- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
The Refectory
Categories: Restaurants French Restaurants American (New) French, American (New)
1092 Bethel RdColumbus, OH 43220
Neighborhood: Northwest
(614) 451-9774
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Shakeia T. said: "First thing you should know is: I love Eddie George. Now that that's out of the way, I really enjoy this place. It's a sports bar in a college town, I'm not sure why so many people expect something majorly upscale. Meanwhile, the…" read more »
58 reviews for The Refectory
Review Highlights
"I love creme brulee, and the Refectory's was well-done."
(in 12 reviews)
"...Refectory with some of my family for Dine Originals week."
(in 4 reviews)
"The bistro menu is a nice option and a real bargain."
(in 4 reviews)
Loading...
58 reviews in English
-
Review from Brian J.
Columbus, OH
11/9/2011
I generally like to write a review after going to the business multiple times just to make sure I didn't get them on a bad night.
I am from the SF Bay Area and am used to some amazing restaurants. I was staying in Columbus for an extended stay and just wasn't impressed with many of the eating options. I was out "exploring" and ran into the Refectory. It was a little late but they sat me in one of the corner tables where I had a very nice view of the beautiful surroundings. The waiter explained the specials and I ordered a martini then the scallop pomponette appetizer. I noticed that the people were thinning out as I had the marvelous scallops. I used to do a lot of scuba diving and have cooked up scallops right out of the ocean so I know if someone is passing off an inferior product. These had been treated properly and the bonne femme sauce did not overwhelm the subtle taste of the scallops.
I ordered the lamb and sat drinking my martini as I enjoyed the church-like architecture. I soon realized I was the only one in the restaurant. I asked the waiter what time they closed. He told me 10pm. It turns out that I had walked in just as they were closing and they still gave me a table.
The waiter was very nice. We talked a bit given that there was nobody else in the restaurant. My rack of lamb came and was prepared just perfectly. The seasoning was spot on and cooked just as I had requested. It's the little things that show a chef cares and every detail and flavor had been thought out. Nothing was skimped on. This impressed me even more because I had made the chef stay late (it was about 11pm now) just to prepare my meal. Yet, both him and his kitchen staff took as much care and pride in putting out their last plate as I'm sure they do for every customer.
I called the waiter over after I'd finished my lamb and I asked him to tell the chef and his staff how much their food ethics and pride come through when the last straggler in their restaurant is treated so well.
A few minutes later, the waiter brought back a message from the chef thanking me for the kind words and a gift in form of a chocolate ganache which was made by the staff for the staff and not on the menu. The waiter had paired it with his own gift, a glass of port which would highlight the flavors of the ganache.
Again, the ganache was amazing and the port selected with a knowledgeable palate. It was a perfect end to a wonderful evening.
Since then, I have gone back many times over the last couple of years always with very good to excellent results. I see some reviewers giving two or three stars because of cost. If cost is your main criteria, then there are many less expensive places to eat where perhaps you will feel you got a "value". For me, value isn't how much I get on a plate but what care and pride went into making what is on the plate. -
Review from Diane N.
Columbus, OH
1/15/2012
This restaurant is, without a doubt, top of the line and delicious. My fiance and I had the opportunity to dine at the Refectory this past Friday night. We had a gift card and decided to make a romantic date night out of it.
I'm really glad we decided to go - the food was so delicious and presented in a fabulous way (oh, by the way - the bread is to die for!) The prices are high but the quality of the food is worth the price.
My only frustration was the way I felt the host/servers acted towards my fiance and I. Everyone was very polite (our server was friendly) but I felt as though we were a bit under-dressed for the environment (I wore dark jeans, cute flats and a cute blouse and scarf - he a sweater and nice shoes). Almost every guest in the restaurant was in khakis, dresses, or suits. I would've dressed up had I had known but when my fiance called the host said there was no dress code. I just wish we would've known rather than having awkward glances at our 'out of place' clothing.
Other than that, my trip to the Refectory was a memorable one. It is romantic and beautiful and I definitely plan to go back. -
Review from Jared E.
Dublin, OH
1/5/2012 1 photo
Four of us went here for NYE this past weekend. I used to go here for wine tastings but have never actually eaten here. I stopped going to the wine tastings when I went to one last winter and they are now apparently "marking" the wines you taste on a card--something that was a "loose requirement" in the past so that you can only have 1 taste of each wine. Anyway, if I want to buy a wine I'd like to be sure I like it by having more than a meager sip of it. Anyway, the distributor that was pouring was condescending to me and was nasty when I asked for another taste of the same wine. Just a bad experience so not returning.
On to the dinner. Got there around 7:30 left at 10:45...interesting mix of people throughout, some kids, lots of grey hair couples, lots of middle age people and a surprising mix of people "my age." I thought the service was just "fair." I was kind of hoping as high as the reviews are for this place that it would take me back to the days of the Maisonette when I lived in Cincinnati, which was a Mobil 5 Star french restaurant that closed a few years back. I've found nothing that compares to the Maisonette--in ambiance, service, food, etc.
Of course, had the prix faire menu which was $85/person. Considering the expensive quality of ingredients I thought this price was fair. We got five courses each here are the ones I had with 1 being poor and 5 being amazing:
Venison Terrine--3: this was pretty good. Though, I've actually had better terrine pre-made bought from gourmet grocers like dean and deluca and fauchon in paris. This was wrapped in boar's bacon which was extremely salty.
Shrimp Dish--2: this was boring. This consisted of poached shrimp in a creamy lobster sauce, puff pastry pieces and spinach. This was just uninspiring and flat.
Duck--3: the duck was actually cooked more well done than I prefer, which stole some of the flavor way from it--when duck is overcooked it tastes like pork tenderloin to me, just kind of blah, and who wants blah on NYE? The sauce accompanying the duck was good though.
Artichoke/Brie Salad--1: this was bad. Both my date and I had the same salad and could not manage more than one bite. We are both gourmet eaters and this had nothing to do with inexperience of our palates. Like the terrine, this entire dish was very salty. It actually hurt the inside of my mouth and set off those "sour glands" in the sides of my mouth. It was, frankly, disgusting. It's amazing to me anyone could eat this.
Chocolate Bombe--3: this was good, but, nothing I'd go crazy over. It was just lacking somehow and left us disappointed.
I'm only giving a 3 because I have never eaten here before and I understand that when preparing all these tasting menu dishes things may not be as good as usual. So, I'm giving Refectory the benefit of the doubt. Otherwise, I would give a 2 because the price did not match the quality of the food. I did have a good cote du rhone which was priced around $7 which was a great deal at a place like this. That's all I had to drink though because I was getting over a cold.Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 1/23/2012
Thanks again for contacting us Jared and we very much look… More » -
Review from Peter L.
Columbus, OH
12/23/2011 Seated via OpenTable
We went recently for something important, maybe my wife's birthday? Our anniversary? Something. Anyway, I always balk when it comes to expensive restaurants because they rarely stack up on the goodness-per-dollar scale. I remember thinking that I could have bought a whole elementary school class Chipotle burritos for the amount we spent on one dinner.
But then again, not everyone thinks that way (my wife). So we went. And it was amazing. Yes, The Refectory had the best food I have eaten in Ohio. It seemed like each dish was just a little more awesome than the last. I had the lamb and she had scallops. Excellent service. It's holed up in an old church, gives it some character. Was I sad when I saw the check? Definitely. But I have to admit that the place is excellent... maybe even worth it.Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 12/30/2011
Hi Peter, I absolutely love reviews with some humor! I'm… More » -
Review from Bishakha S.
Powell, OH
2/6/2012
This place is as good as TAVERN on the GREEN in NYC or surpasses that . Their food comes in petite portions and the presentation of the food and the service is fantastic.
We have been going there since 2006 and we are regular patrons. We have never had anything there that we did not like . The food is fancy , elegant and cooked with style and displays the dexterity of the chef .
A lot of their entrees and appetizers have scallops and salmon in them that are reconstituted and not in the original form as many would expect . This is fancy french style of cooking where they make a mousse or a souffle with the fish . You dont get to eat this style at bistros in France but at very fancy places.
The prices are high but if you take advantage of the restaurant week offers or the preset menus you can avoid burning a hole in your pocket .
This place is not kid friendly and has no diaper changing station but then thats okay with me as they dont claim to be a bob evans kind of a place . You go there for special occasions or just to have a very nice and intimate dinner . -
Review from Paul F.
Updated - 11/8/2011
The Refectory is a restaurant that you can come to over and over and it will never get old. It starts with the service and goes on up to the owner, Kamal, and everything is just right. Every six months when Dine Originals rolls around, I go through the list and pick the restaurants that I want to dine at. This time there were seven of them and the Refectory is the one that offers the most value for my dollar.
So tonight I started off with a baked mushroom appetizer. That was followed by the main course of duck that was served with a few asparagus spears, a duxall of mushroom and plated with a nice amount of gravy. For dessert, I had a four-layer cake with jelly of raspberry. Needless to say, the food was delicious and the service was just great. I can't wait until I can go there again!Listed in: Top Restaurants (in no…
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
3/8/2011
I've just returned from having the dinner of the year. From the food, to the service, everything… Read more »
Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 12/14/2011
Thank you Paul for your amazing reviews. We're flattered!… More » -
-
Review from tiffany w.
Columbus, OH
11/13/2011
Restaurant Week review!
I was trying to make plans for my boyfriend and I's anniversary, and was delighted to see that it concurred with Restaurant Week. I instantly called the Refectory and made reservations. Dinner at the Refectory has been on my must-do list for 2 years, so I was very excited.
Walking into the Refectory, I was instantly charmed. The atmosphere is a magical combination of rustic charm, with the exposed brick and high ceilings of the former church, and formal dining elegance, with the soft glow of candlelight. My only issue with the environment was the music - some of it was good, but overall it was a lot of cheesy lounge music. I love good, relaxing jazz, and I realize during dinner at a place like this you would like soft music that fades into the background and isn't abrasive to the ear. However, an awfully cheesy jazz instrumental version of "Take My Breath Away" was among the listening... I strongly urge them to have someone more musicially.. aware.. go through their listening selection with a fine-toothed comb, so to speak.
The one other negative of the evening was that the maitre d' was a bit off-putting. He barely looked at me and interrupted me as I was mentioning my reservation, quickly dismissing me to be seated and wait for our table. I realize we are a younger couple, and I had specified the dine originals menu when making the reservation, so we didn't scream "big check," but I would still expect to be treated with more hospitality. I did not feel at all welcomed into the establishment and do not feel that appropriate for a restaurant of the Refectory's caliber.
Our service the rest of the evening, however, was phenomenal, thanks mainly to our outstanding waiter Jared - who was perfectly formal and cordial but not afraid to share a bit of wit with us, and was wonderfully well-versed when we wished to discuss our wine and after-dinner drink choices. For those who don't know, the Refectory has an amazing wine list which consistently wins it awards from Wine Spectator, as well as doing its best to offer difficult-to-obtain liquors (Ohio's liquor laws are quite tricky). The highlight for my boyfriend was the fantastic Sazerac 18-year rye he had with his dessert, the best part of which was that they didn't quite have a full pour left in the bottle, and their policy is then not to charge, so he got it for free!
From the prix-fixe Restaurant Week menu, my boyfriend had the
Wild Mushroom Pate in Pastry (with petite arugula salad and szechuan peppercorn vinaigrette), Roasted Pave of Beef Tenderloin
(with a grilled cipolini onion Bordelaise, and 2 dumpling-like pastries - one filled with goat cheese and the other with mushroom), and the Alsatian Cheese Mousse Entremet (with Belgian Chocolate
and Almond Cake) for dessert. I had the Smoked Salmon Rillette (with herring caviar, caper vinaigrette, and basil aioli), the Pan Seared Duck Magret (with a red olive demi-glace, grilled onion, a chopped mushroom mixutre atop a honey glazed carrot slice, and green bamboo rice), and the Pistachio Creme Brulee for dessert.
We each tried each other's plates, so I can speak to his meal as well. The only thing I was disappointed with was the green bamboo rice, which wasn't unpleasant but a bit bland and didn't really add anything to the dish. Everything else was excellent. The standouts were the salmon rillette (the combined flavors of the plating were a heavenly treat to the taste buds), the goat cheese dumpling which was also heavenly, the duck (which Refectory is known for and melted perfectly in the mouth), and the Alsatian Cheese Mousse Entremet, which was delightfully light and had amazing flavors. The Pistachio Creme Brulee was also amazing, but I found it a bit heavy for creme brulee and could have been fully satisfied on only half the serving.
Everyone was very kind about it being our anniversary, offering many compliments and well-wishes and even putting candles on our desserts so we could have a wish :)
Although I still wish we had been better received upon first entering the restaurant, the rest of the experience did not follow suit at all and was absolutely wonderful. My boyfriend loved his surprise night out and we went home very happy - with that calm spiritual lull in your soul you can only get from a divine culinary experience.
My many thanks to Jared for his wonderful service, and chef Richard for the amazing food!Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 12/14/2011
Hi Tiffany, Thank you so much for choosing to spend your… More » -
Review from Mike M.
Dublin, OH
10/2/2011
I went to the Refectory for my 30th birthday and thought it was one of the best meals I had ever had in my like. I have traveled through France and thought the food here rivaled almost anything I had had on my travels.
I recently went with a party of 10 to the Refectory to celebrate a family reunion. I will admit some of the members of our party are very picky about food. However, instead of being accommodating I felt the waiter was off put by questions on the menu and the waiter became rude. All of the meat came out grossly undercooked. I thought all of the 'fresh' fish was old. I ordered sturgeon, and thought I was eating a piece of over cooked cat fish.
I do not thing the Refectory is capable of accommodating a party larger than 4. Considering the considerable size of the check, and gratuity left I thought at least the waiter could have been a little more gracious toward our questions over the menu, and more accommodating to the undercooked food. Seriously how hard it is to put a steak back on the grill and cook it to medium instead of rare.
I am not sure if I would actually return to the Refectory after this meal/experience.Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 12/14/2011
Mike - we're truly sorry about your recent experience at The… More » -
Review from Nick R.
Columbus, OH
8/31/2011
So I'm not going to drool over this restaurant as others have.
Our experience was wonderful. The waitstaff was accommodating as this trip was planned last minute due to us needing to use a Groupon and we had our toddler with us.
So I liked everything about the food and experience except the price. Our son is a typical kid and is picky, but one thing he loves is smoked salmon. They had an appetizer with smoked salmon accompanied with something else I can't remember off the top of my head so we asked for just a side of smoked salmon. They charged us $15, the price of the other appetizer just for some smoked salmon on a plate. Really?!
Then we were trying to be frugal so I did not order a salad with the meal. However, the waiter brought us one and told me, "This is complementary since it is your first time dining with us." Then when we went to pay it was on the bill!
I enjoy good quality slow food. However, I just find the prices too high, even for a special occasion. We didn't have dessert and the bill was just over $100.
We ordered the scallops and the duck breast - both prepared beautifully. Kudos to the chef and waitstaff but really...the prices will keep us away in the future. Sorry Refectory, you were great but just out of our league.Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 9/1/2011
Hi Nick, I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed your meal… More » -
Review from Kevin R.
7/19/2011
My wife and I wanted a quiet, romantic formal dinner, with food that we knew wouldn't disappoint for our second anniversary dinner. The decision was a no brainer; Refectory's Main Dining Room.
When a lot of people choose a place for a formal celebratory dinner they think of places like Ruth's Chris/Hyde Park Steakhouse. These places do offer fantastic service/"dining experiences", but as a Chef I can't help but think about how extremely little time, effort, and dollars go into the plate you're paying 35-50 bucks for. If I'm going to overpay for my food on account of the "dining experience" I at least want more for my money than a grossly over priced Steak or Lobster. This is where The Refectory shines.
The food at The Refectory is seldom "cutting edge" cuisine, but it doesn't need to be. When it comes to execution The Refectory is perfect. You can be confident that whatever you order will be prepared from scratch with great care and perfection. Subtle things give away the passion that goes into the food. Cream soups with perfect velvety texture and subtle yet complex flavor as a result of time well spent making stock in house and straining the soup when it's done. Meats and seafood with great flavor and perfect doneness as a result of textbook cooking technique and proper seasoning.
It's become somewhat of a personal crusade of mine to enlighten other foodies/restaurant patrons as to how little that they eat at even the nicest places doesn't involve some serious shortcuts on it's journey to their plate. My intent of doing this isn't out of any sort of resentment or ill will to places that do it, but rather in the interest of places that REALLY make things from scratch getting the credit they so richly deserve. The Refectory deserves just that.
While you're eating whatever exquisite food you order, you will enjoy service to match. Good service should be expected everywhere. Great service is hard to come by. Service like you get at The Refectory has yet to be matched in my experience. Despite the fact that you will see your waitstaff waiting on surrounding tables, you will feel like you're their only table. The servers are not snobby, bothersome or hovering, they are just simply always there when you need them to offer complete and friendly service.
While my wife and I like to mix things up with where we eat normally, but The Refectory makes it very hard to choose any place else for anniversary dinners for years to come.Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 7/25/2011
Absolutely incredible feedback, Kevin. I am usually not one… More » -
Review from Carl H.
Powell, OH
9/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Our favorite find dining restaurant in Columbus. Extensive wine list and have a wine sommelier on staff. The food selection changes often and is always phenomenal!
They have a three course meal in the bar area that is less pricey if you are on a budget but still the same quality as the main dining area.Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 12/14/2011
Thank you Carl for your kind review, we truly appreciate it.… More » -
Review from John C.
Dublin, OH
11/13/2011
I would say that last experience was likely closer to a 3 but I have given it a 4 based on the ten years that i have been going to the Refectory. Ten years ago the experience was consistently a 5 and about 5 years ago it became consistently a 4. This last visit was not quite there.
I made reservations for our 20th wedding anniversary. Because we have made prior reservatrions at 7pm 8pm 8:30pm and almost always been seated in one of the booths on the edge of the main dining room which are not well climate controlled and cramped, or in the bar where I find the seats to be uncomfortable I specifically requested when reserving that we have a stand alone table in the main dining room. We arrived, were escorted to our table...in one of the cold cramped booths at the edge of the dining room. I said no and pointed out what I had specifically asked for and noted that there were empty and prepared stand alone tables in the main dining room. Shortly we were seated where we wanted.
I noted a large party in the private room at the head of the stairs. We ordered champagne, an appetizer, salad, and entree for the both of us. I had wanted the sweatbreads lasagna appetizer but was told it was out (7pm) so my wife got the salmon app and I got the shrimp app. My wife really enjoyed hers and I loved the flavors on mine but did not love the tough shrimp that had been overcooked. There was notable wait to get them too. Next was the salads and we both had the mesclun salads which were excellent. There was a wait for these too. For dinner my wife had a duo of salmon and sole and loved it. I had the antelope loin which I had ordered medium rare and had come medium. Overcooking game meat makes me sad. To end the meal we each had creme brulee which was again excellent.
I left with the feeling that the owner is in a bit if a catch 22. I liked refectory more when it was more French. Menu in French, dishes a little out there for midwestern comfort but yummy and memorable, the accountant coming around every Christmas eve ( my wife's birthday) and playing songs on his guitar. Wonderful. But the menu is now in english and the selection has narrowed into some predicable patters that are, as some others have said, more mid western American meat and potatoes types of fair and I think it has happened because that is the only way the Refectory can get the volume they need to make any money. Similarly, I think that having large parties int he private room are necessary to ake a profit and while the owner can staff up the waiters and bussers, I don't think the kitchen can crank out the volume of food with the level of excellenece that the prices of plates really demand. I think the compromises were made out of necessity but they have still taken away from my personal experiences at the Refectory over the last few years. I will probably go back at some points in the future and if the experience gravitates to the 3 zone then I will stop. A 3 is an ok experience but I can get an ok experience many places. Here is hoping for a brighter future. I know that the Refectory puts in the effort to excel.Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 12/14/2011
Hi John, First, I must thank you for your continued… More » -
Review from Charlene A.
Cleveland, OH
6/29/2011
I went to the Refectory last night, and it was everything I hoped it would be. The food was excellent and our server was very friendly and prompt. The atmosphere is a little formal, but that's because it is a nice restaurant where you can take someone to impress them. The crowd was a little older than the places that I typically dine, but it was also kind of sweet to see this older couple out celebrating their wedding anniversary.
The bistro menu is a nice option and a real bargain. For the amount of food and quality, you would spend more than that at any other restaurant in town. I am not a huge fan of French food, but the menu options are not daunting at all. For anyone who understands a few French words and knows what they like, it would be easy to find a meal you will love.
Our hostess told us a little of the history of the building. We had visited the bar area first, and apparently the two parts of the building were originally two separate church structures. It is a very nice building, lots of character.
I'm sure I will be coming back here. It may even edge out M for my go-to "impress a visitor to Columbus" restaurant. -
Review from Bill K.
Westerville, OH
Updated - 6/13/2011
For our second anniversary in a row (this year celebrating our 12th), we dined at the Refectory this past Saturday. The entire experience was incredible - from the wine, to the service, to the atmosphere.
Suzy and I loved every moment together and the Refectory team made it an incredible evening. We enjoyed caesar salads to begin and then I had the Wahoo fish while Suzy had the Filet (both perfectly prepared) as our entrees. We finished by sharing the best creme brulee in the city.
If you are celebrating a special occasion there is no better place to dine in all of central Ohio. Hats off to the entire Refectory team!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
6/12/2010
WOW! My wife and I celebrated our anniversary at the Refectory and it was an incredible experience.… Read more »
Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 6/17/2010
Hi Bill, I couldn't ask for a better review! Thank you so… More » -
-
Review from Debbie M.
Tracy, CA
1/22/2011
We went here for our 25th wedding anniversary on the recommendation of several friends. It is a very cute restaurant & nice that it has a little history. We were told to "dress & for my husband to wear a tie"....well my husband typically wears a suit to work so that is not an issue for us. Well maybe I chose too nice of a dress...or maybe Ohio is just more casual, but let's just say a sports coat is enough but not necessary, and no tie needed for men. For women choose your dress or even slacks & a sweater or jacket based on that. Everyone looked nice, but I would not say any one gave any great thought to what to wear. This is an FYI nothing more...now to review the food, service, etc.
The food was wonderful, as was the desert. The service was so so, there were several regular patrons in the restaurant & I guess it was more important to the staff for them to have a nice evening & perfect service, than it was for us. The waiter was constantly at their tables & forgot our salad and my husband's wine. We got the salad with our meal but we never got the wine, though we asked twice and then decided to request it be taken off the bill. When we ordered dessert the waiter asked if we wanted a dessert wine with our dessert, my husband said that would be nice, because I never got my wine with dinner. The dessert wine was nice. As for the dinner wine- when we checked the bill & they still had the wine on it & we had to request it be taken off.
The waiter apologized and commented how nice my dress was and asked what the occasion was-we told him. He then brought us two of their etched wine glasses in a box as an apology for their subpar service. Nice touch...but impression made.Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 1/22/2011
Hello Debbie, Thank you so much for allowing us to be a… More » -
Review from Jess G.
2/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Mmm. The Refectory is--as many reviewers will tell you--an expensive outing, but it is a good one. Part of fine dining is the experience of great service, delicious food, and ambience. The Refectory has these three things in spades.
I arrived early to sip a drink in the lounge before my four friends joined me for a Tuesday evening dinner. The bartender was engaging and courteous without that flippancy that many bartenders have; while I enjoy the latter (particularly since some of my friends work as bartenders!), it's nice to have a drink experience that pairs well with the dining experience at the Refectory.
We were seated promptly and provided both wine and cocktail lists. I was happy with the wine selection and ordered a reasonably priced glass of malbec as I pored over the menu. The five of us decided to split two appetizers--the roasted goat cheese with shallots and olive oil and crab and artichoke pannequet. They appeared small, but only a couple of bites later we realized how rich and filling the starters were. However, despite the richness, they weren't heavy; the flavors were deep but they didn't make you feel as though you'd sat and stewed in them. Paired with some warm, grain-filled bread, this was the perfect start to our meal as we caught up and sipped our drinks.
For my entree, I ordered the beef shoulder tenderloin (medium rare), served with an excellent potato dish, a carrot with mushroom tapenade, and some sort of root vegetable. The meat was juicy, tender, and cooked just as medium rare ought to be. My friends were equally as thrilled with their dinners, and not one of us had room for dessert.
In terms of service, I will comment on two things. Part of the reason why the Refectory doesn't get a solid 5 stars from me is the reserved and almost uptight nature of the staff. While I enjoy good service, this isn't synonymous with uncomfortable or snooty service, which I think is a clear distinction to make. Take Wolfgang's in New York; while the food is top-notch and even pricier than the Refectory, the staff was not only attentive but also laid-back and friendly. Also, at the end of the meal, our waitress--who was very helpful throughout the evening--confused all of our checks, which made splitting things a bit alarming at first. However, in her defense, she did split our three EverSave coupons despite the fact that we were missing one of our party; technically the sixth girl in our group was needed for us to redeem all three coupons.
I do think that the Refectory does an excellent job at providing a high end dining experience in Columbus, serving up some very delicious French and French-inspired dishes. The Refectory is housed in a converted church, and as a result the ambience is charming and romantic. It would be an ideal anniversary dinner location.Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 2/17/2011
Hello Jess, All of us here at the Refectory Restaurant &… More » -
Review from Marti A.
Columbus, OH
6/5/2011
My very favorite expensive restaurant to go to for special occasions, but be prepared for a very leisurely dining experience, as they mention it is supposed to be.
Everything is always delicious and portions as they should be. Even the coffee was delicious!
I ordered the marble of escargot, and while it wasn't the traditional escargot that I am used to, it was quite delicious. I followed that with the petite mesclun salade which was just the right size and very light. For the main course I ordered the filet mignon (medium), which was so tender it just melted in my mouth, and for dessert I had the chocolate bavarian feuillantine. If I am to be critical at all, I found it to be not as sweet as I would have liked, and probably should have ordered my usual creme brulee, but I'm a sucker for chocolate.
My husband had even better food than I. He ordered the bacon and roasted garlic monkfish "pique," which was to die for, and for dessert he had the pear tart frangipane, which was also out of this world. I tend to go for the more "tried and true" and now wish I had had the nerve to try something different, as my husband did. Oh well, there will always be next time! -
Review from David L.
Bumping rating up from 2 stars to 3.
I came back here for dinner (since tomorrow's my last day in Columbus), and Kamal had kindly invited me back given my disappointing visit last time.
This time, I ordered two entrees, after which I was completely stuffed:
1. Skatewing Rossini, 32 http://www.yelp.com/bi...
(WITH A SHERRY WINE JUS AND CARAMELIZED OYSTER PLANT)
Delicious. This was the dish I expected from an award-winning restaurant. The fish was perfectly cooked - crispy on the outside and unbelievably tender on the inside. The foie gras was good (albeit cooked a tad too long), the squash and oyster plant were okay, and the olive tapenade on top of the cooked tomato was pretty good.
2. Zucchini scale poisson du jour (flounder), 32 http://www.yelp.com/bi...
(FISH OF THE DAY, BRAISED, BOUILLABAISSE STYLE)
Disappointing. This was quite subpar compared to the skatewing in pretty much all aspects.The zucchini wasn't that great, the asparagus was impossible to cut through, and both the fish and potato were pretty bland.
Total was $31 after tax/tip as I was given a $50 voucher for my disappointing visit last time. I wanted to get dessert too, but I was so stuffed I couldn't take another bite.
Refectory also gives all of their customers a call 1-2 days later to thank them for visiting, which is a nice touch. Service during dinner, however, was quite slow (had to wait over 10 min before the server came back to take my order).
Overall, I'm only adding a star because of the delicious skatewing dish. Otherwise, this restaurant is definitely not worth the time or cost.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/8/2010
Taste: 2
Value: 1
Service: 3
Since it's Experience Columbus weekend (similar to Restaurant Week), I… Read more »
Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 10/18/2010
Wow! Those are great pictures. Thank you very much. I'm… More » -
-
Review from Matt W.
11/12/2010 2 Check-ins Here
The food and experience at the Refectory is one of elegance, class, and fantastic food and wine.
What I found out, however, is that the class does not stop at the dining table.
I went to the Refectory with some of my family for Dine Originals week. On a crowded weeknight, the service was still excellent and the food was fantastic - I particularly enjoyed the artichoke salad and the duet of beef filet and pork tenderloin.
When we left the restaurant, though, we found that my car, and the cars of several other patrons, had been broken into and burglarized.
The Refectory's owner, Kamal Boulos, called the police, spoke with each of the victims, and stayed outside in the very cold evening until the police had made sure that everyone was accounted for and all the reports were filed. He even helped us secure a blanket in place over the window the thieves had broken for the drive home.
He asked me for a business card and my address.
Two days later, I had a handwritten card from Kamal and the staff at the refectory expressing their regret over what had happened. The personal care and respect shown by Kamal and the Refectory were above and beyond, and I look forward to returning soon. -
Review from Marissa C.
Columbus, OH
7/31/2011
I was extremely impressed and pleased with our recent dinner at the Refectory. As part of a group of six, I went in during Restaurant Week. Five of us had never been before, but, of course, we had heard a lot about it. The service was wonderful, the food was excellent, and we enjoyed the opportunity to get dressed up.
Upon finding out that it was a first visit for many of us, the friendly gentleman seating us gave us some background on the history of the buildings making up the restaurant, which we found very interesting. The server was very attentive throughout the meal and was able to answer all of our questions.
We all very much enjoyed our filling meals, which included three courses. Half of the crowd enjoyed the Alpaca Terrine, and the other half the Caesar Salad for the appetizer. The dressing on the Caesar was a touch salty, but otherwise quite nice. For entree, the Beef Shoulder Tenderloin "aux 3 poivres," the Pan Seared Poisson Du Jour (the fish of the day was salmon during our visit), and the Duck were enjoyed (the duck was a special that day, as they were out of the Veal option). I love duck, and this did not disappoint - it was a wonderfully tender, juicy duck with a nice light sauce served with whipped potatoes and veggies. For dessert, we were split evenly between the Chocolate Bombe and the Creme Brulee. The creme brulee was excellent - nice and creamy with a crunchy top. It was also served in a very generous portion. All was much enjoyed.
The friendly gentleman who seated us returned around dessert to ask about our experience. We all expressed our delight, and, as dessert was served, he brought around a sample of a recommended dessert wine, which he said was especially nice with the creme brulee. It was also much enjoyed. He also shared information with us about other events and opportunities that the Refectory hosts, which was much appreciated.
So, overall, all six of us agreed that the experience was terrific! Now to speak to my personal impressions, I was especially pleased from beginning to end. When we made the reservations, it was mentioned that one member of our party was gluten free (myself). They reconfirmed this with us upon our arrival, and when I asked the server what my options would be, I was delighted when her response was, "Select anything you'd like off of there - the chef would be happy to adjust it accordingly for you." After taking our orders, she mentioned that she would be back with bread, and told me that it would be 8-10 minutes, but she would be back with gluten free bread for me, as well. The bread was incredible. The flavor and texture was perfect, and it arrived warm and toasted with a special pat of butter. They were always very careful with serving the correct dish to me, and I was extremely appreciative of their extra efforts and attentiveness.
We look forward to returning again in the future. -
Review from Sarah H.
10/8/2010
How does this place have such great reviews?
I'm seriously confused.
For the price, it's just not worth it.
Went here for Dine Originals week earlier this year, and was extremely unimpressed.
First the food. Every entree was served with mashed potatoes and carrots, which tells me the chef was too lazy to come up with something that would highlight the flavors of the meats served with the meal. I can make mashed potatoes, carrots, and steak at home. The scallop appetizer was clearly reconstituted "scallop" - some sort of fish product shredded than formed into a scallop. This really makes me doubt it was real scallop, because seriously, scallops are delicious and elegant on their own and don't need re-shaping to be delicious. Dessert was pretty ordinary, so much so that I don't even remember it.
The service was insanely slow. I don't mind slow fine dining, but considering all the food that was eaten was very basic - no fancy plating, no fancy prep, just slapping some potatoes and carrots on a plate - there was no reason for it to take as long as it did.
They do have a good wine list. I'll give them that. And it's a pretty neat space.
Overall, I was really unimpressed. I don't care that it was a Cheap Week, they should have put their best foot forward, and they certainly did not.Listed in: like, so totally overrated.
Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 10/18/2010
Hi Sarah, first we'd like to thank you for coming in. I can… More » -
Review from Jurgen J.
Columbus, OH
11/12/2010
I have to say, i don't get how people are raving about this place.
I had dinner with a bunch of friends (group of 10), so i tried a lot of things.
Before complaining about the long wait, i have to say that the food was just ok. It wasn't amazing at all. I've experienced restaurants that are a lot better, especially when you consider the price. I tried the escargot, the steak, the duck, the lamb, and all of them was just ok. the dessert was better than all of the other meals.
And then i subtracted a star because of the wait. we had to wait over an hour between our appetizer and entrees. -
Review from Stephanie K.
Columbus, OH
11/15/2010
I came here during Dine Originals week. It was my first visit ever. I had high expectations due to their reputation.
My first course was an artichoke salad. It was delightfully tangy and saturated in olive oil. My second course was bison and beef. The seasoning and sauce was amazing, but the cuts of meat were so stringy. I had connective tissue stuck in my teeth with every bite. bleech. The third course was creme brulee. It was just as creme brulee should be and made up for the "meh" entree.
I probably wouldn't come back to this restaurant unless another restaurant week event was going on. The service was great. I just don't think the food is worth the price they normally charge. -
Review from Brian W.
Columbus, OH
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a place you just have to know what you're getting into, in a word - fancy. We're talking dark wood, classical music, attentive service, dim lights, and rich, delicious, expensive food. If that's what you are looking for, you'll get it in spades. This must be a special-ocassion place for many people becaus the first thing they ask you when you are being seated is "are you celebrating a special occasion?". A reservation seems to be a must, even on a weeknight.
