Residing in the heart of Philadelphia’s Center City, Varalli Restaurant reflects the elegance and artistry of its Avenue of the Arts location. A dining destination for over 24 years, Varalli Restaurant is conveniently located within a few blocks of the Convention Center, major hotels, theaters and arts venues. This restaurant boasts playful decorative accents that give each dining room the distinction of a chic gallery featuring whimsical oceanic sculptural details and a unique illuminated glass fusion mosaic. The menu’s Northern Italian and Mediterranean-style seafood dishes are works of art in their own rights and promise flavorful distractions.
"Well prepared, fresh Italian cuisine. Wild mushroom soup a bit bland. Homemade pastas very good. Swordfish perfectly cooked. Slightly pricey but not out of line for location. Excellent service made pre-theater meal a pleasure. Recommended."
Dined on 5/18/2013
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"Varalli's has been a favorite of mine over the years. During this visit I thoroughly enjoyed the Veal Piccanta and my friend enjoyed the Salmon with Leeks and Asparagus.. We shared a Flat Bread of Mozzarella, Roasted Tomato and Basil, the dough of which I thought was a little too heavy for flatbread. The atmosphere and service is always pleasant and excellent. We just wish we had room for desert!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"there was a gathering of a group at the bar which made the noise level extremely high...very unusual for varalli's. always crowds but this was a large energetic group of conventioneers. love the ambience and service and gr8 food...no duck this time but lotsa good fish and veal. our fav place...."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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"Had a great meal and great service. Were seated in a nice booth and received a complimentary glass of champagne for our anniversary. And always convenient to the Kimmel."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, special occasion
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"going to a concert. Service was exceptional as well as the food. Shrimp d' avlo and sea bass after a wonderful calamari. Perfect for pre-concert dining."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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"My wife and I have been dining at Varalli for 10 years now. I can honestly say that we have never had a bad experience there.The quality of the meals, the presentation, and service are all outstanding. This has been consistent all of the years we have eaten here. I would recommend the Bucatini Di Granchio, Lobster Ravioli, or the Shrimp Fra Diavlo. Get the Crab Coacktail for an appetizer.The staff at Varalli make you feel at home. From the welcome from George, the maitre d', to Karl at the bar (creative drinks. Try a chocolate martini.), to Eddie, our favorite waiter, all are friendly and knowledgable. The location is excellent for Center City shows,and we are always asked if we're going to a show so our meal is served in a timely manner."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Five of us returned here for dinner.We haven't been back here for several months opting to try-out other"hot" places in town.When we arrived there were three parties ahead of us,yet within five minutes the Maitre d' recognized us and warmly greeted us by name!He promptly led us to "our table" by the window where we had been seated on prior visits and where we could enjoy "people watching" on the sidewalk.Our professional, efficient server arrived to take our drink orders and describe the menu changes and the specials including their prices.Our food items were appropriately placed without asking "who gets the pickled chicken feet?" The oysters were etheral, veal piccata superb, and moist, flavorful roast chicken. What's not to like?!"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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"Place was empty on a Saturday night, that was our first clue. The service was fine, but the food was mediocre at best. I got the braised short ribs over " risotto" but it tasted like something out of my crockpot. This place is way over priced for the poor quality food :("
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
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"We've never had a bad meal here. We usually go here before a show and they are great about getting you out on time. The staff is wonderful - from the moment you are greeted till you walk out the door. The waiter Steve is perfect. Go with his recommendations.The decor can seem a little "odd" but if you're going for the food you won't be disappointed. Try the Tasting Menue - all the choices are terrific and portion size is perfect. The only thing I would not recommend is the lobster ravioli - a bit tough/over cooked. This is a great place. The menue will surprise you. Highly recommend it."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Very accommodating and friendly staff and good food! Great spot for a nice Italian dinner before catching a show at the Academy of Music which is just a few steps away."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2012
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",Ceaser salad was only fair. My entree was very good, my wifes was only fair. Very little crab and lobster, mainly pasta. We have beenthere many times and have had much better meals there. The desserts were excellent. Mort Rubinstein"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Great atmosphere. Great location for pre-show dining. Waitstaff was sensitive and accommodating for timing needs to make the show on time. AND the food was fantastic - subtle & tasty flavors - everything cooked to perfection and pleasing to the eye. I would highly recommend it."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2010
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"With such high prices, I would expect a high end, authentic Italian experience. Need table cloths at least for supper or evening meals, need center pieces on each table-even if just a simple, small flower in a vase, pasta should be al dente (not overcooked, soft). The Creme Brule for dessert was not sufficiently chilled more was the glazed sugar set so it can be cracked when spooned.
I lived in Italy for several years and paid one fourth for four times the authenticity of an Italian meal. Go to Italy if you must to understand how and why Varalli's experience is lacking. This was my first time in Varalli's and I spent $100.00. There is no incentive to return.
Positives: The Veal Piccante was good. The restaurant is across from the th"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
Special Features: special occasion
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"Waiter Steve was excellent, though we generally have, and love, Eddy. George, maitre d', was welcoming, as usual. Everything was as we have come to expect, excellent in every way. We eat at no other restaurant as regularly as we do at this one! With reason!"
Dined on 03/26/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"We always have a great time at Varalli's, whether it's a romantic dinner or a double date. Steve, our server, was wonderful! Helpful and pleasant, never intrusive."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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"Interesting appetizing specials. Fun decor. Met neighbors there. Great ore theatre spot. Waiter conscious & attentive to show time. Drink specials smooth. Pork medallions yummy!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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"Varalli's is terrific. This was our first time there, and it couldn't have been better. Every part of the meal was excellent - from the appetizer, to the soup, the salad, the main courses and the desserts. Scrumptious, well prepared, and well presented. Service was great, ambience was very nice, and location on Philly's Avenue of the Arts makes it quite convenient to the theaters.
Being a Lenten Friday, my wife and I both had seafood - she the wild salmon, myself the sea bass. Both were very tasty, well prepared, moist, and flavorful. I would recommend Varalli's to anyone withou a moment's hesitation."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"We enjoyed our dinner. The atmosphere was cozy and relaxing. We specially enjoyed the calamari, the beet salad as well as the sea bass. The mixed drinks were all done and the wine selection good. The service was friendly. We'll definitely go back."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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"We have been here before and this was the best yet. We had an attentive waiter. We had delicious entrees,desserts, and sides. We had enough time for a great meal with friends and still went to the Philadelphia Orchestra concert on time."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Varalli is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is always scrumptious and the service quite pleasant and always attentive. New menu changes are always great. Number one on my list!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We were looking for a nice dinner after a show.Varalli was outstanding!! Great food and atmosphere and the service was also very good. We will go back again and this will be one of our "go to" restaurants in Philly! You won't be disappointed!,"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
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"I had dinner there before show at Acadamy of Music.It is right across the street and easy walk.Lovley setting.Wait staff was helpful and knew the menu well.I had Lamb shank with polenta(meat fell off the bone),ceaser salad and creme brulle for dessert.All were great.My friend had the short rib on farro looked yummy. Love to go back."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"We thoroughly enjoyed dining at Varalli. It was a wonderful spot considering we were headed to a show at the Academy of Music. Our server was just adorable, so sweet, attentive and conscious of our time frame. My only objection was being denied a circular booth considering many we're available when we arrived. I did not like being seated in the back room. It does not hold a candle to the atmosphere in the rest of the restaurant."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"Our group of five was give a great round table by the window and near the fun bar area. The cape was salad was good and the branzino was excellent. The bread was delicious. I will definitely return."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups
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"Great choice for "before show" dinner. A bit on the pricey side, $55 per person without alcohol. They do a great job of getting you your complete meal with plenty of time to get to your show."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2007
Special Features: special occasion
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"The service was excellent. I thought the food was just OK. I had a ceasar salad and seafood risotto. The ceasar I was not a fan of at all. I like when the dressing is homemade and thicker. I don't like, runny dressing. Also the risotto was Ok but it had too many calamari pieces. The focaccia bread served was excellent. The next time I go back I would like to try the flatbreads. The other company I was with really enjoyed their dinners. They had lobster ravioli and the bucatini dish."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups
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"Food was outstanding. Great atmosphere. There with a party of six. Everybody loved what they ordered. The tasting menu looked great but were told needed two hours for that and we had a show to go to. We have tickets for another show in the city and would like to plan on eating here again for the tasting menu."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot
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"I thought the restaurant was just ok. We had not eaten there for many years. Some of us really enjoyed our dinner, others did not. The prices were also quite high. Of course the location is excellent as we have season tickets to the Kimmel. I do not know if we will return."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2007
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This was my 6th time to Varalli and I think it might be my last. The previous vists were above average in all regards.
The rabbit on the Rabbit flatbread was dry, tough and just plain bad. Rabbit is juicy and sweet, what the heck happened? We did not have enough time to have the meal corrected / returned without missing to show. The meal sat unfinished except for the one slice that was tasted. The server, who was very pleasant never asked or even seemed concerned as to way the meal was untouched.
This was my 6th time to Varalli and I think it might be my last. The previous vists were above average in all regards.
Sorry Varalli, there are just too many better options out there."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2005
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