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  3. Central Kentucky
  4. Louisville
  5. Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill
Varanese, Louisville, KY

Varanese

4.7
4.7
4183 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 34 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Private party contact

    John Varanese: (502) 899-9904

  • 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

Popular dishes

What 4,183 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
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Louisville

    Hot spot

  1. Jennifer

    New Orleans

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our second visit. Outstanding as last. Food cooked to perfection. I appreciate that management is engaged with the tables and how everyone helps out everywhere. A strong team they have there or so it appears. I love the 20 year tawny!

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful way to celebrate an anniversary! From the moment we walked into the restaurant we felt special. The hostess greeted us with a “happy anniversary and congratulations!” We were seated by a window, with an anniversary sign and rose petals scattered on the table, and served by Harmony, who was charming and attentive. Even the support staff did a great job, namely the fellow who poured water from two feet above the glass without spilling a drop. We enjoyed the buttered bread, apple and walnut salad, roasted chicken, and beef tenderloin special. At the end of our meal, Harmony brought us dessert on the house. A perfect ending to our dinner. We will return again and again.

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  3. DBinLouKY

    Louisville

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience1
    My wife and I hosted a thank you dinner for another couple. It was their first time at Varanese. Service and food were excellent. Interesting, eclectic menu. The jazz duo (who were excellent) overwhelmed the whole experience. We could not carry on a reasonable conversation due to both the music and street noise. Granted, the open-to-the air-summer setup is part of the experience, but the music and street noise was too much.

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  4. CoachTom

    Orange County

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this gem. Broad menu. Great ambiance. A little live music. Terrific food. Attentive service.

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  5. MikeyrInScott

    SW Indiana

    69 reviews

    5.0

    69 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Jne and John Roy and us, Vikki and Mike Reiter all celebrated our respective anniversaries. We all had a wonderful time and the food and service were tops as usual. Mike Mitchell's guitar playing was a treat! We always have a great time at Varanese...Thanks to all.

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  6. MattD

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were celebrating our anniversary. We had special decorations at the table and congratulated by the hostess and server. Also enjoyed discounted deserts. The food & service was great. We have enjoyed Varanese over the years. It is good to know it is still a great dining experience.

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  7. MikeKarenM

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The atmosphere was very nice and the people that served us were delightful. My wife ordered a Ribeye that was cooked to perfection and I got the brisket special and it literally melted in my mouth. This was our first time here and we asked ourselves why did it take us this long? We will be back.

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  8. DanD

    Louisville

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our dining experience at Varanese was 5 stars across the board. From the amazing cuisine from John Varanese and his kitchen staff, to the perfect service in the front of the house under the guidance of GM Dave Allen and his staff to Rory's wonderful cocktails this casual, fine dining journey is at the very highest level. Varanese is absoutley the best of the very best.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    There was an event going on and it was very loud. Other than that no complaints. Food was good, service was more than adequate.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Caramelized Orange Bourbon Salmon made for a light and delicious dinner on a hot day! Service/staff was swift, friendly, and thoughtful. Would strongly recommend the bread pudding for dessert!

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  11. DianaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first trip to this restaurant. Everything was very good. The food was delicious and arrived in a timely manner! Table was set nicely with. Happy Anniversary sign and rose petals! Will definitely go back.

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  12. gocats15

    Louisville

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    great food and service! We will return very soon!

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  13. DanielleD

    Louisville

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The main dishes here are excellent and well priced for their quality! We got a variety of appetizers and while they were ok, we probably would skip them next time, as they were lackluster in comparison to the entrees- will sub one of their fabulous salads instead on our next visit! My son had the crab cake sandwich which he said was ok! i had the bourbon salmon (the vegetables that came with this were amazing, as were the cream cheese grits! Great meal). My husband had the ribeye with mushroom demi glaze (fabulous!) and my other son had a steak as well. Everything was great, lovely server and service. Good experience all around! We dont drink but tried the grapefruit mocktail and it was really refreshing and good.

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  14. SueB

    Seattle

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience! The food was absolutely exceptional! Perfectly seasoned to let the flavors really shine through. Shrimp and grits are absolutely to die for!!! Highly recommend this place for date night (or any night). The live music was a bonus too. Great staff and having the chef and manager check in on your meal tells me they really care about their restaurant. Go here for quality food and service!!!

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  15. KnobsCrew

    Indiana

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our food was fantastic, the server was really attentive and the atmosphere was great. First visit, but won’t be our last.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very good. Would definitely recommend and go there again.

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  17. Bonnie

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The food was really good and the service was great. The food took a bit longer that we might have thought it should but over all we had a really nice and enjoyable evening.

