This place is a hidden gem!! I was hesitant on trying it due to its location being adjacent to a gas station but as soon as you step inside you forget all about that. The mussels were absolutely fantastic and the portions were generous having plenty to take home, the cocktails were great and our waitress was extremely sweet and on top of everything to ensure our comfort and satisfaction, I wish I would have remembered her name but she was amazing and even took our leftovers and packed them up for us in the kitchen! Can’t wait to go back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jason Horn
Exceptional service and a great meal. The black mussel dinner was delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mateo Martinez Ledesma
Incredible food and awesome service. The trout and the pot roast were amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Linda Eriksen
The food was delicious. We had specials that were wonderful. Shared a piece of cake that was good. Service was very good. The atmosphere is wonderful but a little noisy. My husband with hearing aid couldn't carry on a conversation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kylie Roberts
It's not what it used to be. The staff are incredibly rude and the prices are high.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Sean Bickford
A little pricey for Franklin, but great food.
Nelson Mesa
After six years of living here, I’m going to have to say this is the best place to eat in town, not only the quality of the food that impeccable the environment comfortable. The factor that they will keep your mind guessing with their weekly specials, which are delicious! Make this is my favorite choice
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marcy Haskins
In a world of endless dining options, it’s rare to encounter a restaurant that feels like a quiet revelation—one that doesn’t shout its excellence but simply delivers it, course after course, with such precision and grace that you leave wishing that you’d found this gem sooner.
The food itself is the quiet star. Each dish arrives as a small masterpiece of balance—flavors layered with intention, textures that surprise without gimmickry.
In short, this is one of the very best restaurants I’ve ever visited—anywhere. It doesn’t chase trends or demand attention; it earns it through quiet excellence. If you value food that respects both ingredient and diner, make the reservation. You’ll likely find yourself, as I did, already planning the return visit.
Highly recommended—worth every moment and mile, and we come from SWFL.
Bubby Payne
Great food and great people! My siblings an i were enjoying our meal having a great time but can’t help but hear the OWNER of cafe rel speak to his employees like dogs! Restaurant under old management. We all miss rel, he made that establishment what it is today and they’re attempting to run it into the ground!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 5
Rhona Reagen
I have been trying to get to Cafe Rel since Covid. On this trip to Franklin it was open and had a fantastic lunch! I was quickly greeted at the door by the hostess and shown to a table. Cafe Rel is inside a gas station and I wasn't sure how it would look inside - the decor is boho chic - much nicer than expected. As I am celiac I was provided with a gluten free menu which contained many more items than most restaurants. I was presented with a plate of grilled gf bread with delicious salsa on top. I ordered the salmon which came bathed in a mango sauce so good I almost asked for a to go container. The plate included broccoli and rice. In general, the menu contains several sandwiches and entrees. The food at nearby tables also looked appetizing - no one left any food on their plates which is always a good indication. The only negative is that the interior is very dark. Will definitely return when I am in the area.
Absolutely perfect French restaurant attached to a gas station! Every dish we've had has been fresh and tasty. Servers are efficient and friendly. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jodi Bailey
Caffé Rel was a delightful surprise tucked in an unusual location in little Franklin NC. We started off with snails and tails which was so good in a flavorful mushroom sauce. Also ordered by our group was the blue crab bisque soup and the French roast with mashed potatoes and broccoli. The shrimp and grits stole the show with the most savory sauce atop the creamy grits. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
chad boula
Absolutely amazing. Food must stop at least wants to try very very good Italian
This place is a hidden gem!! I was hesitant on trying it due to its location being adjacent to a gas station but as soon as you step inside you forget all about that. The mussels were absolutely fantastic and the portions were generous having plenty to take home, the cocktails were great and our waitress was extremely sweet and on top of everything to ensure our comfort and satisfaction, I wish I would have remembered her name but she was amazing and even took our leftovers and packed them up for us in the kitchen! Can’t wait to go back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Exceptional service and a great meal. The black mussel dinner was delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Incredible food and awesome service. The trout and the pot roast were amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was delicious. We had specials that were wonderful. Shared a piece of cake that was good. Service was very good. The atmosphere is wonderful but a little noisy. My husband with hearing aid couldn't carry on a conversation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It's not what it used to be. The staff are incredibly rude and the prices are high.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
A little pricey for Franklin, but great food.
After six years of living here, I’m going to have to say this is the best place to eat in town, not only the quality of the food that impeccable the environment comfortable. The factor that they will keep your mind guessing with their weekly specials, which are delicious! Make this is my favorite choice
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
In a world of endless dining options, it’s rare to encounter a restaurant that feels like a quiet revelation—one that doesn’t shout its excellence but simply delivers it, course after course, with such precision and grace that you leave wishing that you’d found this gem sooner. The food itself is the quiet star. Each dish arrives as a small masterpiece of balance—flavors layered with intention, textures that surprise without gimmickry. In short, this is one of the very best restaurants I’ve ever visited—anywhere. It doesn’t chase trends or demand attention; it earns it through quiet excellence. If you value food that respects both ingredient and diner, make the reservation. You’ll likely find yourself, as I did, already planning the return visit. Highly recommended—worth every moment and mile, and we come from SWFL.
Great food and great people! My siblings an i were enjoying our meal having a great time but can’t help but hear the OWNER of cafe rel speak to his employees like dogs! Restaurant under old management. We all miss rel, he made that establishment what it is today and they’re attempting to run it into the ground!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 5
I have been trying to get to Cafe Rel since Covid. On this trip to Franklin it was open and had a fantastic lunch! I was quickly greeted at the door by the hostess and shown to a table. Cafe Rel is inside a gas station and I wasn't sure how it would look inside - the decor is boho chic - much nicer than expected. As I am celiac I was provided with a gluten free menu which contained many more items than most restaurants. I was presented with a plate of grilled gf bread with delicious salsa on top. I ordered the salmon which came bathed in a mango sauce so good I almost asked for a to go container. The plate included broccoli and rice. In general, the menu contains several sandwiches and entrees. The food at nearby tables also looked appetizing - no one left any food on their plates which is always a good indication. The only negative is that the interior is very dark. Will definitely return when I am in the area.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Absolutely perfect French restaurant attached to a gas station! Every dish we've had has been fresh and tasty. Servers are efficient and friendly. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Caffé Rel was a delightful surprise tucked in an unusual location in little Franklin NC. We started off with snails and tails which was so good in a flavorful mushroom sauce. Also ordered by our group was the blue crab bisque soup and the French roast with mashed potatoes and broccoli. The shrimp and grits stole the show with the most savory sauce atop the creamy grits. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely amazing. Food must stop at least wants to try very very good Italian
Had the Rueben. Need to try something more french
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Very good food even if it is next to gas station
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
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