Caffè Rel

What a wonderful surprise this was!! This place was phenomenal, and quite frankly, being located at the back of a gas station I didn't expect at all to be blown away by the quality of food. Came here because of a friend recommendation and was not disappointed. The food was delicious, the portions were generous and and entire experience just extraordinary. Would strongly recommend visiting here on your next travel to Franklin.

At first glance this looks like a place that I would steer away from….. because it’s connected to a gas station and in the past my experiences were less than spectacular in similar venues. Well we tried it and now in a very short period have gone again ! I was too full to try the Blue Crab Bisque (one of my favorite soups) we went back yesterday to try it after a morning hike and oh my goodness! We would have licked the bowl of deliciousness if we didn’t want to be looked upon as heathens ! And the bread with dipping sauce is perfection ! I foresee many more trips to get the Bisque and all the good things that they offer ! Cheers to the chef and to the wonderful staff !

10 🌟 rating $$. A friend from our home state of Florida highly recommended Caffe Rel in Franklin, NC, and damn it really rates high on our places to eat. We went with the French pot roast and it was so delicious. Bread and home made marinara dipping was so good, had seconds. 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 Katie, also owner, was our waitess, she was awesome! Needs to be on Diners and Dives!

What a gem of a restaurant!! Totally unexpected adjacent to a gas station! The menu has lots of items to choose from and a nice wine list. The food was excellent and the portions were copious! Our waiter was friendly and service was great. What's not to like? I look forward to returning there soon!

The best place to eat in Franklin! The food is unbelievably flavorful; don’t let the fact that it’s attached to a gas station fool you. I highly recommend the Pork Osso Bucco, it’s outstanding! The French pot roast was delicious as well. We’ve never had a bad meal here!

Oh my goodness. One of the specials was sesame ahi tuna served over jasmine rice and pickled cabbage. It was soooo very delicious. Huge portion. Actually never had that much on a dish before. Jim had turkey BLT. He said it was delicious. We were traveling with a group of around 20. Everyone had a delicious meal. Will return the next time in the area.

Good. Golly. Day.

Seriously the very best meal we’ve had in a long time! Everything was fresh, flavorful and delicious! Portions are huge. Get the Mac and cheese appetizer…best Mac and cheese we’ve ever had.

I wish I had caught our server’s name…she was delightful; even was gracious and kind to take a picture of us…we were there celebrating our fifth anniversary! (We live in VA on the coast)

And get this….the restaurant is located in a gas station…..which truly only adds to the uniqueness of the establishment.

Do yourself a favor and make it to Caffe Rel…you won’t regret it!

Absolutely the best!
The owner is very caring also. He made time to deliver a meal to my 99 year old Mom-in-law ( this is her favorite restaurant too) on a cold day where the phone lines were down!
Voted the best! And he has our vote!

Phenomenal food and service. A definitely awesome place to eat! Our waiter was very prompt and friendly. We love eating here and highly recommend it. Very casual. I can't say enough great things about the owner and his wife, their staff, and their wonderful food. A++++

The basil shrimp bowtie pasta, scallops with pasta, and pot roast dinners were all delicious. The food tastes like a 5-star restaurant, but the price is very reasonable, especially for the large quantity. The bourbon pecan torte desert is like an upscale pecan pie. We plan on returning for the shrimp and grits.

They don't have a lobby, so they ask everyone to wait outside until they call your name. Be prepared to wait in the cold or heat when they are busy.

We had an excellent meal and service. I believe they are closed on Monday and Tuesday so we were fortunate to be in town on a Thursday. I had the filet stuffed in pastry and my husband had the pot roast and loved it. Found out later we could have brought our own bottle of wine but there's is not overpriced. The place is very busy so it's best to call ahead for a reservation. We lucked out and got there just before it filled up.

Oh my word!!! You cannot miss this restaurant. Yes, it is in a gas station. But if you didn't know that, you'd never be able to tell by the decor inside or the food they serve. It's quaint and charming. The food is delicious. Everything we put in our mouths melted and was enjoyed by everyone. If ever near Franklin, we will go back!

Delicious food. Super cute atmosphere. Really didn’t expect it walking in being attached to a gas station. Heard the locals rave about this. Definitely will be back!! Won’t disappoint you

An unexpected gem! Don't let the fact that this incredible restaurant is attached to a gas station deter you from trying it. A classical French restaurant with incredible food. We were greeted at the table with what I would call their version of brushetta (which is absolutely delicious) as we ordered our lunch. There was something for each of us: liver and onions, cordon blu sandwich, the NEw York combo sandwich and a Greek salad salad. All of which were incredible. And the cake…. Do yourself a favor and order a slice of cake.

Feels like a quaint French cafe with authentic cuisine.

Fantastic food. Proper French cuisine with a southern twist. They catered to my food allergies with aplomb. Hidden next to a gas station but don't miss it.

I come to Franklin on business twice a year, and this is the first time eating here. The food was outstanding, and the atmosphere was so quaint little taken back that it was attached to a gas station and a little hard to find. GPS would not get me there. It is a diamond in the rough.

Another fantastic meal at Caffè Rel! This time I tried the Black Opal Basil Shrimp. Delicious and I had enough left over for dinner! My sis had the single Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. It was unbelievably good and she couldn't even finish half. My face Franklin, NC restaurant, by far!

We ate here two years ago and didn't like it at all. Food was swimming in grease and extremely expensive for the quality. We went in today to give it another shot. Came in around 4:00pm and it was super busy. I had the John Gotti sandwich. It was great! Just the right amount of heat and so flavorful! My honey had the shrimp and grits. He said it may be the best he's ever eaten. OMG! The raspberry cheesecake was phenomenal! They don't skimp on seasoning here like so many of the restaurants in the area. John Gotti would be proud....Oh and our server was excellent! New ownership has improved this restaurant so drastically, it may be our favorite place to eat in Franklin.

I've traveled all over the world and this is some of the best food I've ever had. It was an amazing surprise. Highly recommend!