Rafina in Reading

I was so pleased to find a typical British / English café. Thee was so much from which to choose. The menu showed set breakfasts (eg full English or sausage, egg and bacon or wo eggs sausage and tomato). One could also pick various bits of English breakfast and ask for one's own plateful of options. I love friend bread so chose two fried breads, an egg and two fried fresh tomatoes (I could have chosen tinned tomatoes). My friend has the full English. We didn't need anything to eat for the rest of the day. There was also the choice of cup for tea - tea cup, breakfast cup or a larger one. The prices were so reasonable and the staff sociable without being intrusive. Please look at the cafés website and see the menu there. We'll certainly return.

Since the new owners have come to the cafe they have shown nothing but rudeness and disrespect to some of their most loyal customers! The female owner seems to think everyone is a thief and shows no customer service skills unless it suits her. She spends time frowning and pushing people out of her own establishment! The one customers she and her husband habe that keeps their business afloat by spending the most money. Customers are penalised and spoken to poorly! They are a not running this as a place that is welcoming and inviting, but more one that is believed to be up market and picks and chooses who they want in there! Big mistake - now it’s empty as no one can stand to sit there !!

Recommend the coffee here. Regular Flat White is perfect. Good breakfast too. Old style cafe. What you see is what you get. Simple

We've been going here since we were kids, stopped in Saturday for a late breakfast/lunch the food was great as expected, service was prompt and it still remains old fashioned like I remember as a kid. New or so new now owners are doing a great job. We love it and so will anyone who tries it. We will definitely be visiting again.

Today I brought my daughter to rafinas, to show her we’re her great nanny and grandad use to bring me 20+ years ago, as recently her great grandad passed away so we are going to some of his old fav places and rafinas was definitely his favourite!! it was so refreshing to see it still looks the same it brought back so many happy memories.. I also want to say a huge thank you to justina who made us feel very welcome, and even got us take away boxes as we couldnt finish our food, which may I add was amazing! Just like I’ve always remebered! Thank you so much justina for such amazing hospitality:)

I always find this café a real treat as it is different from any others in Reading. The decor hasn’t changed since its opening back in the 80s which gives it the old school charm. The food is warm and heartly, and is always served with a smile. The menu is varied and suitable for any meal of the day. Most of all its tasty and reasonably priced. Highly recommend

Really lovely cafe tucked away in Reading Really nice breakfasts the staff are so kind and friendly definitely be back 😀

Back in Reading, my favourite town, for the first time since before Covid, I was relieved to find that Rafina has survived and is the same as ever. In my previous review of it, I said Rafina was, with Boswells, the best place for a traditional breakfast in Reading--and in my opinion this is still true. Which is saying something, because there are plenty of places to breakfast in Reading. I dropped in for a couple of breakfasts here during my recent fortnight's stay. The brunch was fine, apart from the poached (?) eggs being only semi runny (good eggs, though). The other time, I had a cheese-and-tomato omelette, and that was quite superb. The dark-haired lady behind the counter, whom I presume is the owner or the owner's wife, cooked this marvel. I declare her an excellent chef, as the omelette was exceptional--generous but light, thin, and judiciously crispy here and there, the tomatoes not sogging the egg mix at all. You have to know what you're doing to make an omelette like that. They do a perfect large cup of tea here too, as every cafe worth its salt should. My only criticism is that Rafina continues to allow its blue vinyl booth-seating to deteriorate. A few seats are now cracking or completely split open. In a cafe with a cool, retro vibe to it, this looks scruffy. Time to address it, Rafina: you're better than that.

Easily the best breakfast option in Reading. Quick & easy serving. Decent portion size. Will be getting my fry ups from here onwards.

This cafe has a beautiful old school atmosphere with the friendliest staff who go above and beyond for their customers. Alongside this, Adam and Justyna treat their staff like family. They now have an updated menu with the most delicious food and some yummy vegetarian dishes that are available.

They use Cheapest quality of food possible,prices have gone up alot,a alday breakfast went from £3.90 to £5.75!,I would be happy paying the increase if the quality of food was better,but it's all the cheapest food possible,cheap bread,spread and the eggs are tasteless,I wont be going back there sadly.

