Welcome to Caffè Rel
-
459 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734 Hotline: (828) 369-9446
Welcome to Caffè Rel, a charming dining spot that effortlessly melds the cuisines of France and America, located in Franklin, North Carolina. Nestled within a gas station at 459 E Main St, this hidden gem beckons food enthusiasts to indulge in a culinary experience that transcends its humble setting.
Caffè Rel is renowned for its innovative menu, which features a delightful array of French-American dishes and exquisite sandwiches. The restaurant's emphasis on quality ingredients and fresh flavors is evident in every bite. Among the highlight dishes are:
- Blue Crab Bisque: A guest favorite, this creamy bisque is made with shallots, garlic, and fresh cream, served daily and perfectly seasoned for a delightful start to your meal.
- Bacon Wrapped Scallops: Sea scallops wrapped in smoky bacon, paired with bowtie pasta and a rich opal basil marinara, offer a savory balance of textures and flavors.
- Italian Classic Sandwich: Made with thinly sliced honey ham, hard salami, capicola, and provolone, this sandwich on freshly baked French bread is a testament to comfort food.
The ambiance may surprise you—while it operates from a gas station, the atmosphere inside Caffè Rel is cozy and inviting. Many patrons describe it as a "hidden gem," showcasing that culinary excellence can thrive in unexpected places. Customers rave about the friendly service that puts them at ease in a relaxed environment, making dining here feel like more than just a meal.
What truly stands out is the dedication to customer satisfaction. As Mya W. noted, even when dining with her dog outside, the staff went out of their way to accommodate. Such thoughtful service elevates the dining experience, leaving guests eager to return for more.
In short, Caffè Rel is more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s an invitation to savor a delightful fusion of flavors, presented with care and charm. With its reasonable prices and generous portions, it’s no wonder locals and travelers alike are flocking to this culinary haven. If you find yourself in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this remarkable dining experience.
This restaurant truly lives up to the hype, offering a fantastic dining experience right from the moment they open for lunch. The blue crab bisque was perfectly seasoned, and my meatball sandwich was absolutely delicious, complemented by incredibly fresh bread. Given that it wasn't patio season, I really appreciated how accommodating the waitress was in serving us outside since we had our dog with us. The quality of the ingredients and the flavors left a lasting impression--definitely worth the visit!
The trifecta - great food, excellent service and who can argue with the ambience of a gas station? It all works perfectly.
Always a winner and now taking credit cards! Hidden gem (in a gas station!) with consistent great food...surprisingly gourmet for a small town restaurant.
Great restaurant. If I could give this place more stars I would. The menu has something for everyone and the prices are very reasonable. Don't let the location (attached to a gas station) scare you off. The atmosphere inside is very nice. Our waiter Steve went above and beyond. If you're anywhere nearby check Caffe Rel out. You won't be disappointed
Come hungry because the portion size is generous! We were so impressed with this place on our ride through town... don't let the location deter you. The crab soup is a must. The waitstaff are fantastic and prices are very reasonable for the high quality food. A small but nice wine list. We did not have room for dessert but they looked impressive.
Do not let the location fool you, this is a hidden gem! My favorite is the Caffé Portabella - the aioli is simply amazing. My last visit I decided to get the coconut shrimp appetizer. The shrimp was perfectly cooked and was paired with a tangy pineapple sauce. Always appreciate a visit to this place!
We've eaten here 2x now it would be a regular place but we live an hour away. I have had dinner and lunch here now and both times amazing. The service is very quick for the level of dishes that are served! It's a smaller venue but will not disappoint. Each time we've ordered appetizers and mains .... We've both ordered different things each time and it's amazing once I had the crawfish cognac and cream.....epic! I went back to eat the same dish then decided to get the cordon bleu sandwich just as good! The appetizer of coconut shrimp was huge fresh and delicious a meal in itself! Ambiance is cozy and inviting.
I thought the reviews here were mixed, & most weren't very recent. Trip Advisor and Google had a better showing. We dined at Caffe Rel on 10/26 & did not have a single complaint. Our server was Mei & she was fantastic, helpful, and attentive! There were 5 in our party- we all ordered something different and we all loved our entrees and each others'. Mei brought three orders of really soft, warm French bread to the table with a chunky marinara. Three of us ordered cocktails and loved them. I'd say you cannot go wrong choosing Caffe Rel for a nice dinner out!!
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!