Varanese
2106 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY, 40206
Varanese Menu
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Appetizers
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Soup And Salad
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Entrees
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Light Fare
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Desserts
Healthy Meal suggestions for Varanese
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Appetizers
-
Soup And Salad
-
Entrees
-
Light Fare
-
Desserts
Visit below restaurant in Louisville for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Louisville for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
2106 Frankfort Ave
Louisville, KY, 40206 - Phone (502) 899-9904
- Website https://www.varanese.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 11:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Erin T.
Great find! We sat outside and they had live music, so that was a treat. We had 6 in our party and all were pleased. Grape leaves and duck confit crepes were delicious. Complimentary bruschetta wasn't much, but what do you expect for free? Pecan salad was great- delicious onion dressing. Mushroom and chicken ravioli and the flat iron steaks were also perfect. The seafood pasta was probably the least favorite as it was more bland than the rest. Same for the chicken wrap- both were good, just not amazing. We took off one star for the waitress not being the friendliest. Would def return though!
(4)Bryan M.
Made it back there again, for dinner. Since it's been over a year since the prior, I'll update and re-affirm. This time it was a cool Summer night - about 70-degrees. The doors were open. Good airflow. Jazz guitar / acoustic bass duo augmented the ambiance. Was there for work with several colleagues. Angel hair shrimp pasta. Tasty, and satisfying but not overwhelming. Service was great until we got the check. We sat and chatted for another 45 min or so, and the waitress never returned. No drink refills. Nothing. Kind of a drag. Also, the open doors made for easy access to my plate for the flies that had been outside. Only one fly. But, it was persistent. Wed night must be ladies night here. Well heeled crowd at this upscale restaurant.
(4)Liz L.
I will give two stars only for the live entertainment and for the friendly staff. The food was horrible. I had the tuna tartar which came with a side of tacky pork rinds which cheapens the dish and we had the steak appetizer too which my husband did not like. He said his strip steak was "ok" and my salad was basically a few things of lettuce with a cup and a half of shredded parmesan and wet mushy croutons. The food wasn't what I thought it would be but the staff was pleasant and music good.
(2)Kirsten L.
Delicious!! Pecan Encrusted Corvina was laying on mashed sweet potatoes, which made me think of Thanksgiving. Squash & zucchini were crisp. Caramelized Orange Bourbon Salmon was moist, & the cream cheese grits were the best I have ever tasted. The fried brussel sprouts were unique, yet yummy. Quiet live jazz on the patio was nice. Server was excellent.St. Germaine Elderflower Mojito was very good. Would definitely make a trip there again.
(5)Leigh W.
There's no better place to unwind after a long day than in the open-air section of this venue. The drinks are cold, the cross breeze is delightful, the live jazz mixed with the occasional passing of a train makes for a harmonious soundtrack and the complimentary bruschetta makes for a nice touch. Their specialty cocktails are wonderful. I've tried nearly all of them and I would order them all again. I tried the pistachio encrusted goat cheese salad. It was a nice light meal. I've sampled the fried green tomato salad, but the former is a better choice. I was most excited about the desserts, so I tried four of them: the green apple flambe, the banana flame, the bread pudding and the chocolate lava cake. They all came with ice cream, so it became the dominant flavor. As a banana pudding purist, I must say that the ice cream is not needed. I did like the toffee chips as an added twist however. The lava cake was a little too bitter for my taste, but the consistency was nice. The presentation of both the pudding and the cake was very artistic and made an impression on everyone in my party. I have to say that the flambe was my favorite. Unfortunately I believe it was a special on the evening I was there, so I'm not sure if you could get it again. It's worth asking your server about. The service is exceptional, so I feel sure they'd make anything happen for a guest who asked nicely.
(3)Hayley M.
I had one dinner in Louisville, and I am SO glad that it was at Varanese. For my first trip to Louisville, I consulted a friend who grew up in the area. He recommended 10 restaurants, and we ended up at Varanese. We could tell immediately by the ambiance that the restaurant was high quality. The soft lighting and decor made the restaurant look so pretty. We started with a slew of appetizers: hummus plate, calamari, beef tartar, and a few others. The portions were very large, and I was nearly full after that round! However, I still found room to order one of the specials, which was Shrimp and Grits, which came with spinach, mushrooms, and asparagus. It was one of those meals where I wanted to eat until I was in physical pain. Literally. I had to stop eating after a while, but it was so delicious that I wanted to finish my plate. The grits had a wonderful cheese sauce that complimented - not overpowered - the shrimp and veggies. The service was wonderful too. The wait staff was kind, polite, and attentive. If you have one dinner in Louisville, make it Varanese. I did, and I am so glad!
(5)Mary B.
Very cute decor with lights, table clothes and candles on table. Romantic date place. Had jazz music playing in background which was nice until more people started coming then it was hard to talk over the music and crowd. We had complimentary bruschetta as an app along with the pita and cheese platter which was OK. Cheese got cold fast so it was hard to dip. Portions are big! I had the wild mushroom and chicken ravioli which was a little too earthy for me but still good. The raviolis were kind of soggy though.
(3)Stacy L.
We ate here tonight with a group of 22. The service was excellent! There were absolutely no problems at all from beginning to end. The food was delicious and the presentation was lovely. The chef visited our private room and we all applauded him. I had a cocktail, wine, appetizers, main course, dessert and a cappucino and each item was fabulous.
(5)Brittney H.
I've found you! B(D)BPL! (Best Darn Bread Pudding in Louisville) The entire rest of the meal is a haze to me. (I lie completely, I had the Orange Salmon served over cheesy grits. Golly, it was freakin' to-die-for. I'd eat those cheesy grits all-day-long. I think I was meant to be born in the south.) That being said, the highlight of the night, was easily the bread pudding. The menu describes it this way: "Toffee-Marshmallow bread pudding served with salted caramel ice cream." $7 WHAT AN UNDERSTATEMENT! I mean, I swear it came out and it was glowing. *think angel-from-heaven type of situation here* It was the cutest little presentation you've ever seen. I managed to find an image of it online and am posting it so that you too can bask in the glory. However, the picture just does not do it justice. You have to taste. Nom. Nom. Nom. It is, hands down, the BEST DARN BREAD PUDDING IN LOUISVILLE. No other can even hold a candle to it. In fact, I think I'm going to take some friends visiting this weekend, just for a late evening coffee and bread pudding.
(5)Chris W.
Outstanding food and atmosphere. Their specials were phenomenal and plentiful choices. They had a great band that played classical instrumentals. The only reason I didnt give it a 5 is my server was so-so at best. Didnt offer to get beverages so I had to tell her I wanted a cocktail. Then we ordered dinner and she didnt offer us a salad choice. So again I ordered us 2 salads. If I had not taken initiative to order salads and drinks the waitress would have undersold her tip size and check size. I will eventually go again and with a different server I would expect I will update again and it will be a 5-star rating.
