Appointment Trader
Search 
Anmelden
Entwickler
How It Works
Get into The French Laundry Yountville! 🔥
Chat
Buyer Protection
Option to Cancel
Alias Check-In
Upload Your Reservation Now
1'329 users watching
The French Laundry Yountville Reviews
Perfection in every aspect
Everything about our night’s experience was better than any other restaurant we have ever visited. The service staff pampered us for three hours, always making us feel like we were their most important customers. Each course built on the previous one and were all inventive and delicious. The French Laundry is an experience where you forget about how much money you are spending; instead, you our grateful that you have the privilege to enjoy the best restaurant you will ever eat at.
Supports the continued use of PFAS.
Enjoy that in your expensive, environmentally unfriendly meal.
What an experience! Had the reservation of a lifetime to
What an experience! Had the reservation of a lifetime to celebrate at the coveted French Laundry. First and foremost, the entire experience of each course was incredible. Upon delivery of each plate, our servers describe the dish and its preparation. Each dish had such a distinctive flavor and richness to it. Of the 14 courses, it was hard to narrow it down to what I enjoyed the most. Some standouts for me were the salmon cornet, oysters and pearls, and truffled egg custard. I may have hit a wall halfway throughout the meal, but the assortment of desserts at the end of the meal woke me back up. The service and hospitality was amazing, as is with all the team behind TKRG. Definitely a highlight of my year!
Sometimes I think my bucket list is just that, a list of
Sometimes I think my bucket list is just that, a list of things I wish I could do but probably won't. Then the stars align and things fall (almost) perfectly into place. I received a gift card for French Laundry and went on a mission to score a reservation. It took a few months, and me resigning to the fact that getting a 2 person reservation was nearly impossible so why not make it 4, to finally snag a table. The location is very unassuming, and can be easy to just drive by. Once you enter the grounds though you come to appreciate the beautiful landscape and visible kitchen. We were greeted warmly and brought to our table. Angelina offered me champagne and the rest of the family a lovely non-alcoholic riesling, as I noted my family doesn't drink alcohol to the concierge earlier. Upon confirming our menu, the meal started with several small bites. I particularly liked the corn masa cake, and of course the smoked salmon cone. Then dish after beautiful dish started coming out. I couldn't help but laugh when my son asked the server as they were shaving truffles onto his pasta if he needed to say when and she very kindly said,"oh no," and kept going. My favorite bites were the blt, lobster, and surprisingly the antelope, though everything was so good and had such a nice taste as well as presentation. During the dessert course, the servers brought a cake with a sparkler to celebrate my husband's birthday. I really appreciate how well paced the meal was and that I didn't feel uncomfortably full by the time we finished. It was a wonderful three star experience that I will cherish. If anyone wants to gift me another gift card, feel free to send it my way lol.
Thomas Keller is an amazing chef and we are glad to have
Thomas Keller is an amazing chef and we are glad to have had the opportunity to chat with him about his food philosophy before dinner. As an acclaimed chef who is widely admired for his disciplined (e.g., one clock in the kitchen with "sense or urgency" words beneath it), has technique-focused approach for French fine dining, and has the commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary talent, we are lucky to have him on the west coast (although he travels frequently to NYC to visit his restaurant Per Se). Our family tries to eat at his restaurants for celebrations, especially when he's there. Eating at his restaurant is like having a private VIP hosted tour with a speaker explaining the history, ingredients, pottery, etc. that were used to create each masterpiece. People like my brother who prefers to eat a huge Japanese wagyu ribeye A5 may not enjoy, savor, or have the patience (LOL) for the food as much as people like me who prefers small bites while listening to how something was created with the most interesting and quality ingredients. Otherwise, it's really a great French fine dining experience and environment for people to gather and converse. Whenever we are seated past our reservation time, they fill us up with fine champagne - can all restaurants do this for us? #TakeNotes
I have thought about this review for a long time.
I mean if you have the privilege of dining here, I should say something eloquent and deserving of the food. But I'm a regular kinda person and flowery speech just isn't in my wheelhouse. Trust me, this restaurant wasn't on my bucket list, but I am forever thankful I had the opportunity to try it. So we all hear and experience service in different ways. There is nothing that compares to this. Exemplary in every way. Nobody had an attitude and I never felt like a dolt when I asked questions. I have only been to two other Michelin star places in NYC and they did not turn me on one bit. Had to go to Shake Shack after one. That was not the case here. I am enclosing our evening menu because there is no way I could begin to describe the dishes we were served. The truffles were as big as my fist but I just don't get crazy over the dang things. I want to , but my palate knows what it likes. I tease my daughter regularly about her fancy schmancy tastes, especially since she ate Campbell's chicken noodle soup every day for breakfast for 18 years and still does when feeling stressed. But if you want to take me out and buy me a dinner that costs as much as a used car, I'm not going to complain about it. All kidding aside, it was mostly delicious, especially the compressed watermelon with Peking duck. I did find that I didn't get as much textural variety as I would like. Fancy food tends to be a little soft for me. Staff makes the place, the sommelier was of course outstanding although the markup on wine was ridiculous. And I mean ridiculous. My favorite part of the night was visiting the kitchen. Mind blowing it was. In my dreams, I cannot imagine being talented enough to execute Chef Keller's vision. They were happy to let us observe and answered all our questions. He had a burger pop up that I really wanted to go to, but I made this do.... It is true, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Thank you Anna and Andrew.
