The Refectory Restaurant & BistroFillet of disappointmentThe service, naturally, was impeccable; however, the fillet, although prepared as ordered, was tough, sinewy and conspicuously chewy, which is atypical based on prior experience at this otherwise exquisite French Bistro and normally favorite eatery of this bon vivant and gastronome. Lastly, the men's room was in need of attention; wet floor, unflushed urinals, water-splashed stained mirror and several overhead and vanity lights burned out. Unfortunately, a 3 out 5 for a five-star restaurant and Columbus favorite.5/20/2013 12:00:00 AMGood Anniversary MealThe food was quite good at the Refectory, as was the ambiance. It provided an excellent place romantic dinner for my girlfriend and I's 3rd year anniversary. However, the restaurants atmosphere may tend mores toward an older generation.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMA delightful meal that showedA delightful meal that showed the Chef's talents especially well -- thought provoking presentation of turbot with a well chosen wine accompanying. Exemplary of why we dine there regularly.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent choice for a greatExcellent choice for a great meal - service was attentive and very knowledgeable.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMAlmost fantasticThe prix fixe bistro menu was diverse enough that my bride & I were able to sample different items without exhaustingthe possibilities, and of course, the food and the service were exceptional. It was unfortunate that having a drink before dinner and one with dinner doubled the cost of the experience. It was also unfortunate that the two-man ensemble which began to play at about 7:15 did so quite loudly and with the assistance of amplifiers and microphones. Loggins & Messina tunes in a small, romantic, bistro atmosphere, cranked to the volume of a Motley Crue concert definitely diminished our overall enjoyment.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMMother's Day eleganceMy husband and I dined at the Refectory to celebrate Mother's Day and his birthday. We felt like royalty. The service was impeccable and the food was excellent. We had appetizers that we had never had before and they were wonderful. Our filet mignon was cooked perfectly and was so tender and juicy. The dessert was decadent and delicious. We would highly recommend this restaurant for a special occasion.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome night outNo minor detail goes unnoticed for the restaurant staff. Fabulous food. Fabulous service. Can't wait to go back!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMCrab bisque was an explosionCrab bisque was an explosion of fresh flavor. Wine parings superb.
As expected.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMDivine DiningA old church converted into a french restaurant, this place is easily one of the best fine dining establishments in the city, if not the entire state, (Up there with the Worthington Inn, in my opinion). The service is friendly, attentive, and knowledgable. The food is interesting, local, and delicious. You really can't go wrong here if you're going out for an occasion in Columbus.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMAnniversary DinnerA wonderful cap to our 25th anniversary. Greeted by the owner with Happy Anniversary inserts in our menus; wait staff was friendly and attentive but not pushy. Food was well presented and delicious.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWine parings for the FirstWine parings for the First Friday menu especially nice. Dessert a delightful deconstruction of strawberry shortcake.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Bistro menu is the bestThe Bistro menu is the best thing ever. The price is wonderful and the portions were ample. The food was simply outstanding. The service was exemplary and the ambience was beautiful and relaxing.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMOur experience was great.Our experience was great. The service, food and environment were very good. We will definitely return.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMBest of Columbus!We went to the Refectory for my Birthday with a group of 6 people, and it was wonderful! The food, atmosphere and service were the best I've experienced in Columbus. Thank you to the Refectory for making my 31st Birthday so special!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMThe bestYou simply cannot find a better dining experience in Columbus than the Refectory. No place has comparable service - attentive but not intrusive. The food is incredible across the board - have never had anything that wasn't special, wonderful and delicious. Dishes are interesting and inventive without being too strange or extreme. Looking forward to going back.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is our go-to place forThis is our go-to place for anniversaries and birthdays. It has never disappointed us.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Refectory never failsThe Refectory never fails to have the finest food for the best value around. Plus, the service is second to none.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a wonderful dinnerWe had a wonderful dinner with terrific service. Overall, it was outstanding.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMWaiter's wine pairing recommendatioWaiter's wine pairing recommendations were spot on.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AM5 girlfriends went and had5 girlfriends went and had the Refectory's Tax Relief price-fixed menu which is 3 courses under $30.
The choices were very wide and each was prepared with the best ingredients and looked absolutely artistic when each arrived.
Delicious.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMAs always we had a wonderfulAs always we had a wonderful experience for our anniversary celebration!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMExceptional eveningFour of us decided to take advantage of The Refectory's Tax Relief Menu. Three courses - appetizer, entree and dessert - were offered for $29.13. Appetizer choices included asparagus feuillete, country terrine, seafood and duck egg quiche and roasted goat cheese with a beet coulis, to name a few. Entree choices included a duet of Ohio lamb and quai, braised short ribs with bacon, a duet of fishes and a beef shoulder tenderloin au poivre with cardamom sauce. Dessert choices were chocolate mousse, creme caramel and mixed berries with violet chantilly. Everything was both delicious and a feast for the eyes. Service was a little slow, but not a problem considering the exceptional food, pleasing ambience and generous bread refills. Great value!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful as always! GreatWonderful as always! Great food for palate and beauty.