(4)Tiffany B.
This is hands down my favorite restaurant in Louisville!! And with the fine quality of restaurants available in this city that is saying something. I've tried something different on every visit and have never been disappointed. But the cream cheese grits are ALWAYS a winner.
(5)Erika R.
This joint is comfortable class. Beautiful modern but warm decor, with a large and lovely wall of gently flowing water over natural stone which makes for a soothing and elegant feature. But... the cuisine is consistently average and does not its price; upscale American bistro with frequent menu rotation and seasonal specials. Sounds and looks great, but when here this time my steak was rather bland, it was cooked medium instead of medium rare, and the green bean accompaniment was one step from raw - just too much raw crunch texture, not even crisp tender. Other than the disappointing food quality, this place is nice. Well rounded wine selection, with interesting and addictive signature cocktails - try the Saint Germain Mojito. Live jazz plays here each evening, and when the weather permits, the large glass front windows open up to allow for delightful al fresco style ambiance. I recommend more for drinks and appetizers rather than a full meal.
(3)Rob C.
We are Louisville natives - we live in Los Angeles. We had dinner here Saturday night with family who live here. We were so excited from the reviews and also from the website. But, unfortunately, this restaurant fell incredibly short. The service was cold, uninviting, and when we needed to server, she was never there. First, we ordered the calamari. It was fried for so long, that it was almost impossible to chew. Further, it tasted like it had been fried in old oil. It was horrible. Then, we had to send one of the salads back, because it had so much dressing that it was inedible. In addition, the dressing quality itself was extremely poor. The entrees were mediocre at best. So, what we hoped to be a special night with family that we never see here in Louisville turned out to be an extreme disappointment. This restaurant has a lot of work to do to become great, and even a bunch of work to do even become just ok. There are so many other good restaurants in this city to choose from - I would completely skip this one in the future. Even if the food had been good, we would skip - it is incredibly noisy, the walls are all concrete and the sound bounces horribly. I was completely puzzled why this restaurant was crowded, given that there are other options in town. Perhaps the only thing this restaurant has going for it is the location, because there is nothing about the service or food that can be appreciated.
(1)Andrea U.
My husband and I went for our anniversary, and had mentioned it when we made our reservation. Our server had rose petals on our table, and served us free dessert (the good stuff) while the music duo played "the anniversary song." It was a great experience, made even better with the great atmosphere (the outdoor space is breezy with fans) and the great meal (love the pecan encrusted fish and sweet potatoes). We will return!
(5)Erin R.
I heard great things about Veranese but it was an okay experience and meal. We started with the calamari which was just okay with the typical sweet chilli sauce and too salty soy sauce something...It was deep fried too much. I ordered the beef tips gorgonzola pasta and literally the first piece of steak I bit into was all gristle and fat. This continued with the too salty dish and I am a salt freak. On top of that we were still eating our appetizer when the meal came out. The food runner didn't apologize but our amazing waitress was very thankful and honestly she was the bees knees. I really wanted to love this place but sadly I won't be back.
(3)Amy L.
I was torn between giving Varanese 4 or 5 stars. I don't hand out 5 stars easily, so I had to go with 4. However- 41/2 is more accurate. I have been to this fine establishment several times over the last year and the food, service and atmosphere have been quite amazing each time. Live music, dim lighting, and a wonderful patio for the warmer days make this relaxing and romantic. My best friend came to town from Tampa during the holidays and she and her boyfiend met my husband and me there for dinner and 1/2 priced wine. They could not believe tha incredible wines that were offered for 1/2 price. Typically when upscale restaurants have 1/2 priced wine night- it is a select menu of wines - but Varanese has all wines up to $100!! More recently, I went for the 3 course menu for 502 Restaurant Week and the food was delicious!!! I started with a field green salad and bruschetta, followed by the mandarin orange, bourbon glazed salmon and finished with the dessert trio. All of that and 2 bottles of wine later- I was ready for a nap. Our server was polite and professional but had personality and an appreciation of shoes as he complimented my Betsy Johnson stillettos. Loved him!
(4)Ric W.
Great food, fun with a sweet vibe that any age can enjoy! love the live music. had a small problem with my food but the problem was corrected and removed from the bill. I must say that it was more than i expected, but the manager insisted that it be done. Had the stuffed crab (nice) can't remember the soup of the day it was a bisque and it was amazing, had the goat cheese and fried green tomato salad which were wonderful, and the Bourbon barrel pork chop was pleasing to the palate. last visit was in February.
(4)Jacob M.
Dined with friends on a Sunday night. Lots of patio seating, some covered, some not. Appetizer combo platter was incredible and fed the table. Fried green tomato salad (which you can add chicken to) was stellar in both forms. Didn't spend a lot of time on entrees but tried 4 desserts all of which were incredible (very normal portions). Service wasn't transcendent but for the menu prices was well above average. Could have just been the individual because several servers offered help throughout evening. Live music was nice and not intrusive. Had a baby in carrier with us but few other kids noted in the area. Didn't seem to be a problem. Still, open air patio allows for it I think.
(5)Chip C.
We made a last minute trip to Varanese last night for our 25th anniversary. It was early, so we did not make a reservation, though I almost always call ahead. The thing I noticed immediately was how comfortable and welcome the hostess made us feel. Most high end places give you an arched eyebrow without a reservation. The hostess, though very young, was just so friendly, she welcomed us in, and seated us immediately. The server was equally gracious, and so helpful with the food recommendations. The food was fantastic, a bruschetta starter packed with garlic, just blasted my tastebuds awake. The meatball appetizer was so rich, in a flavorful marinara that was savory but not overpowering. A glass of the slightly smoky Vermonte cabernet went with it perfectly. My wife had the salmon in a honey orange glaze that was clearly the entree of the night. Grilled with a crispy edge and drizzled in the honey orange, we fought over the last bite. I had a huge ribeye, again grilled perfectly crispy, with bleu cheese butter on top. Amazing. My sons grouper was equally tasty, but paled compared to the huge flavor of the other two dishes. A dessert plate of blueberry ice cream, homemade chocolate and incredible peanut butter fudge was just the perfect ending. A lot of places have great food, but when Mr Varanese thanked us for coming I could not help but mention how easygoing and friendly his staff was, he truly has some inpired young people who will make a lot of happiness and revenue in the future. Just a Louisville treat, so proud of my hometown food scene, better than anywhere.
(5)Joe D.
Everyone agrees the ambiance in this restaurant is amazing. The food on a recent visit was disappointing. The calamari appetizer was mediocre (not particularly flavorful) although i did like the sauces (ponzu and chili sauce). I ordered the special of the night, roasted lamb. The waiter asked if I was okay with it being a little pink. I assured him that hearing "baaa" from the dish was okay. Unfortunately, the kitchen overcooked the lamb leaving it hard and chewy. Maybe they left it under the warmer too long, who knows? The reduction and mint sauce served over it was tasty and the asparagus was grilled to perfection along with fingerling potatoes. My lamb was crying help, not baaaa. Desert was good but too much for one person. I ordered the chocolate lava cake which would have faired better without the ice cream. Overall, a disappointment but i will return again to give the kitchen another try.
(3)Adam C.
One of the best places to eat in Louisville. When I think of three go go places it is Jack Fry's, Stoney River, and Veranese. Last time I had the pork chop, salmon, ceviche, au gratin potatoes, and break stick. Each item was worth savoring each bite and is well worth the price. They regularly have dinner specials that are simply amazing, but a bit pricey. If you want the best food in town, you need to include Varanese in your options
(5)Eileen K.
I was in Louisville for a business trip, and read about Varanese on a list of top restaurants in the area. My flight got in late and while I was exhausted, I wasn't about to eat pizza, so I was pleased to see Varanese was open late. The food was delicious. I had an octopus appetizer with fried plantain and avocado. I had perfectly cooked scallops and a crisp glass of wine. I was dining alone and my waiter was so kind and attentive. The space is great--there's a nice airy outdoor patio. The food was top notch, and if I'm ever back in Louisville, I'd love to come by again.
(5)Ben W.
Came in for a late dinner (literally the last person seated while the restaurant was being cleaned) but the service was so excellent you wouldn't have known. My waiter treated me like I was very welcome there, even though I know he was waiting for me to leave to go home. I truly appreciated that level of service. The food was good but not fantastic - my gazpacho was a little bland, and the ravioli had a nice sauce and was filling, but I wouldn't rank it as good as anything in Louisville. The bread pudding dessert, however, was first class and something I did write home about (literally!). I also really appreciated that the waiter brewed a cup of coffee for me, to go, no questions asked (late at night after they had already cleaned the station) after the meal. Again, the service was really fantastic which made my night.
(4)Brian D.
Amazing menu, desserts are VERY hard to pass on, excellent service, EVERY TIME, and beautiful ambiance. Make it a date night, or a splurge for dinner, as they offer something for any palate, prices match quality. Oh, can't afford it? The owner doesn't care, he opposes minimum wage increases as well... That matters btw.
(1)Derek J.
Great food, great location, and great atmosphere. I find it to be one of the best restaurants to enjoy live music outdoors in the city.
(5)Eric J.
Nice place but the food is only ok. To much salt in most of the meals. Bread was old and the steak was grisly. Save your money many more places close that are much better.
(3)Kim B.
I hosted a group of 16 and thankfully everyone enjoyed their food but I was stuck at a table of two and they threw together appetizers for me and my support staff person. I ordered pork tenderloin that was overcooked and dry. I took one bite and didn't finish because it was so bad. I did eat some of the potatoes that were okay. I was still charged for the dinner but I did eat the potatoes but those were some expensive potatoes for $1600. Really Mr. Varanese if you are going to charge me $1600 for dinner you really need to make sure my dinner is at least edible. I will not be booking another private dinner with you and cannot recommend others to bring guests to you.
(2)Angela F.
So my husband and I landed in Louisville a little bit late after a day on the bourbon trail. By the time we checked into the hotel and changed to go to dinner, it was about 9:20 pm. Our options were slim for places open past 10:00 pm that were not gastro pubs/bars. We found Varanese and it was open until 11:00 pm. Beyond that, it had good reviews. We headed off and thought that we might not get the best food/service because we were getting there so late. Wrong. The service was outstanding and the food was amazing. I had the chicken ravioli and my husband had the pork chops. So good! It had a really cool, retro vibe without being hipster (thank The Lord!). I would go back any time of day and recommend it to all. Oh, and don't skip the cheese spheres.
(5)Mark S.
Great place for date or special occasion. Pricey but the meals were excellent. Sea bass was perfect!
(4)S. H.
Always enjoy this restaurant. Good food, good atmosphere (especially in the summer when the patio is open). Good for groups or good for date night. Service is always great!
(4)Kim R.
The food was tremendous and the staff is the best we have ever had! The owner and head chef greeted each customer which was very refreshing! Will be back I'm sure many times!
(5)Gary D.
Well I'd like to say that my experience was great service was impeccable. The appitizers were great 3 of the 4 meals were perfect. Except My Divers Scallops. They smelled like ammonia and tasted like it also. At the time I thought it was something normal and they were supposed to taste like that. Until I looked it up today and it's a sign that they are going bad. Still not mad about my experience I called to tell them they may want to check them before they serve them to anyone else. I speak with the owner he said but gave no name so I can only assume it was John Varanese. He said they were just flown in and he personally touched every plate and that there is no way that they could have been bad NO WAY he said. Telling me that 65 people ordered the scallops and that no one else complained and that I wasn't telling the truth that I was wrong. Well you might be a chef and great cook but at 35 years old I'm positive I know what ammonia smells like 100 percent. I could call up Jasons Deli for example and tell them something was off and I would get anyone telling me I'm a liar. Jasons deli is also Several hundred Dollars cheaper. My bill at Varanese was over $200.00 which I was happy with until this phone call ended even after I knew that my food was going bad the experence was that good. when You get So full of yourself that you can't make a mistake there's no way that that happened you missing the bar by a wide margin. I would have came back and ate there several times but after this I will not be returning all that work your employees did from my reservation seating server and bartender did a fantastic job just for you to ruin it.
(1)Rachel F.
This is probably my favorite upscale restaurant in town. The food is fabulous, reasonable for a nice place, the ambiance is both laid back and classy. Good for a girls' night out and a romantic date. The outside patio seating is lovely, with live music most nights (strings, not a loud band). We went on a Wednesday and it was close to full but comfortably so. Half price bottles of wine meant a fantastic red for only 14 bucks. We had our first glass at the bar where the bartender (the chef!) explained that the specials menu changes several times a day as they only use fresh ingredients as they get them. We had a crab and avocado appetizer that we agreed was amazing. The chicken and mushroom ravioli was an interesting and very fitting texture, more moist than I expected, and very good. My favorite was the fried green tomato salad with goat cheese. The Sweet Potato brisket sliders were flavorful but the biscuits themselves just a touch dry. All in all, a bottle of wine, an app, and two meals for about 55 bucks before tip. Can't complain about that!
