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Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake - Refectory Cafe, Durham, NC

Refectory Cafe

4.6
4.6
849 Reviews
$30 and under
American
Top Tags:
Established in 2005, The Refectory Cafe was the first “Green” restaurant on the Duke campus and was located at the Duke Divinity School. The Refectory Cafe focused on social & environmental sustainability, healthy dining and sourcing from local farms.
The award-winning Refectory Cafe was to be a “one-of-a-kind” local farm to table restaurant where omnivores, vegetarians, vegans, plant-based, KETO and gluten-free diets could all happily share a table together in the same facility. Every diet classification could delight in delicious, satisfying, creative food from a common menu, while enjoying the health benefits of consuming nutrient-dense meals devoid of chemical additives – all while practicing social & environmental sustainability.

Make a reservation

2 people
9:00 PM
Booked 12 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Organic, Farm-to-table
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 9:00 am–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 9:00 am–9:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–3:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (919) 908-6798
  • Website
    http://www.therefectorycafe.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • Executive chef
    Jake Miles
  • Catering
    Seven-days a week, Breakfast, lunch & Dinner. Comfortable casual events to full service, you design your perfect event - we will deliver!
  • Private party facilities
    Delicious & Nutritious, serving all diets, always. Cafe can be rented for private parties - indoor and outdoor experiences. Staff fully vaccinated
  • Location
    2726 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707
  • Neighborhood
    Durham
  • Cross street
    Academy Road
  • Parking details
    Plenty of parking in our private lot, right outside the front or side doors. Handicapped parking out front.
  • Public transit
    Bus stop across the street from the cafe
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • Italian Wine Dinner

    $98.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Join us for another spectacular evening celebrating the wines of Italy and a fabulous menu from Executive Chef Jake Miles and Pastry Chef Rosa Redel! A short mixer with a little bubbly begins the exceptional experience followed by four creative courses paired with fabulous wines.
    Italian Wine Dinner Photo

What 849 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Healthy

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    American

  • Durham

    Great for brunch

  • Durham

    Kid-friendly

  • Durham

    Healthy

  • Durham

    Neighborhood gem

  • Durham

    Great for outdoor dining

849 Reviews

  1. DanaM

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food! Easy to make a reservation. We will be back!

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    With a party of eight, a wide selection of food was chosen, all and party enjoyed their section. The server was a bit inexperienced and didn’t anticipate needs as noted we were a big party. We suspect the server was on a learning curve so we still tipped as if everything was perfect. It was close to perfect. We throughly enjoyed the evening. I would highly recommend this restaurant

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  3. VinceZ

    Charlotte

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time dining here and loved it. Our family has a lot of dietary restrictions and everyone was able to have choices. Not only choices but choices that tasted good. Will definitely be back

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience2
    Food was very good. Place itself was rather non descript. Root vegetable side that was with short ribs was really terrific. We got there towards end of evening and they started to clean up around us which was not great. We would go back. Again, food was very good which to us is the most important

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  5. ChrisC

    Washington DC

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food and service were very good. I would go there again, but not right away.

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  6. SuzanneK

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Appreciated how the menu accommodates and is easy to read which meals fit your dietary needs. Great friendly staff! Feels like a true neighborhood restaurant!

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  7. LouiseK

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We meet there monthly and the food and service is outstanding

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  8. ChrisF

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Friendly, efficient, careful service, fine food, especially good for vegetarians, for embracing ambiance; I've been coming back for a decade and will continue to do so.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Been on my list a while, and I was finally able to get a reservation on a DPAC night. I love all the available outside seating and the decor inside... everything is my favorite color... green! We got the special Trout dip. It was really good and meaty. Wasn't as big of a portion as I expected, but maybe because there is more meat than filler. I had the fall Walnut gnocchi and my friend had the pumpkin alfredo pasta. Both were delish! I love the combo of balsamic glaze, nuts, and seasonings. Service was great and they even let me sample the wine before purchase. I believe I would like to go back for one of their food events!

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  10. DinDin

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We loved our appetizer and main dishes we came back for breakfast while traveling!

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  11. HopeH

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food and service. Very accommodating to diner preferences.

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  12. lajump

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great brunch! The food was terrific, with lots of choices for different tastes.

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  13. ChrisF

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We four had widely divergent meals, vegetarian and meat and fish dishes. All were declared delicious. At least two of us needed to-go boxes at the end. Service was quick and efficient. We'll be back for sure.

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  14. Scott

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We had an enjoyable meal last night at Refectory Cafe. Food was really good - service was kind, attentive. Probably should have saved room for dessert - will do that next time.

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  15. StevenN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious, and the service was very good despite the large Sunday brunch crowd. I would recommend them and we will go there again.

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  16. Smurfy

    Raleigh

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience2
    Based on the clientele of mixed but a number of older adults, it is absolutely time to replace those low flat chairs!!!

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  17. joejamie14

    Atlanta Metro

    103 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    103 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We go to UNC football home games in Chapel Hill. Refectory Cafe is now our go to for breakfast. The service is excellent and the food is consistently good. We will be trying dinner for first time this weekend.

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  18. frequentdiner

    Raleigh

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice variety on the menu and the food was fantastic.

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  19. KyleW

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent brunch!! Would highly recommend to anyone!

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great atmosphere!! Highly recommend!A must if you are in the Durham, Chapel Hill area

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ate outside which was lovely. New items on the menu. Braised short ribs were amazing!

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  22. RenH

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Fresh food at great prices. Highly recommend. Very casual atmosphere. The only reason I gave 4 stars was the noticeable cleaner smell inside the restaurant. Thankfully we were outside. Service was fantastic also!

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  23. JennyJ

    Coastal Georgia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food! Love the farm to table and freshness of the food. Presentation was wonderful. My 14 year old loved it and called it “farm chic” 😊❤️

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  24. JenniferB

    Raleigh

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent food, seasonal. Everything came to the table hot/ freshly prepared.

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  25. SusanB

    Raleigh

    20 reviews

    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    The Refectory continues to serve consistently high quality, delicious food. Numerous menu items for all types of tastes and a commitment to providing options for people with varying dietary preferences. Staff is friendly and attentive. I just wish it had a better atmosphere. Many of the dinner items are similar to what one would find/spend in a fine restaurant, but served in a diner atmosphere. I look forward to my next visit.

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  26. ShannonA

    New Orleans

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Love the fresh flowers! My crab cakes were just so so (tasted less than fresh/no sweet crab flavor—more like peppers and fillers) and our server did not bring the hot sauce I requested. I did like the tartar sauce that went with them. The asparagus was also good. My husband and kids enjoyed their meals. The walnut gnocchi was a hit.

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  27. Bullcityeater

    Raleigh

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We ate outside Although I had made a reservation they didn’t bark my table. There was some traffic noise but otherwise it was a good experience

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  28. PatriciaM

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Service was outstanding as was the food. Back support chairs outside please 😀

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  29. CatDoc

    Raleigh

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always delicious food and great service! Ideal place for a casual dinner with friends.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was fabulous! Well worth it for the money. Highly recommend.

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  31. ChrisF

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This Refectory has been my favorite place to dine for about 20 years and continues to be. They serve good nutritious food. Their wait staff is attentive and friendly. I recommend it highly.

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  32. BrokerReynolds

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience4
    The service is sublime, so helpful and on point! Ordered the 'Chef's Special', Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict. The muffin was not toasted, and the poached eggs were slightly overdone, no oozing, gooey egg yolk draped over the untoasted muffin base. The smoked salmon, was really salty and not very fresh. My dining mates had sandwiches, salad and soup, which we're quite pleasing. I'd return and hope to have a different experience since the menu offerings are enticing.

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  33. Kimberly

    Raleigh

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The staff was friendly and attentive and the food here is consistently fresh and delicious, except I did not care for their bacon which was rather bland. Breakfast/brunch with coffee/lattes for 3 was nearly $80 including tip, so a bit pricey for the relatively simple fare of pancakes, quiche and a breakfast bowl, but it was a nice experience overall.

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  34. ParrisS

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience3
    Had a reservation for 3 at 10:30AM on a Sunday. Food was good enough, but we were appalled when less than an hour after getting our food we were asked to leave to make room for the next reservation. We didn’t even stay long enough to get a coffee refill. If you are a restaurant that has time limits on seating (especially when such a limit is unusually short, like an hour), then you need to advertise that on the reservation. Apparently the Refectory Café is no longer a place where you can enjoy the company of friends and family over brunch. And if you have kids? Good luck wrapping up your experience within the unadvertised, unclear, and unfair time limit.

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience5
    Food took a while and came out all at different times.

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  36. smallfoodie

    Washington DC

    20 reviews

    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We enjoyed our dinner here--the food was tasty and reasonably priced. Service was very friendly and the atmosphere is casual.

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  37. sueg

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    my guest reported that her quiche was very dry- very disappointing

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Too expensive for what it is. No real service. You order at a register and are asked to tip? Never been to a restaurant set up like this in my whole life.

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  39. EricP

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and food was fantastic. Great experience and will be back

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  40. tdwgirl

    Raleigh

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    The food was good. Not great but certainly it was good. Our waiter was excellent.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Refectory Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (919) 908-6798.

Refectory Cafe is rated 4.6 stars by 849 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
9:00 PM
Booked 12 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Refectory Cafe

2726 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Academy Road
  • Neighborhood
    Durham
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 9:00 am–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 9:00 am–9:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–3:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Organic, Farm-to-table
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Plenty of parking in our private lot, right outside the front or side doors. Handicapped parking out front.
  • Public transit
    Bus stop across the street from the cafe
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • Executive chef
    Jake Miles
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.therefectorycafe.com/
  • Phone number
    (919) 908-6798
  • Catering
    Seven-days a week, Breakfast, lunch & Dinner. Comfortable casual events to full service, you design your perfect event - we will deliver!
  • Private party facilities
    Delicious & Nutritious, serving all diets, always. Cafe can be rented for private parties - indoor and outdoor experiences. Staff fully vaccinated

Featured in

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