Stunning, truly stunning
How could you not have a magical evening with what TK has crafted right in the heart of wine country. Truly an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The culinary mastery is basically unmatched in all of my travels and dining around the globe.
Best experience we have ever had NO DOUBT! The food was
Best experience we have ever had NO DOUBT! The food was fantastic but their were a few dishes just lacking the $600 price tag. As much as I loved my experience I don't think I can justify the value. But that's just my opinion! Overall great job but just didn't hit alll the key notes!
From the minute you walk in the service is impeccable.
I was worried the food wouldn't live up to the hype, but each course was well thought out and very well balanced. I'm still thinking about the buttery lobster tail dish. Definitely do a wine pairing too! They are great with choosing great selections after you give them your budget and it is easily customizable. So glad we were finally able to get a reservation. It's definitely worth the experience.
What a scam
We waited to go online at the exact second reservations opened for the month and every time was taken. You can go to a secondary site and pay 50% more if you really want a reservation . What a scam. Even if the French Laundry isn’t involved they are still allowing it to happen. I lost my appetite.
Best night ever!
Is there anything more to say than pure perfection? From start to finish, this was a 3+ hour journey through the best food we've ever tasted and the most exceptional service we've ever received. I want to thank the entire staff for making the evening flawless and special kudos to Mike, the general manager. He went above and beyond for my husband and I to have the best experience. But the absolute highlight of the evening? Meeting Chef Thomas Keller himself. And not only that, having a full conversation with him! Husband and I were like little kids in a candy store! I can honestly say it was an unforgettable night. This was more than a dinner, it was an experience, and worth every single penny.
Is there anything more to say than pure perfection? From
Is there anything more to say than pure perfection? From start to finish, this was a 3+ hour journey through the best food we've ever tasted and the most exceptional service we've ever received. Every course was a masterpiece! A heartfelt thank you to the entire staff for making the evening flawless and special kudos to Mike, the general manager. His professionalism elevated the experience even further. And the absolute highlight? Meeting Chef Thomas Keller himself. That moment was the pinnacle of an already unforgettable night. This was more than a dinner, it was an experience, and worth every single penny. We can't wait to return.
On our bucket list for years and finally made it.
From the second we walked in to the impeccable gardens with our champagne to the moment we stepped off the grounds ( they almost had to drag us out ha ha ) we were blown away. Like most we have been to many many restaurants in our life and this rates #1. The service: 5 star from the second you arrive. You have the ability to hang out in the outdoor gardens ( or indoor seating area ) that are insanely manicured and peaceful. Great place for photo ops and to settle in. From there you will never feel unattended and always feel special, it sounds corny but you will agree if you go. Their staff is plentiful and so well orchestrated that it is fun to watch. The Food: We decided to go for all the available options on the menu. Seriously, how many times will you go here? We didn't want to leave feeling like we missed something. We happened to hit in truffle season and had the best truffle mac n cheese you have ever imagined. They come in with this special "truffle box" and show you before they shave them off. the entire room can smell them! This course might have put us over the edge!! The Waygu was insanely good and worth the price. The oysters and pearls were something you just can't get anywhere else. Every course just blew us away and won't describe them all because it would be too long. By the time we hit the desert course we were so full yet couldn't stop. The macaroons, espresso ice cream, chocolates...were all worth the uncomfortable feeling! To top off our night, we were invited into the kitchen and chef Keller was there to greet us. Yes a little star struck! I just wanted to stand there and take it all in yet wanted to chat with him. We did a little of both! We can see why his staff was so attentive yet warm...it comes from the top as he couldn't have been any more inviting. Seriously..what restaurant or chef of this caliber does this? Cheers to him!! Just be prepared for a 3 hour sitting and lots of food! They start small but were surprised at how much food you actually consume. We sat in a room with 3 tables and we all laughed at how much food you receive. 2 girls literally tapped out and couldn't eat anymore. I thought I would mention this because we read reviews about not being enough food. We seriously have never been so full in our lives! Lastly I wanted to mention price. Just know when you decide to go you already know it will be much more than you would pay at any other high end establishments. With that said, you will never have this experience anywhere else. You do get what you pay for! Overall we can't stop talking about our experience here and have zero buyers remorse. Bon appetit!!
