More Than a Meal at Refettorio Felix

By Sophia Chen (11/30/25) — London, UK

Every weekday, Refettorio Felix opens its doors to over 70 guests in the community for a three-course lunch made from surplus food. Guests take their seats in a dining hall with large windows flooding the room with sunlight, warm paper lanterns floating above, and green plants strewn across the space. If this room says anything, it’s that you are welcome here.

Founded by Michelin-starred Chef Massimo Bottura in partnership with Lara Gilmore’s nonprofit, Food for Soul, Refettorio Felix is a drop-in center and community kitchen that supports vulnerable individuals, including those experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance abuse, or other hardships. The space is also partnered with The Felix Project, which donates surplus food supplies used to prepare the daily meals. Since 2017, Refettorio Felix has impacted the lives of 350 guests, served over 1,400 meals, and recovered 1,601kg of food. Aside from the community kitchen, Refettorio Felix also runs support services and community counseling led by support workers.

Caption: Surplus groceries used

I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering at this organization twice, and it truly was a heartwarming experience. When I arrived for my shift, I noticed that there was already a line of guests waiting outside. We first helped with setting up the venue, which included setting the tables, preparing the dishes, and more. On the day before Halloween, for example, we made candy bags for the guests. When the guests start to arrive at noon, volunteers greet them and serve either coffee or tea. As the room fills up, we continue to serve an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert.

There are also additional volunteers in the kitchen. In the times that I have volunteered, the kitchen made some gorgeous meals that looked like they could be served at a restaurant, such as a squash stew and apple custard. These dishes change daily depending on what ingredients the kitchen receives from surplus donations (usually received from grocery stores). We then end our shift by cleaning the space and enjoying the leftover food together as volunteers.

Having never worked in the food-service industry before, this experience was definitely chaotic at times. With over 70 guests and only a few volunteers, sometimes, I would mess up a coffee order or get so many requests at once that I would forget which ones to attend to. Despite my hustle to serve everyone properly, I was able to see something beautiful unfold in this community.

One common theme that I noticed throughout was gratitude. Truly, if I received a flower for the number of times I was thanked during my shifts, I would have many, many bouquets. Some guests even offered to help clear dishes or serve drinks. One guest* told me that even after he lost his job, he continued to volunteer for others struggling because it was healing for his heart and gave him purpose.

It was also clear that this space was building a strong community amongst everyone. As I served food, I noticed that many guests were talking and laughing with each other. When they left, many said goodbye to friends old and new. Another guest at Refettorio Felix said, “I’ve had some very meaningful conversations here, and I don’t feel that lonely. I’ve met some great people, and their stories changed my perspective on life in general.” 

There is definitely a lot of support needed to make this happen five times a week. The directors of Refettorios Felix do a lot of work behind the scenes to coordinate and make all of this possible. Volunteers also play a huge role. I met many volunteers who have been a part of this organization for years, donating their time weekly. When I asked one of the volunteers, they told me that typically, the same people come in. It was clear how much care the volunteers had for the guests, knowing many by name and also paying close attention to dietary restrictions. 

It is incredible to see what can be accomplished when a group of dedicated people comes together to uplift a community. From the volunteers to the guests, it is a community I will miss seeing when my study abroad in London ends.

*Names are withheld for privacy reasons.