The Refectory

4.6

517 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 7, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 54 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
Website
http://www.refectorynova.com/
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

Location
862 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085
Neighborhood
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

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

Send a gift card

Popular dishes

Cheese$11.00
cheddar, grana padano, marinara
Spicy Pepperoni$13.00
oregano, hot honey
Duck Confit$18.00
sweet potato puree, goat cheese, pomegranate
Brisket$14.00
sweet onion purée, smoked cheddar, bleu cheese, horseradish
Wild Mushroom$15.00
sweet onion purée, truffle, egg yolk
Broccoli Rabe & Ricotta$15.00
carmelized onion, red chimichurri
Tuna Pizza*$19.00
sashimi, flour tortilla, jalapeño aioli, serrano

For the Table

House-Made Bread Basket$11.00
parker house rolls, focaccia, multigrain
Big Mac Steak Tartare$17.00
special sauce, parmesan, sesame seed, egg yolk, fries
Baked Cheese$19.00
kunik, black garlic mustard, pesto, honey comb, foccacia
Cajun Calamari$15.00
blackening spice, lemon, green chile aioli, shishito
Pickled Beets$15.00
housemade ricotta, tapenade, multigrain toast
Mussels$19.00
choice of: coconut curry, arrabiata, or white wine garlic

Shareables

Mahi Tacos$15.00
plantain crust, cabbage, chipotle mayo
Crispy Sunchokes$14.00
green chili aioli, red chimichurri, fried sage
Brussels Sprouts$14.00
bacon lardon, apple, balsamic mustard
Grilled Shrimp Toast$15.00
ricotta, multigrain, avocado, beurre blanc
Truffled Deviled Eggs$9.00
black truffle, espelette, sea salt
Nova Fries$9.00
brisket, house whiz, pickled onion
Charred Cabbage$13.00
sweet potato puree, scallion, pomegranate, crispy shallots
Buffalo Cauliflower$15.00
house hot sauce, buttermilk ranch
Spaghetti Squash$17.00
cauliflower walnut bolognese, sage, aged balsamic
Mini Crab Cakes$16.00
chipotle mayo, scallion, lemon
Hash Brown*$11.00
hollandaise, chive
Bacon Wrapped Dates$15.00
bleu cheese, manchego, spinach crema

Soup & Salads

Broccoli Cheddar Soup$11.00
cabot cheddar, crouton, broccoli
Wedge Salad$15.00
smoked tomato, crispy bacon, pickled red onion, radish, blue cheese
Green Salad$14.00
avocado, radish, cucumber, green goddess dressing
Caesar Salad$13.00
baby gem, focaccia croutons, dill, cured yolk
Broccoli & Sweet Potato$15.00
cilantro, lime, roasted pepita vinaigrette
Harvest Salad$15.00
mixed greens, beets, goat cheese, pomegranate, dates, shallot, balsamic mustard viniagrette

From the Land

Nova Cravers*$18.00
(3 2oz. burger patties) cooper sharp, special sauce, house slider buns
Truffled Chicken Pot Pie$25.00
puff pastry, creme fraiche, sage, black truffle
Niman Ranch Grassfed Ribeye*$57.00
(12oz.) frites, mixed greens, hollandaise
Berkshire Pork Chop$28.00
black garlic mustard, broccoli, cabbage, onion purée
New Zealand Lamb$34.00
spiced cous cous, cucumber yogurt

Pasta & Grain

Spicy Vodka Rigatoni$18.00
calabrian chili, vodka
Spaghetti & Meatballs$21.00
marinara, parmesan, oregano
Potato Gnocchi*$27.00
brown butter cacio e pepe, soft egg, mushroom, black truffle
Porcini Risotto$25.00
wild mixed mushrooms, cippolini onion, english pea, aged balsamic
Shrimp Scampi$23.00
bucatini, garlic, calabrian chili, pickled lemon
Bucatini$27.00
duck ragu, sweet potato, broccoli rabe, manchego

From the Sea

Atlantic Salmon$27.00
creamy farrotto, pea, fava, lemon
Blackened Mahi Mahi$25.00
papaya salad, jalapeño emulsion, coconut curry, pistachio
Grilled Yellowfin Tuna*$29.00
sesame crust, bok choy, pepita salad, spaghetti squash
Grouper Roll$27.00
choice of blackened or tempura fried, jalapeño aioli, red cabbage, sesame seed roll
Branzino Filet$27.00
sweet potato, sunchoke, date, beet nage

Master Class Burger

Master Class Burger$25.00
Kunik cheese, bacon, brandied caramelized onions, green peppercorn tapenade, smoked tomato, dijonaise. Served with nova fries