When I was in my early 20s, a colleague of mine, introduce
When I was in my early 20s, a colleague of mine, introduce me to Top Chef. After the first quick fire, I was a convert. I transformed from a person who ate for pleasure without understanding the real why to a Foodie who understood that food was culture, tradition, experience and had magic experienced by bite and sight, if you knew how to invoke it. When I was a new born in the Foodie-verse, I thought that glamour, sophisticated bite and august reputation equaled destination dining for those who were worthy of wearing the mantel that proofed you were a foodie, through and through. I wanted to prove that I was worthy of being a true and seasoned Foodie so I decided to have a pilgrimage to the Mecca for Foodies: the French Laundry. But I was not ready to attend the eatery, but still I am grateful for the zest and enthusiasm that brought me there, for I can say that I experienced the wonder of the Yountville glory, and not all Foodies have that bullet in their resumes. I went with my friend C., who, was eternally patient with me, and was more like a sibling in crime, than a friend. I see this because she bought into my whimsy, full stop. Why is this important to mention, you'll understand if you view my pictures, but more, importantly you understand, if you keep reading. Like Robin fighting his first Gotham crime boss, I wanted to adorn myself in meaningful attire for the occasion because I knew I was about to engage in a big deal and I let the meaning of the moment become bigger in my head and the only way I could honor that was by dressing for the grounded absurdity of the moment. For Robin, it might be using a robotic mecha-suit (painted in buzzing orange and yellow) but us, was having an haute-couture head piece and I wearing matching costume makeup. We were extreme but for two kids who grew up eating chain hamburgers as a special treat, we had arrived! I cannot fully remember the food that we had. We went a few years ago, but it is never to late to document a milestone and a moment that can only be described as monumental bleep in the restaurant's grandiose history. But I can say that the food was not fantastic. I had better bites in my life. But that does not mean I did not enjoy the experience because even if you have a bad time in Disneyland, at least you can say you went and speak from experience. And truly not everyone can speak from experience. And I am grateful that I have lived enough to know what I liked about the French Laundry and what I did not. For example, the service was beyond attentive, it was attuned to uplifting care. For example, I asked a random server, if she could bring us a box for the leftovers. And she responded, "I would love too!" I did not feel like I was processed, a customer who needed to get the bill eventually. I felt like a patron who was surrounded by butterflies, swirled into the air by them, and while I was suspended in breeze, the butterflies whispered to me, "we got you, because we care" and then I was set back down, gently, and with thoughtful purpose. From that point forward, when people ask me for something, and I want to communicate care- just like the butterflies did to me- I also say, I would love to, when I do not say thank you for allowing me to be of service. Another example of this service came when I ordered two desserts. I was being excessive. And a server told me, that is the way I would do it. They were showing me empathy fit for customers before Amazon did it. Who ever design the service standards of the French Laundry deserves an ovation for their culture of service and quality. Back then, it was nearly impossible to find a reservation. And trust me I tried with foolish abandon. That is why, maybe I got a reservation, on a Sunday at 9:45 p.m. Still I went. I was there. I am trying to remember, what the food was? and I cannot honestly. Perhaps it was the end of the night and they did not put their best foot forward. I get that. Seriously, I cannot recall a bite. But the environment, the people- both who noticed us and who did not- were all part of the moment that is etched in my life. The moment where I became a Foodie who could claim that I went to the French Laundry and can say the food was meh but the experience in its total was, in a phrase, worthy of spectacle! Oh, one last thing, I did not have a jacket. And jackets were required in the dining room. I was given one. It was black, I think, and fit me, but not like it should have.
Go to the garden tour instead
We have been wanting to visit for years and decided we needed to before Thomas Keller officially retires. We have been to numerous restaurants with different stars and standing around the world. This type of dining is in our wheelhouse. The food was good, but boring. After visiting and tasting in the garden hours before our meal, I was disappointed with the lack of creativity that was used to hide flavors. There was no showcasing the food. I am glad we went, but confused on why this restaurant is still a hot ticket reservation.
Not what I hoped for... or dreamed of
I have always looked at the French Laundry as the pinnacle of fine dining. During Covid we cooked along with Chef Kellers master class and it helped get us through. I have greatly enjoyed a few Michelin Star restaurants but somewhere in my mind I always thought.. I wonder how they would compare to the French Laundry. The day started out so well. We did the garden tour and it was amazing. Our guide was so personable, knowledgeable and clearly loved her work. Upon arrival the staff greeted us and knew we had done the garden tour, they made it personal. The first course was "Oysters and Pearls" and it was the best of the evening. From there it just slowly went downhill. I'm looking at the menu as I write this and there's not a single dish that makes me go "Oh wow" or "that was amazing". During the garden tour we tasted some incredible "Mara Des Bois" strawberries. The fresh strawberries right in the garden were probably the best I have ever tasted. During the meal they were buried in a dish so you couldn't even identify them. They should have had a starring role. In the end the setting is amazing, the staff was great, but food was not as good as other restaurants I have experienced at this level. I did give some serious thought to my expectations. I wondered if I had built up the French Laundry in my mind so that I couldn't be fair. As I broke it down dish by dish I truly feel I did not. On our last day in Yountville we stopped at Thomas Kellers fried chicken place "Addendum" It was amazing! His buttermilk brined fried chicken was seriously better than many of the dishes on the French Laundry Menu. 3 Pieces of chicken with cornbread, butter and macaroni salad for $22.00. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness as I drove away from Yountville.
