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    Varanese

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    321 reviews
    #20 of 1,527 Restaurants in Louisville
    $$$$, American, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly
    2106 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206-2002
    +1 502-899-9904
    Website
    Menu
    Closed Now:See all hours
    All photos (43)
    All photos (43)
    Certificate of Excellence
    Reserve a Table
    Thu, 1/24
    8:00 PM
    2

    Ratings and reviews

    4.5 321 reviews
    #20 of 1,527 Restaurants in Louisville, Kentucky
    Certificate of Excellence2015 - 2018 Winner
    RATINGS
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere

    Food and ambience

    Local cuisine, American, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly
    ... smoked pork chop, mushroom risotto,...Had the 16oz ribeye.
    Special occasions, Romantic, Bar scene, Business meetings
    I highly recommend whether a couples dining experience or special occasion.... incredibly delicious bourbon cocktail.

    Location and contact

    2106 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206-2002
    Website
    Email
    +1 502-899-9904

    Menu

    APPETIZERS‏
    $10
    baked brie
    Baked Brie wrapped in puff pastry served w/ bourbon caramel, toasted pecans & sliced apples.
    $12
    cheese & hummus plate
    feta cheese queso, fontina cheese, pearl onion jam, roasted garlic hummus & crispy flat bread.
    $8
    crispy beef tenderloin meatballs
    topped w/ diced tomatoes, red grapes, cucumbers, red onions, & feta cheese in a curry-yogurt sauce.
    $12
    fried calamari
    crispy fried calamari tossed w/ assorted peppers accompanied w/ sweet chili sauce & citrus ponzu
    $10
    stuffed crab avocado
    lump crab stuffed fried avocado w/ pico de gallo & a roasted jalapeno creme fraiche
    $8
    cheese spheres
    mozzarella, spinach & artichoke cheese spheres lightly fried, served w/ a tomato- herb dipping sauce.
    $9
    bbq duck confit eggrolls
    crispy fried‏ duck confit & cabbage egg roll w/ bbq aioli.
    $8
    pulled pork & sweet potato biscuit
    slow roasted pulled pork served on sweet potato biscuits finished w/ apple butter
    serves two $15
    serves four $25
    assorted charcuterie plate
    chef erik’s‏ assortment of house-cured salumi & artisan cheese.
    $32
    appetizer platter
    appetizer platter of lump crab stuffed fried avocado, pork biscuits, stuffed grape leaves & cheese spheres.
    SOUPS SALADS
    $7
    anchovies $+2
    crispy romaine salad
    crispy romaine lettuce tossed w/ a creamy roasted garlic parmesan dressing topped w/ fried polenta croutons
    $9
    pistachio encrusted goat cheese
    warm pistachio encrusted goat cheese served over baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, grape tomatoes, cucumber & red onion w/ a tomato-balsamic vinaigrette
    $7
    candied pecan & apple salad
    candied pecan, granny smith apple, & sun-dried cranberries tossed w/ mixed baby lettuce & caramelized onion vinaigrette
    $8
    fried green tomato salad
    fried green tomato & bibb salad drizzled w/ buttermilk dressing, crumbled goat cheese & crispy prosciutto garnish
    cup $5
    bowl $8
    curried lamb & lentil soup
    curried lamb & lentil soup
    ENTREES‏
    $26
    slow braised lamb shank
    with a creamy potato, parmesan, & caramelized leek hash & braised collard greens finished w/ a natural pan sauce.
    $20
    pecan encrusted california white bass
    pecan encrusted california white bass atop molasses whipped sweet potatoes finished w/ a honey jalapeno butter sauce.
    $18
    chef john’s personalized vegetarian dish
    created w/‏ seasonal & local ingredients.
    $20
    gulf shrimp & grits
    butter poached gulf shrimp w/ sharp cheddar & chive grits finished w/ a spicy tasso gravy.
    $32
    grilled certified angus beef tenderloin*
    with roasted garlic whipped potatoes topped w/ a smoked bacon jam.
    $28
    certified angus strip steak
    Grilled strip steak served w/ rich creamy white beans w/ pancetta, zesty fried Brussels sprouts & natural reduction.
    $12
    “v” burger
    char grilled grass fed beef topped w/ smoked mozzarella, crispy prosciutto & chef john’s v-12 sauce. served w/ house made chips.
    $13
    crab cake sandwich
    seared lump crab cake topped w/ a spicy slaw & horseradish spread on a toasted brioche bun. served w/ house-made chips.
    $19
    bourbon barrel smoked pork chop
    spice rubbed bourbon barrel smoked boneless pork chop topped w/ an apple-bacon chutney served w/ gratin potato
    $18
    beef tips & tortellini
    sauteed beef tips & tortellini tossed in a rich gorgonzola cream sauce, baby spinach, grape tomatoes & toasted pine nuts topped w/ crispy prosciotto
    DESSERTS
    $12
    assorted cheese & fruit plate
    daily selection.
    $7
    brioche french toast
    Custard-fried brioche French toast topped w/ candied bacon, sugared pecans, peanut butter powder, bourbon maple syrup, & caramel sea salt ice cream.
    $7
    bread pudding
    toffee-marshmallow bread pudding & bourbon caramel sauce served w/ salted caramel ice cream.
    $6
    small bites
    small assorted tasting
    $7
    mocha creme brulee
    mocha creme brulee, rich custard w/ a candied top accompanied by a warm chocolate & caramel-filled praline
    $8
    chocolate lava cake
    warm, gooey chocolate lava cake served w/ vanilla bean ice cream
    small scoop $2
    large scoop $4
    ice cream
    COFFEE‏
    $4
    cappuccino
    $6
    french press
    red hot roasters certified organic coffee
    $3.5
    espresso
    Show full menu
    DetailsImprove this listing
    About
    Varanese Restaurant is located in the historic Clifton neighborhood and features an eclectic menu of New American Cuisine using local organic products, prepared by Owner/Chef John Varanese. The restaurant opened in 2007 and has recently completed a renovation and can comfortably seat 150 guests between its bar, dining room and four seasons patio. Open 7 days a week - Sunday through Thursday from 5:00pm to 11:00pm, and Friday and Saturday 5:00pm to midnight.
    PRICE RANGE
    $10 - $28
    Special Diets
    Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
    Meals
    Dinner
    CUISINES
    American
    FEATURES
    Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Accepts Credit Cards
    Reviews (321)
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    Show reviews that mention
    All reviews pork chop bruschetta scallops sea bass fries burger live jazz jazz trio angel hair dining experience bourbon barrel special occasion birthday dinner fine dining monday night wonderful food great menu
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    1 - 10 of 319 reviews
    Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile
    Nice Dinner Date Night

