Refectory Cafe

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1. EB

   ElaineB

   Raleigh

   5 reviews

   2.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall2food2service2ambience2

   I have LOVED the Refectory up til this visit. The sense of attentiveness I was used to was absent. We wondered why it took so long to get waitstaff attention. When we finally caught the eye of someone at the counter, she asked if we had been served. Then, someone came to take our order. The second surprise was that one of the meals had very little 'taste.' Again, we were used to good surprises, interesting tasting dishes. The prices are higher and the quality is not at the level of those prices. I'm going to say no to the recommendation question. I hope this changes.
   

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2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   It’s always a treat to dine here when we’re in the Durham area. It’s a must do!! Delicious brunch, tasty cocktails and great service!
   

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3. RW

   RonW

   Raleigh

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   farm to table high-end dishes at very reasonable prices with laid back ambience
   

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4. D

   Debbie

   County Durham

   14 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   14 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   I cannot say enough good things about the Refectory Cafe, as a matter of a fact, I've been there three times with three different sets of friends, all of whom want to try the Cafe. The food is delicious and the service is wonderful. You have to order at the counter, so this place may not be for everyone. they offer a wide selection of meals, even serving breakfast all day. They offer a wide selection of beverages. The Cafe has a large wrap-around porch with plenty of outdoor dining space. Wish I had known they were on Open Table the last two times I visited the Cafe. 200 additional points.
   

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5. JC

   JessC

   Raleigh

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   First time eating at the Refectory and it was overall a great experience! I have celiac so have to have gluten free options and the staff were able to accommodate with menu items and making sure my food was cooked appropriately to avoid cross contamination. Will be back!
   

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6. JB

   JillB

   Atlanta Metro

   19 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   19 reviews

   Dined on May 20, 2023

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   Great patio seating and lots of variety in the menu choices. Our bloody Mary’s were tasty and service was prompt. We ordered salads and appreciated the variety of homemade dressing choices. The chicken on our salads was quite dry unfortunately. Otherwise a yummy lunch.
   

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7. f

   foodie

   Columbus

   4 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on May 19, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience3

   We have never had a bad meal here. We will be back soon.
   

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8. MH

   MichaelH

   Raleigh

   5 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on May 18, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Quality scratch made food, great outside covered patio! My favourite brunch place!!!
   

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9. KM

   KristinM

   Chicago

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on May 16, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   My husband and I discovered the Refectory Cafe about 2 months ago. We’ve been 2 times and then last night celebrated Mother’s Day with daughter Jennifer and her husband. They hadn’t been before. We all had a wonderful time enjoying wonderful food. Our fav now. 👍🏻🤗
   

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10. R

    Raleigh96

    Raleigh

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Refectory Cafe has delicious food and a nice atmosphere. The staff there is very welcoming and helpful.
    

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11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience1

    Had reservations for Mother’s Day with my wife for later in the afternoon. This being our first time here. We had to stand in line to order our food at the counter which made it feel like we were at a fast food restaurant. My wife & I ordered what we wanted & was told that they had sold out of both, mine a steak sandwich & hers salmon, meaning they were not going to have either for their dinner guest. When I made the reservations, I would have thought they would have a full menu for Mother’s Day, but we had to order from the lunch menu. My bad assumption! I also ordered a starter of vegetable chili which was served very luke warm. The dishes we ended up getting were no better than of fair a sub shop. Would never go there again.
    

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12. DB

    DesireeB

    Austin

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    We were there for Mother’s Day brunch and the food was amazing. It’s not a fancy place and you order at the register, which was a bit of a bummer because our table was right by the people in line so we didn’t have any feeling of privacy. There are outdoor tables that may have been nicer. All in all, we would come back because the food was great. The shrimp and grits with mushrooms was a favorite.
    

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13. B

    Bobbie

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The concept is efficient, the food was delicious, and the service was quick and friendly. I wish we lived closer! I’d suggest adding a Bloody Mary bar.
    

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14. KG

    KristenG

    Raleigh

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent place with local ingredients and top notch service
    

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15. MM

    MichaelM

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Great brunch, and our out-of-town friends were impressed.
    

