Baru 66: User Reviews

glad i went back
By ross414, November 6, 2012

Overall rating:

I would like to apologize to the owners of this restaurant for my previous 1 star rating. I went back and had one of the best and most memorable meals I've ever had. Unlike most restaurants where the owner has almost nothing to do with the actual cooking, the owner is also the head chef here and he has a passion and a talent for his craft. Probably the closest dining experience someone can get to a michelin star rated restaurant in Iowa. While I don't know what the criteria is to obtain a star, I'm sure the quality of the food here is every bit as good as one of those places without the astronomical prices. I wholeheartedly recommend this place and look forward to my next dinner here.

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

very upset
By ross414, October 30, 2012

Overall rating:

Just my 2 cents. This review has nothing to do with the qualitiy of the food or experience a diner might have while dining in, but totally about the service I received. I completely understand that this isn't really the type of place to order something to go and get the best dining experience, but I tried to order something for take out one night and from the minute I walked in the hostess seemed reluctant to take my order and even seemed to humiliate me by simply wanting to take my food to go. If they don't want to do take out they should simply put a sign on the door or on the menu instead of trying to humiliate customers for wanting to do so. The only restaurant in des moines thats ever been reluctant to take my order to go, perhaps I didn't look like the kind of customer they wanted to serve. very rude, arrogant, and egocentric restaurant, if you want french I'd recommend django or bistro montage.

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

The best restaurant in the city!!!!
By ghostpepper6969, November 10, 2011

Overall rating:

I have eaten at Baru 66 many times, and it is always, "The Best", but last Saturday night, it was even better than that!!! Chef David is truly an artist with a knife and a sautee pan. My appetizer that night was Gravlax, served with a delicate oil and a light sauce under a dusting of micro greens. I enjoy gravlax, but I wasn't prepared for how good this rendition was! My entree was Duck three ways. First was a truly perfect duck confit, that was succulent, tender and moist. Second, was grilled duck breast under a rich fall style jus. And last, duck foie gras with a root vegetable medley and a brown butter glaze. For dessert, I enjoyed one of the best dishes I have ever eaten in my life, grilled plums topped with foie gras and a luscious caramel sauce. In addition to this incredible meal, my table and I also enjoyed a complex amuse-bouche, and Chef's wonderful salted brownie, madeleine and macroon plate. The service was and always is excellent which really enhances the overall experience. If you have not been to Baru 66, I sincerely advise you to try it, I promise, your taste buds and senses, will appreciate it!

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

what a wonderful experience!
By kimmer313, March 25, 2011

Overall rating:

My husband and I dined at Baru 66 for the first time last night to celebrate our anniversary. The experience was wonderful! The wait staff was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. The ambiance was ideal for dining; it was quiet and very comfortable. We elected the Chef's Choice 4 course dinner and were very pleased. Each dish was presented as a work of art to be admired. And the flavors were unique blends. Scallops on watermelon? Wonderful! Lamb with kumquat? Perfect! Bananas with crystallized sugar? Amazing! We lived in the San Francisco area for a number of years and were able to dine at some lovely restaurants. Baru 66 would hold its own in San Francisco. Des Moines is very fortunate to have a restaurant of this caliber. We WILL return and bring friends.

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Loved it!
By psm002, March 8, 2011

Overall rating:

This and Django are my new favorite restaurants. A bit pricey so plan to spend about 50.00 a person. They offer 3 course meals for this amount so you definitely wont hungry. It is a great atmosphere and the food was outstanding.

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

In a league of it's own.
By nevesis, February 14, 2011

Overall rating:

The attention to detail - in both the *perfectly* paired flavors of every dish and the time consuming touches like the truffle and sea salt compound butter or the plump, freshly toasted pine nuts - is simply a new experience for Des Moines.

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Finally, a memorable meal in Des Moines!
By Keeponeating, January 9, 2011

Overall rating:

Having lived and dined in the Des Moines area for 22 years, last evening we enjoyed our first truly five star meal! Our experience at Baru 66 was memorable from the moment we were seated until we reluctantly donned our coats and returned to the cold winter night. The dining room was dim, yet warmly lit by candles- our table, freshly dressed in white. Our server was helpful and prompt, yet not in our faces. All the members of our party chose the Chef's menu- we could choose three courses- appetizer, entree and desert. A scallop appetizer was succulent- perfectly cooked and atop a lovely mound of risotto. Main courses we sampled included duck, and steak prepared two ways- one, pepper corn encrusted and the other with foie gras. The entrees were flawless. We were reminded of our time in France where chefs did not over season, over cook or over mound the food on our plates! Rather, they used high quality ingredients, a variety of flavors and just a hint of the perfect sauce. Could it be that the Des Moines dining scene is finally becoming civilized? Thank you!!!

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Wonderful
By thatsmys, December 11, 2010

Overall rating:

The food is divine. We opted for the tasting menu and were wowed by flavors, textures, presentations, and combinations. The service was flawless. Even though this is a pretty impressive food experience, the staff guides you through it without ever being pretentious...I liked the way the server even anticipated questions and gave lovely descriptions at the setting of each course. The decor was classy; the lighting was low and relaxing; there was attention to every detail. The cocktails were flavorful and used fresh accents of raspberries, lemon zest, mint, etc. I would guess that this is a $100 per person restaurant, but I actually think it is a bargain considering that this is generally the type of skilled gourmet food and service that one would need to travel to a city like Chicago to find. I just adored the whole experience and can't wait to do it again. If you want special and wow, go!

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

GO!
By dsmfrogger, October 29, 2010

Overall rating:

my friends, if you enjoy GREAT nay I say STUPENDOUS food then Baru66 should be your next dinner date. The staff at the front give the restaurant a 'neighborhood' feel without diminishing the class of the joint. The food is the BEST in DSM! no further discussion necessary. GO!

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Thoroughly enjoyed my meal.
By wysiwyg, October 16, 2010

Overall rating:

The filet mignon with faux gras was very good, covered in a very tasty sauce that complemented the dish nicely. The dessert of Fondant au Chocolat seemed to be made with quality chocolate and was not too sweet. Our server, Ben, was very professional and was very knowledgeable about the restaurant's food and wine selections. I would be happy to return to Baru 66 whenever I am in the area.

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value: