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

4609 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Make a booking

2 people

30 Nov 2024

7:00 pm

Booked 20 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions
Great for live music

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

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
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.

Location
2106 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY 40206
Area
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, Takeaway, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Six Course Holiday Sparkling Wine Dinner
USD 75.00 per person
3 Dec 2024 only
Six course dinner paired with sparkling wines from around the world $75 per person Call for reservations

Popular dishes

Baked BrieUSD 13.00
Baked brie wrapped in puff pastry served with bourbon caramel, toasted pecans and sliced apples
Sesame Glazed ChickenUSD 12.00
Crispy sesame glazed chicken with spicy slaw, Kewpie mayonnaise and green onions
Stuffed Crab AvocadoUSD 14.00
Lump crab stuffed fried avocado with pico de gallo and a roasted jalapeño créme fraiche
BBQ Duck Confit EggrollsUSD 14.00
Crispy fried duck confit and cabbage eggroll with BBQ aioli
Lobster Mac N' CheeseUSD 18.00
Cavatappi Pasta tossed with Lobster in a Creamy Cheese Sauce Served with Old Bay Seasoned Pork Rinds
Cheese and Hummus PlateUSD 15.00
Warm pimento cheese, smoked gouda, pickled okra, pearl onion jam, white bean hummus and fried green tomatoes, served with grilled baguettes
Fried CalamariUSD 16.00
Crispy fried calamari tossed with assorted peppers accompanied with sweet chili sauce and cilantro pesto
Cheese SpheresUSD 13.00
Mozzarella, spinach and artichoke cheese spheres lightly fried, served with a tomato-herb dipping sauce
Pork & Sweet Potato BiscuitUSD 9.00
Slow roasted pulled pork served on sweet potato biscuits finished with apple butter
Appetizer PlatterUSD 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 $7, grilled flat iron steak $12, grilled shrimp $8

Lamb & Lentil Soup
Lamb and lentil soup
- CupUSD 6.00
- BowlUSD 9.00
Pistachio Encrusted Goat CheeseUSD 13.00
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 SaladUSD 12.00
Fried green tomato and bibb salad drizzled with buttermilk dressing, crumbled goat cheese and crispy prosciutto
Crispy Romaine SaladUSD 10.00
Crispy romaine lettuce tossed with creamy roasted garlic and parmesan dressing topped with shaved parmesan and herb croutons
Candied Pecan & Apple SaladUSD 10.00
Candied pecan, granny smith apple and sun-dried cranberries tossed with mixed baby lettuce and caramelized onion vinaigrette

Entrees

Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pork Chop*USD 28.00
Spice rubbed bourbon barrel smoked boneless pork chop topped with an apple bacon chutney served with gratin potato
Beef Tips & TortelliniUSD 26.00
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*USD 17.00
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 PastaUSD 24.00
Angel hair pasta tossed with baby bellas, tomatoes, olives and Chef John's special blend of herbs and spices. Chicken
- ShrimpUSD 21.00
- VegetableUSD 16.00
Slow Braised Lamb ShankUSD 35.00
Slow braised lamb shank with roasted garlic whipped potatoes and grilled asparagus finished with a natural pan sauce
Cornmeal Crusted Alaskan RockfishUSD 28.00
Fried Alaskan Rockfish with horseradish and black pepper red skin potatoes with lemon caper aioli, red onion marmalade and grilled asparagus.
Caramelized Orange Bourbon Salmon*USD 28.00
Grilled salmon topped with a caramelized mandarin orange bourbon sauce served over cream cheese grits
Certified Angus Strip Steak*USD 39.00
Grilled strip steak served with roasted garlic whipped potatoes, zesty brussels sprouts and natural reduction
Roasted ChickenUSD 26.00
Roasted chicken served with Cavatappi mac n' cheese, cabbage slaw. Topped with salsa verde and Alabama white sauce
Crab Cake SandwichUSD 18.00
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 DishUSD 24.00
Created with seasonal and local ingredients
Flat Iron Steak*USD 35.00
Char grilled flat iron steak served with a mushroom and parmesan risotto finished with Chef John's V-12 sauce
Gulf Shrimp and GritsUSD 26.00
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 Redskin Potatoes
Vegetable of the Day
Mushroom Parmesan Risotto
Garlic Whipped Potatoes
Cavatappi Mac N' Cheese
House-Cut Fries
Zesty Fried Brussel Sprouts

What 4,609 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
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Central Kentucky
Hot spot
Central Kentucky
Contemporary American
Louisville
Hot spot

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Varanese offers an exceptional dining experience with "amazing food" and "great service." Guests adore the open-air ambiance and live jazz music, which enhance the overall atmosphere. The menu features standout dishes like the bourbon pork chop and butterfish. Despite occasional noise levels and service delays, patrons consistently express their eagerness to return.

