Great evening . The food and service were wonderful. Beautifully decorated for the holidays.

Celebrating my partner's birthday was the perfect excuse to return to what is, in my opinion, Columbus' premier restaurant. From the moment we arrived, it was clear why this institution has remained at the top of the city's dining scene for half a century. My partner began with the Escargot and Shiitake Marble Veal Mousse with parsley garlic butter sauce, while I enjoyed the exceptional Mussel Soup with leek chiffonade, saffron cream, and Chablis. Both starters were beautifully prepared and set the tone for the evening. For our second course, my partner selected the Roasted Lake Erie Walleye with dill Chablis sauce, and I chose the Sautéed Florida Red Snapper with Choron vin blanc sauce. Both dishes showcased impeccable technique, fresh ingredients, and elegant presentation. Our third course continued to impress. The Black Truffle Duxelle Stuffed Rabbit Loin with Dijonnaise sauce was rich, flavorful, and perfectly executed, while my Pan-Seared Prime New York Strip Steak with cardamom sauce was cooked flawlessly and absolutely outstanding. We shared the Black Forest Tart with mascarpone chantilly and cherry gel for dessert. The flavors were wonderful, though the tart crust was a bit firmer than expected, making it somewhat difficult to enjoy with only a spoon. Service was polished and professional throughout the evening. Although the restaurant had run out of the bottle of wine we initially selected, the sommelier recommended a comparable bottle from the same AVA that was slightly more expensive and graciously adjusted the price to match our original selection. This was a thoughtful gesture that perfectly reflects The Refectory's commitment to hospitality. Our only minor disappointment was the seating location. The booth where we were placed was tucked away from the main dining room and felt a bit tight, making it somewhat less comfortable than we would have preferred. While the secluded setting had its charm, a table or a more spacious booth in the main dining area would have enhanced the overall experience. Overall, it was another memorable dining experience. Exceptional cuisine, refined service, and an atmosphere that continues to set the standard for fine dining in Columbus. It's easy to understand why The Refectory has earned its stellar reputation and why it has thrived for 50 years. Highly recommended and well deserving of its legendary status. read more

It's been several months since we were at the refectory restaurant and while the menu has changed significantly, the quality of the food remains the same. The restaurant is beautiful, and the service is impeccable. The menu today had a list of "smaller dishes". We started with their bread service which is no longer complementary but it's very inexpensive, and the crusty bread is delicious. For starters my wife and I shared the walnut salad and the escargot mushroom mousse. Both were excellent. For dinner, I ordered the snake river sturgeon which was cooked over a light curry sauce -- fantastic. My wife got the lamb chops, which were cooked to perfection. Even though we were pretty stuffed by this time we couldn't not get their famous crème brûlée -- and it did not disappoint! Oh, and both of us really enjoyed our wines! A wonderful evening, which reminded us why this was one of our favorite Columbus restaurants. read more

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My boyfriend and I came for our anniversary and had the most amazing time! The week we came the tasting menu was Cajun themed. The server did a GREAT job explaining how the menu worked (you can order the chefs tasting menu or DIY your own) and what everything was. I got the tasting menu which was chilled Cajun tuna ragout, Louisiana crayfish etoufee tart, roasted andouille sausage stuffed duck breast, and crepe Suzette. My boyfriend ordered the bread basket with imported cheeses, pan seared wagyu, seaweed crusted baby lamb chops, and creme brûlée. We split everything and this ended up being perfect because we could be adventurous with the chefs tasting menu and also had some amazing staples! The standouts to me were the chilled tuna ragout, pan seared wagyu, and creme brûlée! One of the BEST steaks and creme brûlée I have had... highly recommend! In addition to the amazing food, it is also in a beautiful old church and the staff is very knowledgeable on the history of the building! We had a great time and would highly recommend for a special occasion read more

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Set in a former church with high ceilings and a steakhouse atmosphere, The Refectory is a very good full service fine dining restaurant with tasty, unique dishes and an exceptional wine list. Our service was uneven. The Gulf Coast Soft Shell Crab was oily owing to the Tempura. But the Escargot and Shiitake Marble was excellent, as was the Greenhouse Tomato and Goat Cheese. Taking advantage of the specials Loup de Mer was prepared perfectly, but the Quail was a little dry. There is plenty of free parking. read more

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Came here for our anniversary dinner. We were warmly greeted and seated promptly. You definitely get 5 star service here. Our table had a cute card to acknowledge the occasion. Our server was nice and professional. We started out with the Amish Salad, I got the lamb chops and my husband got the antelope. Finished off with crème brûlée. Overall it was a nice dinner. I know they change the menu often so look forward to coming back! read more

The Refectory Restaurant - Lamb Chops - French Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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My wife and I have celebrated 28 of the last 42 years of our marriage by dining at the Refectory. Each time, the experience has been exemplary - a varied and thoughtful menu, attentive but not intrusive wait staff, and an environment that lends itself to quiet celebration. Sample menu: THE REFECTORY PRESENTS AN EVER-CHANGING DINNER MENU THIS EVENING'S MENU - August 1st, 2025 This menu is posted daily Click the red highlighted items to see a photo CHOOSE FROM ANY OR ALL CATEGORIES TO DESIGN DINNER IN THE ORDER YOU DESIRE Prélude Amish Greens Blend Salad pancetta, toasted almonds, maple syrup vinaigrette* 17. Red Beet and Bâtonnets de Saucisson Salad roasted hazelnut vinaigrette* 17. Mushroom and Zucchini Tian aged balsamic vinaigrette 17. French Country Terrine herbes de Provence vinaigrette* 19. Rare Sashimi Tuna tomato tartare, lavender vinaigrette 19. Smoked Salmon Quartet salmon and fresh cheese compote, fennel salad, horseradish vinaigrette 22. Charcuterie and Imported Cheese Board (to share) accompaniments* 39. ~ Ohio Heirloom Tomato Velvet Soup butter croutons 17. Escargot and Shiitake Marble veal mousse, parsley, garlic butter sauce** 21. Elysian Fields Lamb Paté in Puff Pastry montrachet cheese center, lamb jus 25. i Caviar Petrossian Classic Baika dark, rich, and bold in oceanic flavor 95. Petrossian Royal Ossetra perfect balance of savory brine and subtle notes of dried fruit 185. Petrossian Tsar Imperial Beluga Hybrid butter and brine hybrid, creamy notes, fresh finish 295. i Seafood Course Roasted Atlantic Striped Bass curry whole grain mustard vin blanc 34. Pan-Fried Lake Erie Perch semolina crust, choron vin blanc sauce 34. Sautéed Pacific Swordfish basil vin blanc sauce 34. i Meat Course Roasted Boudin Stuffed Duck essence of basil, olive blend vin blanc 35. Pan-Seared Wagyu Flat Iron of Beef cardamom sauce 37. Pancetta Wrapped Roasted Texas Antelope wild herb brined, Ohio chanterelle sauce 37. i Bread Basket (serves two), gluten-free option also available 5. Whole Loaves To-Go (donation to World Central Kitchen - Ukraine) 8. Imported Cheese Course (to share)* 29. i Finale Fresh Fruit and Trio of Sorbet coconut, apricot, and cassis sorbets 12. Bourbon Vanilla Crème Brûlée "Paul Bocuse" classic madeleine* 14. Chocolate Marquis vanilla crème anglaise, petite almond financier* 14. Raspberry and Lavender Dome almond joconde, raspberry coulis* 14. Lemon Mousse almond joconde, Parisian macaron* 14. Chef's Five-Course Vegetarian Tasting Menu 80. per guest Classic Wine Pairings 75. per guest Premier Cru Wine Pairings Available Red Radish Carpaccio toasted pistachio, parmesan, champagne vinaigrette* 17. Vilmart & Cie Grand Cellier Premier Cru - Champagne, France ~ Ohio Heirloom Tomato Velvet Soup butter croutons 2022 Schloss Gobelsburg Ried Steinsetz Grüner Veltliner - Kamptal, Austria ~ Baked Eggplant, Ratatouille, and Fresh Linguini basil velvet sauce 2016 Finca Adalgisa Lujan de Cuyo Malbec - Mendoza, Argentina ~ Marinated Buratta in Chive Oil balsamic vinegar, microgreens 2022 Château Thivin Beaujolais Blanc "Clos de Rochebonne" - Beaujolais, France ~ Lemon and Lavender Semifreddo almond sponge cake* 2019 Domaine de Barroubio Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois - Languedoc, France *Contains nuts **Contains shellfish. We give our guests a choice with all forms of payment, including Apple Pay. There is a 3% fee added for CC, Zero for debit, cash or check. read more

The Refectory Restaurant - Exterior and ample parking - French Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

We've been going here for decades and every time we go we leave feeling even more impressed. There aren't many restaurants that can maintain the magic combination of quality food, service and attention to details over decades but Kamal and his team have managed to do just that. It's one of the few places where you can talk and not have to compete with loud music and noise. They have kept up with trends but managed to stay authentic to their roots. One of my all time favorite restaurants and hopefully yours too. I've enjoyed the new tasting menus that allow you to try a variety of different dishes. Great wine recommendations from the new sommelier also! read more

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The Refectory is truly a Columbus staple, and the consistent quality and special nature of the place is surely what makes that the case. We went for a special occasion, and they were sure to note that in the reservation, put a special note on the table, add candles to our dessert, etc. The interior is cozy, somewhat rustic, and showcases the fact that you're dining in an old church. Service was good; the dishes were all delicious and showcased traditional French preparation and techniques. The beef was the most tender I've had in a long time. Expensive, but you are paying for the experience. If I could give 4.5 stars, I would! read more

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My husband and I visited The Refectory for my birthday this past weekend and it was nothing short of outstanding. The inside of the restaurant is beautiful. It is clear it was formerly a church and they have taken great lengths to preserve the history and the beauty. We chose to create our own experience so my husband and I got the salad and asparagus soup for our appetizers. The asparagus soup was creamy and decadent and the salad was perfectly dressed. For fish courses my husband got the halibut cheeks and I got the scallops. The sauces were to die for and each dish was masterfully cooked and prepared. For our protein entrees we got the rabbit and the lamb. Each was cooked perfectly and we couldn't believe how good it all was. Our server, Michelle, was knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. The rest of the wait staff helping her was also amazing. She made us feel special and everyone made sure we were taken care of at all times. Additionally, we have a few allergies that need to be accommodated (my husband is allergic to shellfish and I am allergic to lavender) and they knew when we sat down what they were and altered each dish accordingly. This experience was an exceptional one. If this city awarded Michelin stars, this restaurant would hold them. We will absolutely be back! read more

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Juan, our server, was top notch. We really enjoyed having him as our server. He was very professional, knowledgeable and passionate about our experience. The food, was truly exceptional. Everything we were served had perfect preparation and exceeded our expectations. Throughout my life, I've enjoyed a lot of exceptional dinning experiences, but the team at Refectory truly made this unforgettable. Thank you. read more

The Refectory Restaurant - Potato Scale Crusted Mediterranean Loup de Mer (near), Fried Polenta seasonal vegetables, red bell pepper sauce (far) - French Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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*٭Lengthy and honest review٭* * I chose this highly rated fine dining restaurant to celebrate my birthday, expecting a memorable experience. We went for the 5-course menu ($125/pp) & we chose the Premier Cru wine pairing for an additional ($140/pp). Sadly, the food didn't live up to the hype. Several dishes were bland & lacked depth, and even our filet mignons tasted inconsistent--my husband's was noticeably saltier. The potato cake oddly tasted fishy! * Presentation was stunning, though portions were on the smaller side. Service was excellent; our server was personable and knowledgeable, & the sommelier did a good job with the mostly French wine selections. However, the pacing dragged, with a long gap between the main course & dessert, stretching our dinner to over three hours. For an over $600+ meal for two, the overall experience fell short. Perhaps à la carte would have been a better choice? While they added a small candle to my included dessert, there was no complimentary birthday treat, which felt disappointing for a special night. * Great service again, but the flavors and timing made it just an average experience. "A high price doesn't necessarily guarantee exceptional flavor." Neutral tummy read more

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What a disappointment first time there since the 1990s since I lived in Florida for 19 years. Ordered a filet for $69. Just had one in San Diego last week was fantastic. The Refectory filet was no better than grocery store beef. Waiter Steve was very condensing. I was extremely disappointed and won't return. How sad once great experience was comparable to a night and meal at a common chain restaurant read more

Excellent service .. staff is friendly.. food was decent .. loved the inside ambiance.

