The Refuge

Step into The Refuge and you’re swept into a kinetic mashup of Latin flair and Italian comfort, where the hum of conversation rolls over thumping beats and the whiff of wood-fired pizza mingles with spiced empanadas. It’s a cavernous space dressed in bold seasonal decor, with a lounge and bar abuzz on weekends—sometimes so lively, you’ll feel the music in your bones. The energy here is palpable, fueled by locals celebrating milestones and out-of-towners drawn off Route 110 for the legendary Sunday brunch or a rowdy themed event. Private rooms beckon larger gatherings: Sweet 16s, mitzvahs, and weddings unfold alongside sprawling family dinners. The outdoor patio becomes a neighborhood anchor in warm weather, where laughter and margaritas flow well past sunset. Service swings from attentive to harried, but the staff’s personality is undeniable. More than just a spot to eat, The Refuge is where Melville comes together—part party hub, part community table, always a riot of flavors and stories.