4,609 Reviews

B
Bob
Louisville
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Table was not ready on arrival so had to wait a few minutes. Then on being escorted to table and seated the escort had forgot the menus so went back to fetch those which took a bit. Table was crowded by musicians cases and equipment which is ok because a member of the party was part of the groups playing but it would be ever so helpful if an area was available for those items out of the way of diners. And although understandably there were large parties of customers seated at various tables and it was a bit busy, we waited for a long while before my husband had return to the hostess to ask for waitress. We had water poured as soon as we took out seats. It was still a few minutes before a waitress made her way and took our drink order and we went ahead and ordered since one of us was playing in a group and wasn't sure that we had too much time to waste. Then another waitress came over and said she was now going to be taking care of us since she had been rushed off her feet prior. Although no problem, it is not what we expect from our years of experience at Varanese. Music labs are wonderful as always and we enjoy that every time.
Is this helpful?
S
Sue
Louisville
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Varanese never disappoints. One of my favs!!! The music is just an added bonus
Is this helpful?
M
Micah
Louisville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a wonderful time here. One of my absolute favorite restaurants in Louisville
Is this helpful?
B
Barry
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious and our server, Erica, was excellent.
Is this helpful?
E
Ellen
Louisville
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fabulous food, excellent service and love the live jazz!
Is this helpful?
T
Talia
Louisville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
A friend and I went to Varanese for his 25th birthday. OpenTable had an option to specify if the reservations were for a special occasion and I said yes, for a birthday. We got to the front desk and they brought it up almost immediately, which really surprised my friend, and they seated us at a table with a little "happy birthday" sign on it. The live jazz band even played a snippet of the birthday song and have him a complimentary birthday dessert with a little candle on it. He loved it! Our waitress was great, and we didn't want for anything. The owner of the restaurant was milling around, checking on patrons and just being an overall lovely host. All of the food was delicious. This was pretty much the best American-style cuisine restaurant I have ever been to. It was all very classy, flavorful, fresh, and perfectly cooked. Nothing was overdone or undercooked. It got a little loud on a Friday night at 7pm, but honestly, that's just Frankfort Ave for you on a Friday night lol! It didn't bother me enough to affect my rating though. I would highly recommend this restaurant, especially for special occasions — they really do go all out.
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f
faye
Louisville
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on 21 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
way too loud, that's the only problem when we try to come with more than just two of us sitting near each other. wish there was a way to do some ceiling sound insulation!
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K
Kevin
Louisville
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful as usual. We were seated promptly and served meticulously; our meal was excellent.
Is this helpful?
V
Vicki
Louisville
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 16 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was my birthday but I didn’t tell them it was my birthday and they had the table set up for a birthday by using social media. They always do nice things
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L
Lori
Louisville
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on 15 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Dinner was great, but dessert was disappointing. We ordered the special dessert of the night and it was just average. Desserts at a great restaurant like this should always be decadent!!
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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 4609 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

30 Nov 2024

7:00 pm

Booked 20 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

2106 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY 40206

Additional information

Cross Street
Vernon
Area
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
Price
$30 and under
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, Takeaway, 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.

Varanese

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Six Course Holiday Sparkling Wine Dinner

Bread Pudding

Beef Tips & Tortellini

Flat Iron Steak

Appetizers

Baked BrieUSD 13.00

Sesame Glazed ChickenUSD 12.00

Stuffed Crab AvocadoUSD 14.00

BBQ Duck Confit EggrollsUSD 14.00

Lobster Mac N' CheeseUSD 18.00

Cheese and Hummus PlateUSD 15.00

Fried CalamariUSD 16.00

Cheese SpheresUSD 13.00

Pork & Sweet Potato BiscuitUSD 9.00

Appetizer PlatterUSD 34.00

Soups & Salads

Lamb & Lentil Soup

Pistachio Encrusted Goat CheeseUSD 13.00

Fried Green Tomato SaladUSD 12.00

Crispy Romaine SaladUSD 10.00

Candied Pecan & Apple SaladUSD 10.00

Entrees

Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pork Chop*USD 28.00

Beef Tips & TortelliniUSD 26.00

"V" Burger*USD 17.00

Angel Hair PastaUSD 24.00

Slow Braised Lamb ShankUSD 35.00

Cornmeal Crusted Alaskan RockfishUSD 28.00

Caramelized Orange Bourbon Salmon*USD 28.00

Certified Angus Strip Steak*USD 39.00

Roasted ChickenUSD 26.00

Crab Cake SandwichUSD 18.00

Chef John's Personalized Vegetarian DishUSD 24.00

Flat Iron Steak*USD 35.00

Gulf Shrimp and GritsUSD 26.00

Sides

Cream Cheese Grits

Potato Gratin

Roasted Redskin 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

Review summary

FAQs

Does Varanese offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Varanese restaurant rated?

Is Varanese currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information