Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs
  4. Western Suburbs
  5. Villanova
The Refectory, Villanova, PA

The Refectory

4.7
4.7
331 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Top tags:
The Refectory is a stunning new restaurant located on Lancaster Avenue in Villanova. The menu (designed by Director of Culinary & Hospitality, Chef Biff Gottehrer, and executed by Chef Michael Murray) features modern and upscale interpretations of American comfort classics such as homemade pastas, wood-fired flatbreads, a raw bar, craft cocktails and specialty 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 7 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 booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 39 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Cocktail Bar, Oyster Bar

  • Hours of Operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30–15:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–14:45 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 16:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–23:00

  • 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

  • Area

    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, 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.

Send a gift card

Popular dishes

What 331 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Western Suburbs

    Contemporary American

Sort by

Filters

  1. JJ

    JJl4

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service
  2. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Drinks way way over priced This not nyc ….
  3. CZ

    CaroleZ

    Philadelphia

    17 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food2service2ambience4
    Unfortunately there were problems. We went for brunch and ate outside, which was wonderful. However the Eggs Benedict were not very good. The eggs were very undercooked. They had runny uncooked whites and yolks that were simply liquid. The ham had apparently been fried on a griddle and the pieces were very tough, dry, and difficult to cut and eat. The hollandaise sauce had no flavor at all. It could have been anything. And it’s texture was extremely thick. The English muffin was good but very very thin and it couldn’t sop up the eggs and sauce. Also I ordered the bottomless mimosa, which was good, but had to ask for the second glass. And it took a while to get the servers attention. This was during the meal and it would have been nice to have it then. The side of hash browns was mainly crunchy but the portion size was very small. It also had the flavorless hollandaise sauce on it. We scraped that off as it added nothing to it. My husband liked his Bloody Mary and said the brisket omelette was stuffed with the meat. I took that as a good comment. Definitely not going back for brunch. Which is sad as we’ve been loving going to happy hour and haven’t been at all disappointed with the food and bar service.
  4. CG

    ConshyGirl

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service
  5. J

    Jason

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 8 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful place! Great ambience, friendly staff and the food selection was incredible. Will definitely be back!
  6. MF

    MaryF

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A positively stellar addition to our lovely campus!!
  7. LM

    LakelandMom

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Comfortable seating and very enjoyable fare for our GNO
  8. b

    bree

    Philadelphia

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on 6 August 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Chris was a great waiter/bartender. The food was excellent
  9. B

    karenB

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 5 August 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience5
    The food was absolutely awful. The salmon and prime rib were over cooked and undercooked, respectively and not to our preferred temperatures. The lemon tart dessert looked and tasterd like it came from the local grocery store. The Refectory was formally a good restaurant that has taken a turn for the worse. It is a beautiful place but the food was not good at all. Very disappointing.
  10. DS

    DavidS

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went for dinner for a first visit, and found it to be a comfortable, fun setting. The menu had a good mix of "comfort" and high end dishes. Everyone really enjoyed the main dishes - branzino, lamb chop and pasta carbonara. We had good cocktails before the food came. For dessert, we ordered fresh donuts for the table, which were great for sharing. Highly recommend!
  11. u

    ugetwhatupayformostly

    Philadelphia

    90 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    90 reviews

    Dined on 4 August 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    Nova fries w brisket great. Mahi-mahi preparation wonderful. Caesar salad, accompaniments for mahi-mahi entree both need reconsideration. Ditch the truffle gnocchi.
  12. MS

    MickySteve

    Philadelphia

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on 3 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have had dinner here many times but this was my first time for lunch. I have to say I like the lunch menu better! The salmon BLT was excellent and our server Ava was great. I would like to see this sandwich on the dinner menu and maybe a crab cake sandwich/slider or shrimp tacos. The mahi taco is so -so.
  13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 August 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and thoughtful servers - recommend!
  14. LP

    LisaP

    Philadelphia

    79 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    79 reviews

    Dined on 2 August 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Lunch with a friend. Waitress never said her name. Food came promptly and was delicious. Ambiance is perfect. Tables indoors not too close. Loved the décor. Will come back fir dinner!
  15. l

    lmg22

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 31 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    fantastic local option! Was pleasantly surprised
  16. M

    Maria

    Philadelphia

    38 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on 30 July 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Exceptional service. Good food. Fabulous ambiance.
  17. Y

    Yummy

    Philadelphia

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on 29 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time there, and really enjoyed it. Was able to get a reservation for 4 with only two hours notice on a Saturday, but was pleasantly surprised that it was fairly busy and active. Drinks were good, service was good, and food was good. Portions were on the small side, especially the pasta (that’s one entree with which you’d think they could be more generous!) but overall really pleased with the experience.
  18. AR

    AnneR

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 27 July 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Very much enjoyed dining at the Refectory. Servers and management were welcoming and friendly. Dining space and bar are attractive and seating areas are comfortable, nicely arranged. Food options were interesting and inventive. Taste of food--I had steak frittes--was very good, but not great. Would definitely go back and would recommend to others.
  19. s

    stevenf

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 26 July 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Strange location on Villanova campus where parking is not convenient to restaurant. We had an a 80 yo which was almost not possible for our elder relative to get to restaurant. Friend ly service but Service was slow as bartender was also waiter. We also did not receive our entire order but it was on the bill. As for the food, in general it was good with only minor suggestions. Liked the oysters, calamari and all the entrees. Dessert was ok and water was served without ice (which was complaint from my daughter).
  20. DJ

    DeborahJ

    Philadelphia

    12 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on 25 July 2022

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    Server was great food was fair
  21. KH

    KendellH

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 24 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and delicious food! The brunch was amazing and I can’t wait to go back.
  22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 24 July 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Very pleasant meal for a fair price. Better than it was under the previous management.
  23. a

    andiswim

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 24 July 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We stopped in for Brunch with family in town and had a great meal. The food was amazing and the drinks were great too!
  24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on 23 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    New summer menu is excellent. Kobe beef was so good! Lots of options on the menu. My family had a great time and will definitely go back!
  25. CC

    ChristopherC

    San Francisco

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on 23 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was a first visit for my husband and I after recently relocating to the area. We’ve had some great meals so far and this was a standout. Our server, Laurie was terrific. We chatted about cocktails and starters and settled on a
  26. CD

    ChristineD

    Philadelphia

    14 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on 22 July 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Refectory was a fun time and a nice atmosphere. It was casual and sophisticated at the same time. The staff could not be friendlier. We felt very comfortable and will definitely be back.
  27. T

    Tony

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on 22 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food service and ambiance
  28. J

    Jzeats

    Philadelphia

    92 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    92 reviews

    Dined on 21 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal and location to catch up with friends and family. Wonderful new menu—a treasure in the Villanova area
  29. NG

    NancyG

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on 21 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food. Excellent menu. Wonderful service. Beautiful new restaurant. Needs better signage.
  30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 21 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, drink and service
  31. B

    sarahB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful restaurant ! Fabulous food and impeccable service !!!!
  32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 18 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food and wonderful servers from the hostess Bella who guided us when we were lost to our sweet waitress. We will definitely return often.
  33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 July 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Amazing food! Great atmosphere inside and they have outdoor seating as well. Did not love the steak tartare pizza as it wasn’t what we expected at all, but everything else was great! Great spot for weekend brunch or a nice dinner.
  34. G

    Gourmetgal

    Philadelphia

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on 16 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my first visit to The Refactory. I had no idea it was located on the first floor of the new dorms at Villanova. The ambience is the first thing that impresses you. Nicely done in blue and white. Tables were spacious and not on top of one another. Menu is quite extensive so there is something for everyone. Food is reasonably priced but cocktails and desserts are very expensive. Our server, Alejandro, was superb, and Liam the host ensured us a roomy spacious table in the corner. We all enjoyed our food: prosciutto flatbread, buffalo cauliflower, rock shrimp roll, mahi mahi tacos and grilled mahi mahi. We will definitely return! Can't say enough wonderful things about it!
  35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 July 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great service with Alessandro who was so friendly, helpful and attentive. The food is great and the ambience is comfortable yet sophisticated.
  36. H

    Heather

    Philadelphia

    124 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    124 reviews

    Dined on 13 July 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    On Wednesday evening, my husband and I met another couple for dinner at the Refectory. My friend and I had wanted to come here in the winter but were snowed out. Luckily, there were no issues on Wednesday. My husband was hesitant about what to get because he's very picky with food. He chose the pork tenderloin and enjoyed it, with the exception of the white creamy sauce under the asparagus, which he didn't eat either. We began the meal with raw Kobi and that was delicious. I also got to try the grilled octopus, and that was amazing. For my entree, I went with the blackened mahi mahi, and I enjoyed every bite of it. So many great flavors!!! My frozen cocktail was very refreshing. For dessert, we couldn't decide on just one, so we split the fudgy brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and the cookies and cream ice cream sandwich. It was a good thing we got the scoop of ice cream on the brownie because it was so rich!!! My husband said that brownie is probably one of the best he's ever had. We were there for almost 3 hours catching up with friends. Looking forward to returning.
  37. MG

    MoreyG

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 July 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience5
    Beautiful shaded outdoor location. Service was dissappointing. Had to follow up several times on two separate occasions to get the drinks or water we ordered. Perhaps they were short staffed. Our server was very nice...but did not provide the level of service we would have expected....we noted other tables with similar problems
  38. EJ

    EventsJM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    A wonderful dinner. Staff was courteous and attentive. The food was amazing. Thank you.
  39. IS

    IreneS

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 July 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    Restaurant lost our order. Fish was over cooked. Smoked salmon was amazing.
  40. AT

    AngelaT

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 6 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow hidden gem great service, food and everything you look for in an establishment. The staff was friendly and welcoming. Will reten for happy hour and dinner

FAQs

The Refectory is rated 4.7 stars by 331 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 booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 39 times today
Google Map for The Refectory

862 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    Ithan Ave

  • Area

    Villanova

  • Hours of Operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30–15:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–14:45 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 16:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–23:00

  • 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, 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

Gift card

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

Send a gift card
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
Delight more dinersRestaurant Blog
Join us on
Copyright © 2022 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 700, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking LogoPriceline LogoKAYAK LogoAgoda LogoRentalcars LogoOpenTable Logo