(5)Carly K.
Great location and atmosphere for a nice dinner out. The live music was a nice touch, but not so loud that our party couldn't hear each other talk. They have an extensive bourbon and spirits list as well as many wine choices. We had the calamari which was very good, a little salty for my taste, but I am not big on salt at all. The Thai chili sauce with the calamari was great! I had the pecan encrusted corvina and am usually not a huge fish person, but this dish was amazing! The fish was very mild and the pecans gave it a nice crunch. The sauce with it was to die for. My husband had the salmon which was also very good and the cream cheese grits were unreal. The other couple we were with had prime rib and both said they were cooked perfectly to their liking and very tasty. I only wish we would have saved room for dessert! The chef also stopped by our table to see how everything was which I thought was very nice. Would definitely recommend coming here and we will for sure be back!
(5)Kendrick C.
5 star restaurant in my opinion. The food was incredible. The bourbon glazed pork chop was easily the best chop I've had in my life. My wife's sweet potatoes were cooked from scratch and you could easily tell. The wait staff was beyond professional and they treat everything you do with the upmost care. A++ restaurant.
(5)Lynn L.
Came here last night for happy hour(s) with some colleagues. We sat at the bar. First off, the bartender was AWESOME. Completely charming, and provided attentive service. He even split our wine bottles among our various tabs, which was truly awesome and saved us a lot of time and money exchanging. Last night was their half-priced wine bottle special, so we took advantage of that a few times. I also had a St. Germain mojito which was DELICIOUS, and a French Fusion which was even MORE delicious. I was super happy with the drinks. The food however, was completely BLAH, which surprised me. I had the calamari (fishy and chewy, but the sweet chili sauce was yummy), the cheese spheres (good, but not super flavorful), potato chips (pretty straight forward), and the pulled chicken and mushroom ravioli for dinner. The ravioli was just awful - there was so much oregano and thyme in the dish that I couldn't taste anything else. Truffled arugula? Bourbon barrel-smoked chicken? Couldn't taste either. Very disappointing - I didn't finish. I will definitely return to the bar for happy hours, cocktails, and some nibbles, but you will not catch me coming here for dinner.
(3)Brian A.
This is my second time visiting this fine establishment. The first time was outstanding and this time was no different. We made reservations at 5:30 on a Saturday, I was asked numerous times if I was going so early to get the senior citizen discount, but I'm only 30.... We had a party of 6, and everyone showed up about 10 minutes after the other. As each party showed up the waiter was there ready to gather their drink orders. They had a decent selection of beers on tap (Sam Adams, New Albanian, Left Hand, etc) and a great wine list. Fresh bruschetta was brought out as a complimentary appetizer and was delicious. My wife and I both ordered the flat-iron steaks, mine cooked medium rare and hers cooked medium. Both were cooked to perfection. The meal also came with veggies and mushrooms, veggies were a bit cold, but the mushrooms were outstanding. After our meal was complete the owner came out and greeted us and made sure we had a good experience. Great atmosphere, fairly priced, and overall great place to eat dinner on special occasions or just a routine weekend night. A+
(5)Ellen F.
Disappointing. First the good: lovely setting. The front room is covered but the walls slide open giving an alfresco feel. Our waiter was friendly and efficient. The salmon entree was beautifully prepared and delicious. So what went wrong? First, we had requested a table near the window when we made the reservations. When we arrived the party at that table was just leaving and the hostess told us "good timing", it would be ready for us shortly. Then the manager swooped in and told us we didn't want that table because of the street noise. I assured him I did but then he said he needed it for an 18-top. Our choice was a table in the front room where I had wanted to sit but was between the 18 top and another large table or the back room. This was to be a graduation celebration so I did not want to ruin the evening by making a fuss but it was so noisy we couldn't hear ourselves. The complimentary bruschetta was soggy. The croutons on the Caesar-like salad were balls of mush - literally. Really disgusting. At the time I made the reservation I told the staff it was a special occasion and was told there would be some kind of acknowledgement including a complimentary dessert. That never happened. In fairness - we picked this restaurant because we had been there previously and really enjoyed it. They were very busy and had some large tables going, but still - a fine restaurant like this should be able to cope so that all their diners have the experience they have paid for. Very disappointing evening.
(2)Melanie L.
have tried it 2x and not impressed either time...pricing decent for the level of service and ambience, but monkfish with connective tissue in it disallowing me the ability to cut it with just a fork...a fish, really? calamari fried to soggy, really disappointed. this doesn't hold its own against such great places in town as Proof on Main and Basa, along with many others. Done.
(2)Mark W.
Cheese spheres - good, but you can't screw up fried cheese :) Brie cheese - Very good, nice balance of the sweet toppings Fried green tomato salad - Very good, they were gracious to split it with us Mahi mahi with sweet potato and grilled zucchini - Terrible, completely overcooked and I think they forgot the salt Walleye (special) with cous cous - Cooked perfectly, but strangely they forgot the salt again
(2)Brittany K.
Varanese is a new favorite of mine! First off I love the patio and it was perfect for a nice night to sit out there, there was live music to provided a good atmosphere. We started with the crab and avocado appetizer, it was amazing! This is a must try. My husband and I ordered from the dinner special menu which changes daily. I had Florida wreckfish fillet served over grits and topped with spinach. We were both unsure what wreckfish was until the chef came to the table and he said it was a type of sea bass. The chef explained that he has a supplier in Florida that sends him fresh fish. It was delicious, the fish was cooked perfectly and it was such a good combination with the girts and spinach. My husband had a ribeye that melted in your mouth. The service was great and I liked that the chef came to your table to check on your meal, I noticed that he went around and did that with everyone. If you are entertaining out of town guests this would be a great local place to take them.
(5)Kim C.
Ate here on a Wednesday. Live music and half price wine. The food was fabulous. I had the pork chops. Jumping jacks in my mouth.
(5)Nicolas K.
This place is great for dinner. The food was very tasty and live music on weekends gives it an original upscale touch.
(4)Matt R.
What a great restaurant! Food, service and ambiance are all top notch! I had the Diver Scallops with the mango slaw and my wife had the beef tenderloin with the roasted potatoes. Both were as good, or better, than you will find at any top restaurant in Louisville, or anywhere for that matter. The service sets Varanese apart from other restaurants around town. They make you feel like you are at one of the highest priced restaurants, while the prices are lower than almost any other trying to serve the same caliber of food. What more can I say. The food and service are as good as it gets and the price is right! Don't miss it!
(5)Erin L.
