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

4280 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

Oct 1, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 16 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Seafood, Steak
Hours of Operation
Christmas Eve Mon 11:00 am–10:00 pm New Year's Eve Mon 4:00 pm–12:00 am Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
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
Neighbourhood
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

Baked BrieUS$10.00
Baked brie wrapped in puff pastry served with bourbon caramel, toasted pecans and sliced apples
Sesame Glazed ChickenUS$9.00
Crispy sesame glazed chicken with spicy slaw, Kewpie mayonnaise and green onions
Stuffed Crab AvocadoUS$10.00
Lump crab stuffed fried avocado with pico de gallo and a roasted jalapeño créme fraiche
BBQ Duck Confit EggrollsUS$10.00
Crispy fried duck confit and cabbage eggroll with BBQ aioli
Lobster Mac N' CheeseUS$15.00
Cavatappi Pasta tossed with Lobster in a Creamy Cheese Sauce Served with Old Bay Seasoned Pork Rinds
Cheese and Hummus PlateUS$15.00
Warm pimento cheese, smoked gouda, pickled okra, pearl onion jam, white bean hummus and fried green tomatoes, served with grilled baguettes
Fried CalamariUS$14.00
Crispy fried calamari tossed with assorted peppers accompanied with sweet chili sauce and cilantro pesto
Cheese SpheresUS$9.00
Mozzarella, spinach and artichoke cheese spheres lightly fried, served with a tomato-herb dipping sauce
Pork & Sweet Potato BiscuitUS$9.00
Slow roasted pulled pork served on sweet potato biscuits finished with apple butter
Appetizer PlatterUS$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
- CupUS$6.00
- BowlUS$9.00
Pistachio Encrusted Goat CheeseUS$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 SaladUS$9.00
Fried green tomato and bibb salad drizzled with buttermilk dressing, crumbled goat cheese and crispy prosciutto
Crispy Romaine SaladUS$8.00
Crispy romaine lettuce tossed with creamy roasted garlic and parmesan dressing topped with shaved parmesan and herb croutons
Candied Pecan & Apple SaladUS$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*US$22.00
Spice rubbed bourbon barrel smoked boneless pork chop topped with an apple bacon chutney served with gratin potato
Beef Tips & TortelliniUS$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*US$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 PastaUS$18.00
Angel hair pasta tossed with baby bellas, tomatoes, olives and Chef John's special blend of herbs and spices. Chicken
- ShrimpUS$21.00
- VegetableUS$16.00
Slow Braised Lamb ShankUS$26.00
Slow braised lamb shank with roasted garlic whipped potatoes and grilled asparagus finished with a natural pan sauce
Stuffed Rainbow TroutUS$24.00
Rainbow Trout stuffed with cornbread with roasted sweet potatoes, pecan-jalapeno crumble and molasses butte
Caramelized Orange Bourbon Salmon*US$21.00
Grilled salmon topped with a caramelized mandarin orange bourbon sauce served over cream cheese grits
Certified Angus Strip Steak*US$28.00
Grilled strip steak served with roasted garlic whipped potatoes, zesty brussels sprouts and natural reduction
Roasted ChickenUS$24.00
Roasted chicken served with Cavatappi mac n' cheese, cabbage slaw. Topped with salsa verde and Alabama white sauce
Crab Cake SandwichUS$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 DishUS$19.00
Created with seasonal and local ingredients
Flat Iron Steak*US$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 GritsUS$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 4,280 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

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Central Kentucky
Hot spot
Louisville
Hot spot
Louisville
Contemporary American

