Refectory Cafe

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1. RL

   RitaL

   San Francisco

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Food was great and owner was very gracious and knowledgeable and welcoming.

   Report
2. CC

   CarolC

   Chicago

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great dinner and service - the restaurant is small, but comfortable and the food is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! Had their salmon dish and my friend had the bolognese spaghetti and both were absolutely delicious! Would highly recommend - oh, and don't forget the desserts . . . yum!

   Report
3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Always our go to when in Durham.

   Report
4. LL

   LisaL

   Raleigh

   6 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Had a great experience. Excellent place.

   Report
5. NC

   NCJoan

   Raleigh

   12 reviews

   4.0

   12 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall4food5service5ambience4

   Wonderful dinners last night included the shrimp, crab cakes and pasta bolonese. Each was delicious and

   Report
6. LF

   LynnF

   Raleigh

   6 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Excellent, fresh, local food and wonderful service. We enjoyed a comfortable dinner on the patio with shade and a gentle breeze from the fans. It looks like they have heaters for colder days, too. We will definitely be back!

   Report
7. F

   Foodlover

   Pinehurst

   15 reviews

   4.0

   15 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall4food4service4ambience3

   The menu is varied making it likely that everyone will find something they'd like. I enjoyed trying a new type of fish that was their special for the evening. It was pricey, but very good. The salads were large and fresh. They have a huge selection of desserts made in house. The chocolate mousse was the best I've ever had. The staff was friendly and attentive.

   Report
8. KB

   KyleB

   Raleigh

   18 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   18 reviews

   Dined on July 29, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Everything was ready when we got there. Had a party of 10. Everyone’s food was awesome. Chicken and waffles, breakfast burrito, quiche, cheesy grits everything.

   Report
9. PC

   PaulC

   New England

   4 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on July 24, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great brunch better service!!! Boys love their ricotta pancakes. I love their specials

   Refectory CafeResponded on July 29, 2022Thanks so much! We appreciate the awesome support!

   Report
10. J

    Joanie

    Greensboro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Having never been to The Refectory, I made reservations for a friend and me for 1:00 on Saturday. What a fabulous find! We both ate shrimp and grits which were the best I’ve had anywhere! We split a piece of cake for dessert, and it was delicious. The staff was extremely pleasant and accommodating. Highly recommend!

    Refectory CafeResponded on July 29, 2022Thank you Joanie, we love being a "fabulous find" and highly recommended. We are truly blessed with a competent happy and skilled staff. We look forward to serving you again very soon! Italian Wine dinner coming up on August 16th! Bon Appetit! Laura

    Report
11. RM

    RobertM

    Raleigh

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service!

    Refectory CafeResponded on July 29, 2022Woohoo! Thank you! Laura

    Report
12. TB

    TonyitaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food. Nice quiet atmosphere. Could actually talk and enjoy our meal without all the background action.

    Refectory CafeResponded on July 29, 2022Thanks very much Tonyita! Laura

    Report
13. F

    Foodlover

    Pinehurst

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    The food was fresh and nicely presented. The calamari appetizer was lightly breaded, had good texture and was well prepared. The garlic shrimp linguini had a light wine sauce which was nice, but an Alfredo sauce would have been more to our liking. The shrimp and grits was very tasty. The shrimp in both dishes was tender, very flavorful and served without tails. The fish special was served with Quinoa and flash fried, slices Brussels-sprouts and was beautifully plated. It was difficult to choose from the large selection of desserts. The chocolate mousse and pecan pie are highly recommended. The chef Service was very good. At night, a server takes your order. At lunch time, you place your order at the register. Both times, your order is brought to your table. The calamari appetizer was lightly breaded, had good texture and was well prepared.

    Refectory CafeResponded on July 29, 2022Thank you "Foodlover"! We appreciate the 5-Stars and the comments. Bon Appetit! Laura

    Report
14. F

    Foodie91

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2022

    overall3food5service5ambience5

    Food was good, but we did have to wait an hour for a waffle and grilled cheese.