We took a seafood route, ordering the scallops and the halibut. Both were delicious, although very rich. We also both added the soup. They have a nice wine list, although it's a bit disorganized and difficult to follow. A nice thing is a good selection of both wine by the glass and half-bottles. We selected a half-bottle of Sancerre which was good as well.
Overall, it is what it is and a great choice if you're looking to do something special. I'm glad we went, but doubt I could justify going back right away. -
Review from Michael A.
Bexley, OH
9/2/2011
My wife and I enjoyed a romantic dinner at the Refectory recently.
I had the anniversary special, which consisted of a Caesar salad, perfectly cooked filet mignon and chocolate cake. Absolutely delicious!
My wife enjoyed her fish entree just as much, and we both enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the excellent service.
Although I've had dinner in many fine restaurants, I've never returned from the restroom to find that my napkin had been refolded.
Michael Armstrong, Bexley, OhioComment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 12/14/2011
Thank you Michael, we truly appreciate it and we're glad you… More » -
Review from Adrian V.
Queens, NY
12/14/2010
Went almost a decade ago and still remember it being a fantastic dining experience. The setting, an old church, showcases a decor you'd expect in old Europe.
The food was great. I'm surprised by the negative reviews. Perhaps the place changed ownership? After all, it was just "The Refectory" when I went. Now that it includes "Restaurant & Bistro," maybe it did go down a notch. -
Review from Brian S.
Salt Lake City, UT
6/21/2011
One of my favorite restaurants in Columbus. Although it is a little embarrassing to admit, I dined there with my wife twice in the same week. We are not super-indulgent, but the experience was just that enjoyable for us. The atmosphere is elegant, the food superb. Highly recommended.
-
Review from Daria P.
Columbus, OH
8/13/2011
We were planning to attend some happy hours event on the patio but it turned into having a dinner there. So the menu looks good and as far as I got it they change it pretty often. I would definetely recommend to try mussels soup (I dont like anything creamy, but it was really good). We also ordered and shared 3 course dinner (none of us can finish it by himself) which consists from: duck-egg omlete (looks like pie), seafood something and a desert. Everything was delicious, the service is fantastic and you can order Champaign for the market place. So, summarizing everything it was a very good experience.
Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 8/18/2011
Thank you for your wonderful review, Daria. I'm so pleased… More » -
Review from Laurie B.
Columbus, OH
7/4/2011
We always love going to the Refectory! We went for the Bistro menu and enjoyed every bite of our food! They had an awesome Eversave deal that made dining out there very affordable for a Saturday night. I had the fish choice and my husband had the beef. It was perfectly prepared and the desserts were to die for! We'd definitely eat the bistro menu again. Service was great too - never had trouble with refills, etc. A+ as always! :)
Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 7/14/2011
Thanks Laurie - we truly appreciate such inspired reviews.… More » -
Review from Fen Z.
11/29/2008 6 photos
Six years ago, a group of friends and I had our prom dinner at The Refectory. I remember being ticked off by the fact that they had squeezed our huge prom group in the wine cellar, but everything else was a blur. Six years later, being older, wiser, and with better taste (hopefully!), I ventured back with four of my guy friends for a long overdue catch-up during their happy hour. Happy hour translated to veal sweetbread lasagna, opera gateau, and a cup of coffee for me. The veal sweetbread lasagna was heaven on a plate. Never once was I reminded that I was scarfing down the thymus gland. Honestly, for those who have never had sweetbread, it tastes just like veal. The full-bodied coffee complemented the opera gateau quite nicely. Being the chocoholic that I am, I was expecting a richer dessert, but it was still delightful nonetheless.
My friends had either opted for the veal sweetbread lasagna or the wild mushroom and veal pate en croute, along with a wide array of desserts ranging from the milk chocolate cremeux to the apple crepes. The apple crepes didn't look too appealing, but it could also be because I'm not a big fan of fruity desserts. I did, however, make a mental note of ordering the chocolate cremeux next time, as it looked like a dessert that would satisfy a sweet tooth... for an entire month. Having eyed the leoncini ham and ox tail timbale on the menu, I was a tad disappointed that they no longer carried it.
While the 5 of us were the youngest group present at the restaurant, we certainly were not treated any differently as the staff members were as courteous and as polite as could be. I was, however, slightly annoyed by the hostess' fake French accent. Seriously, if you're going to pull off an accent like that, at least maintain it all the way through; just don't lose it at the second sentence or don't fake it to begin with.
A different but highly satisfying culinary experience, I'm appreciative of having such an establishment here in Columbus overall.Listed in: Fancy Schmancy
-
Review from Shawnie K.
Columbus, OH
12/2/2008 1 photo
This is undoubtedly of the best restaurants in Columbus. While The Refectory receives huge ratings, I want to point out that this isn't one of those high-end, flashy places that you get decked out to see all the beautiful people milling about. It's quite the opposite. Expect an elegant, warm ambiance with no pretense. Forget all the fancy bells and whistles, The Refectory relies on its brilliant food and consistantly good service to maintain its reputation as one of the best restaurants in town.
Having lived in France and experienced French cuisine throughout the country, I never cease to be blown away by the Refectory. Its food, service and ambiance go unmatched! I first ate here 12 years ago and remember, very clearly, having fois gras, sea bass and creme brulee. (That's about as French as it gets!) It was such a fabulous experience, I made a mental note to come back here for every special occasion- and we have.
I've eaten enough traditional French food to know this is as authentic as it comes. Chef Richard Blondin, a native of Lyon, France who trained under the famed Paul Bocuse, conjures up masterful classic and contemporary dishes. I would put him up against any top chef, but thankfully, we don't have to. The Refectory's long list of awards speaks for itself. On a local level, the restaurant always earns a five star rating, but nationally, it has received the acclaimed DiRona Award for Distinguished Restaurant and AAA has given The Refectory an impressive Four-Diamonds rating. The wine list too has received huge kudos, including the prestigious Award of Excellence and Spectator's Grand Award by Wine Spectator.
I used to poo-poo these types of ratings, but I've learned rather recently the 4- and 5- diamond ratings do not come easy to any restaurant, which makes The Refectory all the more amazing to my Francophile mind.
When it comes to deciding what to eat, you can order your meal a la carte or select a from the prix fixe menu (fixed price)- a French traditional meu offering a choice of three starters, entrees and desserts for a set price. Prices may be a little steeper than most restaurants in town, but The Refectory is well worth the extra money for the the sheer quality of the dishes and the fantastic service. When possible, we request Jean as our server, as she has always taken amazing care of us.
If you prefer not to drop a ton of money or have a lighter appetite, yet you still want "The Refectory experience", try eating in the lounge where the ambiance is not much different than the dining room- only cozier. A a prix fixe Bistro menu is available Monday through Thursday offering your choice of an appetizer, entree and dessert at a slightly cheaper price.
I could rave on and on about the food, but I won't. You just have to try it.
The candlelit dining room is invocative of romance, but the exposed wooden beams and brick lends the space a rustic French charm. The type of atmosphere one would expect of an old resturant in provincial France. The floors creak, the ceilings are high and the place certainly doesn't look 'new'- that's because it isn't.
I find the history of the building as enticing as the menu and wine list. If it looks like like a church on the interior, that's because it was! Since the 1850's, the building has been used as a church and a school and remained in use until 1969, when the congregation outgrew the building. In 1971, it took on a new life as The Olde Church-House Restaurant then eventually became the Refectory Restaurant & Bistro.
For more than 150 years people have been coming to this building to be fed... be it their souls or their stomachs. And no doubt, many patrons still leave having had a spiritual experience. I know I have!!
As a side thought:
The Refectory might be one of the few places in Columbus that has an 'unspoken dress code.' While there are no jacket requirements for men, the general consensus is to dress up a little bit- at minimum, business casual if you plan to eat in the main dining room.
If you prefer the lounge or the patio (which is open seasonally), then casual clothing (including jeans or golf gear) will not look out of place.Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 5/21/2009
Thank you Shawnie for such an informative, insightful and… More » -
Review from Robert T.
1/25/2011
Real Housewives of New York City's Countess LuAnn de Lesseps has it wrong when she tells you that money doesn't buy you class because for the prix fixes of restaurant week one gets to experience it here at The Refectory.
I had the pleasure of joining Lynn, Kevin, and David at the Refectory for a Saturday night dinner.
First off, The Refectory was kind enough to hold our table considering that some of us were late! 80% of success is just showing up! So right off the bat The Refectory scores high for service and ambiance. Soft lightening makes even a hardened drinker glow, and with numerous people milling about to help you whatever you need is always available your glass will never be empty. And those of that had wine seemed to enjoy the selection that the Sommelier made for us when we described what type of wine we were looking for.
So now, we move on to the food. I started out with Scallops and Mussels. Now, I am not a Mussel guy but these were perfect, and the Scallops were seared just right. My main course was the Grilled Sirloin of Angus Beef served in a cardamom sauce, which I ordered cooked slightly passed Medium. It arrived perfectly cooked to my desires. High quality beef seared on the outside and just the right shade of pink on the inside. I can taste it as I write this review.
Finally the conclusion of the desserts. I had the Vanilla Creme Brulee. It was served with fresh raspberries and had just the right flavor combination of sweet and savory.
David was the odd man out at the table and had the Sole for dinner (he didn't let me try it so I can't comment on it, but I heard no complaints) and the Chocolate Bombe for dessert. All in all it was a great meal with a great group of people.Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 2/3/2011
All of us here at the Refectory Restaurant & Bistro would… More » -
Review from Tim T.
San Francisco, CA
3/27/2008
This restaurant is nastiness at it's best...the worst-for-your-money place in CMH. We went table for 2 in Jan08...
Place:
-old chapel/farmhouse ambiance, but smells musty, floors creak, and guarantee you if you swipe your finger on anything, you'll have a roll of dust on your fingertip, no kidding
-super romantic looks are drowned by the anxiety that a rat could run across the floor at anytime
-bathroom is super old and needs updating
-carpet is old and super nasty
-lighting needs to be updated
-staff was super friendly, but once it got busy, we had to ask for bread and ask for more water...at a place like this, those both should be on the table ad nauseum
Food:
-great on paper, bad execution of dishes
-everything was WAY too salty, my veins needed a detox afterwards
-ingredients are not fresh and even tastes STALE
-great wine selection
-the ostrich was not prepared to proper sou-vis, therefore it was CHEWY in texture and was not fun to eat
-the salmon roullade was wonderful, the only standout here
-the venison was not fresh and was overdone
-the lobster bisque was ok, but too much cream which drowned out the rest of the flavors
-desert was aweful, you could taste the refrigerator and it was practically eating pure white sugar and hydrogenated crisco, formed into a cake. WAY too much sugar to the point of disgusting!
-the trout was not fresh and was overcooked. It lost the supple bounce and moisture that trout is so good for!
Save your money and go to a sure thing that's living in the 2000's, not 1980...unless you like musty, old places serving food of the similar fare. -
Review from Davis T.
Long Beach, CA
9/26/2009
It was quite an experience to dine in this restaurant. It was a church in the 80's and converted to this French Restaurant.
The main dining area was well decorated with old wood tables and chairs. The server was very attentive and changed your silverware after each course.
The food was great and tasteful. Enjoy but probably won't go there if travel by myself.
9 out of 10.Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 3/1/2010
Thank you Davis, we truly appreciate the kind comments. … More » -
Review from Katie M.
Lancaster, OH
2/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
My recent trip to The Refectory on February 11, 2011 was full of very high highs and some very low lows...
When we arrived we had to wait for about 15 minutes despite the fact that we had a reservation. We were offered a seat at the bar, but opted to wait in the lobby. When we were seated and greeted by both of our waiters (who asked the exact same questions and acted as though they didn't know what the other was doing), we both opted for a glass of wine. The waiter was very helpful and suggested some nice options per our stated tastes.
Once we ordered, I was startled at how long our first course took to arrive. We received bread in the meantime, and it was just eh...
Once the appetizer arrived I though that it was definitely WORTH THE WAIT! I had the Brie Tart with Onions and Bacon, and my companion had the Crab and Artichoke Panquette. Both were amazing. Perfectly cooked and seasoned.
The 2 courses did not go so well. I had the butternut squash veloute and he had the Caesar salad. The salad was nothing special, but good. However, the veloute was completely ruined by the crispy potato garnish that tasted like frozen microwavable southern hashbrowns. The soup itself was light and flavorful, but the garnish ruined it and was spread throughout the entire bowl. Our entrees (arriving 30 minutes after we had completed soup and salad) were disappointing. I had the Baby Rack of Lamb and he had the Zucchini Poisson of the Day, which was Tilapia. My Lamb was chewy, but the flavor was good and the plating was beautiful. HOWEVER, his fish was DRY. It was lacking in flavor and the Potato Garnish was not cooked through. I know it's just a garnish, but I would have failed a culinary class if I would have done that in school!
We notified the waiter that the fish was not cooked well and I was impressed that they not only removed it from our bill but wanted us to leave on a high note and treated us to dessert.
My dessert, the Pear Tart Frangipane, was AMAZING. The pistachio ice cream was crazy good...and I don't like pistachios! He had the Chocolate Bavarian and it was good, but I was still amazed by the tart.
SO, overall, I was impressed with the service in general, but it took FAR TOO LONG (3 hours from start to finish). Food wise we started and ended strong, but in between was almost unforgivable. -
Review from Roy H.
Columbus, OH
7/27/2008
Kamal Boulos not only knows how to run a 5-Star restaurant, he will actually help serve your meal right to your table! When my wife and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary, we chose the best restaurant in Columbus, The Refectory, The owner, Kamal was kind enough to check on us periodically and even offered us our choice of free desserts as an anniversary gift! Now, that's service!