One of the best dining experiences I've had in Columbus. Honestly, I'm surprised Refectory doesn't have a Michelin star. Service, food, and ambiance were all phenomenal. Everything was so personalized. We tried many different items, including the chef's tasting menu. Highlights from the dinner were the butternut veloute, the Dover sole, and the pear tart. I will dream of these dishes. Refectory will definitely be the place I take visitors from now on. Can't believe I had never been there considering I've been in Columbus most of my life. read more

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Delicious food and excellent service every single time! A wonderful dinner to celebrate our wedding anniversary read more

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My wife and I always enjoy our experiences at The Refectory. Most recently, we were celebrating our anniversary. We were greeted by the always gracious Kamal. Our regular server, Dominic, was attentive and made excellent recommendations. Clayton, the sommelier, did the wine pairings. His choices were wonderful and he was humorous and knowledgeable. The food was world class, as always. Another wonderful experience! read more

My wife and I are frequent diners in most high-end restaurants in USA cities, and in many countries with business and pleasurable travel over the past 30+ years. It is hard rate the services high enough the Refectory offers. Fantastic unique dishes served with interesting presentations. Best service in Columbus, and the most elegant venue, with history and decorations interesting, warm, and comfortable. Kamal makes every guest seem like family, and dining areas and tables are as private as you want them to be. Waiters are expertly trained, comfortable, and knowledgeable of every aspect of every meal. Important business meeting, family outing, superb date--you will not be disappointed. read more

I love this place. Expect slower dining, smaller portions and old school vibes. Don't be deceived... you'll leave with a full belly. Support local! read more

I've been here before in the past and we re-visited for a birthday. They've been around for awhile and have a good established reputation in the city. Menu changes often so do expect the exact same dishes as what you see in these posts. Definitely make reservations. My only qualm is that I would've preferred to sit in the main dining room as opposed to the area with the adjacent bar. I should've made that request when I made my reservation so technically it's my fault but it's not a big deal and was nice and cozy by the fireplace. Excellent dishes and it's quite the experience. Make sure you take a few hundred as it's pricey and don't expect some 5 for $5 combo specials or deals read more

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Yet another superb experience. We were celebrating our wedding anniversary's . Every thing 100% on point. read more

The Refectory Restaurant - Dessert - French Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I know we are super late to the party on this one and I have no idea why we've never been here before. This place is amazing. The service was incredible and the food was too. They have a set tasting menu or you can make your own which is what we decided to do. Though simple the salad was delicious, the fish dishes were cooked perfectly and the blue cheese bordalase on the lamb was so amazing. Add some wonderfully made cocktails and a delicious dessert and we couldn't have asked for a better meal. They have events where dinner is paired with a musical performance and we cannot wait to try one of those. read more

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An amazing experience. Food and service were second to none! Most impressive is the consistency every time I visit. The orchestration of the entire staff is unbelievable and each interaction with every staff member was genuine and friendly read more

Such an amazing place! We came here to celebrate my books being available on audio. It's been a long time coming and wouldn't you know the staff had a congratulations card written up for me. Then to top it off they presented us with a one year anniversary card. The staff here is first class and attentive. They take the time to explain the menu and how everything is prepared. To many places rush you in and out but the staff here welcomes you in to relax and enjoy all that they offer. For me this time around I was instinctively drawn to the escargot. It's always fascinated me how each place has their own interpretation, but Refactory does it to perfection. I ordered the duck and as always no one comes close to what they do here. If you're looking for a special place to escape with a loved one or to come and celebrate with a group you must come here. They will never disappoint oh and don't forget dessert. A true YUM factor at the Refactory. Can't wait to return and if you're interested in the history they have even shown items from the Titanic this past April. Talk about being in the know! Great job guys and gals. Keep doing what you do best! See you soon. read more

The Refectory Restaurant - You can't say no to this Raspberry dessert - French Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Always a delight to dine at Refectory! We look forward to the calm and romantic atmosphere, the impeccable service and the delicious small plates. The lentil soup and halibut were standouts!! Thank you for an outstanding evening. read more

Service: impeccable Food: phenomenal Presentation: spectacular Atmosphere: romantic Overall Experience: fabulous Visiting The Refectory is an absolutely amazing dining experience! My only regret is it's taken me this long to experience this fine French cuisine. If Yelp allowed for a seventh star, I'd happily award another couple stars! When you first arrive you'll be warmly greeted by the maitre d' (whom actually is Kamal, the owner, which we later found out after he visited our table just before dessert to check on us - nice touch!!) We came on a 'First Friday' which was four courses of deliciousness, but the dessert.. oh my the dessert, a ganache stuffed pear dipped in a hard-coated chocolate shell - it was good and perfectly balanced, just marvelous! Each course was excellent, service was superb, the wine pairing was great - just a top-notch experience and wonderful evening! read more

We had an amazing experience, AGAIN! Dom took excellent care of us and Clayton (sommelier) led us on a fascinating trek through unknown wines and history. The Refectory NEVER disappoints and will always be our Columbus destination for special occasions. Thank You! read more

I've lost count how many times we have experienced The Refectory. One of our family faves. IMO it is the closest restaurant in Central Ohio that could/should have a Michelin *. They have successfully made the transition from traditional plating to small plates. Chef produces a different menu almost everyday. Check their website. The environment continues to be 5*. We love to sit in the bar area. Service is attentive but a bit amateurish. That's ok, professional servers are a thing of the past. Our server was menu knowledgeable and super personable. We ordered a salad app, bread and two plates. I think we should have gotten a third plate but the selections were minimal. We ended with the pear tart. App. Small plates. Desert. 5*. Our house Cabernet. 5* Our house Old Fashion was a disappointment at $15. We had to send it back to sweeten it up...and it was drowned in ice. I love that I can keep commenting that this is a 5* establishment. read more

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I had been excited to experience this place based off the reviews. From the moment we arrived, I was disappointed. The ambiance was bad. I can appreciate an old building but this place was dingy and drab. It felt unclean. The best way to describe it is dusty, musty and old. The carpet was horrible. The service was just okay. Nothing special. The salad was mediocre- I make better salads at home. The chicken and salmon entrees consisted of two bites each. Very mediocre. I don't mind spending money when I have an exceptional experience but I left feeling so disappointed and "ripped off". There was nothing about this place that I would recommend. Save your money and go to another establishment where you leave excited to come back. read more

This was our first time at the Refectory, and it lived up to all expectations! The food was incredible and the service was absolutely perfect. The restaurant itself is beautiful and feels warm and comfortable. Definitely our new special night out place. Thank you Kamal for taking such care with every aspect of this wonderful restaurant. read more

The Refectory Restaurant - Pistachio Dome (from the vegetarian tasting menu) - French Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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We made a reservation at Refectory for 5:15pm on a Saturday. They sent two text messages to confirm the two days leading up to the reservation, despite me confirming the first one. That said, they had a personalized celebration card on our table when we were seated which was a nice touch. We were a bit surprised that the restaurant was already half full by the time of our reservation, especially since they only open at 4:45pm. The inside is pretty cool with a few different seating areas. It used to be a church that has since been renovated and the Refectory took over in 1976. For drinks, I got the 'Bold Fashioned' and my SO got the 'Summer Spritz'. My bold fashioned definitely lived up to it's name and packed a ton of heat, thanks to the fresno peppers, habanero agave and habanero bitters. I enjoy spicy foods, but did not find myself a huge fan of this much heat on top of the warmth from the bourbon. So order with caution, especially if you have acid reflux. We also split an espresso half way through the meal and it was one of the better espressos I've had, served with a lemon peel, which surprisingly went really well with the rich flavor of the espresso. For dinner, we indulged in the chef's tasting menu. It was spread out over five courses and included French Country Terrine, Pan-Seared Kanpachi, Roasted Filet, Double Cream Camembert, and Strawberry and Chocolate Entremet. They also included two surprises, a seafood medallion as the first starter, and a lemon gelato half way through to cleanse the palate. The plates we liked, we really liked (fish and filet). But we didn't enjoy some of the others (seafood medallion, french country terrine, double cream camembert), because of either the texture or taste, which I'm guessing is just a difference of palate preference. For example, neither of us had heard of or eaten Terrine before, but quickly learned it's a mix of various meats and vegetables all mashed together into a loaf and served in slices. I'm sure this is very popular in Europe, but the look of this mystery meat patty jaded both of us before we even tried a bit. That said, the champagne vinaigrette it was paired with was delicious. Our server Michelle was very nice and knowledgable about the history of the restaurant and the menu. However, the service was quite slow even for a chef's tasting menu. We expected it to take around 2 hours, but it ended up being 3 hours for just the two of us, and that's with us eventually just asking for the check to be brought out with the last course. Overall, I'm torn with what to give Refectory, but believe 3 stars fits the bill for our experience. The chef's tasting menu provided a good variety of different plates, and we enjoyed the main courses, but the others just didn't do it for us. If we came back, we would order from the regular menu, selecting single entrees we would surely enjoy. The presentation of the food was top notch, but the 3 hour meal for two people is just not something I have the patience for either. Of note, they add a 3% fee to credit cards. read more