We were visiting Louisville and wanted to have a romantic night out. I was looking for a restaurant with interesting, modern cuisine, a romantic atmosphere and great service. Heard good things about Varanese and made a reservation. The Good: The restaurant is located in a trendy shopping/ dining area. After dinner we were able to walk for blocks, peeking in the windows of art galleries and people watching. That was nice. The restaurant itself looks great. The decor is modern and attractive and there's a large outdoor patio that's just perfect for summer dining. On the night we were there, musicians played outside as we dined and the music was wonderful and atmospheric. Service was great. We were seated promptly and our server was helpful and knowledgable. Specials included local dishes and interesting preparations. The menu was full of really good options-- we had a hard time deciding. Unused dishes and glasses were cleared quickly. Food arrived in a reasonable amount of time. The experience was very pleasant. The Bad: I hate to say this, because every other aspect of our experience here was great, but the food was not good. Actually, that's not entirely true. There was an amuse bouche of bruschetta which was tasty and our appetizers (crab cakes for me, lamb & lentil soup for him) were good. But we both hated our entrees. I ordered the prosciutto-wrapped chicken breast stuffed with mozzarella. He ordered the angel hair pasta. Both were so salty as to be inedible. It was not good. In retrospect, we probably should have sent the dishes back (something I've never, ever done before and would not take lightly) and made the staff aware that something was amiss. I really want to believe that something was just off in the kitchen that night and that these dishes normally do not taste like this. However, we were there for a romantic night out and I think we just didn't want to make any kind of fuss. I would say that our experience here was positive in every way except for the food, which was a disappointment. However, I really hope that this was a one-time aberration for Varanese because the location and service are indicative of a good restaurant. I saw the chef out and about checking in with tables, always a good thing. If I returned to Louisville I would probably go to Varanese again and give it another shot. It's just unfortunate that the one time we were there the food wasn't what we hoped it would be.
(3)Emily J.
By far the best meal I have had in Louisville. Varanese was outstanding with both its food and its service. Located in a remodeled gas station, this elegant restaurant has a fun atmosphere with live music on the patio and extremely well trained servers. They take the utmost care of all their guests and even the chef (Chef Varanese), comes over to your table during your meal. We were lucky enough to sit on the patio near the live music, but it wasn't too loud. The food is amazing and the wine list substantial and well picked. I go the snapper, the fish special recommended by the chef himself, complete with homemade cheddar grits. The brussels sprout appetizer is to die for, even for people who hate this vegetable. The brie cheese plate was amazing as well, the perfect balance between sweet and savory, while the mussels were in a delicious broth. Their dessert wine menu is extensive as well. I was lucky enough to try a Zinfandel, unfortunately I can't remember the name. Be prepared to spend a pretty penny when you go to Varanese, but it is totally worth it!
(5)Jason S.
Overall, the food was good, just not as delicious as it could have been. We each had a salad: fried green tomatoes with bib lettuce and feta and a seasonal spinach salad with bacon vinaigrette. The green tomato slices were very thin and battered pretty heavily, which kinda obscured the flavor and tartness. For dinner, I had shrimp and grits with a roasted corn sauce and my wife had the angel hair pasta. Again, both were good but nothing to write home about. The prices are reasonable, the menu is broad and the staff is very friendly. We would probably go back -- especially on a nice summer night when we could sit outside.
(3)ninja p.
BOOOORING! too expensive for what you get
(2)Frank S.
Excellent. Nothing negative to say about Veranese. The quality of the food, the service, the ambiance are all top notch. While on the upper cost level of what I would typically spend for dinner, it is well worth a visit. Excellent wine list.
(5)John A.
Great place to relax with some open air dining. Menu is not extravagant, but what I found is that the selections on it were done well. Found out the staff really likes the bourbon barrel smoked pork chop. Went with that, great. Had a reasonable martini, little watery. Service is good, can use some more training and confidence. Overall, all dishes were good, but listen to the staff, they know what is best. Had a last minute change in the count for dinner, they handled it with aplomb and speed.
(4)Julie D.
Varanese is among my favorites in Louisville! We go every chance we can. The atmosphere is wonderful on the patio. The waterfall wall and live jazz are really nice. John, the owner, has stopped by our table to chat every time we have been there. I like that! Our food is always just as we like it. My favorite is usually the porkchop. Once we made reservations for the patio but they made a mistake and didn't keep that information. Once that was discovered the manager went out of his way to make it up to us. He pulled some additional tables out & made us a place in the back of the patio which was even better than we had hoped! They brought out 4 complimentary appetizers and were more than accomodating! Great service!!!!!!
(5)Stephen F.
Great restaurant with a wonderful atmosphere. We have been coming here for over 2 years and have never had a bad meal. Add in great service and you have a great restaurant. The owner has even stopped by every time we have been. I always order fish and it has always been good. The usually have a really good sauce to go with the fish and great sides, like mashed sweet potatoes, or cheesy grits. Definetly try it out!
(5)Paige O.
I was in town with my husband and some friends for the Derby last weekend. WE were suggested countless restaurants around downtown and Bardstown Road areas, but I could not be happier that we decided to forgo that advice and find this little gem. Indoor/outdoor seating with live music that set the perfect amount of ambiance without being too loud. The staff was fabulous. We were running a few minutes late for our reservation and when they called to confirm our arrival they were nothing but accommodating. The hostess seated us quickly with friendly banter, our server not only helped direct us according to our tastes for cocktails and dinner, but also suggested some off-the-beaten path spots for the area's night life. The immediate arrival of the complimentary bruchetta was a great surprise. We all ordered different drinks and dinners and no one was any less than thrilled with their selection. We glanced at the dessert menu, but opted out. I will definitely be suggesting it to anyone I know traveling to Louisville.
(5)Darren S.
I was drawn to Varanese by its creative menu (mediterranean and southern influence), and while the vibe, decor, atmosphere and service were top-notch, the food didn't excel as much as I expected it to. We were seated fairly quickly , in spite of a busy dining room at 9pm on a Saturday. The layout of the dining room is very pleasant with large windows and a wall of flowing water. Service began with complimentary bruschetta, which was especially flavorful. We shared crabcakes for the appetizer and was underwhelmed - the flavor was bland, and the texture seemed more like minced crab than crab pieces. It was accompanied with a tasty grape tomato salad, but the crab cakes themselves were far below expectations. The accompanying cheese breadsticks were fanstastic, though. I had intended to order the trout with sauteed chard, but unfortunately the kitchen had run out. I appreciate the importance of fresh ingredients so this in itself was a minor disappointment. Instead I ordered the prime rib, which was moist and tasty, but lacked any interesting flavor even though the menu stated it was marinated.. The entree wasn't necessarily poorly prepared, but the flavors were just underwhelming to my palate. We shared the key lime meringue pie for dessert which was a generous portion with good texture and flavor. The service was excellent, the dining space is pleasant, and I think the chef is making a real effort to create an interesting menu.
(4)Robyn T.
Visited Varanese for my girlfriend's birthday with a large group, 10-12 people, & I was overall very impressed and satisfied. The food was excellent: we all sampled from each other so everyone could try a little something different. It was a little more expensive than your typical restaurant, but thankfully, I had done a lil research so I was prepared for the prices. I had steak with an au gratin side dish; both were very delicious. The service overall was good, although our server didn't know the menu as well as he could have; we had a couple of people with us that are very picky, or they just are not used to the "upscale/modern" style that is reflected here. In this instance, a knowledgable server would have been extremely helpful so that our friends felt more confident in their entree choices. Besides this point, the other reason for the 4 stars is that they were completely out of an entree & we weren't told until about 10-15 mins after we placed our order. So the poor guy who had ordered this item had to wait an additional 10mins after everyone else had already gotten their food. I would try Varanese again...
(4)BenPHIS R.
Very good for a nice din din. Cool atmosphere. The chef/owner came out after our meal and was very personable and interested in our comments on the dinner. Which of course were all positive because the dinner was very very good.
(4)BonnieNClyde z.
If there was a half star rating system, this would get 2 1/2 stars. Service is great, love the outdoor seating but the food is just ok.
(2)Anne P.
One of the best restaurants I've ever experienced. They are truly doing it right. The food, the service, the ambiance... amazing! Don't hesitate to give it a try. You will not be sorry.
(5)Joseph C.
Really. Woohoo! As good as it gets! I don't routinely use exclamation points, but Varanese is 5 stars on every level. We took my folks for their 40th anniversary last weekend. The ambiance was chic without being cold. We sat near one of the garage doors on a warm summer evening. The bar was also just nearby, but we never felt bustled by the comings and goings. Live jazz played on the porch and the volume was just right for us, maybe a little loud for folks right next to the players. Appetizers and salads were excellent and varied and the entrees were downright FANTASTIC. I wish I'd have stuffed myself with a full rack of the bbq ribs. Desserts were flavorful, sweet finishes to an excellent meal. The cherry on top was that most of the foods were prepared from locally-sourced seasonal ingredients. Our server was attentive and everything came and went as it should without fanfare, although he seemed a little frazzled on a busy evening. The hostess took at least 5 minutes as we organized for a photo at the end of the evening. We'd eaten a similar (but ever-so-slightly less good) meal at home in Nashville a few days before and spent almost as much for 2 as we did for 4. I'd consider this a value-conscious, high end restaurant. We will be back, and we will encourage others to try Varanese out.
(5)Sarah C.
I finally tried Varanese after driving past it for so many years, and I'm so glad to say I was not at all disappointed. My boyfriend and I came here for a late dinner around 8:45 on a Friday night. There was live music, which added to the lovely atmosphere. Our server was fantastic - I forget her name, but she was polite, attentive, and had great suggestions as to what to order. Ah, the food. The food was delicious! We ordered the baked brie and fried calamari as appetizers and ermagerd, they were both so delectable. Both were sooo good, I actually had trouble deciding which to continue eating because I was so afraid the other would disappear before my eyes. For my entree I ordered the Caramelized Orange Bourbon Salmon, which was beyond amazing. So mouthwatering, my mouth is actually filling up with water as we speak. My boyfriend ordered the Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pork Chop, and he was thrilled with his order as well. Overall, we had a fantastic experience with both the food and the service. We'll definitely come back!
(5)Beth P.
I've been here a couple of times now, and each time has exceeded my expectations! They have a great menu that is always available, but in addition have a different menu each time with several chef specials. There is typically live music. The ambiance is romantic and there's even a waterfall along the back wall providing a peaceful background. The service is always quick, attentive, and friendly. What more could you want? The menu lists a variety of foods and flavor and I feel as if even the pickiest of eaters could find a great meal here. My husband and I have loved everything we've eaten. We ordered the strip steak, beans, and brussel sprouts on our first visit. The steak was cooked perfectly. But. The brussel sprouts are one of the most amazing things I have ever eaten! This past visit my husband ordered the chef's special of wagyu burger and fries, and I ordered the stuffed chicken roulade. Wow! I tried his and it was great, but mine really knocked it out of the park. It came with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed purple cabbage. I've been craving it since! I think Varanese should be on everyone's "Louisville bucket list". I can't imagine anyone being disappointed for visiting!
(5)Shanoa M.
I've been to Varanese multiple times and have never been disappointed with the food or the service. I love that they are a "fusion" restaurant and offer a variety of different types of foods and try to combine various cooking point of views to come up with newer, fresh takes on food. It really is a restaurant that can cater to all food pallets and anyone could easily find something they like. The restaurant itself is pretty cool. They have sliding glass walls that they open up in warmer weather so you get the effect of eating outside even if you are still technically covered by a roof. They also have a back area that is more dimly light and a little bit more romantic. Often times you will find live music being played and they even have themed music nights. I find it difficult to order something from their ordinary menu because their specials are always so wonderful. I have had the bourbon barrel pork chop with au gratin potatoes and apple bacon jam, beef tips and tortellini, cheese and hummus plate, and chocolate lava cake from their normal menu- all of which were exquisite and so full of flavor. The chocolate lava cake is especially delicious and I often times found myself coming back just to get that (I used to literally pick restaurants based on if they had this dessert as it used to be a favorite of mine). On my last visit, I had the Ossobuco with zesty fried brussel sprouts and the au gratin potatoes as a side and pulled pork empanadas that came with pickled peaches and a barbecue sauce- both on that nights "specials" list. The empanadas were the perfect combination of savory from the pork and sweet from the barbecue sauce perfected by a small punch of acidity from the pickled peaches. The Ossobuco was slow cooked beef shank (think pot roast like but with a bone) smothered in a delicious gravy-textured sauce that tasted like it was a reduction of wine and tomatoes. My only complaint would be that about half of what was put on my plate was inedible pure fat, but that is expected from the cut of meat. There was still plenty to eat though and I left feeling satisfied by both the taste of the food and amount I was given. Varanese is a great local place to go if you are wanting a nicer dining experience and cool atmosphere. There regular menu items are on par with what you would order at your typical steak house type of restaurant and entrees on their special menu are generally 30+ but for the quality of food that is provided it is will worth it.
(4)Mitch J.
What a delightful meal. All of the ingredients were fresh, the preparation proper, the selections delicious, with great service, great spirits, and great friends. Thanks. This was our first visit to the New Lou!
(5)Paul W.
Excellent meal. I had the baked brie: excellent. For the main course, I had the ribeye steak. Quite possibly the best I have ever had. A wonderful experience. Will be back when I am in Louisville.
(5)Anastasia A.
Jazz nightly! Good lighting and lively bar. Romantic dining area with huge water feature wall, very sophisticated but also not too stuffy. The staff here is amazing, always on point no matter how busy. On Sunday evenings, appetizers are half off. I like to sit in the bar area and watch sports late nite or chat with friends. I also go by myself frequently and have a great time- it is safe, clean, friendly...and parking close by. Recently, I got the Brie which was heavenly. They have some mini sliders of pork on a sweet potato biscuit that literally melts in your mouth, paired with apple butter. Yum! This is one of the better spots in Louisville for many reasons.
(5)Megan A.
Varanese is a wonderful restaurant. I've been here twice now. Once for one of their dinner events and once to try out the bar for some half priced wine and appetizers. Both times have been phenomonal. The service is wonderful; they are helpful, knowledgeable, and efficient. The bartender we had was very helpful in choosing new wines. My friend and I had an assortment of appetizers, including the cheese and hummus plate, the crab and avocado, and one of their daily salads. The crab and avocado stuffed appetizer is one of the best appetizers I've had. I will definitely be back to continue trying their selection of wines and their wonderful cuisine.
(5)Steve R.
It's very difficult for my wife and I to go to dinner and both say wow. Every time we eat here that's about what we say. I usually start with the Caesar salad with anchovies. It's very good and what makes it unique is the fried polenta croutons...a must try if you like Caesar salad. We had a lot of the appetizers but usually start with the cheese and hummus plate. Hummus olives feta cheese fondue pearl onion jam all delicious. I usually get a special and side of brussel sprouts. The last time was a filet with a potato bacon hash and WOW was it good. Steak was spot on temp wise which is my biggest pet peeve so bravo! Flavor was amazing rarely would I ever say may less bacon but I got skittle fatigued with the bacon hash towards the end. Try one of the deserts if you have room but rarely do we get the opportunity given how much we end up eating. My favorite thing however is the atmosphere. It's a small quaint restaurants but you never feel crammed. And the atmosphere is great for good conversation. The live jazz just puts it over the top!
(5)Jenny J.
Delicious pork chop, sweet potato biscuit and pulled pork, ky sweet tea. Loved the French toast dessert. Liked the bread pudding dessert however the actual bread pudding bit (there's also ice cream and toffee crumbles etc) is very very small.
(4)Ashley P.
This was our choice for Prom night dinner and I was not disappointed. My boyfriend and I were the "foodies" of the group and were so excited to come here. The staff was more than accommodating for our 18 person group and treated us no differently than the other diners. We ordered the Stuffed chicken Roulade and I cannot tell you how delicious this was. The chicken was so tender and THE GLAZE!! So good! And the mashed potatoes were excellent also. We ordered the molten cake for dessert and we loved it. My boyfriend and I came back on our own a few weeks later and i ordered the same thing and once again I was not disappointed. Would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting louisville. Hopefully this place will still be around when I'm getting married later in life.. I would love for the chef to cook for my wedding!
(5)Lisa Nash M.
This restaurant exceeded our expectations for dinner and entertainment! It was about a $10 cab ride from downtown (4th street area). We arrived to a beautiful, sliding glass open front restaurant, complete with a wall of water falling. The wait staff was outstanding. Two live jazz artists played tasteful music on the patio which is a regular even there. We were also treated to a Kentucky Derby hat/dress table side fashion show. It was fantastic and supported other local businesses. The food was amazing. I got the NY strip and my friend got the salmon. The steak was quite large and sides were different (beans, brussel sprouts). It was all gluten free and delicious. My friend had the salmon which was delicious. Half off bottles of wine were awesome! (On Wednesdays). I highly recommend this restaurant! I will be back.
(5)Doug M.
I went to this restaurant because a past girlfriend of mine from the "west side" of London (Kensington) was half English and half Varanese. I certainly love English food, so I thought I'd give Varanese food a try. Who knew that pork sliders were Varanese!! I sure didn't. The bartender, Rory, was wonderful and notably spoke English, which came in handy because I was without my past girlfriend.... But I think regardless of what language you speak, Varanese should be spoken at dinner!
(5)Amanda C.
Varanese never disappoints. Even when ordered to go it is delicious. The bourbon barrel pork chop with the potatoes au gratin is easily one of my favorite meals in town. Tonight I tried the pulled pork on sweet potato biscuits as an appetizer {a lot of pork, right?}. The biscuits had apple butter on them as well. These were just as you could imagine... Sweet, savory, and full of flavor. The appetizer portion comes with 3, but they put a good amount of pork on them. The fried green tomato salad is also a crowd pleaser - Bibb lettuce, goat cheese, and the most perfectly crisp fried green tomatoes - what more could you ask for? Going to Varanese during the summer can make you feel like you're on vacation if you sit on the patio while they have live music. With reasonable prices for the quality of food, Varanese has become a favorite! We were so excited about our food that we forgot to take pictures!
(5)Michael T.
My girlfriend and I LOVE this place. It's classy, not too loud, and the food never disappoints. It's always perfectly prepared, well-presented, and reasonably priced. The owner and head chef is extremely friendly, and always willing to accommodate reasonable requests. We had a member of our party who has severe food allergies, and he easily accommodated her with a dish that was delicious and reasonably priced. Varanese also hosts many special wine dinners and other events. We have been to a few of these, and they are always memorable and well put together. Parking can be a problem, as the lot is very small, but there is plenty of parking available along Frankfort Avenue and a few nearby side streets if you don't mind a short walk.
(5)Bruce E.
this has to be one of the best restaurants in all of louisville. The food is wonderful, the atmosphere is inviting, the staff are very helpful. The live music really adds a touch of class to this place.
(5)Michele B.
As usual, Outstanding service. Got reservations last minute for new years eve for a party of 5 with one in a wheelchair!. Server "Jay" recognized our car and assisted my elderly mother in the restaurant, even though he wasnt to be our server that night. Manager David checked on my family 3 times at length to make sure all was well. Chef Varanese also checked in on us 3 times. Bartender Rory "the gold standard" noticed we ordered a reisling we dont usually drink- and made the waiter aware that our usual favorite was available. They actually stock our favorite, even though it's not on the menu. Meals beyond fabulous. Service impeccable. Entire Restaurant ran like clock work, even though it was new years eve. They had over 400 seatings, a record, and never missed a beat. wow, what can I say?? Perfection at it best, as always. Michele and Dan Broderick
(5)Steve I.
