Interesting find to have French cuisine next to a discount gas station. Food is always delicious. Service is always great. You'll never know you are next to a gas station. Enjoy! read more

This is a gem and not to be missed!! We loved all of our meals. My mom and uncle had the chicken piccata special and my father had the turkey blt with homemade fresh chips. I had the basil shrimp with bowyer pasta. All were excellent! The highlight was the 4 layer turtle cake! Fantastic!!! Highly recommend!!! read more

This place is fantastic, we had the meatball sandwich and an appetizer with fried mozzarella and bow tie pasta. The bread was scrumptious and the meatballs will melt in your mouth. Plenty of food we could not finish all of it. The waitress was awesome and they are super friendly. I will definitely come again when I come to Franklin. read more

This place is great! The pork ossobuco was one of the best things we have ever eaten. Great service and menu.

My wife and I have came to Franklin 3-4 times over the past 7 years. Always centering our visit around eating at Caffe Rel at least once each time. We arrived into town and talked with locals who told us the restaurant was under new management. Some had favorable reviews while others not so favorable. My wife got the famous French pot roast while had the nightly special. The plates arrived quickly but without shock and awe we were expecting. Both plates were rather unappealing and blah. My wife ate less than half her plate and was thoroughly disappointed. My steak bites were cooked just right but the taste was just average. Caffe Rel has been in our top 5 of best restaurants since we found it. Unfortunately it no longer resides there. This is not intended to sway folks from eating here but I believe the expectation should be lowered. read more

Fantastic gem near downtown Franklin, tucked inside of a gas station. Great French cafe right out of Diners Drive Ins and Dives. Big portions, great prices, and their homemade French bread is amazing. read more

Awesome food and they take cards now ! There deserts are to die for they stay pretty busy but there is outside dinning as well . Yes there next to a gas station but so what it's still a great restaurant period ! read more

So glad to made it back to Caffe Rel! We came in for a late lunch & started with Bacon Wrapped scallops which were cooked to perfection. I had to have the daily special, Osso Bucco which was delicious! Mashed Yukon gold potatoes w/the richest gravy ever made it just perfect! We also ordered the Shrimp N Grits which is better than any I have eaten anywhere & it did not disappoint! Perfect meal, so glad they are back in the swing after a few Rocky months w/Covid - this is always a stop for the best food by the gas station! read more

Hidden gem 5 Star restaurant in a small town. Food is fresh and properly prepared and delicious. We have been going there as long as I can remember. Prices are reasonable for the quality. We don't know where we would go if Caffe' Rel left town. If you ever make it to Franklin, NC make sure you eat at Caffe' Rel. read more

This place is a hidden gem!! Tucked away by a gas station but...wow! I ordered the fish special with cous cous and a lemon sauce! Yummy! Husband had the pot roast-knocked it out of the park! Crab bisque to start. Loved our experience! Giovanni was our excellent waiter! Will be back soon! read more

Definitely the best restaurant in Franklin and worth the wait (45 minutes on a Wednesday!) we had 4 different entrees and they were all excellent-steak, pork osso bocco, scallops and pork tenderloins. Deserts (homemade) were out of this world also. Hats off to the chef. Only shortcoming is cash only and connected to gas station for restrooms. Don't let that keep you away. PS if you would like a beer with your dinner you can go buy one next door and broit over read more

What do you get when you take a former Greenbriar chef and put them in a hole in the wall space adjacent to a gas station in a small North Carolina town? At least a thirty minute wait for a table. Once inside the decor is Southern antique, the service is excellent, and the food is unique. The marinara with linguine and meatballs was a hit with everyone in our party. The sandwiches can easily feed two. My only complaint is the blue crab bisque was sorely lacking in crab. If you ask anyone in a hundred mile radius for a good place to eat, this will be the number one answer. read more

Our first visit to Caffé Rel and it won't be our last. We had the sweetest server, McKenzie. So nice. I asked about their beer selection, since there was none on the menu, so McKenzie explained that you can go next-door to the hotspot gas station and buy beer there and drink it with your dinner. They have a nice selection of beer too. I thought that was a very interesting concept! Now, onto to dinner ... they start you off with a plate of bruschetta and some French bread. The bread was nice and warm and the bruschetta was tasty. I ordered the pork Osso Bucco and let me tell you, it was fabulous. It was so flavorful. The pork was so tender, and the vegetables were well cooked and the sauce was amazing. My wife had the steak and shrimp with pasta. The steak was cooked to perfection and she said it tasted wonderful. We split a piece of the carrot cake and let me tell you I'll never go back to Publix carrot cake again. And that used to be my favorite carrot cake. A lot of people talk about the fact that the restaurant is basically in the same building as a gas station, but when you're inside the restaurant, in my opinion, you'll never know that it's connected to a gas station. This restaurant is definitely a gem. Can't wait to go back and try something else. read more

