Varanese

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Address:
2106 Frankfort Ave.
Louisville, KY 40206

Neighborhood:
Downtown Louisville

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Cuisine:
Contemporary American

Price: $30 and under

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Varanese Details

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Website: http://www.varanese.com
Phone: (502) 899-9904
Hours of Operation: Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm - 12:00pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Executive Chef: John Varanese
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Entertainment, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Late Night, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Smoking Area, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
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.
Private Party Contact: John Varanese (502) 899-9904
Entertainment: Live jazz seven nights from the Jeff Sherman band 6-10pm.
Special Events & Promotions: Sunday is Service Industry Night. Enjoy 1/2 price appetizers and drink specials starting at 8:30.
Every Monday, enjoy a free Flambé Dessert with the purchase of any entrée.
Wine Down Wednesday – Half price bottles of wine all night. Choose from our extensive wine list.

Getting there

Cross Street: Vernon
Public Transit: Varanese has a TARC stop in front along with a Frankfort Ave. Trolly Hop Stop.
Parking: Private Lot
Parking Details: Varanese provides on-premise parking along with additional parking across the street at Nancy's Bagel Grounds along with street parking.

A word from Varanese

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 Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerContemporary American
Diners' Choice WinnerOutdoor Dining
Diners' Choice WinnerMost Booked

Varanese - Best Restaurants in Louisville

Diner Reviews

"We arrived a little early, but were seated immediately. Our waiter was courteous and had all the answers we needed regarding food and wine. (He also treated my wife and I to a dessert for our anniversary) The live two piece band was great as well."
Dined on 6/22/2014
"I've lived in Louisville for 20 years and, somehow, had never made it to Varanese. My husband and I went the other night and it is now one of our Top 5 favorite restaurants in Louisville. Really a can't miss for all tastes."
Dined on 7/6/2014
"Women diners were seated in small tables for two but couples were seated at large tables for four. Try juggling two appetizers and a wine carafe on that small table!"
Dined on 6/30/2014
"I have decided this is now my favorite restaurant in town. I love the nightly music, the staff is attentive and friendly, and I thoroughly enjoy every bite. Always try at least one special! I have yet to be disappointed!"
Dined on 7/1/2014
"Excellent service and food, a little hot and too dark"
Dined on 6/27/2014
"Varanese is a wonderful venue for casual dining - both "fine" and "everyday". the food is outstanding, the service top notch, and the music a great addition. Made to feel speciel no matter what the occasion. a hidden Louisville Original"
Dined on 6/30/2014
"Varanese is superb. The food and service are among the best in the city. I rarely give rave reviews, but this place deserves it."
Dined on 6/28/2014
"I had out of town guest and once again Varanese did not disappoint. The food was wonderful, the old favorites are consistent so I could recommend with confidence and the specials were an excellent selection. Our service was exceptionally good on this Saturday with our server answer questions easily and knowledgeable of the wine and bourbon settings."
Dined on 6/28/2014
"My husband and I dined at Varanese on a recent Friday evening. We enjoyed a fabulous jazz band, spectacular service and delicious salmon. We even splurged on chocolate lava cake that was out of this world! We began planning our next visit on the ride home. If you are looking for an all-around great place to have dinner you must try Varanese."
Dined on 6/27/2014
"The service is excellent and so are the servers thank you for a wonderful evening"
Dined on 6/28/2014
"We eat at Varanese on a regular basis, and it's just great every time; such a romantic evening. It's just everything you would want for a perfect dinner: nice music, friendly staff, fun drinks, and great food. As always, we will be back"
Dined on 6/27/2014
"Do you ever approach a young girl at the hostess stand and although the restaurant is empty and you have reservations she wants to put you in the corner booth. When did these young part time employees get all the power? How about asking the waiter to split the bill and a few minutes later he approaches the table to ask how we wanted to split the bill. Someone needs to teach these young people the art of customer service. The customer is in control not the hostess or waiter. The food was amazing, the jazz band not too loud and the ambience hard to beat. At the end of the meal the customer still votes with their wallet."
Dined on 6/28/2014
"The food and atmosphere at Varanese seems to never disappoint and this time was no different."
Dined on 6/21/2014
"Decided to make a last minute reservation and was lucky enough to get a table. As usual the food was great and we had a great time. Thanks Chef John"
Dined on 6/20/2014
"Great friendly atmosphere! Attention without hovering- I like that. Good food as well."
Dined on 6/21/2014
"Came here for a small dinner with friends. I was very pleasantly surprised at what a great restaurant this was. The food was great, the service phenomenal. The chef even came out to ask how we liked it...I've never experienced that with any other restaurant. I Strongly recommend, as I have now found my new favorite restaurant in Louisville!"
Dined on 6/20/2014
"Some how, we missed that it was predominately an outdoor restaurant! We were pretty dressed up as it was our 30th wedding anniversary, and it was a very warm night, soooo the overall experience was a little uncomfortable. That said, the food was outstanding, service very good, and we loved the backround live music! Had we dressed a little more summer casual, it would've been perfect, but it was close enough."
Dined on 6/15/2014
"We celebrated our 19 year anniversary with our two kids 12 and 14. Service and food was great. Kids enjoyed their meal. Server put rose petals on our table for our anniversary. Chef came out to ensure our meals were great. Jazz band played familiar but kind of old fashioned music. We enjoyed it."
Dined on 6/17/2014
"I treated my fiancé to Father's Day brunch. It was the most amazing brunch we have ever had. Loved that the chef came out and asked how are good was. Drinks were amazing also. We will definitely be coming back."
Dined on 6/15/2014
"The service was friendly, personable and professional. The food was hot, well presented and delicious! The ambiance was exceptional!! We will be back!"
Dined on 6/15/2014
"Service was great, attentive to the patrons by the wait staff. Food, over salted, which I've mentioned a few times when there and an issue others have mentioned including the 3 other guest with me. David - Nice gentleman and seems to care about his patrons experience John - Seems distracted when talking with tables and a bit impersonal."
Dined on 6/15/2014
"Service could be improved, food presentation was nice and ambience presented an ideal setting for a date night."
Dined on 6/8/2014
"We all had something different. The food was a little over shadowed by the fair service. To serve this type of fare we felt the service was not up to par."
Dined on 6/7/2014
"Enjoyed the experience - took co-workers with me who had never been and all three enjoyed it"
Dined on 6/9/2014
"I can't remember the last time I had food that tasted this good."
Dined on 6/8/2014
"We love going to veranese. It's our special occasion spot. Excellent food and service. So good we keep it for our place. Prices are about what they should be for the food you received. We've never had a bad meal or service!!"
Dined on 6/8/2014
"Everything was wonderful. We had a table of 8 and everyone enjoyed the food and the service was phenomenal. I recommend Varanese to everyone who enjoys a great meal and service."
Dined on 4/26/2014
"I tried special items marked with the "V" ( I thought it was an EKG signal) the bourbon orange salmon and apple cranberry salad were excellent."
Dined on 6/7/2014
"the pineapple topping on the mahi mahi was not good, and I was very disappointed. I had been at the restaurant two weeks earlier and ordered the fish special that was grilled perfectly and the topping was delicious.still, I love this restaurant and I'm going back for fathers day. I'll never order anything with pineapple on top of it. A word on the service: always excellent."
Dined on 6/7/2014
"My wife and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary here, and we couldn't be more pleased. The food was phenomenal, the setting was amazing, and our server was fantastic. She was very knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. We will most certainly be returning for our next big celebration, or when we just want to treat ourselves."
Dined on 6/7/2014
"The restaurant was fine dining but very reasonably priced. It was prepared with style and made perfectly. Our wait or was on the spot and very friendly. It was my first visit but I'll be going back. Sometimes I'm leery about trying a fine dining restaurant and paying too much for a meal that wasn't that impressive. That was not the case at Varanese. I would been fine with paying a little more for the meal that I received. "
Dined on 6/7/2014
"Always fantastic, I want to lick my plate after I finish my meal, the food is fantastic. Service is great with helpful recommendations and live jazz on some nights makes for great atmosphere. "
Dined on 6/2/2014
"We have been to Varanese multiple times over the past year and every time has been memorable. The waitstaff is helpful and attentive but not somethering. Vegetarians are well accommodated - the chef's vegetarian plate is both creative and delicious. The specials are just that - special! I always feel welcomed, always get a great meal, and always look foreword to returning. Go there when you can - recommended without any reservation (but you would be smart to have one)."
Dined on 5/31/2014
"Everything about Varanese was great, especially the service. Our server, wish I could remember her name, was excellent and left nothing to be desired. The food was very good except the fish was a little dry. The mocha creme brulee' was divine. The atmosphere was very nice with the water wall and the live music. I would recommend it, and plan to go there again to try vegetarian options. "
Dined on 5/29/2014
"This restaurant is one of my favorites in Louisville. The menu has many choices that are fresh and different! From the hummus sandwich to the salmon and the best pork chop ever!!! They have indoor and outdoor seating w a nice water feature and some evenings even a band. Good quality Nicely priced"
Dined on 5/30/2014
"We have been to Varanese that last several years on our anniversary and the food never fails to disappoint... Great Dinner.... Great Location... I would go back and highly recommend Varanese as a 5 star restaurant..."
Dined on 5/30/2014
"This is one of our favorites in town. We have dined here numerous times and the food is usually interesting, often original and always delicious. You can do anything from a burger and beer to a Kobe steak with a nice bottle of wine from the reserve list and everything in between. The pork dishes in particular always seem to shine and the bread puddings is a little slice of heaven. The ambiance is casual elegant with live jazz playing every night and the wall of water and when the weather is nice the front wall of windows opens up and the entire front dining room becomes al fresco. Great place for any time you are in the mood for good food and drink in a great atmosphere with great ambiance!"
Dined on 5/23/2014
"Varenese is that rare restaurant that consistently delivers great food at reasonable prices, with incredible ambience, and a super wait staff. Where else can I get a speical order for my daughter -- just asking the same day!!! the onwer and/or manager alwasy comes to eacha table to see how the meal was, and I alwasy feel like family when I go in there. Love the staff. Whether you want an appetizer, burger, or a great entree, Varenese has it all. And when the weather is nice, it's like dining al fresco, even if you're sitting inside. And soft jazz music every night. John Varaenese has created a gem here -- the only place my daughter wants to go when she comes to town, and one where I feel comfortable even sitting alone at the bar. "
Dined on 5/25/2014
"We've eaten at your place on two occasions. The first time the food and service was excellent. This time the food was only fair, but the service was still excellent. We didn't even want a take home box. Really disappointing. "
Dined on 5/23/2014
"The weather was perfect, the service was terrific ( a BIG THANKS to ED), and the food was to die for. The menu makes you want to have one of everything. Definitely a place that belongs on your special list !!! Highly recommend."
Dined on 5/21/2014

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