    My wife and I thought we would try Varanese before our Broadway show for a nice dinner date. We were seated quickly and the server was quick to get our drink order. The decor is nice although I would prob kill the Christmas lights hanging...More

    Date of visit: January 2019
    Thank seabiff
    Reviewed 3 weeks ago
    Delightful Spot-Perfect for Date Night or Business Dinners

    I have now been to Varanese for both a date night and a business dinner and I can say this lovely restaurant delivers on both, which is rare. The atmosphere is romantic, but not so much that you feel awkward at business events. The menu...More

    Date of visit: May 2018
    Thank Shannon A
    Reviewed December 19, 2018 via mobile
    Not too fussy with great food

    We stumbled into this place by accident and were really pleased. Great wine list and cocktails and some of the best seafood I have ever had, in a landlocked city. Salmon was great and special Hawaiian ono on grits was even better. Service and atmosphere...More

    Date of visit: December 2018
    1  Thank johnmV7204KW
    Reviewed December 16, 2018
    Delightful find!

    It was just down the street from our Airbnb; it wasn't busy on a Monday night but we got reservations ahead of time just in case. The alcoholic drinks were potent but good. We enjoyed the appetizer; my smoked pork entrée was literally 2" thick...More

    Date of visit: December 2018
    1  Thank Glentanahome
    Reviewed December 12, 2018
    Mid week still nice

    No music until Thurs-Sat. Descent bar drink. Somewhat noisy in restaurant area with table of six trying to hear each other. Food very tasty--loved the duck. Service outstanding. A lovely night at a top notch restaurant.

    Date of visit: December 2018
    Thank AwesomeladyUS
    Reviewed December 5, 2018 via mobile
    Great food, service, and ambience

    Varanese is a top restaurant in a city with # top restaurants. Can't go wrong. The eclect ic mix of appetizers and Entrees has something for everyone. Desserts are fantastic!

    Date of visit: December 2018
    Thank larryzigerelli
    Reviewed November 16, 2018
    Good Food! Awful Service!

    Management was more concerned with the drunk women and their fashion show. Not the Dinning Out for Life patrons.

    Date of visit: November 2018
    Thank Scenic774051
    Reviewed November 11, 2018 via mobile
    Romantic & Delicious!

    Perfect for a date night! Live music, fancy atmosphere. We loved the crab stuffed avocado appetizer - so different from anything we’ve ever had before! Yum! The salmon and mashed potatoes were delicious! We wouldn’t recommend the Mac n cheese - it was the only...More

    Date of visit: November 2018
    Thank 71tiffanys
    Reviewed November 10, 2018
    Lovely

    These people know their business. The atmosphere is comfortable and romantic. There is a first rate live jazz ensemble playing every night. The food is imaginative and very well prepared. The only dish that ever put me off was the antelope tartar that appeared on...More

    Date of visit: November 2018
    Thank William M
    Reviewed October 31, 2018
    Really wanted to like Varanese, but .... it didn't happen!

    We were very disappointed in our experience at Varanese this past Monday night. There were a number items that left us disappointed. These include ordering the Rib Eye special to be told the restaurant only had 5 steaks and the table behind us ordered them...More

    Date of visit: October 2018
    Thank 716kenc
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    Questions & Answers
    Ask a question
    See all 6 questions
    blessedRN85
    February 28, 2017|
    Answer
    Response from Randy B | Property representative |
    Yes, we have live music from the Jeff Sherman Trio every night of the week.
    0
    Votes
    Dee S
    December 23, 2016|
    Answer
    Response from Randy B | Property representative |
    We do not have a children's menu but the chef can create something kid friendly upon request!
    0
    Votes
    MirandaWatson
    November 24, 2015|
    AnswerShow all 3 answers
    Response from Randy B | Property representative |
    There is not a gluten free menu, but chef can accommodate any requests. Thanks!
    0
    Votes
    12
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