Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill
  4. Durham
  5. Durham
Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake - Refectory Cafe, Durham, NC

Refectory Cafe

4.6
4.6
802 Reviews
$30 and under
American
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

7:00 PM


Booked 14 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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 802 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
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Great for brunch

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Healthy

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    American

  • Durham

    Great for brunch

  • Durham

    Healthy

  • Durham

    Neighborhood gem

  • Durham

    Great for outdoor dining

802 Reviews
  1. ChrisF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A great place to dine; good food, good drinks, good company, good service, all you want in a great restaurant, plus an enjoyable ambiance. Five stars!

    Is this helpful?

  2. JohnL

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time and will definitely be back. The grilled salmon was absolutely outstanding. Best ever!

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was great—lobster risotto was amazing. Their dessert selection was incredible. Warning note be sure to ask for pie to be heated. I ordered it with ice cream and the pie was cold—never expected that but now I know.

    Refectory CafeResponded 4 days ago

    Thank you A. We love our pies and that Italian Gelato! You should also check out the Affogato - our Italian Gelato with locally made choice of chocolate, coffee or Mocha liquer. We appreciate the amazing review. Laura

    Is this helpful?

  4. Durham

    Raleigh

    246 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    246 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    As always, the food was delicious. It was nice to have weather at a reasonable temperature for eating outside, finally after this heat and humidity summer. One issue we have encountered a second time in the last 4 times we have eaten here: the main course comes too quickly after the appetizers/salads. That seems to be a pattern that we do not find helpful or comfortable for our dinner dining.

    Refectory CafeResponded 4 days ago

    Hello Durham, Thanks for being a fan. Please feel free to tell your server you would like to have the dinner held until you comfortably enjoy your appetizer. They are happy to accommodate you. We look forward to serving you again soon - we love the patio at this time of year. A great place to relax and enjoy a fabulous meal. Bon Appetit! Laura

    Is this helpful?

  5. Jake

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is always great and the staff is super friendly.

    Refectory CafeResponded 4 days ago

    Thank you Jake! We appreciate the support. We look forward to serving you again soon. Laura

    Is this helpful?

  6. ShannonA

    New Orleans

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience4
    Food is very good. Excellent French toast, lemon ricotta pancakes, vegan pancakes. My bacon was burnt but food was otherwise very good. The service is just ok. All our meals came out within five minutes of each other which is pretty good for them. On a prior visit, it was 45 minute delay between entrees. My son and husband had to wait that long after everyone else received their food. Today my only beef was they do not refill your coffee. They should just put the coffee pot out in the main dining area so patrons can get a refill if they do not have enough wait staff to do refills. I love the fresh flowers on the tables!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Reviews

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Delicious food, easy ordering. Went with a group of 9 with 3 kids and worked great.

    Is this helpful?

  8. KaitlynJ

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Refectory is a favorite restaurant staple. My sister and I are vegans and they have several options. Its a great place to take your pup too. The food gets better each time

    Is this helpful?

  9. moxie1406

    Raleigh

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The lemon, ricotta pancakes with the blueberries were by far the best pancakes I have ever had. We also really enjoyed the huevos rancheros. The staff is also very friendly and efficient. There are lots of options for outdoor and indoor seating. We didn’t try the desserts, but the dessert case was full of some really enticing options.

    Is this helpful?

  10. BlakeM

    Richmond

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal and even better service, as usual. Such a great local restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  11. TammyC

    Raleigh

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Menu had a good variety of dishes; everything we tried was excellent. Nice friendly service.

    Is this helpful?

  12. Htaylor

    Raleigh

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a great menu! There is something for every appetite. Salads , soups vegan and vegetarian. But please save room for dessert! So many delicious choices! We will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing and the people that work there are so great. Can’t wait to come up with a reason to go again.

    Is this helpful?

  14. MercedesB

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    The menu has variety and offers many promising dishes. What we chose, salad as appetizer, and lobster risotto and Bolognese tagliatelle as main courses, was better than we hoped: good products perfectly cooked, following the traditions for the pasta and with a touch of originality for the risotto. Only the desserts are a little two heavy and sweet for our taste. The local is more quiet than most in the area, in spite of being busy and lively.

    Is this helpful?

  15. CHill

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The food was wonderful but the service was slow and forgetful.

    Is this helpful?

  16. HeathRaleigh

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Great breakfast/lunch spot if you are good with orderfrom your phone - which we are.

    Is this helpful?

  17. AndiM

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Met a friend for lunch, and it was wonderful as usual. We sat outside and were totally comfortable with the fan.

    Is this helpful?

  18. ErikaC

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had never had dinner at the Refectory Cafe, and were really impressed with the menu. Everything was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  19. TroyR

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    always great food and great service. I recommend the chicken and waffles

    Is this helpful?

  20. LizM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience3
    Food done right. Fluffy scrambled eggs, lemon ricotta pancakes provided a different spin to the traditional, and chicken and waffles with a shallow pan fried chicken. All delicious. I appreciate the attention to detail. Also we were pressed for time. Having the ability to reserve a table and place order from phone was a life saver. Will visit again.

    Is this helpful?

  21. KaitlynJ

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    This place is an all time favorite! Best vegan pancakes with vegan butter ever! Also the vegan tofu scrambled is so fresh and tasty. Their lattes are also wonderful. Great place to sit outside and bring your pups. Can be fancy and romantic if go at dinner time.

    Is this helpful?

  22. SJRogers

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    This was our first time at the Refactory. I ordered a breakfast bowl, it was good…nothing to write home about. I felt the price was a bit high for a dish based if potatoes and eggs. My husband had the chicken and waffles and really enjoyed it and felt it was worth the value. Service was a bit slow, given the fact the waitstaff does not take orders(you order online through your phone) I wish we would have had more attentive service. We waited a long time for coffee refills. They weee also sold out of three cocktails, which defeats brunch for me, since I don’t like mimosas. Overall it was an ok experience. I don’t think we’ll be back, there are definitely other restaurants where I can get more bang and atmosphere for my money.

    Is this helpful?

  23. CATPJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Seated upon arrival and all food served was good…with the exception of one person’s eggs that arrived cold. This was corrected immediately and with apologies. Great time/place to hang out with friends. It was a “little” loud for a Sunday brunch, however. Still would absolutely come again!

    Is this helpful?

  24. TaterB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful all around! Food is amazing! Wait staff are so nice❤️

    Is this helpful?

  25. FoodieNC

    Raleigh

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Refectory Cafe never disappoints! It is unpretentious, with all the emphasis on great food--the perfect neighborhood restaurant, no matter where your neighborhood might be. I will return again and again for the brussells sprouts, the Cobb salad, the coconut sorbet, and the attentive and pleasant wait staff.

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved this place, would go back again and again!!!!

    Is this helpful?

  27. prokopetz

    Raleigh

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Incredibly creative wine dinner. Both the food and the wines were outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall3food2service1ambience2
    No one available at host stand to our party for our reservation. Had to walk up to counter and ask but was ignored by cashier. Server came out and sat us. Omelette ingredients laid on top of sheet of eggs then folded over instead of cooked into eggs. Eggs sheet seemed premade and thick chopped pre prepped ingredients put on top. Brought out wrong food twice. Usually good but must have been an off day.

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great spot, great food, great service. We look forward to coming back!

    Is this helpful?

  30. Susie

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was absolutely amazing, and the service and presentation perfect!

    Is this helpful?

  31. Rc1NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed the experience. Food and service were excellent. Only suggestion is to consider including a side salad with the entree.

    Is this helpful?

  32. Professor

    Richmond

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My husband and I were passing through Durham and decided to stop at the RC. I got the shrimp and cheesy grits and was surprised to discover that it was THE BEST shrimp amd grits I ever tasted!! Definitely recommend!!!

    Is this helpful?

  33. GailA

    County Durham

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Food, Great staff, great everything!! You don't want to miss an opportunity to eat here!

    Is this helpful?

  34. CindyT

    Charlotte

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    We found this place online and were skeptical at first. The pics on Google images don’t do it justice. It’s so cute and the food was delicious! The mimosa flight is worth it as is the avocado toast. All the desserts are handmade and you can tell.

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Food was decent but a bit bland. Red velvet cake was dry

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    It was good. Needs maintenance and cleaned up. Food was good, service was minimal.

    Is this helpful?

  37. Charlie

    Raleigh

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Really enjoyed our brunch...after we figured out the detailed techy phone based ordering process. Sometimes we miss old fashioned people processes!

    Is this helpful?

  38. dinnerfor2

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall4food2service3ambience3
    We had crab cakes: the flavor was strange and it was difficult to taste crab. I don't know if the flavor came from the sauce or the greens that accompanied the crab cakes.

    Is this helpful?

  39. luvoysters

    Atlanta Metro

    77 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    77 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love sitting outside and being able to bring our pups! So relaxing! Never feel rushed!

    Is this helpful?

  40. SteveO

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    The service was outstanding and very attentive without being intrusive. The entrees were very good, but a little more seasoning would have made the food outstanding as well. The brûlée cheese cake was delicious and cappuccino was a perfect finish.

    Is this helpful?

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 802 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 14 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
  • 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
  • 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
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo