The Refectory Cafe
$$ • Vegetarian, Vegan, Bars Book a table: 7:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:30 PM MoreAbout The Refectory Cafe
Customers' Favorites
The Refectory Cafe Reviews
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Really good place for work and good food.
Thoughtful, well prepared food very well done. I have not been disappointed in the 9 years we have eaten at The Refectory.
Took our wheelchair bound mother-in-law here for her birthday dinner. She enjoyed everything as did we. This is a simple, honest, quality cafe you can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner at. Give them a try… they are part of what make Durham great!
Hours
| Monday | 9AM - 8:30PM |
| Tuesday | 9AM - 8:30PM |
| Wednesday | 9AM - 8:30PM |
| Thursday | 9AM - 8:30PM |
| Friday | 9AM - 8:30PM |
| Saturday | 9AM - 8:30PM |
| Sunday | 9AM - 3PM |
The Refectory Cafe offers healthy food with big flavor at a great value. The menu features creative dishes like summer panzanella salad and octopus special with daikon slaw and beef filet with wild mushroom demi. The cafe also serves a variety of vegetarian options, making it a welcoming spot for different dietary needs. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, with a beautiful mural outside that adds charm. Guests often enjoy meals such as the avocado toast and breakfast bowl with grits, which are fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The chicken and waffles are crispy, tender, and just the right amount of indulgent. The cafe's focus on fresh ingredients and attention to detail in preparation stand out. Service is friendly and efficient, with servers paying attention to details like serving soup with perfectly toasted crostini and a napkin between the bowl and plate to reduce noise. Despite being small, the space feels comfortable and not crowded, making it an ideal place for breakfast, brunch, or a relaxing meal before a show. Recent visitors noted that the atmosphere is different at dinner, with a more relaxed vibe and no line to order, while appetizers like Arancini and Cheese platter, as well as the salmon, are highly praised. Some meals, such as the short ribs, may not always meet expectations, but overall, the cafe remains a popular spot for good food and a welcoming environment.