The Refectory Cafe

Lots of Fall themed seasonal items on the menu. We tried three of them and they were all delightful. The service was great.

We had a family gathering in Durham for a birthday party. We looked at Best restaurants on line and this was a top choice. It was an early dinner for 6 adults and 3 kids about 1 to 3. So we set a 8 person table setting. We selected outside as it was a beautiful 75 degree day. As we arrived we saw were going to be seated outside on 2 picnic tables that were anchored to the ground about 4 feet apart. So the whole group could not sit together. We had drinks and some appetizers until supper service at 4.30 pm. We needed 2 high chairs as we had 2 infants and neither waiter offered. So I went inside and they brought them out. The outside seating is facing a major roadway, and while it was Saturday afternoon the traffic noise was terrible. Seemed like a big concern the picnic tables would be stolen as they were strapped to the concrete. They brought kids meals right out. The adults ordered our choices and they came out promptly and we all enjoyed the entrees. We had a nice visit and the staff were good and prompt. So I gave it a 5 for the food and a 3 for atmosphere. We went inside but the interior really needs to be upgraded. It felt like a very casual Cafe style with a 4 star price tag. Would go back but not with the same mix for a group. Maybe a couple but be aware outdoors is a picnic table, not like a nice sidewalk restaurant table with chairs. Not very comfortable.

We had a wonderful experience and appreciated all of the different menu options. The staff was very hospitable and service was excellent.

All was good. My husband ordered the short ribs, which he usually loves, but the meat was dry and tough. Since he has a medical condition making it hard for him to swallow sometimes, he wasn't able to enjoy his dinner as usual. Otherwise we enjoyed everything.

This is the first time we've had dinner at the Refectory, although we frequently eat lunch there. It was a totally different atmosphere than lunch, w the lighting, tables etc. No line to go through to order. The 2 appetizers, Arancini & Cheese platter were excellent as was my salmon. My husband had the Dal & didn't care for it also much. A friend had the salmon salad & liked it. We'd definitely go back for dinner

We had a lovely Birthday brunch with friends! Easily reserved a table a couple days before (very friendly & professional). Would have given Service 5 stars too, except one of our orders was lost - we made service aware and it arrived later.

I love this place. I do have a few suggestions. I had the cheddar & ham quiche which was good but not as moist or flavorful as I had expected. The salad mix that came with it was delicious but a very small serving. I would have expected double or triple that size. (The salad dressing was incredible. You should bottle and sell that at the counter!) My companion had fried eggs on top of potatoes. Very good. But we expected a biscuit to come with it for the price. At other breakfast places, that is always the case. Just some suggestions about the food. I also wish we didn't have to stand in line to order. I realize that is your setup. But it detracts from the rest of the ambiance which is relaxed and bistro-like.

The food was fantastic and the atmosphere was perfect. We were able to have nice conversations with our work family and celebrate a co worker's life event. Pamela was very helpful with securing the reservation and helping with arrangements. The vegan pancakes were fantastic, as were the breakfast potatoes and veggies.

Worst meal we have had in years. The veg lasagna was inedible. Never was served rock hard focaccia anywhere. Menu and the served food had no relationship to one another. Never coming back.

The food was delicious (as usual). My rating was lower because the cashier mixed up our order. I treated a friend (who was a first-time diner) to brunch, so I was a bit disappointed when her order was incorrect. Since we had to wait for her order, we weren't able to dine together. I have eaten at Refectory Cafe for years, and this was the first time I've had a problem. This isolated incident will not prevent me from returning.

Love this place! We literally drove 2.5 hours from Hickory to meet a friend who drove the same distance from Richmond. It's central and just perfect for a meetup. The food is delicious. The lemon ricotta pancakes are a must and even better with the mimosa flight. We always leave with something fresh from the bakery too! There are so many choices. Other faves that never disappoint: the breakfast bowl, avocado toast, and poached eggs. Just go!

Appreciate the service and food quality at fast casual restaurant. Pancakes were very good although I think it should have included more fruit than a garnish of strawberries.

Came into the restaurant and was not even greeted properly. But the white people behind me were immediately ushered in. I sat at a high top where I waited 10 minutes to be greeted by a waiter. After taking my order it took another 20 minutes for my food to arrive. The weight of came back after several minutes asking if my food was okay to which I replied could I get more cheese. That took another 10 minutes. My food was cold after that. I asked for a check in the box to take my food out with. He proceeded to do a dessert presentation for another table. Brought in the dessert. And I still didn't have my check or to go box. The service is terrible if you are black. The food took too long to come out. And it took too long to get a check. The food was cold by the time I got my cheese. Overall abysmal service. And food

We went at 5:30, so it was quiet. I had the fried potatoes as a main course and they were delicious.

Food was excellent. Everyone in our party wanted to customize a menu item & they were more than obliging.