What 517 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

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

Sort by

Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this restaurant! Love the decor, arrangement of table and seating, the wait staff is fabulous and the food is delicious.
w
williamo
Philadelphia
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Outstanding service and really great team at the bar! Enjoy everything ‘Nova!
K
Kentucky
San Francisco
98 reviews
vip
5.0
98 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience4
We tried the Refectory on a cold Saturday night in early February. The energy in this Villanova focused place was good; students at the bar, lot of families but also couples enjoying the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our server (Hannah) was friendly and attentive. Menu was eclectic and we tried three appetizers (Figs with bacon, cheddar broccoli soup and mussels) and a spring mix salad. Everything was excellent except the overdressed salad. Wine list was strong and we were offered tasting of ones we were curious about. This is a very nice place that should work for many.
s
sandy
Philadelphia
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
This is a wonderful restaurant. Excellent food, imaginative, fresh, attractively presented and delicious. The restaurant makes good use of its academic setting with clever use of space and comfortable seating. Wait staff are attentive without being intrusive and no one asked how my food was tasting!! Badly needs better signage, hard to locate. Noise level is painful. At least turn off the background accompaniment! Eager to return!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great location, Great service. The only negative is a brunch menu
DC
DanielleC
New England
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great restaurant! Really good spot for a date night. We enjoyed the mussels with coconut curry broth and homemade focaccia. We both had pasta for our entree and shared the ricotta doughnuts for dessert.
ST
SusanT
Philadelphia
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and victuals at the bar with our server and mixologist Chris !!!
KW
KateW
Poconos
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful first experience! Delicious food, attentive service and an atmosphere full of energy.
V
Vancouver
Philadelphia
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Darcey our server was excellent. Great personality and guided us through the menu and offerings of the bar and kitchen like a pro. The food was excellent. The mushroom risotto was worth ordering another serving to take home. I’ll be back. Great experience.
P
Paulad
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food4service4ambience4
Very interesting sides with entres Great appetizer selection
j
jessp
Philadelphia
6 reviews
vip
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2023
overall2food2service4ambience4
Unfortunately didn’t have a great experience. We wanted to love it here- the atmosphere is great, restaurant is beautiful, and the menu is fun and different with lots of unique selections. And the staff was great as well. However, two of our dishes came out disappointing us. We ordered calamari and a burger. The calamari came out tasting VERY funky/ fishy/ chewy. Seems as If I were not fresh and not thoroughly cooked. The burger was ordered as medium, but came out very rare- while this is not the end of the world… after having the funky tasting calamari appetizer that we already had to send back, it was just unsettling and disappointing to have to send back a second item.
EH
ErinH
Philadelphia
14 reviews
vip
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Great staff and ambiance, but frustrated when we arrived as all 3 people in our party had trouble finding the place! Better signage, especially for parking, would be helpful. GPS takes everyone to the dorms.
TC
TrishC
Philadelphia
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
A great dinner! Food was good but it’s been better on other nights. Still love the restaurant though 😊
C
Chris
Philadelphia
163 reviews
vip
5.0
163 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience3
Good and creative food at Refectory. Very noisy!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a nice place to have dinner with my villanova student Thank you
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing as always!
m
mollyt
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a great Birthday dinner with my girlfriends. Service and food were both excellent
F
Foodie
Philadelphia
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is OUTSTANDING! It reminds me of dining out pre-COVID. I highly recommend dinner.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful food and impeccable service!
EG
EddieG
New York Area
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Friends were in town looking at NoVA. After a day of touring we took them to refectory. Our second time there. Love it. Recommendations: 1 deviled eggs 2. Oysters. 3. Buffalo cauliflower 4. Chicken pot pie. 5. Tuna is also very good. Bar was very popular
w
webhill
Philadelphia
21 reviews
vip
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Service was very good; appetizers and entrees were great. We were told that they have an in house pastry chef, but I think they should hire someone else. Also parking costs $5.
SJ
StephandJas
Philadelphia
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
It was perfect for our family of 4.
DO
DrewO
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love the staff. The food. The drinks. Everything. Our favorite spot!!!
s
sjcr
Philadelphia
37 reviews
vip
2.0
37 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience3
The restaurant is not staffed properly-not enough trained servers along with inexperienced bar help pouring minimal glasses of alcohol. So unprofessional to see waitresses RUNNING down the kitchen assembly line of the open air kitchen. What happened to the stellar management that opened the restaurant??
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome food and awesome service! Love this place! So cozy!
w
wildcat07
Philadelphia
15 reviews
vip
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Keep coming back for the pasta and dessert, and the food quality doesn’t disappoint. The service is definitely better on non-game days but the staff still makes sure tables are well attended.
K
Kyle
Philadelphia
61 reviews
4.0
61 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Really great vibe here and the food was amazing! I highly recommend the sunchokes and the chicken pot pie
BK
BillK
Philadelphia
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A great place for a pre game meal/drink....great food and service.
WA
WAP1010
Philadelphia
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Lovely, diverse menu in a very Pleasant atmosphere.
OT
OpenTableDiner
Philadelphia
112 reviews
vip
5.0
112 reviews
Dined on January 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great time at The Refectory! We started at the bar which was a great vibe and we loved the bartenders, Chris and Prometheus! Our cocktails were so good (strong but yummy!). For dinner we sat in a cozy booth in the dining room and 4 of us shared a bunch of food. Everything was delicious, especially the steak tartare and bacon stuffed dates. We will be back soon!
GS
GeorgeS
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Very good food and ambience. A bit pricey for the portions especially $5 for a scoop of ice cream.
RJ
RJMoyer
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious, so even though some things on the menu get a bit expensive, it is worth the price. Went after a basketball game so it was fairly noisy inside.
R
Riddler
Atlantic City
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Made our NYE great place! Ambience, food and service top notch!
P
Patricia
Philadelphia
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Villanova Basketball Pregame. Alexandria is a phenomenal server. Go Cats!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a beautiful space! Our food was delicious, cocktails were excellent, and our server was a delight. We can’t wait to go back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
A notch above the typical fare found in the burbs. The shareables were especially impressive. Interesting cocktails and nicely prepared entrees. Better than most of the dining options in the area. Nice to see a menu with a little creative flare and solidly executed dishes.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great! Delicious food. I recommend the buffalo cauliflower:)
S
Stef
Washington DC
8 reviews
vip
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience3
The food was ok, nothing special. We had good service and it was moderately busy. The food is extremely overpriced even for this area.
TH
TaneekaH
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The hostess and server were attentive and friendly. The food was tasty and the portion size was fair.
j
johnbosphl
Philadelphia
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Brisket dip was awesome; mahi tacos were well designed, including pickled onions, but the mahi was overcooked. Given the Villanova school holiday, the place was quiet, with very nice ambiance. Service was excellent! Prices were high, especially for lunch.
The RefectoryResponded on December 30, 2022Hello! We are so glad to hear your recent experience at The Refectory was great. Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback. We look forward to hosting you again in the very near future. Cheers and be well!