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16. H

    Happy

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience3

    I made reservations online and I requested a six top but I would not have selected the table we were assigned. . It was a special birthday celebration and we were placed beside the rail and there was a lot of traffic on all sides and the table seemed cramped. Someone came over and offered for us to move to a better table which I appreciated but we were already eating. There was an option for a special table on the site, but I didn’t know what that meant. I guess I will call next time. The meal was lovely.
    

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17. D

    Durhamgal

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4

    It had been a long time since I ate at this place. It used to be very good. The brunch items we four had were barely good and mine was inedible. Very disappointing. The covered outdoor dining area is nice and service was good.
    

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18. LC

    LaurieC

    Wilmington

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3

    The food was decent but nothing to really rave about.
    

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19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Lovely, big tables on covered porch… food and drinks are wonderful and the vibe is always laid back. This was just drinks and apps— all were great.
    

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20. ME

    MikeE

    Raleigh

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    New favorite dining spot! Everything cooked well, wonderful service, and great value!
    

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21. a

    arnold

    Atlanta Metro

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Love this restaurant. Nothing to say but all is good there. I'm not an out of doors diner but they have a lovely outside dining space.
    

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22. PC

    PhyllisC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Substantial servings! Delicious food, especially the chicken marsala linguini and rhubarb pie.
    

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23. JS

    JenniferS

    Raleigh

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4

    Great just know to get your table order drinks and then go right up to counter to order your meal - kinda funky but not a big deal - great food
    

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24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience2

    Much more casual then expected. It’s a wait in line and order at the counter kinda place. The service while pleasant was few and far between. Guess it was Sunday morning so to be expected? The food was good, and the patio outside seemed like a nice place to dine.
    

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25. LH

    LisaH

    Raleigh

    38 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    There is no host person at the host stand. Several customers (not just us) standing around the door wondering what to do. Very confusing. We had a reservation. Servers moving around us, finally one of them told us to check at the register. After standing in a long line at the register, then we were told what our table number was and to get back in line when ready to order. This is not a great system for newcomers. Food came out fast. I had the avocado toast with smoked salmon. Tomatoes were mushy but overall it was ok. Strawberry smoothie was a little sour. Small wooden tables and cheap vinyl card table seats. Nice flowers at most tables, ours did not have any flowers but maybe because our table was so small. Overall, average experience--not the five star rating experience I was expecting.
    

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26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    There was no host/hostess which made a reservation unimportant, though there were tables that were reserved. We just found a random table and sat there instead. The food was good and came out quickly.
    

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27. V

    Vincent

    Greensboro

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3

    Delicious food and good service. The diner-style chairs and tables put me off at first, but the meal was wonderful and the variety on the menu was excellent. A solid hidden gem for good food. If they improve the seating and decor they'll become a GoTo place for those seeking a delicious meal in a comfortable environment.
    

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28. SP

    StevePA

    Philadelphia

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very good food. Good service. Overall a nice experience!
    

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29. J

    Jaych

    Raleigh

    32 reviews

    3.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3

    Food was good, not great. Order drinks from app, but have to stand in line for food. Inadequate parking.
    

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30. SB

    SusanB

    Raleigh

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience2

    I really like the refectory, but was disappointed in my recent visit. I only write this review b/c if anyone was there for their first time on Saturday for brunch and had a bad experience, please give it another chance as it is a good restaurant with very friendly/helpful staff. They were slammed on Saturday despite the rain. Staff were doing an amazing job, but food seemed slapped together, unattractively presented, small portion, not hot. It is usually much better. Please do not give up on it as the restaurant is a Durham staple.
    

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31. NV

    NanV

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    All the food is superb! I like the fresh fish! The customer service is awesome!!
    

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32. J

    Jaycee

    Raleigh

    21 reviews

    4.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Decor is simple but inviting with fresh flowers everywhere. Food prepared to order and nicely presented. Each of us ordered something different and enjoyed. We will return.
    

