Refectory Cafe

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1. L

   Lucky

   Raleigh

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience3

   Excellent as always. A good place to take friends and family.

   Report
2. JD

   JustDisappointed

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall2food2service2ambience3

   The food wasn't fresh. "Maryland" crabs seemed like they came out of a box. Roasted carrots seems like they'd sat around a while before serving. Like hours. The beef was overcooked and a really small portion. They didn't have Fat Tire and the waiter suggested a stout out of can as a substitute, then opened and poured it before we could notice. The kale salad was underdressed and the pickled onions were under pickled. The apples on the salad seem like they'd sat around before serving, or came out of a bag. Entrees were overpriced for the quality. It just wasn't good.

   Report
3. TC

   TonyaC

   Raleigh

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Wonderful place!! This was my first time at Refectory Cafe and it definitely will not be my last. I made a reservation because I had a large number of people coming and the manager and staff could not have been nicer! They took good care of us and we had a wonderful time. The food was delicious! Will definitely be back!

   Report
4. ME

   MikeE

   Raleigh

   18 reviews

   5.0

   18 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   This has become a favorite night out eating place. The food is delicious and the wait staff is terrific.

   Report
5. VF

   VirginiaFoodie

   Atlanta Metro

   18 reviews

   5.0

   18 reviews

   Dined on March 14, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   If you like unique meals made from fresh ingredients, this is your place. Plenty of gluten free options, interesting ingredients, creative cooking. It is casual and enjoyable.

   Report
6. RD

   RobertD

   Western NC

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on March 14, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Very nice place! The food was excellent and the service was first class!

   Report
7. KA

   KeithA

   San Francisco

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on March 12, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great service, delicious food, ease of reservations and seating.

   Report
8. JP

   JennieP

   Detroit

   5 reviews

   4.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on March 11, 2023

   overall4food3service4ambience5

   This was my first time to visit the Refectory Cafe. We came for my daughter's birthday. I did find it charming to have my name/table/reservation time identified by a little card on the table. As we sat down, I quickly realized I needed to retrieve my own menu and order my food online. While this was not too difficult for me, all I could think about were my parents trying to attempt this. What happened to the good ol' days of service? As for the food and drinks, it came out pretty quickly and it was good, not great, but good. The people who brought the food out were nice and were able to fill our requests of more water and coffee. Will I go back? Probably not. I know restaurants are getting away from wait staff but I guess I would like the food to make up for the money they are saving on less service.

   Report
9. JR

   JimR

   New York Area

   13 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   13 reviews

   Dined on March 10, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Everything was of high quality, interesting selection. Great service.

   Report
10. H

    Heath

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delightful place, excellent food (chicken and dumplings)

    Report
11. M

    Marcemp

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience3

    We made a reservation through Open Table and took them like 15 minutes to get us a table. The reservation was at noon we got the food until 2pm!! It was me and my two kids. You can imagine. I complained (obviously) like three times and they keep saying “sorry we are backed up in the kitchen”. Around 1:40 the manager finally offer a little something for the kids, who were literally about to cry, and said the food would be free of charge. At least there was that. I don’t know if it is always like that or just bad luck since it was our first time there….. and last.

    Report
12. D

    David

    Charlotte

    68 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    68 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Never go wrong with the cafe - always good food - always friendly people - always enjoyable

    Report
13. JE

    JoshuaE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    HAD A BLAST..... FOOD WAA GREAT!! Would definitely come back...

