The website has a very detailed history of this unique and distinguished building which began as a church in the 1850s and took its place as Columbus’s premier French restaurant in 1982. The spirit of the past can be felt in the hand-hewn wooden beams of the high ceilings and exposed brick walls, while the stained glass windows are a reminder of the spiritual place this once was.

Whether you love classic or contemporary French fare, ‘spiritual’ is a good way to describe a dining experience here. It begins with a candlelit dining room and ends with a symphony of desserts. In between, an exquisite meal prepared with flair is served from a seasonally changing menu. The attention to detail is staggering and the service is superb. In the tradition of true French dining, nothing is hurried. You are not supposed to eat you dinner; you are supposed to experience it. The original schoolhouse is now the lounge. Give your eyes a moment to adjust, and you’ll see it’s a cocktail bar and small bistro in one. They have a separate bistro menu which offers three courses for under $20. The mirrored bar is long and traditional, with high-backed stools. The fireplace blazes forth in the winter.

Wine lovers will be pleased to know the refectory has a Cruvinet wine preservation system allowing them to offer eight fantastic wines by the glass from its world-class wine cellar. The Refectory is one of only 95 restaurants world-wide to receive the prestigious award from Wine Spectator for their cellar which encompasses more than 700 selections.

Reservations are strongly recommended well in advance of the holidays. Aside from the main dining room, the Refectory offers alfresco dining in the courtyard during the summer months and a private room in the wine cellar, which is loaded with character and allows you to dine among the bottles. The Refectory is closed Sundays.