Caffe Rel - Pork Osso Bucco - so good! - American Near Me - Franklin, North Carolina

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Don't let the location scare you away. This was the second time I have eaten at Caffe' Rel and it did not disappoint either time. My friends and I stopped in for lunch on our journey for the Carolina Shop Hop. There was a 30 minute wait, and they were right on time with telling us how long the wait would be. Someone arrived immediately to take our drink orders. We had a glass of the house wine, quite delicious for house wine. Our waitress arrived soon after to take our orders. Our drinks came quickly with a plate of delicious fresh bread. I decided on the special, Oyster Po Boy. Oysters were fried to perfection on a large roll - only way anyone could eat would be with a fork... However the roll was so delicious that I ate most of it also. It came with the house chips, which appear to be home made. I was not a fan of the chips. One friend had the gyro, which she bragged about being delicious and another had the Eggplant Parmesan, which she said was out of this world. I think she licked the platter clean. To finish - since we were on a girls outing - we ordered a slice of the Italian Wedding Cake. On My Goodness - don't miss this deliciousness! The waitress said it was homemade and indeed it must have been homemade. If in Franklin, don't miss your chance to visit this hidden gem. But be prepared to wait for a table. read more

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So very disappointed in the service. We waited nearly two hours for our food and was told by the manager we should just go to McDonald's. We have never had bad service until this time BUT do to the poor and even rude service we will NEVER return and caution others considering going. read more

Weird setting in the gas station, but once you walk in the door it has a cozy old world charm. One of the best shrimp and grits dishes I have found, and I have tried a lot! Always makes for a good dinner - we prefer not to go with kids just because it is a small place and menu caters more to adults, but great date night option. We have always had good service as well. Cash only and often they are busy so you may have a wait. read more

We were searching for a place to eat after a hike (as we always do) and found Caffe Rel on Yelp. We drove up from GA and it was the opposite direction of home but decided to give it a try because of the great reviews. We were a little hesitant after seeing it attached to a gas station but the reviews and pictures were so good, we went in, and oh my goodness are we SO glad we did! We got the crab bisque to start, which was wonderful, and the NY strip special with mushroom risotto, asparagus and zucchini/squash mix (ALL so delicious!). The steak and veggies were cooked and seasoned perfectly. And even though we were stuffed and hadn't even finished our meals, we got dessert (Italian wedding cake), which we ended taking home after a couple of bites. Our server, Mai, was great as well. And due to Covid, they kept us distanced so we felt safe. We'll definitely make a point to go back the next time we're up that way. read more

Caffe Rel - NY strip with mushroom risotto and fried leeks - American Near Me - Franklin, North Carolina

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Stopped in on our way to GA for Thanksgiving. At 1 pm on a Wednesday the pms e was packed. Waited about 15 minutes to get our table. I assume every table gets free bread because we didn't order it. Wonderfully soft French bread on the inside w a tomato and oil for dipping. We both got the Philly Cheesesteak. Fresh French bread, lots of steak, cheese, peppers and onions. One of the best cheesesteaks I've ever had. For the middle of the mountains, Caffé Rel has a French ambiance and menu which is cool. We enjoyed our lunch and are planning to come back for an evening meal sometime soon. read more

Yummy food and super yummy cake. Cute restaurant next to a gas station but don't let that fool you!

Franklin North Carolina has a gem of a restaurant next to a busy gas station. Once we walked in it was like going back in time to a nice French venue. The menu is expansive and everything is made to order Mei is a great waitress and she assures you are happy, drinks are topped off. I had crab bisque to start and it was so creamy and packed with lump blue crab. My house salad was made special, instead of bread croutons Mei had them changed to won ton crisps. She also allowed me to have the Asian salad dressing. There is usually a waiting list so get there early. There are also deserts that are so decadent you'll need a box, can't eat it all. read more

Caffe Rel - Front entrance to restaurant - American Near Me - Franklin, North Carolina

Great food! My favorite restaurant anywhere! Am particularly fond of their Mango Salmon.

Shout out to Caffe Rel tonight for their hospitality on Thanksgiving. We arrive in Franklin from Florida around 5:00 p.m. and stopped to get gas and noticed the lights were on inside the restaurant. We were so excited because we had not planned for dinner. I went to the door and they were closed for an employee dinner. I said I was sorry and exited. Immediately the owner and sous chef came out to invite us to grab to go from their buffet. What a wonderful show of holiday spirit, something we will never forget. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. read more

Quaint,small place attached to Hot Spot Gas station Food was really lovely. We will come again soon I promise read more

If you actually enjoy food, and not a burger from a bar. This is the place to go. French style cooking with a Creole twist

I had the salmon and it was delicious but ... cash and check only no cc.... Also wide open menu but staff had no clue what to suggest for pours and it was crowded I'm used to that but our table rocked it's dated but has a lot of potential personally I think I'd enjoy more menu options hubby had the Philly and he said it was good but amazing. read more

I love this place . I have enjoyed their food for 20 years or more and I'm never disappointed. My all time favorites are calamari, pan seared trout , shrimp and grits , and of course the Italian wedding cake . read more

The outside was literally attached to a gas station but the food was not gas station food. Excellent scallop appetizer, pan fried trout and filet mignon were some of our choices And we did not regret any of them. Desserts looked great but we chose to pass. Arrived at 4:15 (they open at 3:30 and there was about a 5 min wait. I give it 4 stars not 5 because our waitress while efficient was unsmiling, and not helpful. She didn't make any recommendations, didn't ask if I wanted another glass of wine when mine was empty not welcome us as first timers when we sat down. Would I return for the food anyway, absolutely. read more

I wish I could write a single word. It was truly awesome. Don't let the location fool you, it's top of the food chain

Have been dining here for several years and have loved the food. Dined last evening and was disappointed. Was not up to expectations. Food was lukewarm and service was not up to previous standards. Discovered it has new owners. Very unfortunate as this place was a diamond in the rough. read more

Excellent food and service! I dined there recently and got a great gyro. My dining companion got an outrageous Italian meatball open face sandwich which I plan to order on my next visit. The ambience and service is great! The chef was trained at the Greenbrier, world renowned Inn & restaurant. This is a very interesting and good reputation place in our town. The cakes under glass on the counter are so tempting also. Another visit I would like to just get desert and coffee. read more

Not the same since new ownership . Food is okay Service is okay. Prices are too high.

Everybody locally knows this restaurant is the best in town...the Chef was trained at the Greenbriar...the entrees are all fantastic. The ambiance is fine in the restaurant even though it is located in the same building as the gas station! If you can get in...you won't be disappointed. read more

Me and my family came here on our last day of our vacation to the mountains. We came because of the great reviews and left feeling disappointed. I don't remember our exact meals except for my wife's that was the mussels. She said it was pretty uneventful and probably came from canned everything. The only good thing was the macaroni and cheese, everything else was basic and not worth the almost $100 we spent there. The place is not kid friendly despite what the yelp page says. When I ordered a kids meatball, I received a portion that would feed 2 adults. Don't get me wrong, I like leftovers but they seriously lasted all week. Don't forget to bring cash as they are "old school" and don't like that "technology" these city folk brought with us. We loved taking the "only large table" with our family of 5. read more

Caffe Rel - American Near Me - Franklin, North Carolina

Great food , Great Service and I really love the atmosphere. One of the best places to eat in Franklin and a must try in my book.

Excellent food and service!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great place to eat, best food I've had in awhile.

How many memorible visits does it take to say, best ever? We shared the roast beef preceeded by the always tasty tomato bruchetta finished off with champagne and tiramasu. Nigh unto perfect. Thank you Kaitlin! read more

I love Caffe' Rel! Gourmet food in a gas station!!! I always tease my company when I tell them that's where I am taking them. They have gourmet food. Prices are excellent. Not too much considering the quantity you get and the quality. One of my favorites. read more

Our Favorite!!! This place is a little gem tucked into the side of a gas station! You'd never know it once you step foot inside. We've been coming here since they opened in 2003. The food is incredible! You'll probably have a wait, as everyone around knows just how great the food is here! Service is always good. Food is consistently wonderful. I haven't had a thing here that I don't like. Our favorites are Tournados, Osso Buco, anything Alfredo, Shrimp & Grits, and the bacon-wrapped scallop appetizer. They do serve wine. And you must try the desserts! Italian wedding cake is fab!!! You can taste the pure ingredients, such as real butter!!! Cash only, so make sure you bring some. And, You're Welcome!!! read more

Caffe REL always has the best food. The chicken cordon bleu is amazing! Never fails to impress!

Doesn't look like much but the meal was phenomenal. Looking for an excuse to be in the area and eat here again. Cash only!!