    Report
14. C

    Chasingstella

    Greensboro

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    This was our first time at The Refectory Cafe. Not knowing what to expect, we were slightly overdressed. Yes, the Cafe in the name should have been a clue! However, it is a very lovely, upscale cafe. The waitstaff were wonderful. Attentive, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and responsive. I had the Arancini to start and learned from the hostess about the imported Italian cheese featured in the dish. It was delicious. A lovely crisp fry outside with a soft flavorful center. My dinner companion had the kale salad which was huge! It had a nice lemony dressing. My main course of the Hoisin Beef Short Ribs was very good. A very generous portion, presented in three short ribs with different sauces underneath. I did find out I am not a fan of hoisin but the short ribs were amazing, fork tender and delicious. My companion had the Chicken Marsala. The sauce was rich and very good. We ordered two desserts to go but I haven’t tried them yet. With the addition of two cocktails and a beer to the check, we were still ver pleased with the amount of the check. We loved the restuarant! It’s moved up to our regular list and will definitely be a favorite pre theater night destination.

    Report
15. WR

    WillRun4Food

    Raleigh

    47 reviews

    4.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    I don't love that we now have to order from our phones w/ a QR code. I prefer to have my order taken. But the food was good - as it always is.

    Report
16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great meal!

    Report
17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    7 reviews

    1.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    We sat down and after 20 minutes were never waited on. Waitress took orders at the table next to us and never acknowledged we were even there. Two people walked in to be seated and then left after no one would seat them. Never coming back.

    Report
18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    The food was delicious! The system of standing in line and ordering at the counter instead of having a server on a busy brunch day wasn’t ideal, but it ended up working out.

    Refectory CafeResponded on February 20, 2023Hello, Yes, only dinner is table service. The system of standing in line allows us to take care of customers quickly regardless of how busy brunch is. And, it is definitely a "first come, first served" operation. We reserve tables because it is a very busy brunch and folks know they will have their priority seating. I am glad it worked out. Glad you loved the food - we have amazing brunch & dinner menus.

    Report
19. LC

    LisaC

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Brunch was very good but Dinner is hands down my preference.

    Report
20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Love the refectory cafe! Always great food, great atmosphere and great service. Love that you can order from your phone!

    Refectory CafeResponded on February 20, 2023Thank you! WE appreciate the 5-STARS! :-)

    Report
21. V

    Vegasjoe57

    Raleigh

    103 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    103 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Had the Norwegian Salmon entree and spouse had the Maui Puttanesca entree….both excellent! Loved the cheese board starter and of course Laura the proprietor was so sweet to save her last 2012 Nickel and Nickel Cabernet for me to sip slowly during the entire delightful experience!

    Refectory CafeResponded on February 20, 2023Thank you Joe! Delighted you enjoyed the experience. You may also enjoy the next Italian Wine dinner on Wednesday, March 1st! Happy to get you the same table. WE appreciate the 5-STARS! Laura

    Report
22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    Usually have wonderful experience - however this time was a miss…. Had the special Airline chicken and it really wasn’t special - very bland. I have no idea what the reduction was as had no discernible taste. I ate half of my dish and shared how disappointed I was. But seemed to get no reaction…

    Report
23. RJ

    RobertJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Amazing time at the restaurant everything from the host to the server was a 10/10 quickly sat. Server touched our table almost immediately. The only takeaway is him not being as knowledgeable with the wine menu/options my girlfriend is studying to be a Sommelier and was bummed she couldn’t talk wine with the server lol 🥴 Food was amazing, Wine was perfect! But all in all great night out!

    Refectory CafeResponded on February 20, 2023Hello Robert! I wish I was there to chat with your "Sommelier in training". I choose the wines - I love every wine on our list and enjoy talking about them. It made my day that you found the food amazing and the wine perfect! Our next Italian Wine Dinner is Wednesday, March 1 - you can easily sign up on our website. Your girlfriend will have a great opportunity to talk wine with the rest of us! Cheers, Laura

    Report
24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Valentine’s Day dinner was outstanding. Food and service were both great and we will come back again!

    Refectory CafeResponded on February 20, 2023Thank you! The next special Italian Wine Dinner dinner is Wednesday, March 1. Hope to see you there. We love "great" and "outstanding" - the team works hard to provide amazing food and service to all of our guests. Bon appetit! Laura

    Report
25. h

    hantuchova

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I have dined here many times for brunch, lunch, and dinner and have never been disappointed. Don't forget to save room for dessert as they have some of the best desserts in town.