FAQs

The Refectory is rated 4.6 stars by 517 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 7, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 54 times today

862 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Ithan Ave
Neighborhood
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

Website
http://www.refectorynova.com/
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

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

Send a gift card

The Refectory

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Gift card

Brussels Sprouts

Mahi Tacos

Fries

Raw Bar

Seafood Tower

Oysters*$18.00

Shrimp Cocktail$17.00

Market Crudo*$13.00

Spicy Tuna*$16.00

Wood-Grilled Flatbreads

Cheese$11.00

Spicy Pepperoni$13.00

Duck Confit$18.00

Brisket$14.00

Wild Mushroom$15.00

Broccoli Rabe & Ricotta$15.00

Tuna Pizza*$19.00

For the Table

House-Made Bread Basket$11.00

Big Mac Steak Tartare$17.00

Baked Cheese$19.00

Cajun Calamari$15.00

Pickled Beets$15.00

Mussels$19.00

Shareables

Mahi Tacos$15.00

Crispy Sunchokes$14.00

Brussels Sprouts$14.00

Grilled Shrimp Toast$15.00

Truffled Deviled Eggs$9.00

Nova Fries$9.00

Charred Cabbage$13.00

Buffalo Cauliflower$15.00

Spaghetti Squash$17.00

Mini Crab Cakes$16.00

Hash Brown*$11.00

Bacon Wrapped Dates$15.00

Soup & Salads

Broccoli Cheddar Soup$11.00

Wedge Salad$15.00

Green Salad$14.00

Caesar Salad$13.00

Broccoli & Sweet Potato$15.00

Harvest Salad$15.00

From the Land

Nova Cravers*$18.00

Truffled Chicken Pot Pie$25.00

Niman Ranch Grassfed Ribeye*$57.00

Berkshire Pork Chop$28.00

New Zealand Lamb$34.00

Pasta & Grain

Spicy Vodka Rigatoni$18.00

Spaghetti & Meatballs$21.00

Potato Gnocchi*$27.00

Porcini Risotto$25.00

Shrimp Scampi$23.00

Bucatini$27.00

From the Sea

Atlantic Salmon$27.00

Blackened Mahi Mahi$25.00

Grilled Yellowfin Tuna*$29.00

Grouper Roll$27.00

Branzino Filet$27.00

Master Class Burger

Master Class Burger$25.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

FAQs

How is The Refectory restaurant rated?

Does The Refectory offer gift cards?

Is The Refectory currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas