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Varia, Norfolk, VA

Varia

4.4
4.4
950 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
Top Tags:
Welcome to Varia, a Romantic, Upscale Italian Restaurant in Norfolk.
Varia, our Italian restaurant and wine studio, features wine by the glass and a pianist six nights a week. Indulge in homemade pasta, freshly tossed pizzas from our brick oven, or signature Italian desserts like the tiramisu. Varia's modern Italian fare is made from only the best local ingredients and the wine studio features over 100 hand-selected wines, including 50 by the glass.
The dining room's intricate finishes and the warm glow of its reclaimed chandelier, formally of the Historic Cavalier's ballroom, offers an intimate ambiance that invites conversation over a full bodied merlot. Guests can book the ultra private dining room only accessible by hidden doors in the bookshelves for special events.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (757) 763-6281
  • Website
    http://varianorfolk.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Private party facilities
    At Varia, old world sophistication and modern charm combine to create an intimate, authentic dining experience. Our Italian inspired menu not only features staple foods of the Tuscany region, but adds a coastal Virginia culinary flair to every dish.
  • Private party contact
    Sara Wagner: (757) 763-6203
  • Location
    100 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510
  • Neighborhood
    Norfolk
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • Chef's Table: Wine Dinner Feast of the 7 Fishes

    $75.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Dec 7, 2023 only
    Embark on a captivating voyage to the heart of Piedmont, Italy. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of G.D. Vajra, one of Piedmont's esteemed wine estates, renowned for its rich, terroir-driven wines. Our sommelier, Matthew Emborski, will be joined by the distinguished co-host, Matt Fitzgerald of Winebow, who will share his expertise and passion for these exceptional wines. See courses below: Arancini Gamberi Sugo all’amatriciana, romesco whipped ricotta Barolo Vino Spumante Extra Brut Rose Squid Bolognese Campanale, Grana Padano Barbera d’Alba Fruitti di Mare En Papillote Crab Stuffed Flounder, Baby Winter Vegetables, Lobster Sauce Choron “Clare J.C.” Langhe Nebbiolo Warm Zeppoli Berries, Zabaglione Moscato d’Asti
    Chef's Table: Wine Dinner Feast of the 7 Fishes Photo

  • Chef's Table: Bertani 4-Course Wine Dinner

    $75.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Feb 29, 2024 only
    Prepare for an extraordinary journey to the enchanting region of Veneto, Italy Step into Bertani, a Venetian wine estate steeped in history and renowned for its traditional winemaking methods. Our expert hosts, including Sommelier Matt Emborski and returning (RNDC), co-hosts Ali Kelly and Don Paul, will be your guides, unraveling the stories, culture, and craftsmanship woven into each bottle. Please see courses below. Ravioli Al Uovo Pancetta, Grana Padano -“Bertrarose” Rose Grilled Spanish Mackarel Scapece, Grill Bread, Partana EVOO -“Velante” Pinot Grigio Roast Honey Glazed Roast Duck Pressed Leg, Charred Cabbage, Baby Fennel, Pickled Kumquat & Blackberry -“Secco Bertani” Vintage Rosso Matcha Espresso Opera Torte -“Valpatena”
    Chef's Table: Bertani 4-Course Wine Dinner Photo

  • 4 Course NYE Bash @ The Main

    $100.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Dec 31, 2023 only
    Your 4-Course dinner will include GOLD access to Norfolk's most distinguished New Year's Eve bash in Grain and The Main's Ballroom. We'll have party favors, champagne toasts, and balloon drops with Clara Zimm, Jo Fu, Scooter & Vinyl Headlights live performances. Please see menu options below. AMUSE-BOUCHE TOMATO TARTLET FIRST COURSE -Choose one- CRISPY ARTICHOKE ROMANO RIBOLLITA ITALIAN TARTINE SECOND COURSE -Choose one- AHI TUNA TONNATO CAESAR SALAD WINTER BURRATA THIRD COURSE -Choose one- BRAISED LAMB SUGO & HERB SEARED LAMB LOIN CRISPY CONFIT SUCKLING PIG TRUFFLE STUDDED ROASTED EYE OF RIBEYE FRUTTI DI MARE SAFFRON TAGLIATELLE PRIMAVERA COURSE 4 *Buffet style dessert station will be offered in our Ballroom
    4 Course NYE Bash @ The Main Photo

What 950 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Hot spot

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Great for fine wines

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Romantic

  • Norfolk / Virginia Beach

    Italian

950 Reviews

  1. raj2

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I were visiting the area and went here for a date night. The food was amazing --- a delicious Ceasar salad with plenty of anchovies; fresh burrata with heirloom tomatoes; a pizza --- and our waitress Ashley made the date night a special one. Highly recommend and we'll be back!

    1 person found this helpful

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The evening was well planned. Food and wine choices were superb! Really great evening.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Victoria

    Richmond

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Came here for the Penfolds Wine Dinner. Food was incredible and the private dining room behind the bookcases was delightful. Had a great time and each course was paced perfectly.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Dutch

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    That experience was everything! From food to service to all of the detailed descriptions of the wines and menu selections. 10 out of 10!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Gregg

    Washington DC

    54 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    54 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Lovely dining room, active piano bar. Perfect for business travelers.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Enjoyfood

    Richmond

    30 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Food and service was great. My only concerns was it took a very long time for the food to be brought to our table, but the server kept us informed and the food was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  7. CharlesC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food and Reese was an excellent waiter. I would come back

    Is this helpful?

  8. JenniferE

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow, what a nice discovery. Norfolk is not just a military town. It has culture and food! Varia fantastic!!! Enjoyed the caramelized pears with dried fig and crispy sage. Followed by scallops in a Smokey salmon purée. Woah! Loved Frank singing Frank as this retired US Marine serenaded the diners. Sooo nice. We are forever adding this location to our stops down in this area.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Chris

    Cancun

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    This was our first visit. We sat at the bar and Angel took great care of us. I had the gnocchi and it was delicious. My husband had the spaghetti with Meatballs and he was very impressed. He is very picky and he loves it. We will definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Harrison was amazingggggg! He served us two times in one week and was amazing both times

    Is this helpful?

  11. EricT

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I celebrated our 17th anniversary at Varia on Saturday, August 19th. The ambiance is fantastic with beautiful jazz/piano music playing. We ordered cocktails, appetizers, salads and our main course. The food was beautifully presented and was absolutely delicious. Our server was Harrison and he was fantastic. Harrison presented two specials for the evening, was very knowledgeable about the dishes and most importantly provided us with excellent service. Thank you Harrison!

    Is this helpful?

  12. MichaelG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service were both excellent. Varia also has an excellent wine list.

    Is this helpful?

  13. TonyaW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The ambiance , food, and atmosphere was so nice. Excellent place for a romantic evening.

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was an absolute dream. It was very beautiful and clean. My wait staff was extremely polite and friendly. I can not say enough about it. I will definitely be back again.

    Is this helpful?

  15. EHofS

    Baltimore

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food, great service, beautiful setting. We had a phenomenal time. It is VERY loud, so not the place to have a confidential conversation.

    Is this helpful?

  16. KarenL

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved our dinner here, we sat in lounge area. Piano player, great wine. Food was perfect, pork chop, gnocchi, carbonara, crème brulee. Yum.

    Is this helpful?

  17. AndyC

    Richmond

    59 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    59 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Overall a wonderful experience, with great food, great service, a great wine list, comfortable seating, and lovely decor. Only one dish, the eggplant parmesan, was disappointing with little flavor in the eggplant, perhaps because they were cut so thinly, and the marinara sauce was more spicy than flavorful.

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall3food1service5ambience2
    The food was not good Our charcuterie board had fruit that were going bad and strawberries were spoiled Very disappointed

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ashley was AMAZING. She made our whole experience phenomenal. The food, the ambiance, & the service were exceptional.

    Is this helpful?

  20. BudC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a great night for a date! Nice live music as well as the atmosphere was sensational. Prices for the food weren’t bad and the food was pretty good! Recommend 100%

    Is this helpful?

  21. VenessaJ

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    First time dining here. It will not be my last. My waiter Rashid was wonderful and very knowledgeable about the entrées and drinks. The brussel sprouts were my favorite dish. I posted the pork chop and it was pretty good. However my sides were underwhelming. My broccoli was salty and my potatoes were under cooked. That was the only thing I was displeased with. Everything else was very nice.

    VariaResponded on August 2, 2023

    Thank you for the feedback! I will make sure to pass this along to the entire team at Varia. We hope you give Varia a second chance to wow you with our service! Sincerely, Varia Management

    Is this helpful?

  22. ClaudiaNov15

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent customer service and food, we love the live music and ambiance.

    Is this helpful?

  23. Reviewer1719

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience2
    Waiters and waitresses were super friendly. However, the food was not good quality and is extremely over priced. If you are looking for authentic Italian this is not the restaurant to attend.

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    Food was fantastic! The wait for food was incredibly too slow. Our reservation was at 6:45 and didn’t eat dinner until 8:30pm.

    Is this helpful?

  25. Panagirl

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    For starters it was just two of us and that sat us in between two big party that we talking very load. We were celebrating a birthday and that was mentioned when we made our reservation and not one staff member at Varia acknowledged the special occasion. We order a salad and we asked our waiter to bring it before the main entrees and he brought our meals first and when we asked about the salad he apparently had forgotten and when I placed the order then. The caprese salad was brought to our tables when we finished our main courses. This was so out of taste and poor service. Very disappointed. This was our first and last time dining at Varia.

    Is this helpful?

  26. JenniferC

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous wine dinner: great pairing of flavors and explanations by Chef and Sommelier. Scrumptious sauces, perfectly cooked salmon, delicious dessert.

    Is this helpful?

  27. FoodieReview

    Richmond

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Spectacular!!! The wine dinners are always such a great experience and the chef is just a very cool human as well!

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was pretty good and service was great. Hostess was extremely accommodating for our large party. Ambiance was really nice and aesthetically pleasing. It was a memorable experience. Would definitely go again and I recommend this restaurant. Area for improvement: Happy hour drinks are not delicious. Ordered a glass of Cabernet as an alternative and all was well.

    Is this helpful?

  29. CassandraT

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall3food1service1ambience3
    I really wanted to like this place but unfortunately it was just not good. The best part was the salad. The rest of the food was bland and even though it wasn’t super expensive, just felt over priced. The atmosphere was decent and the server was nice but it took FOREVER for her to do anything except give us the check. It wasn’t even close to being busy either.

    Is this helpful?

  30. MegH

    Nashville

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The location was beautiful and the food was perfect. With the piano player, lighting, and service, the experience was one of the best.

    Is this helpful?

  31. MichaelD

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Saw this restaurant rated number two in Norfolk on TripAdvisor. It was only a three block walk from our hotel so I made a reservation. The hotel that it’s in is gorgeous, and the restaurant itself is gorgeous. - very cool, decor. Our waiter was outstanding providing a very high level of service has good humor. And all the food was absolutely outstanding, and the drinks were fantastic too. You youHighly recommended!

    Is this helpful?

  32. JeanniK

    Key West

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall3food4service5ambience1
    The food was great as was the service but they had live music of a piano and singer. They where not very good but the volume was so high we could not talk and prayed they would stop. I left with a headache

    Is this helpful?

  33. BonnieL

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a fabulous wine pairing dinner. Amazing menu and the wines were delicious. I highly recommend Varia.

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall4food2service5ambience5
    Great environment & service. Only down side my food was over cooked and part was under cooked.

    Is this helpful?

  35. AlanD

    Richmond

    20 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    Server was not very attentive and didn’t even offer to get us bread even though many other tables were getting bread service. We ended up just ordering some bread from the menu to go with our meal but it took forever. Food was very good. Restaurant was nice. Service was only so so

    Is this helpful?

  36. Jossy

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Ambience is 10/10! From lighting to music and decor this place really sets the mood for a cute date night. Service was great, fast and hot. IMO the food was just ok but the environment makes up for it. Carne e Fungi pizza was good my husband’s chicken parm was ok to me but he liked it.

    Is this helpful?

  37. DDiner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Food was ok. An Italian chef would not add peas to a carbonara nor add cream sauce and an egg??? Head back to CPK….

    Is this helpful?

  38. ToddV

    Richmond

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went to go check out Guy’s Night Tuesday. They had some good deals on apps and drinks. I did notice that the Women’s night menu was better. All in all Varia is awesome. The food is always great, and we have never had poor service there.

    Is this helpful?

  39. travelingguy

    Richmond

    24 reviews

    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Limited views. Great service. Good food. Pizza very tasty. Pasta pizza a bit heavy, but quite good! Definitely enough for two.

    Is this helpful?

  40. PaulB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Kaylee was so very helpful as we navigated through the 5 course meal! All of our expectations were meet during our 27th anniversary dinner. What a treat to end the meal with Creme Brullee! Kaylee made our dinner one we will not forget! Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Varia offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (757) 763-6281.

Varia is rated 4.4 stars by 950 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Varia

100 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Norfolk
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://varianorfolk.com/
  • Phone number
    (757) 763-6281
  • Private party facilities
    At Varia, old world sophistication and modern charm combine to create an intimate, authentic dining experience. Our Italian inspired menu not only features staple foods of the Tuscany region, but adds a coastal Virginia culinary flair to every dish.
  • Private party contact
    Sara Wagner: (757) 763-6203

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