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  18. JMc502

    Louisville

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Apps were great. Wine recommendation was lovely. Medallions special was disappointing.

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  19. mbd722

    Louisville

    7 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    The hostess was unpleasant and surly. The server Hailey was delightful. The food was not as good as we have had in past visits. Ask ally, a disappointing experience. We won't be returning.

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  20. BeverlyC

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never disappoints! I love the burnt lemon old fashioned. The bourbon barrel pork chop was tender and juicy.

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  21. Foodie

    Nashville

    92 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    92 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food, service, and atmosphere were amazing. This was our 2nd time.

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  22. DonF

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice restaurant with a good menu selection. Food was excellent as well as the wait service. Would highly recommend!

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  23. JuliR

    Atlanta Metro

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the atmosphere! Live soft jazz music and open air seating. Delicious food- we had the pork chop and the Alaskan rock fish and enjoyed them both. Extensive wine and cocktail menu, but the Bourbon flights were amazing! Great place to chill and enjoy good food, drinks and music!

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  24. DonnaC

    Louisville

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is our go-to for a special night out. The food, service, and ambiance are consistently excellent

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  25. GregoryB

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had: stuffed crab avocado, pulled pork sweet potato biscuits, field greens salad, steak and salmon. It was all wonderful, as usual. Excellent service. Pleasant outdoor breeze with live duo - smooth jazz.

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  26. Julie

    Cincinnati

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Food as always was excellent but staff was overwhelmed with the Mother’s Day crowd. Definitely have had a better service

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  27. Shelby9201

    Louisville

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a delightful Mother's Day dinner! Ruth took great care of us and made us feel so welcome. Three of our party had the NY strip - each cooked to a different wellness and all were absolutely perfect!! My daughter had the angel hair pasta and felt it was a bit veggie heavy, but it had great flavor. I had the rockfish and it was soooo good! Light and so flavorful. The pairing of asparagus was spot on!

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  28. Sully

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food5service1ambience4
    My wife and I usually love going to Varanese for special occasions. With my sister being in town we decided to take her there. All the food was great, and the ambience was nice even though the band wasn’t there yet, however we saw our waitress twice the whole hour and a half we were there. We didn’t get the normal, and delicious, starters/bread like we always have before. Also after eating we set for 15+ minutes waiting for the check and we couldn’t wave down our waitress since she wasn’t around. Over all, we’ve learned Varanese is a great value when you get all the amenities: starters, live music, and first class service. Yesterday when we went we didn’t see that value.

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  29. RondaM

    Louisville

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our go to Friday night date nights and it never disappoints

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  30. TheresaH

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed our evening. Doors were open, which I love. Good food and cocktails.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    The music entertainment was too loud. I felt I needed to shout to have a discussion with the person at my table. Food was outstanding.

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  32. DavidS

    Seattle

    20 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience4
    I hate to say, but we were very disappointed with the overall experience. I came to this restaurant with some coworkers and while the live music was very nice, my water glass had lipstick on it, my knife was dirty, the service was intermittent, and the food was bland. I expected more.

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  33. JerryS

    Anchorage

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Visiting Louisville from East central Indiana, our first visit to Varanese. We were an hour early, but seated immediately and our friend in a wheelchair was accommodated with no problem. Service was great with Jessica, except for the long wait for the second beer and they could not make wife's cocktail, no suggestion for a replacement (maybe a bartender problem?). The ambience was loud, but we were outside and it is close to the street. Ordered calamari, tough and no flavor. The rest of our meal was excellent. Two of our group had steaks, one salmon and one smoked pork chop, we all enjoyed our main entree. Yes we would come back and we would recommend to friends and others. One other note, parking was difficult since on a narrow two-way street and there was only one handicap spot, had to block others to unload and reload the person in wheelchair.

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  34. KenR

    Charleston

    17 reviews

    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience3
    2 out of 3 meals were excellent. Chicken dish was overcooked and very dry. Drinks and waitstaff were very good.

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience4
    Limited menu on Derby Eve (disappointed). Large crowd with service much slower than normal. Place is always classy and staff extremely personable.

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  36. swr112261

    New York Area

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and food. Very pleased. Hope to be back soon!

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  37. Tinsleysalgado

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated my father‘s 80th birthday there and the staff made us feel special, the food was outstanding and the service attentive.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Service was great . Food was very good . The place is a little Lacking in ambience and could use a little improvements

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  39. MicheleO

    Denver

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal, great service and wonderful atmosphere!

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  40. DavidM

    Louisville

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a blast! Food was great. Guests next tu us were friendly too

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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 4183 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 34 times today
Google Map for Varanese

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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Private party contact

    John Varanese: (502) 899-9904

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