Excellent food for very reasonable prices, very welcoming the older customers. This cafe is always very clean The staff are always very helpful. We are regular visitors to this restaurant.

The service was lovely, everyone’s trying their hardest. Good honest food for very good price. Even though we can’t sit down right now the takeaway is amazing, cannot wait to reopen. Five stars easily.

In Reading for a fortnight, I tried several different cafes. Of the traditional ones, I thought Rafina was the joint best (with Boswells). I ate there twice. What I mean by a traditional cafe, is a no-nonsense cafe serving standard British-style meals (plus others, of course) at people's prices. Rafina is exactly that. Both times I went I had a cheese omelette. They do these perfectly--slightly crispy on the outside, the perfect ratio of egg and cheese inside. The first time, I had chips with it; and the second I had a veggie burger with it. All the food was piping hot and thoroughly enjoyable. They also do an excellent cup of tea, either small or large. You can see them make it with fresh water in a pot, and they do it with exactitude. Not so easy getting a perfect cup of tea in a cafe these days, but Rafina do it just right. (No teabag dangling in the cup, thank goodness.) This cafe has waiter service, something I like. Both members of staff who served me--a northern young lady and an older (Italian?) man--were polite and conversational, which made me feel welcome. Deeper than wide, the cafe is not large. A red, Axminster-type carpet gives the room an almost plush feel. So it's a quiet cafe, even with plenty of customers in. The red, bus-seat vinyl chairs and formica-style table tops are classic old school. There's even some swirly artex decor, which does look a bit dated. But the place is clean and well maintained, unlike some cafes in the town. On the tables, fold-out menus in burgundy covers stand waiting perusal, alongside cruet and sauce. I'm writing this during COVID lockdown. I wish Rafina and its staff good luck during this devastating time for cafes and hope they'll be able to survive and get back on track as soon as possible.

It's many years since I last had anything to eat in this cafe so didn't know what to expect. (a) I asked for black tea and received tea with milk in it. It was changed with apologies. (b) I asked for an egg and tomato toasted sandwich and received a bacon and tomato sandwich. Okay, what I asked for was not on the menu but bacon was and so was egg with various other combination of sandwich fillings. I did have an offer of a replacement but there was no point in wasting food. (c) A couple at a neighbouring table asked for tea and a coke and had to remind the waitress that it was a quarter of an hour since they'd ordered them (d) I inadvertently left my scarf behind so tried to telephone as soon as I reached home on the number given on the internet. Several attempts to telephone received no answer and I was just cut off after about twelve rings. I was with a friend just for a quick lunchtime snack but this visit could have been better.

Visited here briefly on Friday in between waiting for buses ( which, incidentally, I find blinking marvellous in Reading ( I come now & again from Cornwall, to visit my son who lives off the Oxford rd ( another world)! I just had a coffee,which was just how I like it, milky, weak & hot. I was most impressed, which rarely happens now when I go out for coffee or lunch. The best thing was I actually got waitress service ( a rarity these days) it was most reasonable too @ just £1.55. It’s a mystery why most people would prefer to go to the big boys who dominate the high streets now. Be served, after long queuing by faceless clones, who neither make eye contact or utter a word,not even an expression, except that of utter misery ( there are much worse jobs)! Customers seem happy to sit in very noisy crowded places where you cannot even think let alone converse @ filthy tables & be ripped off for a couple of mouthfuls of froth! I will definitely be returning here next week for a toastie. The only thing I will point out is the teacups could do with replacing! 😊

Old style, friendly staff, reasonable price, good location. Old style, friendly staff, reasonable price, good location. A good place for a quick lunch with friends.

