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Vareli Reviews List
Vareli
From the owners of Westside Markets comes this new and exciting restaurant and wine bar on the upper west side of Manhattan. Two floors of dining replete with a fireplace and outdoor garden patio are complemented by a bold Mediterranean menu and world class wines.
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119 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 119 reviews
5 stars
(35)
4 stars
(64)
3 stars
(14)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(79)
- fit for foodies(52)
- notable wine list(25)
- romantic(24)
- vibrant bar scene(21)
- special occasion(15)
Vareli Reviews List
Review 1 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very nice experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I ate here with 2 women and we all enjoyed our meals. The presentation was very nice. We will be back again."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Perfect Friday night dinner!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was our first time to Vareli, (my bf, me and my friend from out of town), I had a delicious "hot cider" drink with Bourbon, the boys had wine, we had pot'o mussels (not very many mussels but good), Asparagus salad (yuM!), soup of the day (tomato bisque?!) the chicken liver and the rack of lamb!
Great restaurant, good service, I especially like the decore and the architecture of the building! Great find!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 3 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Great food; Poor service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food - when it arrived - was great. Flavorful and tasty.
We arrived a bit late and were greeted by a friendly staff with table ready. It took a while to get menus. Apps finally came - the spreads were delicious, but for a group of six, 4 pieces of bread seemed a bit of a miss. The manager (?) turned the lights down and when asking for them to be raised a little, replied the mgt wanted it that way. A large man, he then proceeded to go back and forth behind the table repeatedly knocking into one of our party, making sure not to disturb the 3 men behind us cursing loudly at the otherwise empty bar. Waited about 15 minutes to order desert while the otherwise pleasant waiter was texing at the bar. Had to go get him..."
We arrived a bit late and were greeted by a friendly staff with table ready. It took a while to get menus. Apps finally came - the spreads were delicious, but for a group of six, 4 pieces of bread seemed a bit of a miss. The manager (?) turned the lights down and when asking for them to be raised a little, replied the mgt wanted it that way. A large man, he then proceeded to go back and forth behind the table repeatedly knocking into one of our party, making sure not to disturb the 3 men behind us cursing loudly at the otherwise empty bar. Waited about 15 minutes to order desert while the otherwise pleasant waiter was texing at the bar. Had to go get him..."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 4 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Chef Amitzur Mor departs Vareli
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was shocked to hear that Chef Amitzur Mor left Vareli. While these things happen in the restaurants all the time, Vareli is nothing without Chef Mor. I at there Monday night and everything on the menu is a shell of its former self. R.I.P. Vareli. It was a great run."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 5 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is one of our favorite
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is one of our favorite restaurants in the Columbia University area. The restaurant is on 2 level, with 2 bars and a small outside dining area upstairs. The food has a mediterranean flair and is beautifully presented. Extensive wine list. Attentive service. I highly recommend."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2006
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 6 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
very good falafel appetizer.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"very good falafel appetizer. Very good monk fish entree. very good chocolate/banana dessert"
Dined on 04/24/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Slow service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Took them almost 40 minutes to serve us lunch, even though it was not at all crowded.
The food itself was quite good."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2008
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Review 8 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great neighborhood place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The best hamburger around. Ask for the bar menu. Everything we have had on the menu has been great."
Dined on 04/11/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and excellent service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food and excellent service"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 10 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Terrific spot
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went with two friends last night. We shared the grilled octopus, cauliflower, salmon belly crudo, roasted beet salad and the duo of Hudson Valley duck. All quite wonderful, esp. the octopus (smoky and tender), salmon belly and the duck. Had a reasonably priced bottle of Barbera d'Alba and that was quite nice as well. If I could give it 4.5 stars I would - the only complaints I had were that the vegetables were a bit over-salted."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful all-around experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful all-around experience for our first visit. Will be sure to write more detail after next visit."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
beet salad is the best
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a great neighborhood place. Try the beet salad and then the duck. Good beer and wine selection."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2003
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
If you're up in the Morningside
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"If you're up in the Morningside Heights area, Vareli is a very good choice. The food was very good and the Happy Hour offers were even better. All in all, everyone in our party was happy."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
AMAZING place! AMAZING food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"AMAZING place! AMAZING food! I loved it!"
Dined on 03/18/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 15 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A diamond in the rough. Informal,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A diamond in the rough. Informal, friendly service, and excellent food at good prices."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
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Review 16 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Friendly, warm, delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"If you're in Morningside Heights, go here. It's awesome. The owners, chefs, sommeliers, etc. are all lovely. The food is delicious. It is Mediterranean fare -- that changes along with the seasons. The lobster salad is unbelievable. Also, the spreads with Turkish bread are to die for."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 17 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Get 5 star midtown and downtown
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Get 5 star midtown and downtown food quality on the UWS without breaking the bank.
The chef at Vareli is passionate and gifted making each fork full of food burst with flavor arriving on your plate with thoughtful artful display. Knowledgeable friendly staff, great happy hour prices and great beers on tap and a fairly in depth wine list that will give you many options to pare with your food. This place is a hidden gem and an emerging culinary bedrock for the UWS for years to come."
The chef at Vareli is passionate and gifted making each fork full of food burst with flavor arriving on your plate with thoughtful artful display. Knowledgeable friendly staff, great happy hour prices and great beers on tap and a fairly in depth wine list that will give you many options to pare with your food. This place is a hidden gem and an emerging culinary bedrock for the UWS for years to come."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 18 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
hidden gem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"(Third visit )
Excellent creative chef
Very fresh quality produce , original recipes with creative mixtures of ingredients and spices , vegetable dishes perfectly cooked al dente : very talented chef , good wine list , friendly staff ."
Very fresh quality produce , original recipes with creative mixtures of ingredients and spices , vegetable dishes perfectly cooked al dente : very talented chef , good wine list , friendly staff ."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great gutsy food without filagree
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great gutsy food without filagree and frou-frou. A personal favorite of an omnivorous trencherman"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 20 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We loved the food, atmosphere,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We loved the food, atmosphere, and service. Just wish we had known about the bar menu. We were there for dinner, but heard afterwards that the bar menu has a great Mediterranean dish with various spreads (hummus, tzatziki, etc.), with Turkish bread. Wish we had known about it so we could have ordered it. We had the falafel plate, and pastas, which all were delicious. My recommendation--please have waiter/waitress give out the bar menu also or at least ask if we would like to see it."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 21 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
wonderful food and wine--a
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"wonderful food and wine--a place to keep coming back to==absolutely fit for foodies and a notable (and reasonably priced!) wine list."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This place came recommended
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This place came recommended from a friend I can't wait to go back. The lobster salad was so delicious. And the pork chop huge, but very tasty. The waitress was there when we needed her and that was it, not complaining, because sometimes I just don't want to be bothered while I'm enjoying my meal or company, just saying."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, management not so much
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was excellent and we will definitely return. The sommelier was knowledgeable and steered us well. Our server admitted right away that she was new and it really showed. I had to direct her how to pour wine (not over the paper seal), to fill my glass after I tasted and she'd filled the rest of the tables' glasses and to remind her repeatedly to bring plates.
I trust she'll be better trained eventually, but it seems a managerial oversight that she wasn't being shadowed and I hope that isn't reflected in the rest of the business. Lastly, this is loud and two story restaurant. I was with my 83-year old mother and they did not ask about her ability to climb a steep and very dark staircase. Not a good move."
I trust she'll be better trained eventually, but it seems a managerial oversight that she wasn't being shadowed and I hope that isn't reflected in the rest of the business. Lastly, this is loud and two story restaurant. I was with my 83-year old mother and they did not ask about her ability to climb a steep and very dark staircase. Not a good move."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 24 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Good food and superior service.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food and superior service. Excellent waiter upstairs whose been there for years."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 25 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I tried to make reservations
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I tried to make reservations via phone directly with the restaurant and found out it was an hour wait. Went on open table and there was no wait. Definitely think the open table options have their advantages. The restaurant was busy, the decour was nice, the people were beautiful, and the options of food entrees and drinks fits everyone."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great with a few rough edges
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I liked this restaurant. It would be better if the hosted started by showing you to your table instead of pointing and telling you how to find your table. That was not a good start. They also told us the specials after we had been looking at the menu for 20 mins. Ideally this should also be done before so that we can make a hollistic decision. Apart from that the ambience was great, the food came in good time, and it was tasty and nicely presented."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2008
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Review 27 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I love Vareli: They are always
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I love Vareli: They are always accomodating for the table I like and the food is terrific most of the time. I am happy this restaurant is in my neighborhood.
I wish they would expand into a larger space!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 28 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My place for a date!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I came here on a 3rd date and it was the exact kind of atmosphere that I was looking for. The stewardess was very accomodating by sitting us at a beautiful corner booth table where it was initmate and good for people watching. The squid and vegetable plate were amazing (except the frier wasn't working that night so I didn't get to have the falafel). Try the White Sangria- so yummy!"
Dined on 02/20/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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Review 29 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food, good servings,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food, good servings, pleasant atmosphere, no rush. Will go back."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 30 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
noisy but the food was very
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"noisy but the food was very good, especially the muscles.
Discovered by accident on the way back from the Metropolitan museum.The chef is very talented."
Discovered by accident on the way back from the Metropolitan museum.The chef is very talented."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 31 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I was happy with the food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was happy with the food and atmosphere, but the service seemed like it consisted of college kids who couldn't care less about making it an enjoyable experience!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
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Review 32 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Worth heading uptown? Yes, but...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I really want to love Vareli more than I do. It's a lovely restaurant, with a creative menu. Here's the rub: our server, while perfectly pleasant, never once came by during dinner to see how we were doing. He didn't bring the meals over, someone else did. We had to flag him down to ask him to give us a check. (He was quick to pick it up.) I'll be back for sure, and hopefully the service will be better next time."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, scenic view
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Review 33 for Vareli
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best restaurant near Columbia!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"On my fifth visit back to Vareli in a little over a month - terrific! The dishes are creatively designed along Mediterranean lines, and the quality is consistent. So good we can't stay away."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Vareli
Based on the average of (86) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic