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The Refectory, Villanova, PA

The Refectory

4.6
4.6
607 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
The Refectory is a stunning restaurant located on Lancaster Avenue in Villanova. The menu features modern and upscale interpretations of American comfort classics such as homemade pastas, wood-fired flatbreads, a raw bar, craft cocktails and specialty homemade desserts. Our kitchen's philosophy is to keep it simple and straightforward, with a lot of thought and technique put behind each dish and ingredient. The goal is to let each ingredient shine.

The Refectory is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. For parties of 9 or more guests, please contact the restaurant directly by calling (610) 519-5786 or by emailing info@refectorynova.com. Please call or email with any questions and we will return your message.

Make a reservation

2 people

10:30 p.m.


Booked 5 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Cocktail Bar, Oyster Bar

  • Hours of Operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Happy Hour Mon, Sun 4:00 pm–6:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (610) 519-5786

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive Chef

    Biff Gottehrer, Michael Murray

  • Private party facilities

    We offer several private and semi-private dining and event options. The private President's Dining Room accommodates up to 14 guests for a seated function, while semi-private areas of our dining room can be set up for guests ranging from 25-80. Inquire for restaurant buyouts. Contact our Event Director, Devin Simpson at devin@refectorynova.com

  • Neighbourhood

    Villanova

  • Cross Street

    Ithan Ave

  • Parking Details

    Public Lot

  • Public Transit

    PARKING GARAGE INFORMATION: Parking is only available across the street from The Refectory at the Villanova I-1 Parking Garage located on South Ithan Avenue. There are no timing restrictions for vehicles parked at the I-1 Parking Garage for guests dining at The Refectory. The rates are as follows: the 1st hour is free, two hours is $2, and up to four hours is $5. Currently, we do not validate parking. Upon entry, pull a ticket and park on any of the first 3 floors. A pay machine accepting cash and credit is located by the Main Pedestrian Entrance/Exit on Floor 2. The exit lanes only accept credit cards and do not accept cash. To get to the Refectory from the Parking Garage from Floor 2, use the pedestrian walkway across Ithan Avenue. The Refectory is located in The Commons, the stone mixed-use residential and commercial building on the corner of Ithan & Lancaster Avenue. Look for restaurant signage and call us at 610-519-5786 if you have any issues

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

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Popular dishes

What 607 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Western Suburbs

    Contemporary American

Sort by

  1. Stacy

    Atlantic City

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Wonderful experience overall. Excellent food and drinks.
  2. Elle

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience2
    Food and service were exceptional. The noise level was very high due to the bar located in the center of the room.
  3. JenniferG

    New England

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an outstanding meal with wonderful service (Elise I believe). Food was presented beautifully and was delicious. Great ambiance too.
  4. Christine

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Always a good experience! Excellent customer service by Victoria; she was personable, friendly, professional and attentive to the table.
  5. SandyC

    New York Area

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is always fantastic. Best bloody mary, their signature mix. Waitress great
  6. Alexandra

    Orlando

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful lunch after Villanova’s Baccalaureate Mass! Thank you especially to Nico, our fantastic server. We never needed to ask for more water, he was attentive to our needs, and had great recommendations. Nico was amazing! We hope to visit again!
  7. chili

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, friendly, competent staff. The quesadillas & buffalo cauliflower were fantastic. Beautiful setting inside & out.
  8. MarPH

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Overall disappointing. The services, food and overall atmosphere were only okay. There were a number of interruptions during our meal, but when I was not satisfied with my entrée, he was no where to be found so I endured the overly salty salad. By our 6:30 pm reservation the Mother's Day roses they gave us were sadly wilted and not worth keeping. Not sure I will return for anything more than a pre-show cocktail.
  9. Kaylyn

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every dish we ordered was delicious and the cocktails were fabulous! Service was attentive and extremely helpful. Have been to The Refectory many times and have always had a wonderful experience.
  10. KaraD

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great food options, nice decor, & excellent service. Avoid the dessert: ricotta donuts and brownie were not worth it in taste or price.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Miami - Dade

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was great! Dinner was delicious! I had the chicken cob salad, size very generous & delicious
  12. DebraM

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lively vibe, lovely contemporary decor , bustling bar & restaurant scene on a Wednesday night. Four of us went for dinner & every dish from apps to entrees were superb. Mushroom truffle flatbread, English cold pea soup, Brussels sprouts , branzino on bed of cauliflower purée & veggies , tuna - all mouthwatering, delicious. Price point surprisingly reasonable . Attentive, friendly service. We’ll definitely be returning!
  13. soandso

    Philadelphia

    63 reviews

    3.0

    63 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    We were seated in a booth near the bar and people hanging out at the bar were standing way too close to the back of our (low) booth. Kind of invasive. Food was good but not outstanding. $22 for a dirty Martini was outrageous.
  14. Knitone

    Philadelphia

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just steps from Villanova's Mullen Center, The Refectory is a wonderful choice for an after-theatre meal. The food is delicious and the wait staff is comprised of professionals.
  15. Flowers13

    Philadelphia

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Servers & Staff very friendly & helpful! Very enjoyable experience! Will return!!
  16. SandyC

    New York Area

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time here, very happy. Best Bloody Mary I have ever had, not exaggerating. Would love to know if it’s a house mix or I can find it. I had mine with Tequila. So good. Eggs Benedict with Salmon good, but needed to be cooked a little more, too much uncooked white. Everyone else loved what they had: veggie omelette, avacado toast, pancakes. French fries good but the home Fries with chili oil and onions were amazing. Will definitely be back.
  17. xmobile

    Philadelphia

    20 reviews

    2.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Nice space - very comfortable. We went for Brunch. Service was okay but not especially warm/friendly. The food was on the bland side and not very creative. Reading the general menu, there may be mroe potential at other times of the day but the lack of real effort for Brunch probably means we won't bother with a second trip.
  18. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    12 reviews

    1.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience5
    Female Manager was rude, condescending and very passive aggressive after waiting 20 minutes and still not having a cocktail order placed. Her behavior would not be accepted by a Waffle House, let a lone a nice restaurant. The hostess tried by bringing water and looking for our server. The manager acted as if I was wrong to expect a server to stop by the table and take a drink order after twenty minutes of waiting- not five but twenty. Who turned out to be our waiter was next to us numerous times but never even gave us- “ I will be over in a minute” - which would have fixed everything. This was my second visit and last visit as there are way too many good establishment in the area that want to sell food and drink to customers.
  19. abbyg

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great placer to meet up for a bite and drinks. The food was very good and generous portions! Great service as well and we were allowed to take our time and chat
  20. SarahH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bottomless mimosas were great and the sliders were amazing.
  21. Knitone

    Philadelphia

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a wonderful dining spot. It's so convenient to the Mullen Center. Would be nice if they validated parking.
  22. JoeV

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    We continue to come back food choices and quality very good service very good too.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband, a friend, and I had dinner there before going to see a production at the theater across the street. The dinner was wonderful, along with the drinks. I had an orange blossom old-fashioned and it was delicious. The entrees were very tasty and I’m glad we decided not to skip dessert. I’m hoping to find another show to see there soon so we have an excuse to go back!
  24. Sass

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    The food is excellent! Lots of wonderful options to choose from and cooked well. The cocktails were unique and also, made well. Most of all, our server was delightful!!!!
  25. BarbaraM

    Philadelphia

    16 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    All good except noise level Fri noon-2:30. We were in the area to the left where music overtook us even when we switched from a round table for 5 to a booth near the back.
  26. acorn30

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall4food2service5ambience5
    We love the Refectory! Location is the best and we are sad our son will graduate soon. Food was a salty this visit for all at our table. Usually not the case.
  27. JenniferC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Fabulous new place. I wish you had your choice of fries or a salad with brunch. Overall, a really great menu, and a very good drink selection. The service and attention to detail were on point. I had a party of six and we were flawlessly seated, and served.
  28. CGilbert

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Food is reasonably priced and we really appreciated the option to BYOB with a very fair corkage fee. Server, I believe her name was Victoria, was excellent
  29. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the Refectory! We had a lovely brunch here.
  30. Anne

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience2
    Average food, overpriced all around and will never get the draw it deserves if prices stay where they are.
  31. SuburbanGal

    Philadelphia

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent! Brunch was so good! We loved the avocado toast and the smoked salmon flatbread. The ricotta donuts with Nutella and chocolate dessert were both fantastic!
  32. MaureenK

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Always enjoy eating here and food is always good
  33. Disappointed

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Difficult to hear due to noise. Could use some mitigation. Drinks were great. Bronzino had no flavor.
  34. williamo

    Philadelphia

    42 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Overall, very good. One meal however was not served with the salad under the salmon . We decided not to bother the server as he was terrific in all aspects.
  35. Phillippa

    Philadelphia

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a lovely lunch experience. Good and service were excellent.
  36. AlfonsoM

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent in all ways. Service was terrific, food outstanding. It was a fairly quiet evening (Easter Sunday) so conversation was easy at our table. Highly recommend, even if a bit pricey.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great Easter brunch of lobster rolls and Cobb salads. Our server Nico was excellent and made the experience flawless. Great location to meet relatives coming down from Northern Pennsylvania.
  38. FrankH

    Philadelphia

    98 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    98 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Our first time there, went for Breakfast after church, menu was adequate, the kitchen area was close to the customer table area. There were a large no of workers in the kitchen along with a parson at the pass setting the orders to cook. It reminded you of Hells Kitchen set-up. The service was very attentative to customers. The restaurant was on the main street of the Villinova University. Only issue on a sunday had to pay for parking.
  39. RebeccaE

    Philadelphia

    51 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    51 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is a gem! Love the atmosphere. Spied a cool private party room that would make a great large family gathering possible. Loved the mushroom flatbread and eggs Benedict with that lovely green salad and the potato pave hash brown was amazing!! It was a perfect Easter brunch spot. The big booths felt cozy and it was a little more spread out for people who don't like sitting on top of other tables. Cannot wait to come check it out for dinner!
  40. MikeS

    Philadelphia

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Victoria our server was fantastic. Food and ambiance always great here.

FAQs

The Refectory is rated 4.6 stars by 607 OpenTable diners.

The Refectory does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

10:30 p.m.


Booked 5 times today
Google Map for The Refectory

862 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    Ithan Ave

  • Neighbourhood

    Villanova

  • Hours of Operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Happy Hour Mon, Sun 4:00 pm–6:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Cocktail Bar, Oyster Bar

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking Details

    Public Lot

  • Public Transit

    PARKING GARAGE INFORMATION: Parking is only available across the street from The Refectory at the Villanova I-1 Parking Garage located on South Ithan Avenue. There are no timing restrictions for vehicles parked at the I-1 Parking Garage for guests dining at The Refectory. The rates are as follows: the 1st hour is free, two hours is $2, and up to four hours is $5. Currently, we do not validate parking. Upon entry, pull a ticket and park on any of the first 3 floors. A pay machine accepting cash and credit is located by the Main Pedestrian Entrance/Exit on Floor 2. The exit lanes only accept credit cards and do not accept cash. To get to the Refectory from the Parking Garage from Floor 2, use the pedestrian walkway across Ithan Avenue. The Refectory is located in The Commons, the stone mixed-use residential and commercial building on the corner of Ithan & Lancaster Avenue. Look for restaurant signage and call us at 610-519-5786 if you have any issues

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive Chef

    Biff Gottehrer, Michael Murray

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (610) 519-5786

  • Private party facilities

    We offer several private and semi-private dining and event options. The private President's Dining Room accommodates up to 14 guests for a seated function, while semi-private areas of our dining room can be set up for guests ranging from 25-80. Inquire for restaurant buyouts. Contact our Event Director, Devin Simpson at devin@refectorynova.com

Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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