    Report
15. H

    Huck

    Los Angeles

    37 reviews

    4.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience4

    Has abundant outdoor seating. Appreciated the overhead fans

    Report
16. K

    Kandance

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    The crab cakes were wonderful- full of crab meat instead of breading and other fillers. This is also one of the few restaurants I have been to in the area that has a Sancerre on the wine menu- and it was wonderful. The lemon pie reminded me of my mother's. I can not recommend Refectory Cafe more highly for a nice, casual meal.

    Refectory CafeResponded on July 2, 2022Thank you Kandance! Everyone loves those lump crab cakes and thank you for commenting on the wine list. All of the wines are carefully curated to create something special for all of our guests. Many thanks, on behalf of the entire staff, for the recommendation, Bon Appetit! Laura

    Report
17. N

    Nemo

    Atlantic Canada

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Once you eat at Refectory, you will keep going and eating!! Consistently great food, excellent service and warm/friendly service.

    Refectory CafeResponded on July 29, 2022Woohoo! Thank you Nemo.... :-) We look forward to serving you again soon. The entire staff works hard for and appreciates that 5-star experience for all of our guests. Many thanks Laura

    Report
18. C

    Chip

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Food and service good but pricey. I would like to see more wine in a glass and more food on the plate for the $100+ meal.

    Report
19. T

    Tembosi

    Raleigh

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Excellent food and service. All in our party had a variety of entrees which proved to be great across the board. The Caesar Salad dressing was a bit different in a zesty kind of way and made me wish I had ordered the full salad and couple sides.

    Report
20. NC

    NCGrl

    Raleigh

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on June 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Three of us ate outside, under an awning, on a pleasant day. Two orders came out promptly, one order took extra time so we had to check inside. Excellent food, server checked in periodically, but didn't rush us as we chatted.

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21. C

    Charl

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 26, 2022

    overall3food2service2ambience4

    I like all the gluten free an vegan options but the waiting in line vs having a waitress/ hostess would solve some issues.

    Report
22. RR

    RichardR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This continues to be a standout location for brunch, with good food and good service.

    Report
23. KC

    KathleenC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Lovely atmosphere and fresh food. Make reservations for brunch -- it's busy!

    Report
24. FR

    FrankR

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was fabulous! From the service , variety of menu items and the food was amazing. Well done.

    Report
25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Good food, good service!

    Report
26. GS

    GeorgeS

    Atlanta

    28 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    I have to acknowledge the kind, lovely people who work there - as well as the beautiful and tasty looking items in the bakery case! The breakfasts we ordered, sadly, were very overcooked, dry and substantially lacking in flavor. It’s an unusual set-up with regard to reserved seating, ordering at the counter and a mixed bag of self service tossed in.

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27. JS

    JerryS

    London

    14 reviews

    3.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    We were so anxious to dine here after reading ao many great reviews but in t6he end walked away disappointed. We started with 2 cups of soup, award winning chili for my wife and chicken and chorizo gumbo for me. Both were good bug not outstanding. I added the kale salad which was bland and almost tasteless. For entrees, my wife ordered the the lobster risotto and I went with the salmon. Again, both just OK. The tiny lobster tail on my wife's dish was perfectly cooked and tasty but the risotto left a lot to be desired. My salmon was also perfectly cooke to a medium rare but the basil sauce beneath was mostly tasteless. Total tab including 2 glasses of wine and a Manhattan, tax and tip came to $132. This is definitely not a 4 or 5 star review restaurant and definitely doesn't deserve Trip Advisor's #2 best restaurant in Durham. We won't be returning.

    Report
28. TH

    TeriH

    Birmingham

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent food & service!! Everything we had was outstanding. Wine list is special & they know how to make cocktails! Could not have asked anything more from our service!! We were there while visiting our friends who live in Durham who weren’t familiar with this restaurant. They will be back!!

    Report
29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience5

    This is a really cute place lace with fresh flowers on each table and nice outdoor seating. The food is always excellent. I love the French toast , the pancakes, the shrimp salad, the chicken and waffles. My daughter ordered an iced cafe latte with raspberry syrup and it was amazing! Service is variable. Our last visit was a good one. All of our food arrived within the same five minute window (last time my husband and son waited 45 minutes for their food AFTER everyone else was served). The servers were very kind and pleasant on our most recent visit. We were told it would be 45-60 minutes for our food to be made after ordering g even though we had a reservation. Luckily it was more like 30 minutes. It must be the labor shortage?

    Report
30. DB

    DBDtraveler

    Charlotte

    211 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    211 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    Average food. Attentive wait staff but sadly very slow cook staff. We waited over an hour for our meal. Perhaps we came on a bad day. It was a very busy Father’s Day.

    Report
31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Naples

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    Great night to dine outside. The shrimp linguine was perfect. Only negative thing are the picnic tables.

    Report
32. a

    abc123

    Raleigh

    8 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall2food5service1ambience5

    I usually love refectory and have had great good and service. This time, I waited so long for my food (over 80 min) that my party, who had arrived five min earlier and had ordered through the QR code, had finished eating before my food ever came out. Their food also took a long time, and they had waited an hour so I told them to go ahead and eat when they finally were served. I went inside to check on my order bc my group was done eating and my food still hadn’t come out. Collectively, I probably waited 1.5 hrs and did so bc I had out of town friends who at least got their food after an hour. I just asked the server to pack up my food bc my friends had to get to a wedding and were meeting me for lunch right before it. It was an overall weird experience. Also many ppl were complaining about the severe delay in service and orders that were missing items. I could sense the servers and staff were visibly stressed and taxed. Although my dining experience was not positive this time, I ended up leaving stressed for the staff bc they couldn’t keep up with the orders and I knew they were trying their best but that they were never going to be able to get the plates and food out in time. They were SO behind and at a place where ppl would be needing to leave or walk out with their money back. They said it would be a 30-45 min wait for food but it was 1.5 hrs. I’ll still go back bc I love their food and outdoor dining option. But I’ll not go back during the weekend during peak service hrs. Potential solutions for the staff is to limit the number of patrons that can enter the restaurant or book reservations if staff are understaffed or cannot flip the tables and bring out food in a reasonable amt of time. They were drowning that day. Not fun for them or the guests.

    Report
33. AC

    ACEfoodie

    Raleigh

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Although I did find it a little strange to order at a counter upon arrival, choose a seat and have my Bruce delivered, I was was delighted by the quality of the food! My friend and I enjoyed a crab cake for appetizer, lemon ricotta pancakes and the meat quiche of the day (ham, mushrooms and asparagus with Parmesan). The food was well crafted and delicious! We shared a mimosa flight which was fun and tasty! The service was great until the shift changed and we could hardly find someone to refill our water glasses. Finally, an excellent busser brought us water which was well appreciated! Overall, a lovely place that I would visit again!

    Report
34. SH

    SabineH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was outstanding! Service very friendly. Great ambience. Will definitely return

    Report
35. r

    rlcc

    Raleigh

    12 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall3food3service1ambience5

    Love this place- had a few challenges on my most recent visit, but they say they were understaffed. The wait for food was over 1.5 hours and was promised many times.

    Report
36. DR

    DebbieR

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall2food3service1ambience2

    First time there, and service and wait time for food was poor. Very disappointed in lack of attention to the patrons. Staff not personable, was told to order by phone or go stand in line and order. To get a refill of water we had to go stand in line to ask. Took over an hour to receive or meal, which was avacodo toast, salad, chicken biscuit and breakfast wrap. Don’t see returning

    Report
37. R

    Runnerfoodie

    Raleigh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    The service was excellent, staff always had water being refilled. I tried a few bites of the vegan Indian dish and a Cobb salad. Both flavorful and fresh :)

    Report
38. C

    Chet

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    My wife and I thought the food was very good. She had the shrimp linguini and I had the lobster risotto. The presentation was great and the food was full of flavor and tasted very fresh. We were served by John and his service was pleasant at introduction, informative during entre selection, and attentive throughout the meal. It was our anniversary and the meal at the Refectory Cafe made it a special evening.

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39. C

    Colnago

    San Francisco

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on June 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing meal and terrific desserts. Staff and owner were over the top.

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40. j

    jdesigner

    Raleigh

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on June 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Wonderful service and delicious food and cocktails - AS USUAL.

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