Varanese

Name: Varanese
Address: 2106 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY, United States, 40206
Telephone: (502) 899-9904
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

4109 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 36 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(502) 899-9904

Dining areas

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
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.
Private party contact
John Varanese: (502) 899-9904

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

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Louisville

Popular dishes

Baked Brie$10.00
Baked brie wrapped in puff pastry served with bourbon caramel, toasted pecans and sliced apples
Sesame Glazed Chicken$9.00
Crispy sesame glazed chicken with spicy slaw, Kewpie mayonnaise and green onions
Stuffed Crab Avocado$10.00
Lump crab stuffed fried avocado with pico de gallo and a roasted jalapeño créme fraiche
BBQ Duck Confit Eggrolls$10.00
Crispy fried duck confit and cabbage eggroll with BBQ aioli
Lobster Mac N' Cheese$15.00
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$14.00
Crispy fried calamari tossed with assorted peppers accompanied with sweet chili sauce and cilantro pesto
Cheese Spheres$9.00
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 $6, grilled flat iron steak $9, grilled shrimp $6

Lamb & Lentil Soup
Lamb and lentil soup
- Cup$6.00
- Bowl$9.00
Pistachio Encrusted Goat Cheese$10.00
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$9.00
Fried green tomato and bibb salad drizzled with buttermilk dressing, crumbled goat cheese and crispy prosciutto
Crispy Romaine Salad$8.00
Crispy romaine lettuce tossed with creamy roasted garlic and parmesan dressing topped with shaved parmesan and herb croutons
Candied Pecan & Apple Salad$9.00
Candied pecan, granny smith apple and sun-dried cranberries tossed with mixed baby lettuce and caramelized onion vinaigrette

Entrees

Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pork Chop*$22.00
Spice rubbed bourbon barrel smoked boneless pork chop topped with an apple bacon chutney served with gratin potato
Beef Tips & Tortellini$20.00
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*$15.00
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$18.00
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$26.00
Slow braised lamb shank with roasted garlic whipped potatoes and grilled asparagus finished with a natural pan sauce
Stuffed Rainbow Trout$24.00
Rainbow Trout stuffed with cornbread with roasted sweet potatoes, pecan-jalapeno crumble and molasses butte
Caramelized Orange Bourbon Salmon*$21.00
Grilled salmon topped with a caramelized mandarin orange bourbon sauce served over cream cheese grits
Certified Angus Strip Steak*$28.00
Grilled strip steak served with roasted garlic whipped potatoes, zesty brussels sprouts and natural reduction
Roasted Chicken$24.00
Roasted chicken served with Cavatappi mac n' cheese, cabbage slaw. Topped with salsa verde and Alabama white sauce
Crab Cake Sandwich$15.00
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$19.00
Created with seasonal and local ingredients
Flat Iron Steak*$24.00
Char grilled flat iron steak served with a mushroom and parmesan risotto finished with Chef John's V-12 sauce
Gulf Shrimp and Grits$21.00
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 Sweet Potatoes
Vegetable of the Day
Mushroom Parmesan Risotto
Garlic Whipped Potatoes
Cavatappi Mac N' Cheese
House-Cut Fries
Zesty Fried Brussel Sprouts

What 4,109 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

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Central Kentucky
Hot spot
Central Kentucky
Contemporary American
Louisville
Hot spot
Louisville
Contemporary American

Sort by

Filters

LO
LOUfoodLover
Louisville
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
the food is consistently delicious. I enjoyed the live music. It is one of my most favorite restaurants in Louisville.
TM
TraciM
Louisville
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Birthday celebration. Service was outstanding. Music was quiet enough to have conversation easily.
JY
JoeY
Louisville
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite place to dine quality And ambience is a great vibe
l
lisab
Louisville
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always, the food was delicious, we all 4 enjoyed our meals very much! And while we loved the music, it unfortunately made it a little hard to carry on conversation,,,but that was definitely a minor concern, because the restaurant is great!
SB
SabrinaB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an amazing time, I was so glad I picked this restaurant for our anniversary. They decorated the table which was so thoughtful and unexpected. The food was amazing and so good. Amazing portion size for the prices. Price was very reasonable. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone special occasion or just wanting a nice meal. We are definitely planning to go again.
TK
TeresaK
Louisville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Varanese made us feel very special on our anniversary. The food was amazing as always and our server was wonderful. No wonder this is my favorite restaurant.
PW
PattiW
Louisville
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always love going to Varanese - great food, service and music.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place is one of our favorite places to dine at the food is always good the menu is well put together...
LM
LizM
Indiana
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had a wonderful dinner! Food was fabulous and the service was outstanding!
CC
ChaseC
Louisville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Celebrated our anniversary with family. Wonderful meal.
K
Kathyk
Houston
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely wonderful dinner!! Food was delicious; live music which was not only enjoyable but also not loud which allowed for conversation at table, and service was excellent. Thank you Veranese for a lovely evening!!!
MH
MeganH
Louisville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great dinner, wonderful atmosphere! Food was amazing
AH
AnthonyH
Louisville
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Took a new person from work. As always service and food were excellent.
T
Threesonslove
Tallahassee
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on March 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We celebrated our friends birthday. It was a wonderful dinner and everyone was so nice and welcoming
BC
BenCrazy
Cleveland
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of those restaurants where you can tell anything they bring you out of the kitchen will be tremendous. From the incredibly talented musicians to the tremendously accommodating waitress, this was a total win. Just make sure to get reservations ahead of time. Highly recommended.
SK
SandraK
Louisville
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
Excellent food but noise level was loud enough that conversation was difficult.
TD
TiffanyD
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent time celebrating a birthday! Everyone was happy with their meal and the service was stellar. The pasta dishes were generous with enough to share samples and take some home for the next day's lunch. The birthday girl received a birthday treat with the most amazing hand-crafted ice cream. We were seated next to some regulars that had a lot of recommendations and zero skippable items...basically you can't go wrong. The bar area was lovely although we didn't spend time there but it was nice to see couples enjoying themselves. I will certainly return to explore more on the menu.
e
energy1
Louisville
21 reviews
vip
3.0
21 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
I have been many times. Always enjoyed the atmosphere but I think the food is good but not great. Maybe I am getting pickier as I get older. Great service though.
KB
KeithB
Louisville
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Our server Prentice, was outstanding and made our meal time great! The food was very good, but my medium ordered lamb chops were a little under-cooked and therefore a little cooler in temperature. The jazz trio that played on Friday 3/10/23 was good, but played one or two songs and took a break each time... Overall, a very nice meal and evening.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
First time visit, great atmosphere with the jazz, wasn’t busy at the time, we kinda got overlooked but waitress was apologetic, overall very enjoyable!
R
Rodney
Denver
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Nice evening with friends. Service was great, very attentive. Food was perfect. Great flavors and just the right portion size. I would definitely recommend.
K
Kats
Louisville
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very welcoming. Jazz duo was first rate. The staff were friendly and efficient. I was happy I chose Varanese to make my birthday a special day.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food! We had the pork and sweet potato biscuits, caesar salad, flat iron steak, and walu special. Live music also set a great mood and wasn't too loud despite being two tables away.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was great!!
AH
AnnH
New Orleans
67 reviews
vip
5.0
67 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We really enjoyed our meals and cocktails last night, and I love the live music. We had people in from out of town, and they enjoyed it, too. It was a bit too noisy for us. We have been to the restaurant on non-weekends, and it’s much more pleasant, if you are sensitive to noise as we are. But, that said, everything was delicious, and despite the packed house, our meals were served quickly and beautifully.
KM
KathyM
New York Area
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful Walu special with just the right accompaniments. Service attentive and easy paced but not intrusive
RD
RachelD
Louisville
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and drinks were excellent! Service started out a little slow but they were super busy. Our server was great, friendly and attentive! They had live music who he as great. Good ambiance with a good variety of food. Highly recommend and will be back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The band was AMAZING! A jazz trío actually played the song from Star Wars that was on in the bar scene on Tatooine.
j
jill
Louisville
29 reviews
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always superb!
CF
ChitownFoodie
Columbus
39 reviews
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great as always. Love this place and ony list for when town for Business.
MS
MollyS
Louisville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We absolutely loved our experience! The food was delicious and the atmosphere was romantic and fun. The live music added to our wonderful experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Naples
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Several loud tables. I think that the musician was a little loud and the tables just tried to talk over the musician
DG
DawnG
Atlanta Metro
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
This was my first time going to this restaurant and I was not disappointed. I was surprised with the live music and the ambiance was very nice. The waiting staff was polite and friendly. My food was so delicious and the crab cake sandwich was yummy. They have a nice wine selection as well.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Varanese is always a favorite for us. Food is delicious, excellent service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall3food3service1ambience3
Food was fine, service from strained to offensive. Amazing how bad service can ruin a good meal…
BN
BoN0510
Louisville
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
We have been there twice and both times get the tiniest table. It is too small for a meal. It did take our waitress a little while to take our drink orders when we were seated but other than that she was great.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Excellent food at a fair value, we had the chop, strip, pulled pork and cheese spheres and plenty of drinks. Amazing and we will be back. Bravo 👏
TM
TimothyM
Louisville
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience3
Party of six.... everyone's dish was TOO SALTY. However if you had a sauce on your entree it did cut the salt taste. Even baguette bread on hummus cheese platter was so salty we asked for extra bread. second batch was not as salty.
MM
MaryMc
Louisville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I enjoy going out once a month. We usually go to one of three establishments. However after eating here, this will now be our top choice. Excellent food and atmosphere.
MC
MichaelC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome dining and great ambience with some live music playing. Slightly noisy atmosphere with the customers but that is hard to contribute to the restaurant. overall was pretty amazing pricey but value for your money. Bread served fell flat. Was kind of dry and bland. Bread pudding was a huge disappointment. Covered with melted marshmallow over a dry bread. I didn’t understand and have never seen it done that way before. Bread was dry and might have been fixed by adding the ice cream of which was a slightly small portion but couldn’t get the marshmallow out of the way. Ate a few bites and gave up. The ice cream itself seemed home made and delicious but that dessert otherwise was a big disappointment. Would happily go back as the entrees were fabulous.

FAQs

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

Varanese is rated 4.7 stars by 4109 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 36 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(502) 899-9904

2106 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY 40206

Dining areas

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

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.
Private party contact
John Varanese: (502) 899-9904

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Louisville

Varanese

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Best Restaurants in Louisville

Bread Pudding

Ice Cream

Beef Tips & Tortellini

Appetizers

Baked Brie$10.00

Sesame Glazed Chicken$9.00

Stuffed Crab Avocado$10.00

BBQ Duck Confit Eggrolls$10.00

Lobster Mac N' Cheese$15.00

Cheese and Hummus Plate$15.00

Fried Calamari$14.00

Cheese Spheres$9.00

Pork & Sweet Potato Biscuit$9.00

Appetizer Platter$34.00

Soups & Salads

Lamb & Lentil Soup

Pistachio Encrusted Goat Cheese$10.00

Fried Green Tomato Salad$9.00

Crispy Romaine Salad$8.00

Candied Pecan & Apple Salad$9.00

Entrees

Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pork Chop*$22.00

Beef Tips & Tortellini$20.00

"V" Burger*$15.00

Angel Hair Pasta$18.00

Slow Braised Lamb Shank$26.00

Stuffed Rainbow Trout$24.00

Caramelized Orange Bourbon Salmon*$21.00

Certified Angus Strip Steak*$28.00

Roasted Chicken$24.00

Crab Cake Sandwich$15.00

Chef John's Personalized Vegetarian Dish$19.00

Flat Iron Steak*$24.00

Gulf Shrimp and Grits$21.00

Sides

Cream Cheese Grits

Potato Gratin

Roasted Sweet 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

Sort by

Filters

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

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Louisville