Perfect Dinner
I think the restaurants reputation speaks for itself. Impeccable. Try it if you get the chance. The atmosphere and staff were warm and welcoming, not stuffy at all like you might expect from a restaurant of this caliber. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect in terms of portion size as I like to leave full when I go to dinner. I was stuffed when I left. But each course is small so you will not be overserved if you are not a heavy dinner consumer. Wine parings were immaculate as expected.
Excellent experience!
First of all, dress code. A lot of people ask about appropriate dress when planning a dinner at The French Laundry. If you ask the restaurant they will tell you to “dress comfortably”, this is because they genuinely want you to feel comfortable and enjoy your experience as much as possible. While there is no strict dress code, if you want to blend in, then for men you could consider anything from a full suit down to a simple collared shirt and dress slacks or even a nice pair of jeans and a sport coat. For women, you could go formal with a nice evening gown or dress down to a business casual look. Again, there is no actual dress code policy (obviously within reason) but those are the spectra within which the majority of the diners I saw while I was there were dressed. Now on to the review. Everything from the food and beverage to the service and ambiance was impeccable. The food was creative and delicious and the wine pairings were perfectly suited to each dish. I also really enjoyed how they do their wine pairing menu. You essentially just give them a budget of what you’d like to spend per person and they create a tasting menu for you. It’s also worth mentioning that the pours are substantial and not at all like a regular tasting pour. In some instances with the half bottles they give you the entire thing. Calling their wine list extensive would be an understatement at just over 100 pages in length so there are many options to choose from if you decide you’d just like to order a glass or a bottle instead of a pairing. The food was obviously top notch and the menu also has enhancements which we also tried. You seriously can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. We went in with very high expectations, given that this restaurant has not only earned but maintained its 3 star status since 2007, and they definitely did not disappoint. Overall excellent experience.
Beautiful Setting, Underwhelming Food Experience
The French Laundry is undeniably elegant—the restaurant itself is beautifully designed, with a refined atmosphere that sets high expectations from the start. The table settings, plateware, and overall presentation were all top-tier, creating a sense of occasion as soon as you sit down. While the service was polished and the courses were presented with great care—almost like a performance—the food itself didn’t quite live up to the anticipation. We were expecting something truly exceptional and distinctive, but what we received felt more like a showpiece than a deeply satisfying culinary experience. The biggest letdown was the dessert. For a restaurant that carries the name “The French Laundry,” we were surprised to find nothing truly French on the dessert menu. The flavors were uninspired and didn’t leave a memorable impression. Overall, it’s a beautiful venue with impeccable service, but the culinary experience fell short of the hype—especially considering the price and prestige.
Exceptional Experience
Food preparation is stellar. There is no comparison. If you are lucky enough to secure a reservation, book it and never look back. This was on my husband’s bucket list and we had the good fortune of being able to enjoy a New Year’s Eve seating. Bring your appetite.
The Best
Love Thomas Keller and all he does so much. Finally made it to TFL for our 30th anniversary. Our expectations were so high and we worried we would leave with some disappointments (as we have done with a few other of the world’s bests), but nothing disappointed. The staff was amazing – attentive, congratulatory doing several things to recognize our anniversary, engaging, and proud of what they were serving. The food did not disappoint either. So many top restaurants stretch with gastronomic “art”, but TFL is just incredibly well done fine dining. Each course was amazing but really enjoyed the mainstay Oysters and Pearls (it stays on the menu for a serious reason), lobster, truffle mac and cheese (most tasty supplement), and Elysian Fields lamb. Even the salmon cone amuse was great and the perfect start. And the whole complement of desserts did not disappoint. Unlike many fixed menu restaurants, they do not have a fixed set of wine pairings, but our sommelier worked with us on about five half bottle selections to pair perfectly. It’s a one-in-a-lifetime bucket list meal that we definitely want to find the next special occasion to go again. Get the kitchen tour too – unbelievable!
Love Thomas Keller and all he does so much.
