The Refectory Bistro - Columbus

This review isn't meant for our March reservation but a reservation we had in November (I'm not sure why it's not showing up here on my account). Refectory is one of our favorite restaurants in Columbus. We always have exceptional service (we usually have Joseph who we love and the overall atmosphere is one of a kind. We usually always come for special events, bring our family to enjoy what the Refectory has to offer and usually come for the outstanding food. During our November experience, we were pretty disappointed in the new menu. They were more tapas-like plates which is fine but definitely priced higher for the portion size. Not that that is a bad thing, but for us we always loved the original menu: the duo filets, the dover sole, the pistachio dessert. These were items we always looked forward to and the reason we made the reservation in November for my birthday. I understand if certain ingredients are hard to come by due to COVID relations; however, we didn't care for the new menu at all. Everything else was top notch as always; however, we will likely not be back until the original menu and original classics come back. Looking forward to that day

Our first disappointing experience. The service was awkwardly slow. We are fine with a slower paced dining experience but we sat for hour after we finished our salad for anyone to stop by and clear the table . No one ever asked if we would like a drink. The food was unremarkable (antelope for my husband and the red snapper for me) . Rather bland. Dessert was the pear tart and it was wonderful, but sad to spend on dinner and walk away thinking it was disappointing

Went for dinner on a desire from a friend. I wasn't impressed. Drinks were good but food was way overpriced for what you get. Nice history and ambience but yikes. It was costly

Food wine and service were excellent as always. I wonder if there was an issue with the fireplace as there was a very smokey atmosphere which did detract somewhat from the wine and food experience and I am having to send my suit to the dry cleaners as it smells very strongly of smoke like I have been on a camping trip. Normally I love the fireplace, but this night it was not set well

Everything was very nice. Michelle did an excellent job. My wife and I found it relaxing and enjoyable. I ordered the pheasant but I didn't care for the sauce