. Our waiter was amazing and let us request the chocolate cake for dessert. The drinks we also amazing. Love this place.
(5)Ryan Evely G.
DELICOUS! ELEGANT! CLASSY! COMFORTABLE! This is a sweet gem on the Des Moines restaurant scene. The food is rich and full of flavor. The service is excellent. My water was never empty. I never had to ask for more bread. They cleared the table, including the crumbs without disturbing our conversation. The co-owner and front hostess, Sarah, was friendly and made us feel like special guests rather than random customers. I loved the experience of eating here. One of those rare places that you can make a real event out of going out to dinner. The food is probably the best I've had in Des Moines--probably in Iowa. I think the secret is in the little touches. The butter is infused with sea salt. The bread is made on premises. The vegetables were slightly seasoned and blanched perfectly. The starches were delicate yet sturdy enough to really dig into. I had the potato gratin - delish with high quality gruyere cheese. It complimented my beef bourginon (sp?) perfectly. My date had a vegetable risotto that was cooked in a seafood stock - perfect accompaniment to the salmon resting on top. Other main entrees I look forward to trying include duck breast, halibut, and lamb shank. Oh, and although the cuisine is a French-inspired metropolitan, the portion sizes are good ole fashion midwest. Plenty to satisfy even the hungriest of foodies. And the deserts, WOW! All made on premises, I believe. An amazingly tantalizing experience. Mmmmh. I will definitely be back again and again. I want to try everything on the menu. Thank you, Baru 66.
(5)