Varanese

4.7

4610 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 27, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Neighborhood gem
Great for live music

Varanese settled in Louisville because of its successful independent dining scene, and he believes that the people of Louisville will appreciate fresh ingredients, prepared with a creative flair and a culturally diverse menu. Varanese’s eclectic menu boasts an array of options from stuffed grape leaves, and fried green tomato salad, to new signature entrées: the seared boneless pork chop, and caramelized orange salmon. Finish with a fried banana accompanied by a house-made oatmeal cookie dough ice cream dessert. This New American style restaurant will comfortably seat 150 guests between its bar, dining room and four seasons patio. The four seasons patio of Varanese is an addition to the building, which has a dramatic 20-foot slate water wall. The space is enclosed by a serpentine of glass doors, which retract to offer an outdoor dining experience. Varanese is located at 2106 Frankfort Ave. in the Historic Clifton neighborhood

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Seafood, Steak
Hours of operation
Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm - 12:00pm Christmas Eve 11am-10pm Christmas Day CLOSED New Year's Eve 4pm-12pm New Year's Day CLOSED
Phone number
(502) 899-9904
Website
http://www.varanese.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
John Varanese
Catering
Catering is offered depending on Chef Varanese's availability. Call to inquire.
Private party facilities
With the addition of two new private dining room spaces, Varanese can accommodate groups of up to 80 people. Minimum sales requirement for each room applies. Call 502-899-9904 or email letsdine@varanese.com to inquire.

Location
2106 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY 40206
Neighborhood
Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill
Cross street
Vernon
Parking details
Varanese provides on-premise parking along with additional parking across the street at Nancy's Bagel Grounds along with street parking.
Public transit
Varanese has a TARC stop in front along with a Frankfort Ave. Trolly Hop Stop.
Entertainment
Live jazz seven nights from the Jeff Sherman band 6-10pm.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Six Course Holiday Sparkling Wine Dinner
$75.00 per person
Dec 3, 2024 only
Six course dinner paired with sparkling wines from around the world $75 per person Call for reservations

Popular dishes

Baked Brie$13.00
Baked brie wrapped in puff pastry served with bourbon caramel, toasted pecans and sliced apples
Sesame Glazed Chicken$12.00
Crispy sesame glazed chicken with spicy slaw, Kewpie mayonnaise and green onions
Stuffed Crab Avocado$14.00
Lump crab stuffed fried avocado with pico de gallo and a roasted jalapeño créme fraiche
BBQ Duck Confit Eggrolls$14.00
Crispy fried duck confit and cabbage eggroll with BBQ aioli
Lobster Mac N' Cheese$18.00
Cavatappi Pasta tossed with Lobster in a Creamy Cheese Sauce Served with Old Bay Seasoned Pork Rinds
Cheese and Hummus Plate$15.00
Warm pimento cheese, smoked gouda, pickled okra, pearl onion jam, white bean hummus and fried green tomatoes, served with grilled baguettes
Fried Calamari$16.00
Crispy fried calamari tossed with assorted peppers accompanied with sweet chili sauce and cilantro pesto
Cheese Spheres$13.00
Mozzarella, spinach and artichoke cheese spheres lightly fried, served with a tomato-herb dipping sauce
Pork & Sweet Potato Biscuit$9.00
Slow roasted pulled pork served on sweet potato biscuits finished with apple butter
Appetizer Platter$34.00
Appetizer platter of lump crab stuffed fried avocado, pork biscuits, BBQ duck confit eggrolls, and Cheese Spheres

Soups & Salads

Add to any salad: grilled chicken $7, grilled flat iron steak $12, grilled shrimp $8

Lamb & Lentil Soup
Lamb and lentil soup
- Cup$6.00
- Bowl$9.00
Pistachio Encrusted Goat Cheese$13.00
Warm pistachio encrusted goat cheese served over baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, grape tomatoes, cucumber and red onion with a tomato-balsamic vinaigrette
Fried Green Tomato Salad$12.00
Fried green tomato and bibb salad drizzled with buttermilk dressing, crumbled goat cheese and crispy prosciutto
Crispy Romaine Salad$10.00
Crispy romaine lettuce tossed with creamy roasted garlic and parmesan dressing topped with shaved parmesan and herb croutons
Candied Pecan & Apple Salad$10.00
Candied pecan, granny smith apple and sun-dried cranberries tossed with mixed baby lettuce and caramelized onion vinaigrette

Entrees

Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pork Chop*$28.00
Spice rubbed bourbon barrel smoked boneless pork chop topped with an apple bacon chutney served with gratin potato
Beef Tips & Tortellini$26.00
Sauteed beef tips and tortellini tossed in a rich gorgonzola cream sauce, baby spinach, grape tomatoes and toasted pine nuts topped with crispy prosciutto
"V" Burger*$17.00
Char grilled grass fed beef topped with sharp cheddar, crispy onion straws and Chef John's V-12 sauce. Served with house-cut fries
Angel Hair Pasta$24.00
Angel hair pasta tossed with baby bellas, tomatoes, olives and Chef John's special blend of herbs and spices. Chicken
- Shrimp$21.00
- Vegetable$16.00
Slow Braised Lamb Shank$35.00
Slow braised lamb shank with roasted garlic whipped potatoes and grilled asparagus finished with a natural pan sauce
Cornmeal Crusted Alaskan Rockfish$28.00
Fried Alaskan Rockfish with horseradish and black pepper red skin potatoes with lemon caper aioli, red onion marmalade and grilled asparagus.
Caramelized Orange Bourbon Salmon*$28.00
Grilled salmon topped with a caramelized mandarin orange bourbon sauce served over cream cheese grits
Certified Angus Strip Steak*$39.00
Grilled strip steak served with roasted garlic whipped potatoes, zesty brussels sprouts and natural reduction
Roasted Chicken$26.00
Roasted chicken served with Cavatappi mac n' cheese, cabbage slaw. Topped with salsa verde and Alabama white sauce
Crab Cake Sandwich$18.00
Seared lump crab cake topped with a spicy slaw and horseradish spread on a toasted brioche bun. Served with house-cut fries
Chef John's Personalized Vegetarian Dish$24.00
Created with seasonal and local ingredients
Flat Iron Steak*$35.00
Char grilled flat iron steak served with a mushroom and parmesan risotto finished with Chef John's V-12 sauce
Gulf Shrimp and Grits$26.00
Sautéed gulf shrimp with cream cheese grits. Topped with peach and sweet tea Kentucky chow-chow finished with a Cajun butter sauce

Sides

Cream Cheese Grits
Potato Gratin
Roasted Redskin Potatoes
Vegetable of the Day
Mushroom Parmesan Risotto
Garlic Whipped Potatoes
Cavatappi Mac N' Cheese
House-Cut Fries
Zesty Fried Brussel Sprouts

What 4,610 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Central Kentucky
Hot spot
Central Kentucky
Contemporary American
Louisville
Hot spot

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Varanese offers an exceptional dining experience with "amazing food" and "great service." Guests adore the open-air ambiance and live jazz music, which enhance the overall atmosphere. The menu features standout dishes like the bourbon pork chop and butterfish. Despite occasional noise levels and service delays, patrons consistently express their eagerness to return.