Excellent meal- outstanding service! Worth every penny of our hard earned wages. See you next year
(4)Lena H.
I have been wanting to try this restaurant for some time now, and when I saw the menu for the Against the Grain beer dinner, I immediately made reservations. First course was low country beer boil with shrimp, corn on the cob, house-made sausage, marbled potatoes, and pearl onions. Great meal to start off the night. The sausage had a great casing. Second course was flatbread with slow roasted pork, smoked gouda, creamy slaw, BBQ sauce, and fried onion straws. This was my husband's and my favorite dish. Everything worked in harmony to produce such an amazing dish. Third course was beer braised short ribs with roasted carrot puree, charred brocolini, cauliflower and potato au gratin with a rich pan sauce. Another great dish. I have to say they did a very great job on this dish and the beer they paired it with. For dessert, we had a chocolate and caramel cookie bar topped with pretzel crumble and sea salt with marshmallow creme and fresh raspberries. My only complaint with dessert is that my husband got a bigger portion of the cookie than I did. We had such a wonderful dining experience. Chef Varanese did an excellent job on creating dishes that paired with the Against the Grain beers. The staff was very attentive, but not overpowering. I cannot wait to go back and try their regular menu.
(5)Quyet L.
Very good food with good portions at a reasonable price. The service was excellent. Live music fostered a lovely ambiance. I'd recommend this to others.
(5)Shayla F.
I really enjoyed the food and drinks! I had a Wildberries martini (very good), grape leaves for an appetizer (again very good) and the the pan seared cod for dinner. Everyone that worked there was super friendly (from the hostess stand to the guy pouring my water to the waiter). This restaurant can seem a little pricy (compared to other restaurants in the Louisville area), but you get what you pay for, and it's well worth it! A really great dining experience overall!!
(5)Greg S.
Varanese is a very nice restaurant on Frankfort Avenue. I didn't know much about it until my friends suggested that we go there for a nice occasion. It was a great time! The service was very solid. They always checked in with us without being pushy and were very attentive. The food was great. I had a pumpkin beer soup to start, which is just as good as it sounds! I had never heard of such a soup, but when I saw it on the menu I knew that I had to get it. Two of my other friends got it too and we all loved it. For the main course, I got the bourbon barrel smoked pork chop. It was very good. One of my friends got the same and also enjoyed it. My other two friends enjoyed their meals as well. It's a high end restaurant, but it's worth it. The ambience was nice, but to me there was no WOW factor making me super eager to go back. Good food, good service and I had a good time, so chances are I'll go back at some point, but I likely won't go out of my way to make it happen.
(4)Miranda W.
We had a wonderful experience at Varanese. The place was comfortable, there was nice music - not too loud that we couldn't hear each other. The staff was friendly and our waiter seemed to be a mind reader as he anticipated our needs before we could ask for anything. Most importantly, the food was phenomenal. We started with a appetizer consisting of fried cheese and artichokes, it arrived quickly and melted in your mouth. The entrees were hot and fresh as they came to the table. I can't recommend the pork chop and fried brussels sprouts enough. We will definitely be back again.
(5)Greta S.
Went there on a Tuesday night and the place wasn't full but it wasn't empty either. The staff was exceptional (especially Felicity, a bar tender); always on hand discreetly to ask about another wine, more water, a touch of something else. They know the wine and the food and explain it easily. "Not many tannins, crisp with a touch of grapefruit...". The live music was low and pleasant and we were seated right next to the musical duo. This would be a five star review but the food simply under performs--routinely. It's not our first time at Varanese. The crab cake sandwich was bland and cooked a little too long with black spots; the sea bass had to be sent back; pasta with chicken just sat on the plate; the burger was nothing special. The brussels sprouts were exceptional and the bread pudding was fabulous. The flourless chocolate cake not bad either. We could talk and hear each other so the evening was a success. Just wish the food was as clean and crisp as the white wine!
(4)Crystal L.
A good place to enjoy your meal! Love the Honey butter fish with pecan, Awesome One. People who like a pretty sweet flavour must try this!
(4)Francesca H.
This is a great environment if your looking for a place you can bring your kids and have a classy evening id choose here. I've tried many things on this menu and have been here many times. I love this resturant and you should too. Check it out.
(5)Ben R.
The ambiance of Varanese is certainly one of the better places in Louisville. The decor was very eclectic and having the ability for an open-air dining area is always a plus in the Spring and Summer months. For having such a nice place that has been highly recognized, we were really disappointed with the wine list. I wouldn't say that we are wine snobs but we know our wines and were just disappointed. However, when in Rome......Drink Bourbon! While a few in our party were disappointed with their food, my entree had a beautiful presentation and was a solid performer. I am not a fan of Au Gratin Potatoes but my server talked me into giving them a try (I did order a side of grits). Nevertheless, I am still not a fan of Au Gratin and am happy I ordered the extra side. I suppose my biggest disappointment came from our service. Our server was very friendly and polite, however, she did not check in with our table nearly enough. It took nearly 15 minutes to get a Woodford Double Barrel neat drink and she never checked back in with me to see if I needed another drink. I should have said something because I would have enjoyed a couple more but I think I was more peeved that she never asked. Like I said, the food was solid, a great ambiance but I think I would look for another restaurant before returning here again.
(3)Ray W.
Wonderful food for all courses with hearty fare - the lamb and lentil soup was a meal in itself. Excellent Beef Tips, Chicken Ravioli, and Flat Iron Steak. The live music was skillful and set a great mood but the volume was restrained so conversation was easy. We will be back soon!
(5)Danielle M.
Loved this place, dinner with friends last night was delicious! I had the shrimp bisque to start & citrus & bourbon glazed salmon with cream cheese grits! Hubby had the leg of lamb which I wish I had tried it looked good! Service was superb too which is half the experience! We will def be back as we wanted to try everything on the menu!
(4)Victoria T.
The service at Varanese is always stellar without feeling contrived. Sexy Beast and I truly feel welcome to drop in any time for supper. The level of service does not vary based on attire, either. We've been treated like royalty in yoga pants at Varanese. The Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pork Chop is absolutely fantastic. It is cut thick so come hungry. The flavor is exquisite. The gratin potatoes that accompany the chop are equally delicious and abundant. Sexy Beast has ordered multiple items on the menu and is always impressed. I stick with the Pork Chop. I'm loyal that way. On multiple occasions, I've demanded that Sexy Beast drive us over to Varanese at 11:00pm so that I can have the Mocha Creme Brulee and a cocktail. He loves me so he does it. We'll sit at the bar, have dessert, and chat with the other patrons. The bartenders are friendly and inviting and the Mocha Creme Brulee is nirvana in a ramekin.
(5)