Came in around lunch today. All tables were dirty with mess and plates. Sat on a messy table and had to wait 10 mins and ASK to have the table cleared of the previous customers plates. A further 5 mins later, a rude waitress who couldn’t care less took our order. 10 mins later, a tea we ordered came out without the other two soft drinks. A further 15 mins later, and after a nag (40 mins after arriving) our food finally came out with the two soft drinks. However, mine was a child portion, and my nans was toasted when she’d asked for a normal sandwich. Sent mine back to get an adults portion and had to wait another 10 mins and nag several times to get it out. Staff kept bringing wrong food/drinks to people’s tables and a customer even started clearing tables and wiping them down as staff wouldn’t. When questioned on the lack of service, the staff said they were “busy” but could stand around for a chat and talk about their customers in Italian. we’ve been coming here for over 24 years and this is the worst ever.

Aparentemente, mi esposa solía venir aquí cuando era niña, y sorprendentemente todavía lo dirige el mismo propietario.El propietario es excelente para recordar los pedidos de todos, y es un personaje muy divertido.Este debe ser uno de los lugares más baratos para comer en Reading.¡Recomendado!

Andy, un hito de la lectura durante décadas y un secreto local, ha creado un simple "caff" que hace las cosas bien. Su éxito es un menú clásico de los alimentos básicos bien hecho con excelente servicio al cliente, todo a un excelente valor a pesar de su ubicación en el centro de la ciudad.Nuestros abuelos comieron aquí, nuestros padres también y nosotros también. En una ciudad balsámica con este y pesto con eso, Rafina brilla como la cafetería de estilo antiguo hecha correctamente; Limpio, acogedor, familiar, todo con servicio de mesa. Mi esposa y yo hemos sido asiduos durante años por mucho tiempo lo seguiremos siendo.

Staff are friendly and the food is great if u want a fry up or a toastie it's the best place me and my family have been coming here since I was a little girl now I take my children.

Este era uno de mis favoritos y de mis hermanos cuando éramos pequeños, ahora estamos fuera de los 40 y después de visitar la semana pasada por primera vez en 30 años, puedo confirmarlo. . . . sigue siendo un favorito Nunca cambia, nunca quiero que lo haga. El olor, la decoración, el menú y lo más importante, Andy! ! ¿Salchicha de patatas fritas y frijoles con un flotador de coca cola?Una visita que trajo recuerdos muy gratos. No puedo esperar para volver a visitar.

Gente encantadora muy amable y cálida. . nada era un problema . Cociné el desayuno, solo me gusta que sea un poco quisquilloso. . tocino bien hecho. huevos vueltos . No a chocolate caliente lechoso. . . . Los precios son responsables de. Así que regresa y no será la última vez. . . Zona de estar limpia y cómoda para. . .

Paramos en Rafina hoy para el almuerzo y nos complace decir que fue una comida excelente ya un precio muy razonable.

Been using this place 35+ years. Foods always been good and service amazing. Quite often busy but service is still quick. Very well priced

No he estado en el café de Andy desde que vivía en Reading y trabajé en 'Woolies' en mi adolescencia. Ahora, en mis 50 años y volviendo a mi ciudad natal, quedé impresionado de que este excelente café no solo estuviera abierto por negocios, ¡sino que el propietario no haya cambiado! Ha estado allí por 47 años, creo que es un disco para un negocio en la ciudad, y lo más sorprendente de todo es que se acordó de mí hace más de 30 años. !

For a simple homely snack Rafina’s is perfect. I just love the fact that Andy the owner/manager has not aged at all since I first went in nearly forty years ago. Good old school cafe food, perfectly cooked.

This was a favourite of mine and my siblings when we were little, we are now in out 40’s and it’s still a favourite. Never changes, never want it to. Sausage chips and beans with a coke float 😬

Stopped by for a cup of coffee, only to realise that you are not welcome if you are a cardholder instead of cash. Be advised to visit only if you have cash.. real quick in bringing your food which you may order..

Café fabuloso que han visitado desde los días de escuela (algunos de más de 40 años). Muy de moda realmente no cambiado mucho pero como han mencionado anteriormente se suma al encanto. Dirigido por Andy que no parecen haber envejecido jamás. Visita ocasionalmente con amigos de la vieja escuela y que increíblemente recuerda nuestros nombres. Siempre muy acogedor. Aún no resistir las hamburguesas de hongos de todos estos años! ! !

Fuimos para una taza de café rápida - y fue atendida de inmediato por lo que supongo que es el muy amable y orientado al cliente propietario. Supongo que por la atención que pone en hacer evidente los clientes se sientan bienvenidos y atendido. Tan pronto como llegué me ofreció una bebida y una mesa. El café era lo suficientemente buena, mejor de lo esperado. Por la tarde temprano horario (1 p. m. - 2 p. m. El lugar estaba animado). Aparcamiento en calles laterales, pero es escaso, a menos que vayas a El garaje un par de calles.

He estado yendo allí durante años, y no ha cambiado un poco. Andy todavía bulle alrededor de hacer que todo el mundo tiene lo que quieren.

Este lugar es tan de moda, pero para mí que agregar para el encanto y atractivo. El personal ha sido siempre amable y cercano cada vez que he estado bastante a unos pocos ahora. La comida siempre es caliente y fresco, siempre rápido y a un precio muy razonable. He estado yendo allí siempre que puedo durante unos cuantos años y nunca me ha dejado decepcionado. Si tuviera que ofrecer una sugerencia, sería añadir tostadas al menú después de leer las críticas anteriores y quizás una mayor selección de pasteles. Excelente ubicación en el centro de la ciudad. No puedo esperar a volver.

Voy aquí siempre que puedo, y es una gran ubicación justo en el centro de la ciudad.

Orders a bacon sandwich. The bread was just normal really cheap bread with horrible margarine the bread was dry and seemed about a week old. The bacon came under cooked with loads of fat on it in fact I've never seen bacon with that much...

Menú de comida es buena los precios también son bajos. nd Fuente tortilla de hongos parece tenía buen gusto nd también estaba bien. Pero el lugar necesita una renovación masiva. Yo creo que si cambian la moqueta nd renovarlo, con ambientación moderna que le hacen un montón de diffrence nd atraerá a más clientes.

I came here for a breakfast. I hadnt eaten here for 20 years however I thought it was worth a try! I was not dissapointed. The staff where courteous and polite, and gave you the feeling that they where always nearby without making us feel pressured in deciding what we wanted. The food is gorgeous and just before it was brought to us, we where asked if there was any sauces we would like ( which is better service then some big chains in town). When we where finished we where not hurried out, but politely asked if we would like anything else. I shall most certainly be back!

Very old fashioned place, old carpet on the floor, first cafe I have ever visited for breakfast that doesn't serve toast!!!! The oriental waitress would not allow changes on the big breakfast( well there were only 4 items on the breakfast) not allowed an extra sausages instead of egg!We got bread and butter instead as they don't serve toast, the bread was about a week old.We asked for 2 black coffee's with milk on the side and were given 2 milky coffees with disgusting froth on the top! When I said we asked for 2 regular coffee the rude waitress said it is regular coffee and walked off.At that point we left. The staff need training in customer service and learn how to smile and be polite to customers. The menu needs updating with prices to match better places nearby ie wetherspoons who do a lovely breakfast at a realistic price.

Myself, my hubby, his Mum and his Nan (rip) have been going here since the year dot..it never ever changes - Greeted and seated by Andy (you must wait to be asked - its the law :) ) Part of history this place. Menu has not changed for over 20+ years, and is still just perfect. Except you can now get a Large coffee or tea..and hash browns added to the menu. Perfect coffee, tea, service, prices. Try the cheese omelette and chips (5 eggs a time) or the mixed grill. And NO you cannot get toast - but order a bacon toastie to add to you brekkie - job done. Fair pricing. Perfect chips. Lovely frothy coffee. Cannot fault it (except yes, you do have to queue sometimes....because its good!

I visit this cafe quite often when I am in town. Salads are good quality. Chips are always just how I like them crispy on the outside and squidgy and fluffy of the outside. Food/Menu is what you would expect from a cafe.The food always appear to be just cooked. The staff are always friendly and helpful. They could do with a toilet for the customers. Otherwise I found it a perfect place to pop in for a bite to eat

This is the place for a great breakfast quick lunch or just a cup of tea with or without a cake or two.I always use this place if I am in town shopping and need a break.