4,610 Reviews

B
Bob
Louisville
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Table was not ready on arrival so had to wait a few minutes. Then on being escorted to table and seated the escort had forgot the menus so went back to fetch those which took a bit. Table was crowded by musicians cases and equipment which is ok because a member of the party was part of the groups playing but it would be ever so helpful if an area was available for those items out of the way of diners. And although understandably there were large parties of customers seated at various tables and it was a bit busy, we waited for a long while before my husband had return to the hostess to ask for waitress. We had water poured as soon as we took out seats. It was still a few minutes before a waitress made her way and took our drink order and we went ahead and ordered since one of us was playing in a group and wasn't sure that we had too much time to waste. Then another waitress came over and said she was now going to be taking care of us since she had been rushed off her feet prior. Although no problem, it is not what we expect from our years of experience at Varanese. Music labs are wonderful as always and we enjoy that every time.
Is this helpful?
S
Sue
Louisville
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Varanese never disappoints. One of my favs!!! The music is just an added bonus
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M
Micah
Louisville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a wonderful time here. One of my absolute favorite restaurants in Louisville
Is this helpful?
B
Barry
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious and our server, Erica, was excellent.
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E
Ellen
Louisville
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fabulous food, excellent service and love the live jazz!
Is this helpful?
T
Talia
Louisville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
A friend and I went to Varanese for his 25th birthday. OpenTable had an option to specify if the reservations were for a special occasion and I said yes, for a birthday. We got to the front desk and they brought it up almost immediately, which really surprised my friend, and they seated us at a table with a little "happy birthday" sign on it. The live jazz band even played a snippet of the birthday song and have him a complimentary birthday dessert with a little candle on it. He loved it! Our waitress was great, and we didn't want for anything. The owner of the restaurant was milling around, checking on patrons and just being an overall lovely host. All of the food was delicious. This was pretty much the best American-style cuisine restaurant I have ever been to. It was all very classy, flavorful, fresh, and perfectly cooked. Nothing was overdone or undercooked. It got a little loud on a Friday night at 7pm, but honestly, that's just Frankfort Ave for you on a Friday night lol! It didn't bother me enough to affect my rating though. I would highly recommend this restaurant, especially for special occasions — they really do go all out.
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f
faye
Louisville
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
way too loud, that's the only problem when we try to come with more than just two of us sitting near each other. wish there was a way to do some ceiling sound insulation!
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K
Kevin
Louisville
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful as usual. We were seated promptly and served meticulously; our meal was excellent.
Is this helpful?
V
Vicki
Louisville
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was my birthday but I didn’t tell them it was my birthday and they had the table set up for a birthday by using social media. They always do nice things
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L
Lori
Louisville
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Dinner was great, but dessert was disappointing. We ordered the special dessert of the night and it was just average. Desserts at a great restaurant like this should always be decadent!!
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FAQs

Varanese offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (502) 899-9904.

Varanese is rated 4.7 stars by 4610 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 27, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

2106 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY 40206

Additional information

Cross street
Vernon
Neighborhood
Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill
Hours of operation
Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm - 12:00pm Christmas Eve 11am-10pm Christmas Day CLOSED New Year's Eve 4pm-12pm New Year's Day CLOSED
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Seafood, Steak
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Varanese provides on-premise parking along with additional parking across the street at Nancy's Bagel Grounds along with street parking.
Public transit
Varanese has a TARC stop in front along with a Frankfort Ave. Trolly Hop Stop.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
John Varanese
Entertainment
Live jazz seven nights from the Jeff Sherman band 6-10pm.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.varanese.com/
Phone number
(502) 899-9904
Catering
Catering is offered depending on Chef Varanese's availability. Call to inquire.
Private party facilities
With the addition of two new private dining room spaces, Varanese can accommodate groups of up to 80 people. Minimum sales requirement for each room applies. Call 502-899-9904 or email letsdine@varanese.com to inquire.

Varanese

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Six Course Holiday Sparkling Wine Dinner

Bread Pudding

Beef Tips & Tortellini

Flat Iron Steak

Appetizers

Baked Brie$13.00

Sesame Glazed Chicken$12.00

Stuffed Crab Avocado$14.00

BBQ Duck Confit Eggrolls$14.00

Lobster Mac N' Cheese$18.00

Cheese and Hummus Plate$15.00

Fried Calamari$16.00

Cheese Spheres$13.00

Pork & Sweet Potato Biscuit$9.00

Appetizer Platter$34.00

Soups & Salads

Lamb & Lentil Soup

Pistachio Encrusted Goat Cheese$13.00

Fried Green Tomato Salad$12.00

Crispy Romaine Salad$10.00

Candied Pecan & Apple Salad$10.00

Entrees

Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pork Chop*$28.00

Beef Tips & Tortellini$26.00

"V" Burger*$17.00

Angel Hair Pasta$24.00

Slow Braised Lamb Shank$35.00

Cornmeal Crusted Alaskan Rockfish$28.00

Caramelized Orange Bourbon Salmon*$28.00

Certified Angus Strip Steak*$39.00

Roasted Chicken$26.00

Crab Cake Sandwich$18.00

Chef John's Personalized Vegetarian Dish$24.00

Flat Iron Steak*$35.00

Gulf Shrimp and Grits$26.00

Sides

Cream Cheese Grits

Potato Gratin

Roasted Redskin Potatoes

Vegetable of the Day

Mushroom Parmesan Risotto

Garlic Whipped Potatoes

Cavatappi Mac N' Cheese

House-Cut Fries

Zesty Fried Brussel Sprouts

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Varanese offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Varanese restaurant rated?

Is Varanese currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information