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  5. Frankfort Ave - Crescent Hill
Varanese, Louisville, KY

Varanese

4.7
4.7
4626 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 20 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for live music
Varanese settled in Louisville because of its successful independent dining scene, and he believes that the people of Louisville will appreciate fresh ingredients, prepared with a creative flair and a culturally diverse menu. Varanese’s eclectic menu boasts an array of options from stuffed grape leaves, and fried green tomato salad, to new signature entrées: the seared boneless pork chop, and caramelized orange salmon. Finish with a fried banana accompanied by a house-made oatmeal cookie dough ice cream dessert. This New American style restaurant will comfortably seat 150 guests between its bar, dining room and four seasons patio. The four seasons patio of Varanese is an addition to the building, which has a dramatic 20-foot slate water wall. The space is enclosed by a serpentine of glass doors, which retract to offer an outdoor dining experience. Varanese is located at 2106 Frankfort Ave. in the Historic Clifton neighborhood

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm - 12:00pm Christmas Eve 11am-10pm Christmas Day CLOSED New Year's Eve 4pm-12pm New Year's Day CLOSED
  • Phone number
    (502) 899-9904
  • 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

What 4,626 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Central Kentucky

    Hot spot

  • Central Kentucky

    Contemporary American

  • Louisville

    Hot spot

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Varanese offers an exceptional dining experience with "outstanding service" and "delicious food." Guests rave about the "romantic atmosphere" and live jazz music, making it perfect for special occasions. The diverse menu features standout dishes like the bourbon pork chop and shrimp and grits. A must-visit in Louisville!

4,626 Reviews
  1. Lynn

    Louisville

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a wonderful place to spend Christmas Eve! Amazing service, outstanding food, never felt rushed. A 10/10 evening

    Is this helpful?

  2. Tracie

    Louisville

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We celebrated my son’s birthday and they went out of their way to make it special.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Kevin

    Louisville

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was excellent; food quality was over the top. Unfortunately, there were a few Christmas “get togethers” and the noise level was high.

    Is this helpful?

  4. terrie

    Louisville

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a lovely time with family & friends, enjoying a fine dinner & a few drinks. The music was perfect in the background as well. Thank you for a wonderful evening.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Tommy

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 21, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We are here visiting the area and Varanese was recommended to us! It was DELICIOUS ! We had the best service too! They were very busy however though it seemed that everyone was working and helping one another out! We will definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Samuel

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 20, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Food was delicious and live music an added treat!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Joy

    VIP

    Louisville

    65 reviews

    5.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on December 20, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful service and food. The Chef is always willing to accommodate allergy needs and still create an amazing meal.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Paula

    VIP

    Louisville

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on December 20, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everyone was very attentive (manager, bartender,waitress) and welcoming. Food, of course, is fantastic. We love the jazz.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Eric

    VIP

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 18, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Go to restaurant for everything! Rory is the best in the biz!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Sheila

    VIP

    Louisville

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on December 15, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Varanese is one of Louisville’s restaurants that never lets us down. We shared the yummy Brussels sprouts as an appetizer. The salmon and pork chops were both delicious. Our server was excellent and the manager came by to check on us during our meal.

    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 4626 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 20 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
    (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.
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