4,280 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a birthday celebration. Everything was wonderful
Is this helpful?
KS
KevinS
Coastal Georgia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Varanese is my go to place for a nice dinner. Took the wife, kids & spouses to see Wicked and then to Varanese for a nice dinner, as well as celebrating my birthday. Reservations weren't until 5:45 and we arrived about 10-15 minutes early but they seated us as soon as we walked in the door. As soon as we all were seated our server was there to take our drink orders. I also ordered a couple of appetizers at the same time. Drinks were promptly delivered and very shortly thereafter, I ordered the pan seared Corvina, my wife had the roasted chicken. Other orders included the mango snapper, salmon, the crab cake sandwich and a salad with shrimp and pistachio encrusted goat cheese. Dinners came out promptly and there were exactly ZERO issues with any of the food. David Allen, the GM stopped by the table to make sure everything was fine. We have never been disappointed when we have dined at Varanese. I know there are many fine restaurants in Louisville but in my opinion Varanese is #1.
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AB
AmandaB
Louisville
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience4
Food was delicious, we loved everything we tried! Our server was friendly and attentive. Appreciated the Chef coming out to speak with us.
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NG
NaplesGoldies
Indiana
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wait staff was on it. Perfect evening for the restaurant doors to be open. Food was amazing as always!
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H
Holly
Louisville
13 reviews
vip
3.0
13 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall3food3service5ambience4
Not as good as past experiences. My husband had the pork/biscuit appetizer. The biscuit was undercooked and hard as a brick. My fried provolone appetizer was good. Entrees were better, but the chicken in the angel hair pasta was overcooked. Service was excellent, but food underwhelming.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding service, atmosphere, and food. Visited this restaurant on a business trip, and was very surprised at how excellent everything was. highly recommend!
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LS
LuzS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious and service was great. The ambiance was great.
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VK
VictoriaK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Was perfect for a business meeting. Great atmosphere and set up.
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KK
KurtK
Louisville
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
The bartender was “fine” — not a lot of personality that would bring you back … but the drinks were good so we made it through. The hostess staff was great as was our waiter, Drew, who was completely attentive, efficient, friendly and polite. Drew knew about the wine selections, made appetizer recommendations and overall did a GREAT job. Highly Recommend, Drew!
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S
Shefmom
Richmond
7 reviews
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience2
Steak ordered medium was raw, salad had very little lettuce, crab meat on filet Oscar was cold Service was good but need help with food
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our experience at Varanese is always exceptional. Louisville is known for its outstanding restaurants and food scene. As locals, Varanese is always our “go to.” Mike and Jeff
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m
mjw4370
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The staff was attentive and timely. Friendly. I tried the beef tips with tortellini due to the waiter’s recommendation and was not disappointed. My date had the bourbon glazed salmon and was delighted with not the presentation and the quality of her meal. Highly recommend. Kind of a funky but cool vibe.
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LW
LynnW
Louisville
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Always lively, always excellent food! The special halibut cheeks were amazing!
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CC
CoyoteC
Louisville
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The only downside is trying to find a place fairly close to park. Once we got inside Perfect 👍
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience5
Steak and potatoes excellent I am not a fan of burnt Brussel sprouts personally. I like them straight up wit a little vinegar
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great experience. Espresso martini very creamy and delicious. We sat at table in Bar area. Service was quick/professional. Food was wonderful and live jazz music was nice touch. Will return😊
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m
mary
Los Angeles
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience5
Halibut was tough, and the dish was mediocre, especially for the price. Other dishes were very nice, especially the steaks.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience5
First time dining for a birthday dinner, and I we were pleasantly surprised with live music and a relaxed ambience. The food was wonderful too!
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SW
StevenW
Orlando
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great meal , Wife’s favorite Resturant. Excellent choice with specials add ons.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always have a great experience at Varanese restaurant. This time was no different. Scallop special was very good and the regular menu Salmon is always one of my favorites.
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FD
FineDiner
Louisville
15 reviews
vip
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience4
SLOW .... The fish was overcooked and the boar was tough. The servers were inattentive. Desert took forever to arrive and then was disappointing. Not what we had expected.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, service, and entertainment on a beautiful evening on the patio.
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B
Bruce
Louisville
18 reviews
vip
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Dinner and service both excellent. Lack of parking keeps us away on weekends
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PT
PeterT
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had never been to Varanese; my wife had been there in the somewhat distant past but for whatever reason had not been back. We went there thanks to a gift certificate from a friend and it was a revelation. Absolutely wonderful food (she had the pork chop, I had the rockfish), delightful, attentive service from a great server (Harmony), reasonable prices, all topped off with a first-rate jazz trio. We have a new favorite restaurant!
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DB
DavidB
Louisville
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Varanese always delivers excellent food, drinks and services
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SN
SusanN
Louisville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The only thing I would change is the noise level. Difficult to carry on a conversation. The food and service were wonderful!
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S
Subal72
Louisville
81 reviews
vip
5.0
81 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was Varanese 16th anniversary and everything was magnificent. Music by Jeff Sherman trio /- all decked out in formal tux, wonderfully discounted wine list presented by David Allen , MGR, Jessica was our server who did a great job A-Z, and the meal (filet) was cooked perfectly. Then we got to wish Chef owner John Varanese happy birthday of his first restaurant. The weather was warm so they had th doors pulled closed and air conditioning was appreciated. Started with the menu special heirloom tomato salad - beautiful yellow meaty tomato and I ordered the filet (without crab topping) - very tender and flavorful. Perfect evening
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic City
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a fabulous evening filled with awesome food, great staff, and great music We finished our evening in the bar with a nitecap and everything from beginning to end was awesome. A couple of us had some dietary issues and they were most accommodating. This is our 2nd time here and definitely not our last!!! See you soon!
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TR
TeeR
Louisville
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
First time going. Nice spot. Only thing was they don't have separate fryers and my husband almost had an allergic reaction from seafood allergy.
VaraneseResponded on August 21, 2023
In the future it is very import to let the server know that you have an allergy. Not just at our restaurant, but any restaurant
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EC
EliC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
The food was pretty average. The descriptions make all the options seem amazing, but the actual food did not match up. A little too pricy for an average meal.
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LM
LM50
Louisville
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Our dinner was excellent as the waiter suggested two dinners off the specials menu. We were also given a free dessert for it was our anniversary & when making the reservation I made note of that, it was a nice gesture. Unfortunately the jazz band hadn’t started playing before we left, so we will have to return for a later dinner time to enjoy the music.
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DN
DouglasN
Louisville
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Enjoyed the evening. Server was attentive and pleasant. Atmosphere was great and enjoyed the food. Will return
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d
danm
Louisville
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding menu, drinks, staff, and experience. The owner and Chef John came to our table to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves and tell us more about him and the restaurant. A first class evening all around.
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DD
DougD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
We had a very good experience and the food was excellent!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greensboro
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
Our server was very attentive and accommodating. When our appetizer came out the bread was burnt, my steak tasted very charred over all not what we expected.
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DC
DeborahC
Louisville
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
We returned to Varanese and enjoyed another delicious meal. Our waitress Jessica? remembered us, not our names, but what we had to drink when we were there 3 months before! Service was wonderful, but those pesky gnats and flies were abundant where we were sitting in the open area. A fly took a swim in hubby's wine! But we will return as the food and service are so good and we enjoyed the live music too.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, great service, live jazz music was amazing! 10/10 would definitely recommend! Will go back!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
19 reviews
vip
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
One of my favorite restaurants. Consistently good food and service.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was delicious! Our server was friendly and efficient!
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BJ
BrooksJ
Louisville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a wonderful meal with our family. Live music was nice, at times a little too loud.
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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 4280 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