My wife and I ordered a full course meal starting with an appetizer. We absolutely loved their escargot. Yum-Yum! For our entrees, my wife chose the seafood special, succulent Maine lobster and I chose the prime rib special. It was very difficult for us to determine which entree was better! We shared everything. Do I need to mention that we imbibed in their award winning wine selection? Zinfandel for my wife and Merlot for me. Awesome! And for our free dessert, we both chose the freshly baked chocolate souffle. Wow, what a treat! Thank God we had room.
If you never, ever visit my good friend, Kamal, at The Refectory, you are missing the very best that Columbus has to offer in 5-Star Luxury Dining. Sure, it's expensive, but it's worth every penny. Believe me. When you go, please tell Kamal that Roy sent you :)Listed in: Top Restaurants
-
Review from Roderick C.
New Albany, OH
8/5/2009
Simply, the very best in central Ohio! Sublime food & wine, professional service, magnificent rooms - all add up to the quintessential dining experience.
Having moved to Columbus from NYC 11 years ago, I'm delighted that I never have to apologize for the quality of our food here to my visiting friends. The Refectory is our local NYC Four Seasons restaurant - at about one-third of the price! My NYC foodie friends are amazed we can get such wonderful food prepared so caringly "and the price is so reasonable!" And the wine list has anything you'd want (nice to have a master sommelier!)
Got the same wonderful service and food quality even for their Restaurant Week and other special menus. While the prices are on the high end for Columbus, the value is there! -
Review from Erin I.
Columbus, OH
1/20/2011
My boyfriend and I went to the Refectory for Restaurant Week and were sorely disappointed. The food was nothing special, and I honestly felt as if the waiter was berating us. The cocktails were delicious but a bit overpriced. I would definitely never go here again, especially during non-restaurant weeks.
Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 1/20/2011
Hello Erin, I am truly sorry and very disappointed that… More » -
Review from Sabrina L.
Columbus, OH
10/29/2009 1 Check-in Here
The best French food in Columbus by a long shot, though I'm not sure that's saying much. If you're on a budget your best bet is to wait until Dine Originals Week (I think there are two a year) and enjoy their prix-fixed menu.
The service is always attentive and you don't have to feel ridiculous if you don't understand something on the menu. They will happily explain each entree if you have questions, and the servers always have great recommendations for wines and desserts.
I am not a fan of scallops but I tried them from my friend's plate and they were delicious. Really, I think it's the sides here that underwhelm me. Good, but not anything to write praise for.
For the price, this is going to be a skip for me from now on.Listed in: My Five Star Restaurants
Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 1/25/2010
Thanks for the great review Sabrina. We truly appreciate… More » -
Review from Michael U.
Dublin, OH
Full review with pics in context in the blog - highlights below.
Trio of Salmon, my sister's appetizer, was a winner by all accounts and featured Chilled gravalax, creamy mousse, and warm smoked line caught salmon on a single plate. Like most dishes that look to explore a single ingredient in variant forms this dish was small in portions but hefty in potency with each sample serving to highlight the fish - its ability to melt in the mouth with the mousse, its smooth and muscled texture in the smoked form, and its fattiness in the gravalax. Interestingly I felt the gravalax was the strongest option while my sister was impressed most by the warm serving...the mousse certainly wouldn't have felt out of place next to the table-spread at Le Bernardin, either.
a pheasant terrine with apple wood smoked bacon and roasted hazelnuts, sour cherries in brandy, and a fanned cornichon. Garnished again with chive oil the terrine itself was flawlessly smoky with the gaminess of the pheasant mingling pleasantly with the saltiness of the bacon. Further enhanced with brandy, hazelnuts, and chopped pickle in the terrine itself my sister compared the flavor favorably to old-fashioned loaf - and placing some on a slice of bread with a brandied cherry made for an excellent bistro style sandwich.
Again paired with asparagus and one of those strange caper tomatoes, pan seared monk-fish wrapped in pancetta with red pepper spaghetti was absolutely astounding. "Poor Man's Lobster," was a new experience for my aunt and one I was surprised to see her order, but it was definitely the best main of the evening. With the savory and crisp pancetta providing a perfect foil to the sweet and smooth fish I was delighted to help out with this dish (aunt wanting to "save room" for dessert) and found even more brilliance in the manner in which chef Blondin used a light garlic sauce to meld the two distinctly different flavors.
was Spiced Cajun Duck Breast with chestnut confit, savoy cabbage potato cake, and pine honey gastrique and it wouldn't have been out of place on the menu at Alex, La Folie, or even Joel Robuchon. Recommended medium rare the duck was reportedly wild caught game and it tasted extraordinarily fresh - the layer of fat barely melted but the skin crisp to the tooth and the meat without a hint of gaminess. An enormous portion the duck sat alongside a carrot topped with wild mushroom confit, watermelon turnips, confit style chestnuts, an au gratin potato cake topped with shredded and caramelized savoy cabbage, and the whole dish was surrounded by a layer of honey sweetened vinegar.
Dessert two, my sisters, was recently featured in Columbus Alive - called "Tribute" the dish is meant as an ode to Elvis Presley and features Chocolate Shortbread, Peanut butter mousse, chocolate bavarian, banana sorbet, bacon streusel. Again pushing the "classic French" boundaries a bit and experimenting with avant-garde "sweet and savory" pairings I found this dish quite delectable with the crisp shortbread contrasting well with the creamy mousse and ganache-like Bavarian while the sweet sorbet worked well as a foil to the heavy chocolate and peanut butter. Sweet, salty, cold, warm, smooth, crisp - excellent.
The final dessert, selected by myself, was Deconstructed Apple Pie with Tatin Apples, Cheddar Crumble, Cinnamon Ice Cream, Balsamic Apple Reduction. Again with the sweet/savory pairing I adored this dish and consider it amongst my favorite desserts of 2009. Crisp and pan seared cinnamon apples, creamy cinnamon ice cream, and an acidic reduction of apples and ginger formed the backbone of the dish but the whole fusion was completed by the delightful pieces of dehydrated cheddar - an almost molecular gastronomy touch - that created a totally novel mouth-feel, yet entirely familiar flavor.
When it was all said and done we each walked out of The Refectory full and happy - another great meal with family, another great experience. On the way out each member of the staff stopped what they were doing to wish us happy holidays, welcome us back soon, and smile. Great food and great service, well priced and ample in portion; a breath of fresh air in a stale local dining scene. As with my prior visit at The Refectory, this trip was one celebrating a special occasion which and I guess that means that I consider The Refectory a "special occasion" kind of place.Listed in: Most memorable meals., Best Bread Pudding, The Best of Columbus' "Fine…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/2/2008
See profile site for full review with formatted pics.
I've been to Lola with Symon's "Iron Chef"… Read more »
Comment from Kamal B. of The Refectory 1/25/2010
Hi Michael, thank you for your near professional and… More » -