Finally made it to TFL for our 30th anniversary. Our expectations were so high and we worried we would leave with some disappointments (as we have done with a few other of the world's bests), but nothing disappointed. The staff was amazing - attentive, congratulatory doing several things to recognize our anniversary, engaging, and proud of what they were serving. The food did not disappoint either. So many top restaurants stretch with gastronomic "art", but TFL is just incredibly well done fine dining. Each course was amazing but really enjoyed the mainstay Oysters and Pearls (it stays on the menu for a serious reason), lobster, truffle mac and cheese (most tasty supplement), and Elysian Fields lamb. Even the salmon cone amuse was great and the perfect start. And the whole complement of desserts did not disappoint. Unlike many fixed menu restaurants, they do not have a fixed set of wine pairings, but our sommelier worked with us on about five half bottle selections to pair perfectly. It's a one-in-a-lifetime bucket list meal that we definitely want to find the next special occasion to go again. Get the kitchen tour too - unbelievable!
Meh.
This review is way overdue- as we were there nearly 3 years ago now. I honestly forgot to do a review and we’re planning another trip to Napa for September. When someone asked me if we were going back to French Laundry and my automatic response was “no”, I thought maybe I should do a review. We know a fair number of people who have been to TFL and loved it, so honestly, maybe we just were there on an off night. Firstly, our server was a woman with dark hair (can’t remember her name), and she was just kind of cold and unfriendly. My two biggest complaints are 1. They seemed like they were rushing us the entire time. To the point where they had brought out half the courses in less than an hour. I actually had to ask them to slow down, which they did, but it felt like we were an inconvenience. Kind of strange and disappointing- you go there expecting to spending close to 3 hours, and I think we were out in 2. And it would have been less if I wouldn’t have asked them to slow down. 2. The second issue was that several of the courses were lukewarm, at best. For what you’re paying, that’s pretty unacceptable. Normally, we would have said something but the server was so unfriendly, and we’d already asked them to slow the service down, so it just didn’t feel worth it. Some of the courses were quite good, and the wine list is amazing. We also loved that the have you a peek in the kitchen at the end. Again, it might been an off night. Maybe the woman that was serving us for a good portion of the meal had a bad day or whatever, but between that and the fact that several courses were cold, we probably won’t be back.
Incredible experience! Eating here is a memorable bucket
Incredible experience! Eating here is a memorable bucket list item. Over something like eight courses, the food was creative and, of course, exceptional. The kitchen tour is a highlight, as is interacting with the staff, who are clearly proud of what they have here, and are knowledgeable and interesting. Even for someone like me, who is not a sophisticated eater or a frequent fine diner, it's something you can really appreciate and enjoy. At the price point, can't say I'll visit often, but I look forward to doing it again someday.
So, after months of trying to dine here, it finally
So, after months of trying to dine here, it finally happened tonight and it was glorious. Frankly, I expected to be a bit let down because let's be honest, $400 minimum for any meal is simply a lot of money and it's hard to imagine any restaurant serving a meal worth that cost. But you know what, by the end of the meal all of us around the table said it was worth it. Why? Firstly, the wait staff were wonderful and professional. They were very attentive and made sure our glasses of water were never empty. Secondly, the flavors of the food weee exquisite . You know the classic scene in the movie Ratatouille, where one bite evokes a flood of memories for the food critic? Well, it wasn't quite like that but many dishes brought forth emotions of surprise, pleasure, and nostalgia. The food was filling, and my goodness, the dessert itself was like a 7 course treat. The staff also went far above and beyond in making my birthday special. They printed out a personalized menu and given gifted me a gift basket. THAT is hospitality and thoughtfulness that I have never experienced from a restaurant. This is one experience I will never forget!
Our recent visit to The French Laundry was nothing short of
Our recent visit to The French Laundry was nothing short of extraordinary, largely thanks to Veronica, who made our first experience unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, Veronica's passion for her job was evident. She had answers to all our questions and was incredibly helpful throughout our meal. Despite the hot weather, Veronica went above and beyond to ensure our comfort, even bringing little fans to our table. Her knowledge and enthusiasm about the restaurant and her journey with The French Laundry were truly inspiring. Additionally, another gentleman assisted us, sharing his deep appreciation for the beautiful dishware and its unique origins, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our dining experience. The entire team was exceptionally attentive, and the food was a work of art. While the heat slightly diminished our appetite for multiple courses, the impeccable service and exquisite dishes more than made up for it. Although rescheduling due to the weather wasn't an option given the advance booking required, we were beyond thrilled with our visit. The post-meal tour of the kitchen and cellar was a fantastic end to a remarkable experience. Thank you, Veronica, for taking such amazing care of us and making our visit so special. We can't wait to return!
Beyond disappointing experience at the French Laundry or
Beyond disappointing experience at the French Laundry or possibly what I would refer to it as a Laundromat instead. This was our first experience and it will probably be the LAST one as well. Taking advantage of the 30th anniversary one would expect to see fireworks happen or some extravagant options presented to the table. Nope! Nothing special. From host to the wait staff, I saw nothing special. For the price they charge, Keller should be present. He should be there shaking hands and thanking each and every schmuck that paid 1200 per person to sit through this dinner. On top, they charge extra like 350/500/1000 for wine pairings. Unbelievable. If I could, I would dispute this with my credit card and get my money back. So underwhelming. The food was ok. Just freaking ok. There are so many better options in st Helena that put this place to shame. If management is really into customer service, I would love to discuss this experience. Nothing special. Stop wasting your time trying to get a reservation. For two people, 2400 plus wine pairings, you could buy 2 airline tickets and get a better meal at one of our amazing restaurants like Providence or Melise, both of which don't charge 1200 per person for a tote bag, a cap and a shirt. Freaking nonsense
Such a great experience.
50th birthday. Husband got us a reservation, by some stroke of luck. Food is obviously amazing but their attention to detail is what really stands out!!! One of our party had a last-minute hand surgery (last minute, like the day before the reservation). Funny thing is, when confirming/scheduling the surgery, he said to the surgeon "I have an important dinner reservation tomorrow, do you think I can still make it?" Surgeon's response is "unless it's The French Laundry, you should probably cancel." Hahhhhh. So anyway, at dinner, we're 3 courses in before we realize that the one with the post-surgical claw-hand is getting his dishes delivered PRE-CUT.....because they have recognized he probably can't cut his own food, and will need some help. So yes, they're pre-cutting his food for him, recognizing we are useless and will probably just let him struggle with his 1 hand. It was the best night. Also, for my birthday, our menu was specially printed to include a birthday wish for my birthday, and the wine bottle had a "happy birthday "message etched on it. The dessert also had sparklers on it, like July4th. I'm sure this is par for the course, but it was still amazing. They also let us tour the kitchen, which I LOVED, as an amateur wanna be cook!!! Thank you, French Laundry. Your attention to detail did not go unnoticed!!!!!
If there was a lower rating I would do lower.
. How awful the service was. I actually heard the sommelier tell someone we are "almost done" so they could turn the table. . Turning tables like mad. Don't pay for this. We went 25 years ago when they were good. This was horrible. There were black ants on the table. I killed 2 Over rated. Over priced. Pushing high price wines. Mean about wine pairings too . " give us a price of what you want to spend and we will do that ".This is not 3 stars. They are rude and uneducated on the elements of each dish. I hope Thomas Keller reads this. Food was just ok. Not 3 star. This is a reputation . Get your act together Thomas Keller you are not worth your reputation. If this is what you stand for. There are so many better places. .
Bucket List Item Met the Hype
Lived up to the hype. Straight up bucket list item, and it was outstanding. I can't even describe some of the flavors as they literally changed flavor in my mouth within a single bite. The tour of the kitchen afterwards for me felt like what a devout Catholic feels like when they go to the Vatican or a Muslim completes the Hajj.
How anybody can eat here and give it anything but 5 stars
How anybody can eat here and give it anything but 5 stars is beyond me. The pretentiousness of some yelpers is unreal. We had an excellent meal with excellent service. The vibes were good. The food was delicious. Please don't give a bad review because the price is high or because another Michelin restaurant did things differently. Can't say enough good things about our visit. If I lived in the area, I'd try to eat here for all special occasions.
So disappointed by our experience here.
Maybe we built it up too much before our trip but the service was just lackluster. I think they have become comfortable being a 3-star. The flavors seemed off that night as well. It might have been because we were there on Easter but we have had better experiences with Michelin 1-star restaurants in Europe.
top 3 meals and dining experiences I've had in my entire
top 3 meals and dining experiences I've had in my entire life. I won't say much, just GO. Worth every penny (and it will cost you just that)
Round 2 at the French Laundry: Knocked it out of the Park
We went to the French Laundry many years ago. My husband loved it, but it wasn't my cup of tea...and I accept, it may have been my limited/juvenile palate. But, we returned this May for our UC Berkeley student's college graduation dinner, and I love every bit of it, as did my three dining companions. Yes, it's expensive, maybe even over priced. But the service is AMAZING...each course was AMAZING, and when our college graduate reflects back on this experience, I think it will be a cherished memory. I would happily return at the next opportunity.
Enjoyed but expected more.
Good experience but definitely not the best I expected. Didn't get to finish dessert and no one in the kitchen was smiling. Which says it all
Yes, it is that special.
This was our family's 2nd time here. And it was spectacular. It's not just the food, but the experience. Taking family pictures in the gardens, visiting the kitchen, talking with the funny and superb staff - all of it combined with the tremendous meal is what I will forever remember. A special shoutout and thank you to Concierge Kimberly who responded so quickly and efficiently to my several emails and made certain we had our signed menus to take home!
Epic 30th anniversary dinner
A very challenging reservation to get a table for our 30th wedding anniversary but well worth the effort. From the time we were greeted until the very last item of the Evolution menu we were amazed at the culinary skills and service level. I can’t wait to go back.
Outstanding
Food and service was perfect. Flawless. The only issue were some other guests that were noisy and I suspect the wrong side of a few bottles of wine. The outside area is also still as wonderful and great place to enjoy a post dinner coffee. Everything on the menu, which is the real focus, remains colorful in selection and as one would expect perfectly seasonal for Northern California.
If you have a bucket list, dining at The French Laundry should be on it
This was our first time visiting The French Laundry. The food, the atmosphere, and the service were all superb! Thanks to the staff for making accommodations for my gluten allergy. For decades, the chef and the food at The French Laundry have deservedly received high praise, and we were not disappointed. The menu was creative, and the food was delicious! That was to be expected. However, the waitstaff also deserves kudos, because they are an integral part of the dining experience. Many young people helped to make our dinner at The French Laundry an evening to remember, however, we would like to give special thanks to Nicole, Davis, and Austen. Such professional, knowledgeable, helpful, and pleasant young people. Thanks to everyone at The French Laundry for making our special anniversary dinner memorable.
Drake-Certified
If Drake co-signs a restaurant, you have to go. Real good food mixed real good music. Good environment, and great staff.
One of the best dining experiences we have had in the
One of the best dining experiences we have had in the valley. Food was exceptional and the atmosphere was a true delight. The Champagne experience was so much fun. Chef stopping to joke and spend a good deal of time at our table a couple times throughout the night was unforgettable. Chef remembered one of our party members who had done some simple grunt work for a day there several years earlier and treated us like we were the nightly VIPs even though there were actual Hollywood VIPs just a couple tables away who did not get as much personal attention as little ol' us got. Unforgettable once in a lifetime experience
Every knows that the laws of the state do not apply to this
Every knows that the laws of the state do not apply to this restaurant. But, if you want an up close seat to politician and celebrity suck up, this is the place. If you want a reservation, the same suck up applies.
WORTH THE WAIT
After many years hearing about The French Laundry and waiting to get a reservation, accompanied some friends for a 9-course dinner. We were greeted by a very friendly waitress and given some background about the restaurant. Did have to wait about 30 to 45 minutes beyond the time of our reservation to actually be seated but then settled back for a unique dining experience. There was a lot of different foods to sample from poultry to seafood to meat dishes. All of them were well prepared, but honestly some were better than others. The buttered lobster was a personal favorite. As the evening was winding down, overwhelmed by an onslaught of various desserts. This is probably the type of place you actually visit once for the experience but it was an enjoyable evening.
The best restaurant dining experience.
The food was delicious, amazing and better than I had expected. Each dish was so flavorful and well executed. Our server was friendly and very helpful. Loved the ambiance of the outdoor farm next to the upscale home feel. Definitely worth the wait and highly recommended for those seeking the next level dining experience.
Loved it!
Once in a lifetime dining experience and what a wonderful experience it was! Every course was delicious and the wine pairings really complemented the meal.
nearly 14 years later .
.. still a 5 star experience. ambience is still refined, yet casual. update: no longer a dress code, and there were men without jackets. chef's tasting menu (with an added starter and dessert): amuse - smoked salmon everything cone and shallot cheese cracker potato vichysoisse "oysters and pearls" armando manni olive oil "panna cotta" sautéed fillet of atlantic pompano nova scotia lobster "bread and butter" "carnaroli risotto biologico" (without the truffles) charcoal grilled japanese wagyu "gougère" with compte fondu (without the truffles) citrus-mascarpone "bavarois" toasted cinnamon ice cream k+m chocolate "mousse" "mignardises" cappuccino glace with sugar donut holes thoroughly enjoyed all but the pompano (not my flavor profile). i was too stuffed to eat many of the desserts, but the citrus stood out. took the mignardises (caramel, truffles, and mini-macarons) home, along with chocolate caramels, and shortbread cookies. wonderful service ... went with friends who frequent the restaurant. astounding wine list ... enjoyed some nice chassagne montrachet, gevrey chambertin and cote rotie.
Underwhelmed, sadly
Very underwhelming. The food was good, but not exceptional. The staff was super attentive and the space was nice, but in the end it is about the food. I had a piece of lamb that was quite difficult to cut, and tough. The desserts all came out rapid fire. Everything “looked” great, but once again it came down to the flavor, which was for a quarter of the dishes, not there. Hated to give this place 3 stars. Went to KOMI in D.C. years back that blew this out of the water! Turned to my friend who said the same thing when leaving.
This is a review dated back in 2022 summer.
