Caffè Rel

This is an amazing place with fabulous service. The owners are great chefs and the food is magical. We have eaten there twice and been blown away both times. We had the chicken Florentino and the second visit I had French pot roast. Both were equally delicious and big portions. We did the share a plate option and had more than we could finish.

Cafe Rel was our favorite foodie stop during our girls trip to NC. We ordered the fried green tomatoes, carbonara and linguine Primavera and all were amazing! I never knew I needed grits under a bed of fried green tomatoes until I came here. Literally the best grits our entire party had ever tasted. We met one of the chefs on the way out and were so thrilled to tell him how amazing every thing was. Do not let the fact that its connected to a gas station scare you away.

Omg what an incredible surprise!! We had a phenomenal lunch at Caffe Rel today. The appetizer special was fried green tomatoes on top of cheese grits. One of the best combos we've ever tasted. Grouper tacos were fantastic along with the french dip. When my wife asked for rare, the manager came to our table to double check and they delivered a really nice, rare sandwich. The service from Katie could not have been better. This is a must-eat when in Franklin, NC!

Cozy little restaurant in the main part of Franklin. They have a pretty diverse menu with a lot of different options. The food was fresh made, and tasted good. Service was very attentive.

After seeing the number of positive reviews and the pictures of the food, my party decided to stop over for a late lunch on our way to The Great Smokey Mountain.. we had the crayfish cognac pasta and the shrimp and grits. The first bites had a good flavor profile but then it was all down hill. The food was so salty that it was inedible. We wanted to like the food like all the rave reviews we read but alas, the sodium level was so high, we just gave up, paid the bill and left. Thinking back now, we should have just sent the food back but we didn't to our own fault. What made me even saltier was the credit card surcharge that we got hit with when we paid the bill. It was a disappointing experience and one we will not be taking a chance on again.

Café Rel is THE restaurant to experience in Franklin, NC. It is not stuffy or pretentious. It's comfortable and welcoming. The food is a taste extravaganza for your palette. The awakening is begun with brushetta delivered to each table. OMG, do not pass on this. It is awesome! I don't know what it is, the capers, the opal basil? It is so good! My husband ordered an old fashioned he loved it! He ordered the NC mountain trout with rice and veggies. He loved it all. He said it is hands down his favorite fish, which is saying a lot. We are from the coast of SWFL. My son normally orders his favorite lamb burger, but today, I talked him into trying something different. He ordered and devoured the opal basil shrimp with bowtie pasta. He was not sorry. There were so many shrimp! I ordered the opal basil shrimp and grits, so delicious, again, so many shrimp. It definitely had my taste buds firing on all cylinders! We can't eat an entire meal, but we never pass on the desserts. I recommend getting it to take home for later so that you can really enjoy it. You can thank me later! Like and follow for more great places to see and restaurants to try! #CafeRel #CaféRelNC

Quite a nice little restaurant in the mountains of North Carolina. It is quite popular.I am not sure if you could make reservations but when we went there is a lot of people so I figured that it's probably quite popular with not only the people visiting but also the locals. The only reason I gave four stars for the food was because our appetizers of mussels half of them were closed.. ans so it felt like it was not the best. It's one of my favorite dishes! Also, we were told that most of the dishes are cooked with a lot of butter.So if you are intolerant to lactose this is not the right place for you unless you settle for a Salad! The service was excellent.The food came quite quickly but they were NOT rushing us out to of the place like it happens in so many other places where they serve you quickly so you get out quickly. We were sat at the last table so our area was a little bit more quiet but in the center I felt that it could get really noisy! All in all a good visit ! Oh and the dessert 🍨 to die for !

Professional and attentive service delivering tasty, well-made food in a cozy and comfortable place packed with regular customers, Caffé Rel delivers. The portions are huge, but this restaurant is ready to help with the best to go boxes I’ve seen.

Watch out! Once you taste the food here, you'll never want to go elsewhere. And the desserts? Holy moly, if u are on a diet, turn your head away from the countertop where the sweets are lined up And in Full view. And the wine? Even the cheapest glass at Rels is quality, not like what other restaurants serve on the low end. From fresh catch to burgers and everything in between, you can't go wrong. It's all fantastic At Rels.

We live in the area, and visit Caffé Rel infrequently. I have food sensitivities, so I have to be careful in choosing foods that won't give me problems. I do enjoy their Caesar salad, so I may order that a lot. Their Sunday brunch is good, although somewhat limited. If you do not have food sensitivities, I think you will like it even more than I do!

Food was good, not as good as we had a few years ago but still good. Nice friendly staff. We will certainly be back!

Yes, you'll want to eat at the restaurant connected to the gas station. Yes, you'll want to wait whatever the wait time is. Yes, it's crowded inside, but the food is worth all of it! Don't miss out on THE BEST dinner Franklin NC has to offer! Fair prices, amazing tasting food, and the dessert is mouthwatering good. This is a must stop if visiting or even driving through Franklin.

Came here for lunch around 1 and it was very busy inside so we ended up sitting outside. Our orders came out very quickly. The server was friendly and came around to check in just enough. Food was pretty tasty. Would recommend.

This is a must for everyone. Great choices and specials. Many great choices that it was hard to Decide. Nice bread and tomato/oil to start. I had the Linguine with meat balls, my husband had the tornadoes with mushrooms. Both were excellent. We did take a huge piece of carrot cake home for later. Wish we lived closer so we could come more often. Wait staff was attentive and she knew the menu and ingredients. Cute little place in the back of a gas station--- but wow a wonderful experience.

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.

