The Refectory Restaurant

We recently dined at the Refectory for the second time, and it was an unforgettable experience. This fine dining restaurant truly knows how to impress its guests with its outstanding cuisine and exceptional service. Having traveled all over the world, we can confidently say that The Refectory is one of the better fine dining places we have dined at. From the moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the staff, who made us feel right at home. The atmosphere was elegant and refined, with beautiful holiday decor and soft lighting. The menu was filled with delicious and unique dishes, with something to suit every taste. I decided to try the chef's tasting menu, which was an absolute delight. Each dish was expertly crafted with the finest ingredients and presented beautifully. The flavors were exquisite, and the wine pairings were spot on. We love to explore fine and unique wines and cannot more highly recommend the Grand Cru wine pairing with the sommelier, Taylor. The service was impeccable. Our waiter Dom was exceptional. He was knowledgeable about the menu and great to converse with. The entire staff was attentive and ensured we had everything we needed throughout the evening. Overall, The Refectory is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for an outstanding fine dining experience in central Ohio. We highly recommend it and can't wait to go back again.

We’ve traveled quite extensively and the Refectory is without question not only THE BEST dining experience in the state of Ohio, but one of the best we’ve ever had. I’m not sure who second place is but it’s a distant 2nd. From the moment you walk in the door you’re treated like royalty. The ambience is unique. The history of the building is fascinating. The service is impeccable. Last night we had Dom who seemed to have a sixth sense for when we needed anything, but was never intrusive and gave us space to enjoy our special night out. The sommelier always has interesting suggestions. It’s a great place to find rare bottles of wine and his knowledge is impressive. The food…it’s more like an experience than a meal. If this restaurant was in New York or California it would be Michelin starred, and that’s not an exaggeration. The chef brilliantly prepares food that leaves you looking at the person you’re with and saying, “oh wow…did you taste that.” We eat out all the time, and most of the time the food is pretty good and it fills your belly, but at this restaurant you create memories where you say things like, “remember the duck breast at The Refectory?!!” The owner Kamal is a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Dignified but not pretentious. It’s not uncommon to see him greeting people as they walk in the door or leave. He’s got something truly special at The Refectory. If you’re thinking, “wow this review is over the top” it’s because it deserves to be. If you’re looking for an experience you’ll never forget, this is the place to go.

The atmosphere of the venue was fantastic. The cuisine surpassed all expectations, reaching unparalleled heights. The setting was delightful, adorned with impressive internal decor. The staff proved exceptional, consistently available to assist or address any inquiries. The owner exuded down-to-earth charm. Lastly, the considerate gift bestowed upon our visitor left an indelible impression, truly astonishing our guest. Gratitude abounds, and I wholeheartedly recommend this establishment to those seeking a unique dining experience.

Girlfriend took me here for my birthday and what can I say, 10/10 on everything - food - service - atmosphere. Tremendous wine list, knowledgeable waitstaff, every staff member who saw me said happy birthday. Also the little things like even though it was busy, it wasn’t too loud to have a normal conversation. If the Michelin guide ever comes to Columbus, this should be their first stop.

In a world where restaurant service can often leave you feeling underwhelmed, The Refectory stands out as a shining example of what exceptional customer service looks like. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warmth and sincerity. The ambience was cozy and inviting, and the skillfully crafted menu was a delight to our taste buds. Our meal was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, and the service was exceptional. We were even sent home with desserts for our children, which was a lovely touch. As a business owner, I was particularly impressed by the valuable lesson on customer service that The Refectory provided. They have earned themselves a repeat customer in me. Overall, I would highly recommend The Refectory to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience. They are truly a step above the rest. Thank you for a lovely evening.