Our group of 6 booked French Laundry as the start of celebrating our dear friend's bachelorette in napa valley. When we walked into the restaurant, we were warmly greeted by the host and seated in the garden, love the environment and the prefect setting for our ladies. We opted for the chefs tasting menu (non veg) and a few of us upgraded our meals to wagyu. We begin our meal with a bottle of wine and await for the magic to begin. One of the first courses i got were freshly baked crackers, the server seemed to be a bit nervous and dropped one of the crackers on our table, accidents happen its ok, however, the server proceeded to pick up the crack with their hands and placed the plate in front of me. After a few mins of waiting, with my girls already beginning their meals, i am still staring at the crumbs on the table and hand touched cracker waiting for it to be replaced. The head server eventually came by, and replaced the crackers and cleaned out the crumbs. As the dinner goes on, i was shocked the timing between the dishes served were super long and there were lots of awkward moments of us girls waiting for over 10-12 mins for each course to arrive. Not only that, after the plates were done, we had to wait another 15 mins for the dishes to be cleared out, making our dinner into a 4.5 hours dinner as the night chills started picking up. I expected timing services and basic food safety if i am going to pay over 500 usd per person for a 3 stars meal. I went to another 3 stars restaurant in chicago prior and the service were way more attentive and what i expected from a 3 star restaurant. I am glad i came here as a check off my list, food was delicious and well made. I am a big fan of their oysters and pearls (signature) and their sweet butter poached nova scotia lobster. However, the service really needs to up their game. If i am going back to napa and have reservations booked, i will visit one more time, otherwise it was slightly disappointing experience.
All the details from food, drinks to service and ambience
All the details from food, drinks to service and ambience were perfect making our visit enjoyable.
The anticipation surrounding this experience is entirely
The anticipation surrounding this experience is entirely justified with a staggering lineup of 14 meticulously crafted courses, complemented by an amuse bouche to set the tone for the culinary journey. Every dish surpassed expectations, even those featuring ingredients I typically avoid, such as oysters. Surprisingly, the duck course emerged as my favorite, though it's a challenge to definitively pinpoint one standout dish given the consistently high quality throughout the meal. The wine pairings enhanced each course superbly. The service was impeccable from the moment we stepped through the door, with a thoughtful tour of the kitchen adding to the overall experience. The ambiance exuded a homely charm rather than the typical commercial restaurant atmosphere, elevating the overall dining experience. While every aspect was exceptional, the true highlight undoubtedly lay in the outstanding culinary creations. Definitely worth the three drive.
Connect with users posting reservations for The French Laundry Yountville
AppointmentTrader is a community-driven platform where users can exchange their reservations or leverage their personal relationships with The French Laundry Yountville. Buyers can make informed decisions using automated seller ratings, which reflect past transactions and reliability.
Each posting on AppointmentTrader shows you which user submitted it and along with that provides a trackrecord of that user which indicates how much experience
the user has and how many percent of their transactions resulted in them issuing a refund.
If there is no user posting that fits your schedule, you can bid on your preferred time.
Let's say Peter has a great morning and decides to take his three friends to The French Laundry Yountville at 6 PM the same day.
He checks the restaurant's website and sees that no reservations are available. He then looks at the The French Laundry Yountville page on AppointmentTrader, but finds that there are no user postings either.
That's where the community-driven bid process comes in.
Peter can place a bid on AppointmentTrader, which serves as a reward for any community member who chooses to work on securing the reservation. AT then notifies experienced users who may be able to help.
Step-by-Step Process
1.) Setting a Reward (Bid)
* AppointmentTrader uses historical data to recommend a reasonable reward amount for securing a reservation - let's say $100.
* Peter really wants to go, so he increases the bid (or reward) to $200.
* At this stage, the reservation does not exist yet.
2.) A Community User Picks Up the Bid
* EternalAnt36, an experienced AT user, has a strong track record of successfully securing reservations and low refund requests, they receive a notification about Peter's bid.
* EternalAnt36 picks up the bid, meaning they will now work on securing the reservation.
* Peter can now talk to EternalAnt36 for any questions Peter may have as EternalAnt36 user fills the bid.
3.) Finding the Reservation
* EternalAnt36 now uses their connections at The French Laundry Yountville to secure the table.
* If they successfully get the 6 PM table for four, Peter receives a confirmation that the reservation has been secured.
* If EternalAnt36 fails to secure the reservation, the bid is returned to the pool so another user can try.
4.) Payment & Protection
* Once the reservation is secured, EternalAnt36 receives the $200 reward which is credited to EternalAnt36's AT balance, where users manage their own funds and can withdraw via available payout options such as bank transfer, PayPal, or Zelle.
* Peter can now enjoy the dinner with his friends at The French Laundry Yountville!
* As with all transactions on AT, disputes and no-show fees are handled through the platform's community-driven resolution system. Users with a strong track record are incentivized to fulfill bids successfully, and community members can report issues to maintain trust in the marketplace.
