Welcome to The Refectory Kitchen
The Refectory Kitchen, located in the heart of Canterbury, offers a charming dining experience characterized by its quaint, rustic interior and a menu focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Renowned for exceptional service, the attentive staff create a welcoming atmosphere, often providing complimentary tea to waiting customers. Highlights of the menu include standout dishes like “The Bennies,” praised for its exquisite egg royale, and diverse breakfast options such as house-smoked salmon and avocado. With a commitment to customer satisfaction and the ability to cater to special dietary requests, The Refectory Kitchen guarantees a memorable meal, perfect for quick brunch outings or leisurely visits.
The Refectory Kitchen: Reviews & Ratings
Can't fault this delightful restaurant. Ordered drinks and food which was ready pretty quickly despite being busy. Food was great quality with a service to match with happy and conscientious staff. Really enjoyable
OVERVIEW A 5* must for the quaint, rustic experience and exceptional service! PLUS The restaurant’s interior was rustic and quaint, with a naturalist vibe that reflected the authentic, locally sourced menu. Exceptional service: quick, informative, attentive, and personable staff who seemed genuinely happy to be there! Complimentary tea for queuing customers. Overall, the food was just okay. However, the recreated breakfast/brunch classics elevated the menu to a 4* level. “The Bennies” was outstanding—my best egg royale so far: 5*. Plant-based condiments and alternative milk options. Catered to meal modification requests. Breakfast/brunch dishes priced between 13-15 were enough to fulfil and satisfy. The perfect chinwag spot for two! MINUS - Due to the restaurant’s small size and popularity, one can often expect to queue outside. - The restaurant could benefit from a quick, hassle-free table QR code payment method. ORDER HISTORY Breakfasts: * THE REFECTORY VEGGIE UP * HOUSE SMOKED SALMON AND AVOCADO * THE BENNIES * BELGIAN WAFFLE Tea: * Sapphire earl grey
Nice little on the way in Canterbury from Canterbury West station. Very friendly staff and lovely cafe. We had breakfast/brunch and ordered the Rancher and the House Smoked Salmon and Avo with two tea. Very good and different from your normal breakfast offerings. Worth a visit.
Incredible food, lovely staff an overall really comfortable dining experience. Highly recommend for a quick breakfast, brunch or lunch. My companions had their meals prior, but the staff were happy to offer just the sides and a drink without any fuss. Perfectly situated along the way to Canterbury cathedral and surrounding areas.
Absolutely adore this place! Me and my partner were so happy we found this during our trip and had become a firm favourite! Will definitely be back next time we’re in the area! Food is absolutely delicious, the atmosphere is lovely with the roaring fire on a cold November morning. The best eggs we’ve had in the UK, and my other half says the French toast with the honeycomb butter is to die for!
Best pancakes ever. All the food we had was perfect and we visited two days in a row. Coffee was delicious as well.
Managed to grab the last table at this bustling little spot on the outskirts of the old town. Gorgeous fireplace to warm you up on a wet, chilly Sunday. Staff are organised & friendly. Loved the playlist too. Thanks for delicious breaky. P.S. Dog friendly too!
I had the best breakfast here since the beginning of my stay in the UK. I rate the whole experience very good. The service was nice and helpful. We didn't wait long after placing the order. The dishes were wonderful - fresh, tasty, pleasing to the eye and palate. Compliments to the chef. Delicious coffee. I will definitely come back here, even though the queue in front of the entrance is not getting shorter It's really worth it!
Location
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16 St. Dunstans St, Canterbury CT2 8AF, United Kingdom Hotline: +44 1227 638766
Welcome to The Refectory Kitchen, a charming culinary gem nestled in the heart of Canterbury at 16 St. Dunstans St. This delightful establishment captures the essence of cozy dining with its rustic, naturalist vibe that aligns beautifully with its authentic, locally sourced menu. The Refectory Kitchen is not just a restaurant; it's a welcoming haven for food lovers seeking a memorable experience.
Patrons rave about the swift service amidst the bustling atmosphere, with friendly staff eager to ensure your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional. As highlighted by satisfied customers like Dave Rasch, who praised the great quality of food and conscientious service, it's clear that The Refectory Kitchen has mastered the balance of efficiency and hospitality. Complementary tea for guests waiting in line adds thoughtful touch, exemplifying their commitment to customer satisfaction.
The menu is a celebration of breakfast and brunch classics, with standout dishes that elevate the morning meal to a thrilling culinary adventure. Guest reviews consistently point to "The Bennies" as a must-try – described as the best egg royale ever. The restaurant also magically caters to diverse dietary needs, offering plant-based condiments and alternative milk options that ensure everyone can find something delightful.
For those on the run or looking for a peaceful space to enjoy a chinwag, the atmosphere invites lingering conversations over beautifully prepared plates such as the House Smoked Salmon with Avocado and the indulgent French toast paired with exquisite honeycomb butter. Molly Barnett's review captures the essence of this comfort: a fire roaring on a chilly morning, delicious food, and a satisfying dining ambiance.
While The Refectory Kitchen may be small and often bustling, its popularity is a testament to the quality you can expect. Prepare to set aside some time, as queues are common, but rest assured, the experience inside is worth every moment of anticipation. The food, the service, and the atmosphere come together harmoniously, making this spot ideal for any meal of the day.
Whether you are passing through on your way to Canterbury Cathedral or seeking a designated brunch spot, The Refectory Kitchen offers a delectable journey into the heart of local cuisine. With each bite, you’ll understand why it has fast become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.