Refectory Cafe

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1. CT

   CrystalT

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Excellent food, as usual! Loved the shrimp and grits and the portions were sizable as well.

   Report
2. MX

   Mom3X

   Raleigh

   4 reviews

   3.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall3food4service2ambience4

   The food for brunch was delicious. Our table was ready when we arrived; the staff had even put our name and a reserved sign on it! Unfortunately, the restaurant missed the mark with service. You order and pay from a QR code at your table and you do not see any waitstaff until this is done. Maybe this is a reaction to covid short-staffing and it is a good idea to keep staffing costs down, but it could be managed better. Since the restaurant knew we were coming (reservations and table placard) we should have been greeted with water at the minimum, The ordering app doesn't give much leeway for modifications on menu items other than a special request box that, in my case, was not paid attention to and I had to send my meal back to be re-made. Once our food was delivered, no one came to check on us,refill our waters, bring salt or pepper, etc...

   Report
3. MD

   MDPond

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall3food4service5ambience2

   This is a nice place, but parking on a Sunday morning is impossible. I realize everything has been done to improve the parking situation, but it is still extremely problematic. The food was good with a nice selection. Price is also reasonable. Would recommend with qualifications, especially to people with mobility issues.

   Report
4. MM

   MMailH

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Our table had crab cakes, gumbo, salmon with mushroom orzo and pork tenderloin medallions with linguine carbonara. Enjoyed all the dishes. Only thing missing was rice in the gumbo. All the food was seasoned beautifully and the portions were perfect.

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5. MT

   MaryT

   Charlotte

   15 reviews

   5.0

   15 reviews

   Dined on May 17, 2022

   overall5food5service4ambience5

   Always great food. Our server seemed a bit distracted. She forgot a glass of wine but charged us for it. We would have reminded her of the missed glass of wine, but she never returned to the table. We had to ask another server to bring us the bill. Other than that oversight, a great meal.

   Report
6. AG

   AnnG

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 13, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We were a party of 9 people with 7 different dinner entrees and seated at a square table for easy conversations. All of the entrees were well prepared, well presented, and delicious. The servers were attentive and friendly. We highly recommend The Refectory Cafe!!

   Report
7. a

   abc123

   Raleigh

   7 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on May 11, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Love the outdoor seating, service is excellent, food is even better and continues to be one of my favorite spots to enjoy spending time with friends with excellent food

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8. DL

   DLMayer

   Raleigh

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 10, 2022

   overall4food5service5ambience3

   My only complaint is the outdoor picnic seating is uncomfortable and the relationship from the bench to table is too far. Otherwise A+

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Palm Springs

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 9, 2022

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   1st time. Very satisfied

   Report
10. DC

    DougC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    It feels like an upscale diner. Meals were expensive but it costs a lot to eat out in 2022. Food was good and interesting. I liked it.

    Report
11. B

    Bill

    Raleigh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience5

    What was great: Food: delicious, impeccably prepared, and beautifully presented... as usual! Attitude of staff: positive and friendly. Reserved table, with outdoor seating: I made a reservation for outdoor seating for me, my wife, and our quite elderly friend--and when we arrived, our table was set up beautifully and even had a 'Reserved' sign with my name on it! We knew right where to sit -- and it was very comfortable, relaxing, and safe! What we didn't like: Staff apparently has been cut back; and electronics now rule. We encountered no option for ordering except electronically, by Smart phone - which we did. Also, since we had no wait staff approach us or check in with us (other than to quickly drop off the ordered food), we had no option for paying except by Smart phone - which was awkward because: (1) our elderly friend wanted to treat but I wanted to leave the tip. Also, who ever heard of leaving a tip at the same time as placing the order and before the food comes? I suggested to our friend that, with our help, she could pay upfront with her credit card and indicate "no tip" on the electronic bill - and, then, I would leave the tip, in cash, before leaving. Yes, I did leave a 20% (cash) tip - though whoever received the electronic order probably figured that we were stiffing them with a "0% tip." Also, I felt like our 20% tip was generous given that it didn't even feel like we had a server. We ordered 3 waters with no ice; when the order was delivered, all 3 waters did have ice. The server seemed pleasant but very busy and was gone in the blink of an eye after she quickly unloaded our order to our table. Also, no one subsequently checked to ask if things were OK... or to see if we needed anything; for example, no water refills were offered. I guess this is the wave of the future (or, some might say, the present) but, nevertheless, we all missed any semblance of the personal touch that has, in the past, characterized The Refectory.

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12. DL

    DebraL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Excellent brunch. The staff is always hustling and super accommodating. Delicious baked goods, especially the gluten-free items.

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13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always a fantastic meal at the Refectory Cafe! The nicest staff, and the best food. Beautiful outdoor seating where we enjoyed a lovely brunch with old friends. Can’t wait to go back!

    Report
14. C

    Clementine1

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was delicious!

    Report
15. CP

    CathyP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food and service was very good. Ate outside, which was great. Waiter may want to ask customer if they want their cherry pie heated.

    Report
16. a

    abc123

    Raleigh

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent food and service with outdoor seating. The food is exceptional always. Highly recommend the chef special - pork cheeks. Some of the best food in Durham.

    Report
17. NK

    NityaK

    Austin

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and service!

    Report
18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Great meal served outside. Ambiance is good but right next to the parking lot. Brussels sprout appetizer was fabulous as well as the shrimp linguini. Service was excellent.

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19. F

    Footballmom

    Raleigh

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is a great spot, good food, nice staff. Cheese grits are yummy! On this trip the people next to us let their dog onto the table! What’s wrong with people?

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20. WR

    WillRun4Food

    Raleigh

    45 reviews

    4.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience3

    The food was amazing as always. The only issue is the lack of filtrated air inside with the table super close. Otherwise, I highly recommend.

    Report
21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful place to eat

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22. L

    Lilsmos

    Raleigh

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Avocado salmon toast was great and the corn beef hash with a tasty twist was excellent. Always recommend The Refectory!

    Report
23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The staff was fantastic in their knowledge and advice of items on the menu!! .. The food was delicious; the short ribs were to die for!! .. Overall, excellent food and wonderful service; great value!!

    Report
24. LP

    LaurenP

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The food is delicious and the staff is delightful.

    Report
25. JS

    JosephS

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 13, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3

    I am new to the area and saw this restaurant on TripAdvisor. My wife and I were going to a show in Durham and we thought we'd give it a try. The ambience was very casual, the food was really good and the service was great. According to our waitress they are known for their brunch. I would recommend to those looking for a good value in a casual environment. Seafood and Italian seem to be their specialty.

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26. LR

    LenoreR

    Raleigh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 13, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    The Refectory Cafe is a wonderful place to dine at a casual restaurant. The food is excellent, the wait staff super and the ambiance is perfect for a delicious meal out.

    Report
27. K

    Kimberly

    Raleigh

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent food and service!

    Report
28. SJ

    SarahJDubs

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 10, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    The food was delicious! Ordering from the App from outside was a bit confusing at first because we didn't know if someone was coming out with water, if we needed to order water, etc. but overall everything was great.

    Report
29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    We weren’t sure what to expect, but I have to say the food was outstanding! We had the chicken marsala & grilled salmon, both were prepared wonderfully. Will definitely return & enjoy one of their desserts.

    Report
30. JW

    JameW

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 8, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Used online ordering and food came out very quickly. Quiet because we sat outside.

    Report
31. D

    Danielle

    Greensboro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Birthday lunch

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32. BF

    BethF

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Nice healthy delicious options. Shrimp, salad, quiche, sandwich yummy. Excellent , friendly service. Nice, informal atmosphere. Reasonable prices .Indoor and outdoor seating. Will definitely go again and again.

    Report
33. IB

    IlgaB

    Jacksonville

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 6, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience3

    The staff were extremely friendly, accommodating , professional and great service! My salmon with gnocchi was prepared very well, carrots undercooked. Second entree short ribs tender, could have used more sauce/ marinade over abundance of veggies which were undercooked! My cosmo and coffee after dinner drink were exceptional!

    Report
34. a

    arrbeejay

    Raleigh

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on April 6, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience4

    We reserved and sat at an outside table, and ordered through their on-line app. The process was seamless and the service was great.

    Report
35. MM

    MarkM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Interesting menu. One entree was delayed so the comped it without us even asking. Overall a great experience and meal. Thanks

    Report
36. M

    Mandie

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 3, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience2

    I was disappointed. I had never been there before this visit and and I don’t know if I would go back. I made a reservation 1:30 inside. When I get there, there is no staff to greet or give direction. We noticed tables said “reserved” on them with names. I couldn’t find mine anywhere, and again, there was no staff to help us. I had no idea who to ask. You also have to order your food and then sit down, which is fine, but confusing if you don’t know where to sit. My sister in law mentioned that we had a reservation and asked what to do and the person said, “oh we set that up for you in advance.” Yes we know, we cannot find the reservation. We’ve looked everywhere and it’s not there. We finally find it outside, and again, our reservation was for inside. Not a big deal because it was a nice day, but if that’s all that they could do it would have been nice to have been informed. We ordered separately from my sister and brother in law, but we’re at the same table. For some reason, their stuff came out properly and one time where as ours did not. I had to mention that we also had drinks for this table. We also saw other tables who ordered way after us get food before us. I seriously think that they forgot about us or didn’t put the information in correctly that we were at the same table. It was a good 35 minutes before we finally had our food, which is unacceptable. And honestly, it wasn’t worth the wait. It wasn’t bad. It was cooked properly and all, but it just wasn’t anything spectacular and certainly nothing that would need us to wait 35 minutes for, especially when my sister and brother in law ordered 30 seconds before us and got theirs within 15 minutes. So again, I don’t think I would go back, but I hope they make improvements for others who decide to go.

    Report
37. t

    tlmsmm

    Western NC

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on April 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is a must when in Durham area. Always fresh and quality ingredients used to prepare a timely served meal. Staff are friendly and very genuine! Best brunch around!

    Refectory CafeResponded on April 4, 2022

    Thank you TLSMM! Delighted you loved everything! We appreciate the "5-Star Review"! Gratefully, Laura

    Report
38. S

    Sharon

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Large party celebrating post wedding. Restaurant was very accommodating adding a larger table at last minute and providing wine advice. Very yummy food. Would definitely come back!

    Refectory CafeResponded on April 4, 2022

    Thank you very much Sharon! We enjoyed your table - super great guests. We look forward to serving you again soon! Laura

    Report
39. C

    Carol

    Raleigh

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What a delicious surprise! Our first visit, but it certainly won't be our last. A little pricey, but the food was great!

    Refectory CafeResponded on April 4, 2022

    Thank you Carol, We love being a "delicious surprise"! We appreciate the 5-Star review and look forward to serving you again soon! Bon Appetit! Laura

    Report
40. CC

    ConradC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great breakfast place. Great way to start weekend.

    Refectory CafeResponded on April 4, 2022

    Thank you Conrad! We appreciate the 5-Star Review. We love the "great start to the weekend" - we agree... ;-) Bon Appetit! Laura

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