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

4172 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

Jun 3, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(502) 899-9904

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

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Popular dishes

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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 4,172 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

g
gocats15
Louisville
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
great food and service! We will return very soon!
DD
DanielleD
Louisville
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
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.
SB
SueB
Seattle
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
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!!!
KC
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.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 23, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Very good. Would definitely recommend and go there again.
B
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.
JM
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.
m
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.
BC
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.
F
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.
DF
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!
JR
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!
DC
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
GB
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.
J
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
S
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!
S
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.
RM
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
TH
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.
OT
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.
DS
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.
JS
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.
KR
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.
OT
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.
s
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!
T
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.
OT
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
MO
MicheleO
Denver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great meal, great service and wonderful atmosphere!
DM
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
JC
JoeC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a great experience all around. The price point was excellent and the bourbon selection was great.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great time here. The service is top notch.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Very good food and service. Diner was served perfectly and the service was excellent.
GW
GaryW
Louisville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great dining experience. Our guests, who are not strangers to fine food, said their meals were as good or better than anythey've had recently. Our server, Jessica, was outstanding and several times went beyond our expectation to make our evening special. I had the pork chop and I'll have it again next time, and the next and... Thanks for a most memorable and enjoyable evening. You have a new fan and I will recommend you every chance I get!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cincinnati
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service were great. I had the flat iron steak with mushroom risotto. My wife had the bay scallop tortellini. Both were great. Would also recommend the duck confi egg rolls.
JS
JoanieS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food with stellar as always! Our waiter Drew was attentive and helpful and just wonderful. Still my favorite place in Louisville because it's always consistently five stars in every category
JI
JazzItUp
Louisville
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoy the attending when the Jeff Sherman jazz labs are performing! Not only because of being a participant in the labs but a chance to partake in delicious food and fine dining ambience.
DB
DanielBird
Cincinnati
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Last minute dinner decision for a Sunday night. My absolute favorite restaurant in Louisville, they truly have never disappointed. Love how many options their daily specials have. Already planning my next visit!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our experience was absolutely outstanding! Our meal was indescribably delicious! We got a multitude of appetizers alongside one of the special entrées and the crab cake sandwich. Everything was excellent! The service was absolutely remarkable as well! Our server, Will, was incredibly knowledgable, helpful, and personable! We are very glad that we abided by his recommendations, as our meal could not have been more perfect! The ambiance blew us away too; the live music, gorgeous patio, and that fantastic waterfall wall! Wow! So incredibly romantic! Best dining experience in a long time! We had a phenomenal time, and we will definitely be returning soon! Special shout-out to the host up-front who picked out such a lovely spot for us to dine alongside filling up our water glasses in the coolest way ever! Thank y'all so much for making our evening so romantic and special!
BI
BILL
Louisville
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
My wife and I both thought our food was too salty. We do not salt our food for health purposes, so our sensitivity is higher than most people's. Otherwise, we enjoyed our dinners. the other problem was the table wasn't level so it wobbled when one of us moved.
TC
TracyC
Louisville
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
Everything was wonderful. Little to loud had to project well, to be heard at our table.

FAQs

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

Varanese is rated 4.7 stars by 4172 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

Jun 3, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(502) 899-9904

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

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Louisville

Varanese

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Best Restaurants in Louisville

Beef Tips & Tortellini

Gulf Shrimp and Grits

Stuffed Crab Avocado

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

Sort by

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

Takeout

Additional information

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Louisville