    Refectory CafeResponded on April 21, 2023Thank you Jaycee, We look forward to serving you again soon. More flowers in the garden now and ready to give us a beautiful blooming summer! Bon appetit! Laura
    

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33. QU

    QUtley

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Good food, very crowded for brunch. Serve staff was doing their best. Will return.
    

    Refectory CafeResponded on April 21, 2023Thank you Q! You chose Duke Reunion weekend to join us, it is as big as graduation weekend for us. Please come again on a normal weekend. You will be delighted! We love being a "Neighborhood gem", "hot spot", "healthy" and "Vegetarian-friendly" - thank you for calling those out! We look forward to serving you again soon. Laura
    

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34. SM

    SMSfromNC

    Raleigh

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Even though it was Duke Reunion weekend and the restaurant was very crowded, the food was delicious and service excellent. I do miss not having the coffee & tea bar on back wall so I can refill my cup without waiting for staff. Otherwise a lovely experience!
    

    Refectory CafeResponded on April 21, 2023Thank you SMS for this tremendous accolade. Yes, Duke Reunion weekend, we were so grateful for the business and the planning by staff for everything to go smoothly. Glad you loved it. (Sorry about the coffee bar.....however, if you love that second cup just ask for a "pot of coffee" - we bring you a cute insulated pot that will keep 2.5 cups HOT!). Bon Appetit! Laura
    

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35. JC

    JCinRaleigh

    Raleigh

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    I hadn't expected a "stand in line & order your food" arrangement, but they did have a well organized set up. We stood at the hostess stand for a good while waiting to be acknowledged/seated even though we had a reservation. It seemed to me that they needed additional hostess help. But once we were showed to our table, directed to get in line to order our food, and then finally actually seated at our table, the food arrived quickly and was delicious.
    

    Refectory CafeResponded on April 21, 2023Hello JC! Thanks so much for your kind words, glad you loved your meals! You may not have known this but it was Duke Reunion Weekend, and, you happened to pick the busiest weekend of the year next to graduation. Sunday was not normal. Brunch is set up to take care of folks as quickly as is possible, Dinner is fine dining, table service & candlelight. We look forward to serving you again, on a normal weekend you will be impressed with the efficiency of our process and our amazing menu.
    

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36. C

    Chasyz

    Raleigh

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    The food is usually stellar and today not different. They were unusually crowded so we appreciate that they were so busy. We had the vegan pancakes, vegan huevos and Dahl. Everyone left smiling.
    

    Refectory CafeResponded on April 21, 2023Thank you Chasyz We love the smiling and the 5-STARS. Taking care of all diets is our specialty. Many thanks on behalf of the entire team. Laura
    

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37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience4

    Came here for Saturday brunch. We reserved a table outside and enjoyed our table, and the food was delicious (lemon ricotta pancakes for me and french dip for my husband). Service was not great - once we got our food the service was non-existent. I didn't like having to walk inside to ask for a coffee refill, and also to ask for my side of sausage that was forgotten. Not sure if it was a bad service day or if that's just how it is. The food was great so we'd come again keeping in mind that we might not be checked on again.
    

    Refectory CafeResponded on April 21, 2023Hello, I am glad you enjoyed your table and your food. Under normal circumstances, yes, someone comes back out to your table. This was Duke Reunion weekend. Please ask for a "pot of coffee" when you return. The insulated coffee pot keeps 2.5 cups perfectly hot and ready when you are. We look forward to serving you again soon. Laura
    

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38. I

    Indy4family

    Charleston

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was my first time eating here. A pleasant and fun place to take my adult daughter to dinner
    

    Refectory CafeResponded on April 21, 2023Love it! Thank you Indy, we love taking our adult daughters there too! They are all foodies and love wine. Plus sitting outside on a peaceful lazy afternoon amongst the flowers in the garden, it is just special. Happy you found us! We look forward to serving you again soon! Laura
    

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39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Cute out of the way place. Friendly prompt service and good food.
    

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40. CK

    ChrisK

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience3

    The staff were excellent and super friendly. The food was average, however. But we enjoyed our time there. The value was good, at least. And outside seating was great, they even had the heaters on to cut back on the spring cold. I’m not sure I would come back for the food, but the staff were wonderful.
    

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