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

Varanese

4.7
4.7
4640 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 32 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 4,640 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 "wonderful service" and "excellent food" that make it a beloved choice for special occasions. The "live music" adds a delightful atmosphere, though it can be loud. Notable dishes include the "turduckin," "shrimp and grits," and "bourbon-glazed salmon." A "must dine at" in Louisville!

4,640 Reviews
  1. Bridgette

    VIP

    Indiana

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was incredible and service was outstanding. Perfect place to reunite with friends.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Tanya

    San Francisco

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My hubby and I enjoy our date night every time we dine here. The smoked salmon over pasta with goat cheese cream sauce is amazing. The baked chicken was tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Compliments to the chef! The three jazz band is always a lovely addition. Thank you to everyone for another special date night.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Stephanie

    Louisville

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great all around! We will definitely be back. Especially love the music in the background.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Angela

    VIP

    Orlando

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Varanese is our go to weekend restaurant. We brought some friends with us from out of town so we wanted to have a conversation but the noise level was rather high making conversation difficult. Tia was our server and she did an awesome job. Our drinks and food were fantastic as always.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Marla

    Louisville

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great atmosphere! Food was yummy- Brie appetizer and grilled romaine with steak.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Casey

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and we had a wonderful server. They even decorated the table for a birthday.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Fred

    Louisville

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 5, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great service, good food. We will be back! Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Dana

    VIP

    Louisville

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on January 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Loved the food. Noise level was high causing you to shout to speak at a table of two. I do think this was because of a couple of tables with loud really loud people. Will go back

    Is this helpful?

  9. Patti

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waiter Drew was great! Everyone enjoyed their dinner! Varanese did not disappoint!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Anthony

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was wonderful, as always. Salmon and pork chop were superb! Took a little extra time to get water refills, but it was a holiday!

    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 4640 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 32 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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