Varalli RestaurantNice theatre spotVaralli"s location is great for theatre. Food is good; not best, but certainly by no means uninviting. Service was very good and appreciated the opportunity to facilitate theatre goers. I was a frequenter of Upstairs at Varalli's in the past, and I must say the seafood risotto was creamier then than the current version. But otherwise, very nice. thank you.6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMItalian not so muchGreat food! Excellent location! Great ambiance! Very crowded, and service was slow. Missing some kind of Italian or Mediterranean music6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMDinner and a ShowWe like going to Varalli be fore any shows in town because the food, atmosphere and staff are great. They make sure you get to your show on time. Try the Oysters.6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent for dinner before a showIt was raining hard the last time we ate dinner at Varalli, and there's a subway exit at Broad and Locust right by the restaurant's front door - we didn't get wet at all! But that's not the only reason to eat here. Service is friendly, efficient, and unobtrusive. The food's delicious and not overpriced. And they got us in and out in plenty of time to see our show.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMDate NightMy wife and I work in center city and Wensday is date night, never been to Varalli thought we'ed give it a try and made a reservation.
Greeted and seated by friendly staff, started off with cocktails that were well made (great bar service).
The server went over the specials of the day and we ordered, I got a half doz. oysters to start, supper fresh, cold, and perfectly shucked, we shared a baby spinach salad, my wife ordered Seafood Risotto, and I had Branzino, both dollish.
For desert Irish coffee and chocolate cake yum.
Is it a sin to order Irish coffee in an Italian restaurant?
Our date night at Varalli was fun and a good dinning experience, we'ed return and recommend.
William and Mary6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMBroad and Locust Streets.An oasis from the hubbub outside. Interesting menu as well as tasting menu. Branzino was delicious.6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMVarillis - consistently greatThis restaurant has undergone a couple of redos of the menu in this location - but always consistently good and interesting in the food area - the tables are far enough apart to have a pleasant conversation without disturbing anyone else or hearing other people' conversation - service is good and the staff is well trained. They are also great at getting you out in time for a performance at one of the local event locations - I will certainly return there6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent meal and warm hospitalityThere were 4 of us for dinner and the experience could not have been better. The food was delicious with interesting special additions to the menu.
We were asked at the beginning what time we had to leave so we wouldn't be late for our concert and we were out by that time.
Varalli's is the best place to eat if you are in the area.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMIt is always hard for a restaurantIt is always hard for a restaurant when everyone comes in at the same time and needs to be out for the theatre or orchestra at the same time. Varalli did an excellent job of meeting this challenge. The food was excellent and they always have at least a few unique and interesting dishes on their menu. The service was very good and they were able to accommodate a special request for us with no fuss. This was an excellent meal for a reasonable price.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat restaurant before showslocated right in the theater/music district of Philadelphia, the restaurant is excellent about getting customers to the shows on time. The food is very good to excellent, especially the specials (I had a wonderful rack of lamb), and the service is excellent. The price is not outrageous but very reasonable given the location.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMIs there really any otherIs there really any other place to eat before theater or orchestra on Ave of the Arts? Some say others exist, but we wouldn't know and really don't care!...This is our GO-TO spot before any performance downtown. Always wonderful service and food ...love watching the crowds going by outside or even in the back of the restaurant, with the lovely water splashing down inside the glass panels.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMEvening OutWhen we go to either the Wilma for a play or a concert at the Kimmel Center, we find not only is Varalli's convenient, but the food is good, service is good and we love the water walls.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMUnique New MenuVaralli's has been a favorite of mine over the years. During this visit I thoroughly enjoyed the Veal Piccanta and my friend enjoyed the Salmon with Leeks and Asparagus.. We shared a Flat Bread of Mozzarella, Roasted Tomato and Basil, the dough of which I thought was a little too heavy for flatbread. The atmosphere and service is always pleasant and excellent. We just wish we had room for desert!5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent Shrimp Fra Diavolo,Excellent Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Crispy Zucchini appetizer and Crabmeat Cocktail.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMVaralli for AnniversaryHad a great meal and great service. Were seated in a nice booth and received a complimentary glass of champagne for our anniversary. And always convenient to the Kimmel.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMSolid Italian foodFood was great, waiter (Eddy) was even better! Strongly recommend the bruschetta appetizer!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMthere was a gathering of athere was a gathering of a group at the bar which made the noise level extremely high...very unusual for varalli's. always crowds but this was a large energetic group of conventioneers. love the ambience and service and gr8 food...no duck this time but lotsa good fish and veal. our fav place....5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMThey know us and work to provideThey know us and work to provide an excellent experience. We always feel as if we are their only clients. Yet they are always full.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent, Again!going to a concert. Service was exceptional as well as the food. Shrimp d' avlo and sea bass after a wonderful calamari. Perfect for pre-concert dining.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMThoroughly enjoyed ourselves!Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Would highly recommend to everyone!5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMJust Excellent In All AreasMy wife and I have been dining at Varalli for 10 years now. I can honestly say that we have never had a bad experience there.The quality of the meals, the presentation, and service are all outstanding. This has been consistent all of the years we have eaten here. I would recommend the Bucatini Di Granchio, Lobster Ravioli, or the Shrimp Fra Diavlo. Get the Crab Coacktail for an appetizer.The staff at Varalli make you feel at home. From the welcome from George, the maitre d', to Karl at the bar (creative drinks. Try a chocolate martini.), to Eddie, our favorite waiter, all are friendly and knowledgable. The location is excellent for Center City shows,and we are always asked if we're going to a show so our meal is served in a timely manner.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMVaralli continues to be oneVaralli continues to be one of our favorite places for dinner and one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMMost Reliable!Five of us returned here for dinner.We haven't been back here for several months opting to try-out other"hot" places in town.When we arrived there were three parties ahead of us,yet within five minutes the Maitre d' recognized us and warmly greeted us by name!He promptly led us to "our table" by the window where we had been seated on prior visits and where we could enjoy "people watching" on the sidewalk.Our professional, efficient server arrived to take our drink orders and describe the menu changes and the specials including their prices.Our food items were appropriately placed without asking "who gets the pickled chicken feet?" The oysters were etheral, veal piccata superb, and moist, flavorful roast chicken. What's not to like?!4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMWe've never had a bad mealWe've never had a bad meal here. We usually go here before a show and they are great about getting you out on time. The staff is wonderful - from the moment you are greeted till you walk out the door. The waiter Steve is perfect. Go with his recommendations.The decor can seem a little "odd" but if you're going for the food you won't be disappointed. Try the Tasting Menue - all the choices are terrific and portion size is perfect. The only thing I would not recommend is the lobster ravioli - a bit tough/over cooked. This is a great place. The menue will surprise you.
Highly recommend it.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMVery accommodating and friendlyVery accommodating and friendly staff and good food! Great spot for a nice Italian dinner before catching a show at the Academy of Music which is just a few steps away.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMVery comfortable atmosphere. HubbyVery comfortable atmosphere.
Hubby had to try the Duck Sausage ...it was very flavorful.
Branzino was excellent, and I liked the presentation.
It was our first time there, and hard to decide what to pick on the menu.....so I guess we have to return for that.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMOf the six of us, five likedOf the six of us, five liked their dishes; one was lacking in taste. And overcooked. The waitress was great.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful Food; Welcoming HostsGreat atmosphere. Great location for pre-show dining. Waitstaff was sensitive and accommodating for timing needs to make the show on time. AND the food was fantastic - subtle & tasty flavors - everything cooked to perfection and pleasing to the eye. I would highly recommend it.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWe are repeat diners, WITH REASON!!Waiter Steve was excellent, though we generally have, and love, Eddy. George, maitre d', was welcoming, as usual. Everything was as we have come to expect, excellent in every way. We eat at no other restaurant as regularly as we do at this one! With reason!3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMWe always have a great timeWe always have a great time at Varalli's, whether it's a romantic dinner or a double date. Steve, our server, was wonderful! Helpful and pleasant, never intrusive.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMGo before theatreInteresting appetizing specials. Fun decor. Met neighbors there. Great ore theatre spot. Waiter conscious & attentive to show time.
Drink specials smooth. Pork medallions yummy!3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was fantastic; serviceFood was fantastic; service a little slow. It was St. Patrick's Day weekend so we were patient. We would go again.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous Pre-Show MealVaralli's is terrific. This was our first time there, and it couldn't have been better. Every part of the meal was excellent - from the appetizer, to the soup, the salad, the main courses and the desserts. Scrumptious, well prepared, and well presented. Service was great, ambience was very nice, and location on Philly's Avenue of the Arts makes it quite convenient to the theaters.
Being a Lenten Friday, my wife and I both had seafood - she the wild salmon, myself the sea bass. Both were very tasty, well prepared, moist, and flavorful. I would recommend Varalli's to anyone withou a moment's hesitation.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMThe booths are especiallyThe booths are especially nice for 4-6 people who want to have a serious conversation in a quiet environment. Food was excellent!3/14/2013 12:00:00 AMWe enjoyed our dinner. TheWe enjoyed our dinner. The atmosphere was cozy and relaxing. We specially enjoyed the calamari, the beet salad as well as the sea bass. The mixed drinks were all done and the wine selection good. The service was friendly. We'll definitely go back.3/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat pre-fiixe tasting menuGreat pre-fiixe tasting menu and love coming here before or after theatre.1/15/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were there for New Year'sWe were there for New Year's Eve. The entire place was full and sold out. It was handled well, the food was delicious (out of a few selections), and they provided noisemakers, a complimentary glass of champagne, and balloons! It was very enjoyable!12/31/2012 12:00:00 AM