Oct 1, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 16 times today

Order delivery or takeout

2106 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY 40206

Additional information

Cross Street
Vernon
Neighbourhood
Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill
Hours of Operation
Christmas Eve Mon 11:00 am–10:00 pm New Year's Eve Mon 4:00 pm–12:00 am Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
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

Varanese

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Beef Tips & Tortellini

Stuffed Crab Avocado

Pistachio Encrusted Goat Cheese

Appetizers

Baked BrieUS$10.00

Sesame Glazed ChickenUS$9.00

Stuffed Crab AvocadoUS$10.00

BBQ Duck Confit EggrollsUS$10.00

Lobster Mac N' CheeseUS$15.00

Cheese and Hummus PlateUS$15.00

Fried CalamariUS$14.00

Cheese SpheresUS$9.00

Pork & Sweet Potato BiscuitUS$9.00

Appetizer PlatterUS$34.00

Soups & Salads

Lamb & Lentil Soup

Pistachio Encrusted Goat CheeseUS$10.00

Fried Green Tomato SaladUS$9.00

Crispy Romaine SaladUS$8.00

Candied Pecan & Apple SaladUS$9.00

Entrees

Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pork Chop*US$22.00

Beef Tips & TortelliniUS$20.00

"V" Burger*US$15.00

Angel Hair PastaUS$18.00

Slow Braised Lamb ShankUS$26.00

Stuffed Rainbow TroutUS$24.00

Caramelized Orange Bourbon Salmon*US$21.00

Certified Angus Strip Steak*US$28.00

Roasted ChickenUS$24.00

Crab Cake SandwichUS$15.00

Chef John's Personalized Vegetarian DishUS$19.00

Flat Iron Steak*US$24.00

Gulf Shrimp and GritsUS$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

FAQs

Does Varanese offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Varanese restaurant rated?

Is Varanese currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information