Мы пришли на завтрак в субботу и были приятно удивлены сервисом и атмосферой: весь персонал во главе с хозяином были очень милыми, приветливыми и расторопными. Мне очень понравился вкус кофе, давно мне не встречался так хорошо сваренный, и поразила атмосфера - хозяин знал многих клиентов по именам, хотя в зале было много народу.Еда на вкус ничего особенного, но её много - порции довольно большие. Можно было бы заказать один омлет с картошкой на двоих.

Very friendly , cheerful and approachable staff ! Lovely fresh food cooked exactly how you want it , amazing value for money.

Want something filling, and at a good price, the go here. Value for money is brilliant. Food is what you would expect of the 60's experience, Burgers, Chips, Ham and Eggs, Toasted Sandwiches.Always use this place when in Reading if I want a drink or something to eat. Can get very busy at times so you may have to wait

Tasty well priced friendly staff nice food.the omelettes are nice and would also recommend anything with there mushrooms there well lush.

Been using the Rafina on and off for 40 years. Andy the owner has always been welcoming,the food though mainly burger type meals is excellent and is very much in keeping with a classic Cafe of the 70's

Great central location, fast friendly service, and good honest cafe food. They'll cater for any special requests - I don't like egg so I ask for extra sausage or mushrooms instead. Fantastic cup of tea, the food is always really well cooked and fresh tasting. The bacon slices are huge, but I do have to cut away the fat. That's probably just personal preference.Look out for Andy, the very friendly owner who is always bustling around making sure everyone is happy and has what they want. Atmosphere is exactly what you'd expect from a busy cafe, but staff are always attentive and quick. My only slight gripe is that the tables are quite small, so you're often elbow to elbow with your partner or having to move things around to fit them in front of you.If you're in town and want a good fry up, there's nowhere else you need to go.

This is Reading's answer to a traditional, old school style Wimpy restaurant. It's a pleasant environment if a little dark and dated - kinda takes me back to my childhood!Food is good and prices are more than reasonable.I hope it's there for many more years to come.

Люблю здесь завтракать по выходным. Здесь всегда людно, но хозяин обычно находит местечко, куда вас разместить. Прекрасный кофе, пожалуй, один из лучших в Рединге, Его вкус напоминает о чашечке кофе в итальянских кофейнях. При этом хозяин без проблем предлагает поменять его, если на ваш вкус кофе слишком слабый или слишком крепкий. Вариантов завтрака немного, но есть классический английский завтрак и плюс разные сендвичи. Вкусно. Обслуживают очень быстро. Единственное - не стоит здесь просить тостов, из здесь не делают, приносят просто белый хлеб с маслом:)

Imagine a time when you could go to a cafe order your food get it cooked fresh every time and the staff were polite quick and the place was clean. On top of this Andy is a great host and a true gent. Welcome back in time to rafinas

The selection of food and value for money looks good, not that I had the chance to sample it! The 'manager' is an incredibly rude and aggressive man and I certainly won't be trying again!!

There are not many traditional cafes left in Reading now however this one has been there since I can remember. I haven't been in here for years and I wonder why. I tend to use the towns wetherspoon pubs for breakfast but will no longer be doing that. The breakfast was delicious and not at all greasy. It was fresh and well presented and plenty of it. My partner and I both left satisfied ready for the day ahead.

My wife, myself and our children have been going in to the Rafina for over 35 years now. The service from Andy and his staff has always been faultless, the food is always piping hot and freshly cooked.The Rafina is truly a little gem - great food at great prices!

We had stayed overnight at the Penta who wanted £15 each for breakfast. It was a sunny morning so we decided Reading probably had a better deal on offer. After a fairly short stroll we found Rafina. The layout reminded me of the old Wimpy bar and the clientele were mostly locals readying themselves for shopping. We were ushered to a bench seat by a very pleasant gentleman who promptly served us with proper tea. My english breakfast was well cooked and my partner's bacon and egg sandwich equally so. At less than £10 for two it was also terrific value.