Varka Fishhouse

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1. k

   kathleen

   New York Area

   20 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   20 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Best seafood salad I ever had - beautifully prepared. Lovely atmosphere. A bit loud but then most busy restaurants are, unfortunately. Go for lunch. I shall return.

   Report
2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall4food5service4ambience4

   Father’s Day but no one on staff even mentioned it!

   Report
3. NC

   NewCityReview

   New York Area

   7 reviews

   4.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall4food4service3ambience4

   The food was excellent. Nice presentation and reasonable portions. Spacious restaurant for indoor and outdoor seating. Was seated immediately. Robust/slightly noisy crowd but it was to be expected bc it was Father’s Day.

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall3food5service1ambience4

   EXCEPTIONAL FOOD AND SETTING LET DOWN BY RUDE SERVICE Having spent time in the hospitality industry, it pains me when superior quality of food and painstakingly put together cuisine is ruined by the last mile - the service! FOOD: The food was delicious and grilled to perfection - be it the Black Bass or the Lobster. The Angry Lobster in particular bursting with flavor. The dirty Martini was lovely, as was the wife's glass of Rosé. The desserts elegantly plated and delicious. SERVICE : If the food deserves its five stars, the service unfortunately was extremely disappointing. When asked for recommendations, the answers were cryptic and stand offish, while one ignored that - the overall demeanor was rude and pretentious - certainly not what you expect when you dine at such a place, spending $300 for a table of two adults! The icing on the cake (is there was one) was when our server (elderly bespectacled gentleman) did not bring our change back ($50) and came and said Thank you! Just like that! Tipping has never been an issue - but two things are important - quality of service and the guests discretion. While I would have happily tipped the balance on my own, this behavior certainly ruined the experience. As I said, a five star meal reduced by unexpectedly prudish service, pulls my rating down. While I was tempted to give it even lower stars, the quality of food would make it unfair. Good food is always appreciated, but never at the cost of service and making your guest feel welcome.

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5. 2

   2cre8

   New York Area

   13 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   13 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Varkas is definitely THE restaurant to get the best grilled octopus and seafood in general. Just fabulous. The food, ambiance, and service is top notch!

   Report
6. TL

   TonyL

   San Francisco

   6 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall4food4service5ambience4

   I've always been a fan of Varka. I was slightly disappointed with with my main entrees....My steak which I ordered medium was in fact medium looking, but the quality of the steak was a little on the tough side. I just ordered the same steak last week at Rare steakhouse for less money which was much better. Also, the branzino was not impressive. It was hard to get off the skin and a bit on the thin side in terms of the meat. I just had Branzino last evening at Le Zie tratoria in the city, and it was outstanding and less money. Finally, the price on the shrimp cocktail needs to either come down or they need to get more impressive shrimp. I am a shrimp cocktail fan and these were not worth $9/pp. Happy to pay it, if it's worth it... So in essence, I probably should have given the food a 3 star, but my guests entrees looked very good and the appts were good....so i'll leave it at 4

   Report
7. DP

   DaraP

   New York Area

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on June 17, 2022

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   You can always count on having good food and a good experience.

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   4 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on June 16, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great meal and excellent staff

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on June 12, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Excellent Food and Outstanding Service. Will definitely go back often.

   Report
10. CD

    ColleenD

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Loved the beet salad, grilled octopus , Varka chips. The fish for our main meal was tender and tasty. Great bartender.

    Report
11. RF

    RobinF

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    Lovely outdoor dining. Inside was not very crowded but it was quite loud. Food was creative and delicious.

    Report
12. CS

    ChrisS

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Outside eating was nice

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13. C

    Chickenpipe

    Las Vegas

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Another great meal at Varka. Their lunch specials are a great value, same food, same service, just lower prices.

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14. DA

    DAVIDA

    West Palm Beach

    67 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    67 reviews

    Dined on June 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    AS ALWAYS WE ARE NEVER DISAPPOINTED,, SERVICE, FOOD ALL GREAT.. I DRIVE 50 MIN TO EAT HERE AND ITS WORTH THE TRIP' \DO NOT LIKE THE 3.5 SERVICE CHARGE FOR USING CREDIT CARD,, I THINK IS NOT CONSISTENT WITH THE HIGH END DINING EXPEIENCE WE PAID CASH.

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15. J

    Judy

    Naples

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on June 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful on every level

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16. M

    Mitchie

    New York Area

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious. Friendly efficient waiter! Will definitely go back. Sit outside for quieter experience.

    Report
17. AJ

    AlokJ

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent food preparation and quick service . Good outdoor ambiance

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18. P

    Peteeatsthings

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience5

    Quality, atmosphere, and service is fantastic.

    Report
19. MH

    MargaretH

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience1

    There was a charity luncheon of over 50 women going on during our lunch. We should have been notified ahead of time. The noise level was ridiculous! I would have never made a lunch reservation if I new this event was going on simultaneously.

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20. Y

    Yanny

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I love this place!! I have come here with friends. I’ve brought customers here. Last night, my wife and I came to celebrate my birthday. The food is always amazing. Service is always awesome. No need to go to NYC when you have a restaurant like Varka nearby.

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always excellent & consistently great food

    Report
22. C

    Chrisl

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    While I truly enjoy Varka, I find their prices are pretty much at the limit of what I’m willing to spend to dine there. The food is always excellent especially the Varka chips, tomato Greek salad and the langostinos. I pretty much order the same 3 things whenever we go there because all 3 are that good. The reason for my less then 5 star review is the added surcharge for using a credit card which probably 90% of the people pay with. To me, this is just another price increase placed on the consumer for not carrying upwards of $400.00 for 3 diners. While I have no problem affording this, it’s the principal of it all that will have me thinking twice before returning.

    Report
23. AS

    AlexS

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Stumbled upon this place and am so glad we did. Every dish was DELICIOUS. And the restaurant felt cozy yet sophisticated. Highly recommend, will definitely be back!

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24. N

    Nana

    New York Area

    62 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    62 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Varka is our favorite restaurant in NJ for fish....it is consistent in every area, food, service, ambiance and we are never disappointed. We always say it’s as good as Milos or Avra in NYC and far less expensive. Stavros is a wonderful manager and his friendly greeting and attitude throughout the evening is always welcomed by us. We make the 20-25 minute drive to Varka always knowing we are in for a wonderful meal.

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25. DY

    DianaY

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 30, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience2

    Restaurant lacks ambience. Decor was mediocre. Service was extremely slow. The waiter was nice, but it took a while after we were seated to take our orders. Food was nothing exceptional. Overall, average experience.

    Report
26. B

    Billi

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 30, 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience3

    No refill of ice waters, no service call for second round of drinks, tuna was ordered and confirmed "medium" but received was "rare".

    Report
27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience4

    The experience overall was good, but everything changed at the end when I pointed price differences between menu on the restaurant’s website, paper version in the restaurant plus different charges on the check. All of the sudden the atmosphere changed and we were asked to rush because the table is needed for other guests. The food was great, fresh etc, but the ending was awful.

    Report
28. ML

    MichaelL

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Lunch with a business associate from Westchester County. Food was great. Waitstaff was polite and very friendly. Sat outside on their patio. Overall very good experience.

    Report
29. DI

    DiannaI

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing as always Service was impeccable food was wonderful!

    Report
30. AL

    ALZ1218

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Overall, Varkas was wonderful. First time here for lunch The food was delicious and dining outside on a beautiful day made the dining experience very special.

    Report
31. DF

    DorysF

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food is consistently good and fresh. The service and the ambiance are great. Parking is on the premises. Always a nice place to celebrate special occasions with family and friends.

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32. EI

    ErickaI

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 23, 2022

    overall3food3service1ambience5

    Waitres seems to be in bad mood always. Throwing the plates, not smiling.

    Report
33. JG

    JessicaG

    Naples

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent as always - never disappoints. The food is always cooked to perfection and the level of service is outstanding. We will continue to return time and again.

    Report
34. JZ

    JamesZ

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing food and service!

    Report
35. JA

    JeniA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Excellent service, they were able to seat us earlier than our reservation time. Staff was great food was awesome. Beautiful experience

    Report
36. S

    Suma

    New York Area

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience3

    We went to Varka Fishhouse for lunch on my birthday. My husband ordered an Irish coffee. We then ordered two lunch prix fixe. My husband ordered soup of the day, Greek Fisherman's Chowder, and I ordered spinach pie for the first course. We both ordered fish of the day with seasonal vegetables for the main course and Greek yogurt without honey for the dessert. My husband's soup was fine while I didn't enjoy the spinach pie as it seemed way overdone. For the main course, we expected vegetables along with the fish as written in the menu. However, we got risotto with corn and parley sprinkled on top. When we asked the waiter who served us that we thought it was seasonal vegetables on side as written in the menu, the waiter who sounded quite rude, told us that we were already told by him that we would be getting risotto on the side and that corn is a vegetable. However, neither my husband nor me remember him mentioning that. Finally, for the dessert, when the waiter was taking our order, he told we could take two different desserts, loukoumathes and Greek yogurt, so we could share. However, since neither my husband nor me eat fried food or even much of sweet stuff, we explicitly ordered Greek yogurt and without honey. He told us he would get honey on the side instead and we didn't bother with him. However, when the desserts were served, we received one Greek yogurt with honey and the other loukoumathes with side of honey. When we explained to the gentleman serving us that we ordered two Greek yogurts without honey, he went in and in sometime the waiter came dashing out with loukoumathes and Greek yogurt showing his notes saying that is what we ordered. After a haggle, we finally got served Greek yogurt without honey. This lunch was $85 and with tips it was a total of $100. For this price point, the service is just not acceptable. The waiters here seem so very rude and very unwelcoming. Wish we chose another place and had better experience.

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37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Anivercery

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38. P

    estebanPeru

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent food and service.

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39. MK

    MikeK

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    the best, my favorite restaurant for a date or a family gathering

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent food and service as always.

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