    Refectory CafeResponded on February 20, 2023Thank you "hantuchova", Both of our chefs absolutely know what they are doing - thank you. Our pastry chef Rosa has been with us for 15 years - amazing person with a gift for desserts. We appreciate the 5-Star review and the "many times". Bon Appetit, Laura

    Report
26. G

    Gene

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Valentines Day

    Refectory CafeResponded on February 20, 2023Thank you! Valentines Day was amazing - the menu was stellar. Glad you enjoyed it. Laura

    Report
27. C

    Chasyz

    Raleigh

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Awesome experience. We had several vegan options and hope that the cafe will continue to make more vegan options. The huevos rancheros can be made vegan. Something (such as additional beans and avocado or more portion size) should be added to the vegan version to offset for the lack of eggs and ribs, for the same price.

    Refectory CafeResponded on February 20, 2023Hello Chasy, You will be happy to know that there are a good deal of items on the menu that can be made Vegan and we are happy to make that accommodation! All of our entrees are made to order and can be modified for special diets. You only have to ask. So, yes, please ask for Vegan Huevos next time you are in - with extra beans & avocado. Thanks for sharing the details. Thank you for the fabulous 5-stars! Bon Appetit! Laura

    Report
28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Valentines Day

    Refectory CafeResponded on February 20, 2023Thank you!

    Report
29. L

    Lyndie

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Galentine’s Brunch

    Refectory CafeResponded on February 20, 2023Woohoo! Thank you!

    Report
30. HC

    HilleryC

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience4

    Horrible customer service. Had a reservation for 2. Arrived on time. Was taken to the table and given water. Waited and waited for our server to come and take our order. 30 min later nobody came. We left!

    Report
31. KH

    KaryannH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was superb! Great selection for any dietary need/preference. Great size portions. Fun cocktails. Devine desserts. Delightful staff! We will be back!

    Refectory CafeResponded on February 20, 2023Wonderful! Thank you. We look forward to serving you again soon. Cheers! Laura

    Report
32. SJ

    ScottJ

    Atlanta Metro

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience2

    Was pleasantly surprised by this place and trying their brunch. The food was pretty good and service was on point. However the ambiance didn't match the price point. It looks like they tried to make a diner classy. Not sure if you did. Unfortunately their drinks were a miss. I got an old fashion and my wife got an Irish coffee. Neither were worth the price.

    Report
33. J

    Joanie

    Greensboro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Love this restaurant! I drive an hour from one direction, and a friend drives an hour from another. Saturday was our third (fourth?) time meeting there. The food is consistently good. The staff is great.

    Report
34. SU

    SUSE

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everyone in our party of nine was very happy with their food and the value. This was the first visit for all but one and people said that they would be returning.

    Report
35. W

    Woolet

    Raleigh

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2023

    overall4food2service3ambience4

    I usually like the food here, but I ordered the Chicken Marsala and the bowl was full of oil. Yuck!

    Report
36. T

    Theaterpatron

    Raleigh

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food, the service and the servers were all excellent!

    Report
37. MM

    MariaM

    Orlando

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    I ordered over easy eggs and they were actually over well. Same with my husband; but besides that, a very enjoyable experience. The rest of the brunch was very good. The biscuit was perfection, fluffy inside slightly toasted outside. Our table ordered a mimosa flight which was delish with fresh juices. Overall a very good experience.

    Report
38. DT

    DeannaT

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Neat place, but pretty expensive. Dont use the app to order - go up to the counter.

    Report
39. TM

    TolgaM

    Raleigh

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Cauliflower appetizer, Risotto and salmon main dishes were absolutely delicious and generous - we had enough to take home for another meal. Greek yogurt cheesecake was a very large dessert - definitely for 2 of us to share. My wife and I really enjoyed the experience!

    Report
40. CP

    CaseyP

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Lovely meal and excellent, attentive service,

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