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A delightful high end French restaurant that specializes in heavenly small plates. It's easy to see why they've been satisfying for over thirty years. The service is impeccable. The remarkable atmosphere is sophisticated, chic....very fancy! Every plate was sensational and service included a detailed description when served. The wine pairings were expert. It's the most satisfying $$$$ experience you'll have. I recommend them for all your special occasion celebrations. 06/24 read more

Always a great night out in Columbus. On a date night or with friends the experience has always been excellent. Best food and service in the city. read more

A very high end restaurant set in an old church with a tasteful French menu. It is a very romantic restaurant and perfect for an anniversary or special celebration. Their tasting menu was delicious and filling. The proportions were just perfect. The fried salmon mousse with scallops was delicious, and the duck and rabbit dish was perfection. A sommolier is available to help with wine pairings. The creme brulee was the perfect end to the meal. The tasting menu allows you to replace any meal with meals from the a la carte menu, which allows for some personalization. read more

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This is our 3rd time here. Servers: 2/5 After we sat down, we had to wait forever for our server to bring the wine menu, and then had to wait awhile for him to take our food order. After that, he didn't show up until we had finished our dessert and placed our card on the table. The other server (who didn't take our order) took really good care of us. I guess that how they work ‍ Food: 3/5 * Escargot: good. * Seafood trio: 2.5/5. Cold and lacking flavor. * Duck with rabbit dish: 3.5/5. To be honest the duck breast was the best thing we have, but the reason why I gave 3.5 because the other components didn't seem to complement the duck. The rabbit... was okay. * Ostrich dish: 3.5/5. The flavor was okay, but it tasted like regular beef stew. Same thing with the duck dish, the other components didn't seem to complement the ostrich, especially the ratatouille. read more

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The food was fantastic and our servers (Shane and Sam) were great. They made us feel welcomed and provided excellent service.

Steve was amazing! The steps of service was so fun to watch and the constant cleaning and same time pouring with food pairing was amazing. It was a wonderful needed experience to true food dining. Old church ambiance. My favorite restaurant experience yet. Thank you Steve! The experience made me put away my phone, I only got the first three items photoed. read more

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If anyone ever says they want to get wined and dined, this is the place to do it. It was very elegant and beautiful inside, you could tell that it was a special place. The spotlight is on you the entire time from the moment you enter to the moment you leave. If there is a breadcrumb on the table, the staff will come to scrape it off so you can enjoy a meal with no blemishes. They have fantastic wines and great food as well. As someone who loves to eat, the biggest negative is the small portions, especially with how expensive the menu is. I need to order several plates to be full. But that is the nature of this restaurant so I cannot fault it. I will definitely be coming here again. read more

The Refectory Restaurant - French Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Everything was super delicious and the wait staff was exceptional. Love that they have a coat check so you don't have to have your coat on the back on your chair. read more

Celebrated my husband's birthday here and it was an absolute delight. The food was delicious and it reminded a lot like the restaurants from Las Vegas. It was a true dining experience. Our waiter gave us a little history about the restaurant since it was our first time there and made so great recommendations. If you are thinking about checking them out, I highly recommend making a reservation in advance! read more

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