About us

In the 8 years on Duke’s campus – and a second location at Duke Law School (2008) – The Refectory Cafe went on to win over 23 major dining and environmental awards. These awards, among others: Duke Chronicle’s People’s Choice Award for Best Food on Campus seven years in a row; Duke Dining Services’ “Culinary Excellence Gold Award” seven years in a row, and Duke’s Environmental Leadership Award 4 times.

The original goal of the Refectory Cafe was to be a “one-of-a-kind” local farm-to-table restaurant where omnivores, vegetarians, vegans, plant-based diets, and gluten-free diets could all happily share a table together in the same facility. Every diet classification could delight in delicious, satisfying, creative food from a common menu while enjoying the health benefits of consuming nutrient-dense meals devoid of chemical additives – all while practicing social & environmental sustainability.

Proud of the success and accomplishments at Duke, The Refectory Cafe moved off campus to 2726 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd., expanding its horizons and the ability to more fully serve the local community. The Refectory Cafe continues to win awards for the “all diets, always” menu using as many local ingredients as possible. The food is “delicious and remarkably diverse. The staff is, to a person, efficient & friendly (rare). I absolutely love this place.” (customer comment, June 2016).

The Refectory Cafe now offers “casual fine dining” in the evenings with table service and a full bar. Every day is special at the Refectory Cafe.