Classic attentive service.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was excellent. TheThe food was excellent. The waitress was knowledgable and charming, and the support staff was efficient and courteous. It was a perfect evening.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMI took my wife to the RefectoryI took my wife to the Refectory for her 40th birthday. It was an outstanding experience. The food was great and so was the service. I would highly recommend this restaurant.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMYou run an enchanting restaurant.I took out my husband for his birthday and our experience was wonderful. The quiet music and hushed ambiance were relaxing, the food and wine delicious as well as presented artfully. Service certainly met our expectations; the server was helpful without being overbearing. We had a lovely evening.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMFood is excellent every timeFood is excellent every time we've dined at the restaurant.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Refectory was outstanding,The Refectory was outstanding, as usual. Flawless service and delicious food. The bread is house baked and the most delicious in town. The bread serving is always generous and the square of chilled, unsalted, real butter is the perfect spread. Our service was impeccable but maybe a bit too intense. We just wanted to enjoy our cocktails and talk for a while before ordering but were interrupted a little too frequently.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMMy family and I had EasterMy family and I had Easter brunch at The Refectory, and it was delicious. The chef had prepared a three course meal with wonderful options. It was without question, the best brunch I have ever had. My husband and I have also dined at The Refectory for dinner. The chef is the best in Columbus, and the wine selection is vast. I highly recommend The Refectory!3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome ExperienceWonderful Easter dinner, the food was top with special attention paid to taste and quality. Service was over the top with attention and professionalism. Great time and Great restaurant - we will be back.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMThe service, the food, theThe service, the food, the atmosphere blended to make us feel like we were in the middle of our own private party. What a fabulous experience!3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a great venue withAlways a great venue with exceptional food, wine and ambience.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went for Easter dinner.We went for Easter dinner. Our welcome was warm, and we were seated immediately under the glow of a stained glass window and by a cheery wood fire. Our waiters were pleasant, knowledgeable, and attentive. A Caesar Salad and a Goat Cheese appetizer were quite adequate. Lamb and Beef Tenderloin main courses were perfectly cook. The Fresh berry dessert was delightful...light, rich, sweet, and tangy all at once. A truly delightful unhurried two hours of fine food and conversation.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfection as always!This is one of the best restaurants ever! Service, food and ambiance are beyond compare.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing, a French restaurantAmazing, a French restaurant that does a great steak. If only there had been frites. Would have been a treat with the wonderful bordelaise sauce.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMAs alwaysAs always...this elegant restaurant remains one of my top 3 in the city.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Refectory Restaurant isThe Refectory Restaurant is easily our favorite in Columbus for outstanding food. The food is always prepared to perfection and so beautifully plated. The servers are all excellently trained. Watching ours fillet a whole Dover sole last night was amazing. It is also very nice that the owner is always there greeting each guest as they enter the restaurant and he genuinely appreciates and acknowledges returning patrons. The Refectory is a winner on all counts... it never disappoints.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat time again! One ofGreat time again! One of my favorite places to dine.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMMonday evening was the perfectMonday evening was the perfect time to experience this restaurant (for my 4th time). The food is incredible, the bartender (Joseph) is great at creating and sharing some magnificent concoctions, and the experience overall was just fabulous. We ordered from the Dine Originals Encore menu, which was our occasion for visiting the restaurant, and everything was superb.3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMAll was great except I wasAll was great except I was given an Entree that I had not selected.3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Refectory was definitelyThe Refectory was definitely an epicurean adventure! Great food, ambiance, and the staff was very knowledgeable when it came not only to the food & wine but also to the history of the restaurant and chef. A place that I would definitely recommend to friends and family for a great night of fine dinning!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent the 1st time andExcellent the 1st time and gets better every time we dine.
Kudos to Kamal & Chef! Also to Casey & Phillip; well done!
All the best. Karen and Jim3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely fabulous! ServiceAbsolutely fabulous! Service was exceptional and made us feel special. The food was delicious and beautifully plated, generous portions with quality ingredients. We'll be back soon: )3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMBest special occasion restaurantVery dignified setting with great, mostly French exquisitely prepared food. Service was superb and not overbearing. Table was ready at reservation time. A little pricy, but always true of the best.3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMVoila, Le Refectory!My wife and I have been going to The Refectory (first was the Old Church House), for about 30 years. We just celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary there. It is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to, and I've been to waaaay too many restaurants. I travel for work and for pleasure, so really, it's a long list.
It is on the Wine Spectator TOP 100 wine list, and was recently rated as one of the top restaurants for service in the US. And it is! The wine list also has a huge selection of reasonably priced GREAT wines.
The food is great, the chef is great, with a very French menu and some game items, even Ostrich, which is awesome.3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMSimply the BestAnother wonderful experience at The Refectory. "Label Rouge" Scottish salmon was everything I had heard and more. The warm pear tart was exquisite. Service is always outstanding. We're so fortunate to have this gem in Central Ohio.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother delicious dinner atAnother delicious dinner at the Refectory- great place to celebrate a special occasion! The menu is incredible and the fixed price Dine Originals Week options are a great way to get the flavors of France without breaking the bank. Two drawbacks were especially slow service (which seems to be a theme here) and a steep markup on wine ($39 for a half bottle of a wine that retails for $30/bottle).3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThe staff was wonderful.The staff was wonderful. They took care of us and made us feel special for my husband's birthday. It was our first time at the Refectory, but it definitely won't be our last. We had a flavorful dinner and an exceptional experience. Thank you very much!3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful evening!We had a special romantic dinner. We had a private booth which made the evening quiet and special. The food was terrific. Audrey took very good care of us. Very attentive. The rest of the staff was very courteous and responsive. We had a great evening and plan to return.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMEmbarrassing!Food was great and service was great too. But.....
It would have been nicer if we didn't have to ask to see the Dine Originals 10 menu. When we have visited other restaurants during similar events..they have always asked if we would like to see the special menu. This was very embarrassing, and for that reason I probably will not recommend your restaurant to my friends.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AM