Varka is a Mediterranean fish house located in the heart of downtown Ramsey. They offer fish by the pound from all parts of the world, plus Greek specialties and Black Angus steak house selections.
"We came for a romantic dinner and were glad we chose Varka. The appetizer of Varka Chips was excellent-very thinly sliced eggplant and/or squash fried with a yogurt or sour cream dip. For the entree we split a Loup de Mer which was beautifully presented with a vegetable medley and lemon roasted potatoes. Our glasses of champagne and Chardonnay were reasonably priced. The molten chocolate cake dessert was delicious. The service was attentive without being overbearing. If the noise level could be dialed down a tad I would have given 5 stars. We will return."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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"A bit too noisy.. but that adds to the excitement.. specialties include grilled octopus, shrimp santorini and the greek tomato salad... the fresh fish can't be beat... also a bit pricey when you order bottles of wine.. but for special occasions.... it really makes it special"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, hot spot, special occasion
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"We had an amazing experience fur my husbands birthday dinner! The food was excellent along with the staff and ambiance, will definitely return."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"Varka never fails to deliver. Always an incredible dining experience."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"The fish was amazing at this restaurant. We were surprised how crowded it was on a thursday night. It is not quiet here. Pricey but well worth it, everything is a la carte. Nice ambiance."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
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"excellent ...food is fresh and healthy...waiter was attentive and professional..atmosphere is chic mediterranean..great evening for a girls night out..being in restaurant biz love when a place gets it thank you so much will be back"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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"Found Varka recommended online somewhere and thought we'd try it out. Spectacular. We'll be back. Ambience is good, waitstaff is attentive and food is exceptional. I had shrimp, my companions had trout. All excellent!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Selection of fresh fish is extensive and impressive. Well-prepared Dover Sole from Netherlands was superbly prepared. One ding with regards to service, we had spent a long day out and about therefore ordered only water to begin as we were dehydrated. Our service suffered until we ordered wine with our dinners. The team approach to service otherwise didn't miss a beat. The dining room is definitely on the energetic side, which is fine and not a complaint, but just be aware."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"There were 6 in our party and everyone seemed very happy with their entrees. Only a few of the group ordered appetizers, but I heard they were good too. They have an adequate wine list - typical high markup. Dining room had a fresh, modern decor that was perfect for a seafood place. The atmosphere was comfortable - they put us at a large table, plenty of room for 6. Service was professional, a little slow to start off with, but my meal was good and hot when it came out, so I know it wasn't sitting around. All around good experience."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"Great mediterranean cuisine in downtown Ramsey. Rich selection with lots of whole fish on ice to chose from. The food was fantastic, the ambiance warm but elegant, the servers have their timing down (there when you need them and away when you don't). Not cheap, but not expensive either for the quality and the service. Highly recommended!!"
Dined on 03/27/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"We had a very nice experience at Varka. The service was very good and the food was delicious. One dish we had was the shrimp scampi, it was outstanding. Another dish was the halibut. Did not care for it. A bit dry. We also had one of their salads that was sooo good, the tomatoes were juicy and sweet! All in all a great experience!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, hot spot
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"You received thumbs up from all 4 diners in our group. Octopus was superb and our White Snapper was very excellent as well as the vegetable accompaniment. We also very much enjoyed the greek wine we chose for our table. Perfect match! What I compliment your restaurant on mostly is your menu totally reflects what you do so well...fish and seafood. How refreshing not to see the NJ default menu choices of pasta and risotto. It's obvious why every table was full on Saturday night. We plan to return."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"we went for dinner and although we knew it would be pricy was well worth it.(By the way, went to a local byob after dining at varka and fish prices were the same , just saved on the bar bill!) Wehn you walk in the bar is to your left and I loved the couches that were there to sit and have a cocktail while waiting for your table We started with the octopus app and was very different and tasty, waiter was very helpful in explaining all the different various fish on the menu and recommended certain dishes. My husband and I split each others meal,,I had the special and he had chilean sea bass,,each meal was very flavourful and not overdone,,was delicious! Forgot to mention the bread, radishes and olives that come to the table! excellent place"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"The restaurant is beautiful, menu variety is great, wine selection also great BUT food was just good, my fellow diners were semi happy with their meals as well. I ordered shrimp santorini, which sounded delish, but all I got was tomato soup with some shrimp and cheese in it - nothing spectacular. I'm also not sure if the $45 lobster pasta dish I had was worth it,there was barely any lobster meat in the dish, it was way too salty and presentation was blah. I've eaten way better at my local Greek or Italian eatery for half the cost. The men both ordered crab cakes - luckily delicious! and steak, which was also way overpriced for what they received. I'm all about finer dining and I am willing to pay extra for extra.. but this wasn't it."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"GREAT AS ALWAYSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS Never had a bad meal Service Fab"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"The octopus is outstanding. Everything else we've ordered has been delicious as well. I enjoy getting one of the Greek wines when we're there. They compliment the food nicely. The service is very professional, and yet still warm & personal."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"The appetizers stood out over the main dishes. A little pricey overall. The octopus appetizer was the best I had in any northern Bergern Country restaurant. The halibut I orders was average nothing special in flavor and aliitle on the dry side."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Varka would not only be at the top of my list for mediterranean or seafood restaurants but would make it as a true top restaurant in northern New Jersey. The food was great from start to finish. Service was extremely attentive. I felt like we were never looking for someone when we needed anything, especially since they were already really catering to our party of 4. The bill was a little high but the quality of the food and service provided is easily representative of the prices. You get what you pay for and I certainly was extremely happy after this experience."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
Special Features: special occasion, hot spot
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"Extremely Greek. And the sign says, if you're under 30: awkward! The food was excellent, drinks were classy, and I'll go back when I need more king crab legs!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"I have been to Varka for lunch and dinner quite a few times. The noise level on a busy night such as this past Saturday is awful. We were unable to hear what our friends had to say which kind of defeated our purpose in going there for dinner. Since the prices are high I don't think I would want to go there on a weekday night for dinner so I am not sure I will return for dinner although the food was wonderful. I will continue to visit for lunch."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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"The fish was super fresh. Our waiter was very attentive and informative. He was helpful in describing each of the dishes, and had no problem going through each fish to let us choose the size we wanted. He was also very accommodating in making side dish substitutions without issue. Although I will say the potato side dish was a little skimpy. Overall a really great experience. The ambience was nice. Just a great meal from start to finish ! While on the pricey side, we thought it was well worth it and will be back !"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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"The food was excellent, but very pricey. The service was attentive. The noise level was a bit high, but we were seated near the bar area. I found the decor to be tasteful and overall it was a very good experience"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2012
Special Features: special occasion
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