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Varanese, Louisville, KY

Varanese

4.7 (4692)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
2106 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY 40206

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 20 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
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

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
  • 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.
  • 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

Experiences

  • Siduri Wine Dinner

    $75.00 per person

    May 20, 2025 only
    Join us for a great wine experience with wine maker Matt Revelette a Kentucky native featuring six wines from Oregon/California along with a six course dinner Call to make your reservations
    Siduri Wine Dinner Photo

What 4,692 people are saying

Varanese reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Central Kentucky

    Hot spot

  • Central Kentucky

    Contemporary American

  • Louisville

    Best Value

  • Louisville

    Hot spot

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Varanese offers an exceptional dining experience with its "amazing food" and "wonderful atmosphere." The "live jazz music" adds to the vibrant ambiance, while the attentive service, often praised as "top-notch" by guests, ensures a memorable visit. The menu features standout dishes like the "Caramelized Orange Bourbon Salmon" and creative cocktails. Perfect for special occasions.
4,692 Reviews
  1. Anita

    Louisville8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My husband and I each got an appetizer, crab stuffed avocados and calamari, and both were excellent! He also got the divers scallops and duck ravioli and I got the fried green tomato salad, and we were both very happy! We were seated close to the musicians and I was concerned about it being a bit loud but this was certainly not the case. The music added a wonderful ambiance. Finally, our server was fantastic! She was friendly and attentive and timed our meal perfectly. Bravo Varanese!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Cathy VIP

    Louisville2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Appetizers were overpriced for what was served. Entrees were fairly priced.

    Is this helpful?

  3. David VIP

    Western KY17 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding Mother’s Day brunch! Service and Food was amazing!! Great jazz music!! Love this place

    Is this helpful?

  4. Heather

    Louisville1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Esha was a wonderfully attentive server. The food was delicious. The atmosphere was airy and elegant. Thank you for a great Mother’s Day experience!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Freida VIP

    Cincinnati8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Both of us had the salmon with grits and vegetable medley. Delicious!!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Anthony

    Cleveland32 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great time and food was amazing. Service was great

    Is this helpful?

  7. Jennifer

    Louisville1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a lovely post Derby, birthday dinner with friends. We requested a table far enough from the band so that we could talk easily and also have some special attention to celebrate a birthday and we were not disappointed. Great recommendations from our server, who was attentive and knowledgeable, we were thoroughly pleased with our drinks, meals, service, and experience.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Denise

    Nashville1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Morgan was the best! Dinner and service was excellent!

    Is this helpful?

  9. LM50

    Louisville8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We are never disappointed when coming to Varnese, everything was outstanding. Our server recommended two dishes that we loved and had never tried before. We were seated in a little side room that was quiet but when the band came to play we could still hear it.

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  10. Curtis

    Louisville5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Joel and I come here often since the opening back in the day so it was an easy pick to take my newlywed niece and her husband out for celebration. David whom we love was a great help in securing a better table in the front room as opposed to the rear. It’s these “personal touches” along with the outstanding service by Errol and the always amazing ambience that keeps Joel and I coming to dine. Bravo to John, David, Errol, and staff; We had a great time as always!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Varanese is rated 4.7 stars by 4692 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Central Kentucky
  4. Louisville
  5. Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill

Make a reservation


Booked 20 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Varanese

2106 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY 40206

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
  • 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, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • 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.
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