Run don't walk to this delicious restaurant attached to gas station (yep) in Franklin. We've been twice now and the food is just unbelievable. Last time we had the Shrimp & Grits and it was the best we've ever had. Today we tried another shrimp dish (with bowtie pasta in a cream sauce) and it didn't disappoint. The Snails and Tails appetizer is not to be missed... so good. They feature a limited kids menu (which my picky kid loves) and they only take cash. Be sure to check their hours before you go as they fluctuate. Must eat here on any trip to the area!!!

Delicious food and friendly service! A bit crowded, but only because everyone wants to eat there! Prices are comparable to other restaurants these days. I highly recommend going there!

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.

Great food and wonderful service. Because this restaurant is only open Wednesday through Saturday, we have never had an opportunity to try it. We have always heard great things but didnt realize it would be excellent. Once you are seated, fresh bread is brought to your table, this is so good. We started with a fresh ceasar salad, I ordered the carbonara, best I have had in a long time. My hubby ordered the meatballs and marinara, it was so tasty as well. Definitely going to be a regular stop for dinner

I'm happy to update my previous review. After a bit of a rough stretch Caffe Rel has turned things around and I can once again recommend eating here. The problems I had with hours of operation and service have been resolved. The food was never in question. Always delicious!

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 !

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!

Very friendly service and exceptional food reasonably priced. There is no reason not to make this a must stop. We had the Blue Batard appetizer which is blue crab, garlic, shallots, capers and lemon sauce on French bread served over a bed of greens with balsamic dressing. We really enjoyed the shrimp and grits with bacon, onions peppers and a tangy tomato sauce. We had no more room to eat so we had to get the Italian Creme cake to go. The slices are large enough to share for a party of 4-6. So glad we got to try this place out on our trip to the Highlands area.

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

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!

Flew into Franklin for a weekend in Highlands and stopped at Caffe Rel. Apparently the chef used to work at the Greenbriar and i think was a James Beard winner. (I did not get close enough to the award to read it). So of course the food is wonderful. I had the lunch portion of Black Muscles over linguine. They were some of the best I have had . We skipped dessert but they looked wonderful. I would love to come back and try more menu items. I really recommend this restaurant for anyone traveling to or through this area.

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

My friends and I ate at several restaurants while in the Asheville area and Caffe Rel was my favorite. I had the salmon and the mix of flavors was delicious! We split the Carmel cake and, even though I'm not a big cake fan, this had to be one of the tastiest desserts I've ever had. Service was great and attentive and even though this restaurant was in 1/2 of a gas station, the decor was fine. It just underscores the fact that when the food is good, the location doesn't matter.

Awesome food, great service. Marinara sauce and meatballs were amazing! Just get there early if you may have a little wait

We were looking for a place for lunch when we got gas. This restaurant is in the same building and were amazed at the menu and the food. Despite it being crowded we were quickly seated and served. Save room for dessert made in house.

Amazing French cuisine next to a gas station. A little pricey, but so worth the prices. Large portions to boot. Had amazing frog legs and some seasonal specials. A can't miss for fans of European food.

We've only had the opportunity to eat here once. But it was excellent food!! It was kinda busy that night and we still got our food in a reasonable amount of time. Can't wait to go back.

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

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 .

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!!!

Fine dining in a gas station. Friendly service and warm decor. Great Caesar salad. Beef tournedos were delicious.

One of our most favorite places to eat! Cajun/French! Mussels aioli appetizer is to die for. Always consistently quality. Their fettuccine Alfredo is so decadently rich!

We've eaten here a couple of times and the experience has been equally good both times. I've had the meatball sandwich and the Cuban sandwich. My wife has had the carbonara both times (obviously loved it). The portions are huge and I'd recommend to split a salad and an entree. And I'd definitely split a piece of cake also. The chocolate it my fav. Great place, very good food, and the service is also solid. Highly recommend a lunch or dinner here.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Literally, in a gas station. But, it was by far, one of the best meals we've ever had. I got the catfish creole and it came with roasted broccolini and scalloped potatoes. My husband got the bow tie pasta with sausage and shrimp. AMAZING! Cheris, our server was great. Knew all the answers to our crazy questions, and even shared the secret to their amazing veggies. My plan is to sneak back to NC at least once a year to visit Cheris and have an amazing 5 star meal!

This is one of my top restaurants!! All the food was SO good and the staff were so sweet! The waitress Daisy was so kind and helpful. She pointed out all the gluten free options I could get! I chose the salmon and it was sweet but very good. Will definitely be coming back to this establishment.

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

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.

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.

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.

The best Italian food in town. A little pricey, but delicious. Desserts are homemade, and delicious, a variety to choose from.

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.

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.

Grandpa was right! When Richard Long was around the service was better and we should've stuck with sunshine as they are far more welcoming. At this facility there was only one nice lady; an older blonde woman. We arrived maybe around 2pm and weren't 100% sure on the signage but gave it a try. Had we been turned around, due to the handwritten message, we would've had zero issue and gone elsewhere- yet we were seated. I caught the young brunette, with accent, waitress talking about us negatively (she seated us) to a gentleman which I knew they noticed I became aware of their chatter thus he turned around quickly thinking I wouldnt be able to hear him - I have good ears so I did. Again, if you close at 2:30, for an hour, why in the world would you seat a patron let alone take their orders? Money tight in a small community? I would say staff needs to follow their own signage especially when asking, via the printed sign, to please be kind to staff. Maybe be kind and not whisper negatively about patrons whom you, as staff, chose to seat vs kindly turn away. Trust me, we would have had no problem and gone elsewhere. Food was OK, not great. My husband had a filet minion sandwich which stated would be sliced but the meat came cubbed. My eldest daughter's sandwich had far too much oil. All in all, this is a one and done and will be sticking with sunshines for lunch both for service and quality when we visit from the west coast.

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.

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.

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!