How is The French Laundry restaurant rated?

Name: The French Laundry
Address: 6640 Washington Street, Yountville, CA, United States, 94599
Telephone: (707) 944-2380
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.8

The French Laundry

4.8

702 Reviews

$50 and over

American

Top Tags:

Built in 1890 as a French Steam Laundry, this rustic two-story stone house is surrounded by a country garden planted with vintage roses, perennials and seasonal herbs. The French Laundry Restaurant has an intimate dining room with 17 tables. The dining time is 3-4 hours with two prix-fixe menus to choose from. Reservations are taken one month in advance to the calendar date (i.e. Reservations for April 1st are taken March 1st).

Jackets are required for gentlemen, although ties are optional. We also ask that no one wears tennis shoes, shorts or t-shirts in the dining room.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
American, French
Hours of operation
Lunch: Friday - Sunday: 11:00am - 12:30pm Dinner: Monday - Sunday: 5:30pm - 9:15pm
Phone number
(707) 944-2380
Website
http://www.frenchlaundry.com/
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Jacket Required
Executive chef
Thomas Keller is the Owner/Chef
Private party facilities
Private dining reservations and events can be secured up to one year in advance. No matter the occasion of your party, be it an intimate luncheon for 8-12 guests in our private dining room, a unique social gathering for 60 with access to the entire restaurant and its courtyard or a celebration at a venue of your choosing, we offer a number of settings and accommodations for your private event. Everything from menu selection to wine pairings, flower arrangements to parting gifts, can be custom designed for a memorable occasion.

Location
6640 Washington Street Yountville, CA 94599
Neighborhood
Yountville
Cross street
Creek Street
Parking details
Street Parking Available on Washington Street, Parking Lot on Creek Street
Additional
Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 702 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.8

4.8 based on all time ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Quiet

Sort by

Filters

KH
KimberlyH
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Reviewed on May 22, 2019
overall5foodserviceambience
The service is top notch exceptional. The dishes are great, but some seem a bit outdated.
MV
MikeV
San Francisco
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Reviewed on May 14, 2019
overall5foodserviceambience
Truly a rare experience. My wife and I both say the best dinner we've ever had. One of those rare situations where where you pay a lot and get a lot. Trying to plan and get advance reservations is a total pain, though. But that's how it goes!
DP
DoraP
Phoenix
1 review
3.0
1 review
Reviewed on April 28, 2019
overall3foodserviceambience
Very stuffy, very expensive, not good value for the money. Every single bottle wine was marked up a $150. Service was excellent. Desert was a weak finish.
TX
TXFoodFan
Dallas
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Reviewed on April 8, 2019
overall5foodserviceambience
No review required here, really- if you've dined here, you want to go back. If you haven't, you must. It's an experience worthy of the hype. Be careful, though, you'll never look at food the same way again...it's simply an amazing experience!
GG
GigiG
San Francisco
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Reviewed on April 7, 2019
overall5foodserviceambience
There is little I could write that hasn't already been said about the French Laundry--but I will emphasize that it is, if you have the means, a dining experience to pursue. In my kitchen I proudly display a framed copy of the menu from my first meal here, and in my mind can still conjure up the flavors of the dishes. A lovely treat. I would love to return, but if I don't I hope it means that some other lucky person is eating well in my place.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 12, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic meal. Service was also superb. Thx to Caitlin we had a lovely tour of the kitchen after our meal
t
tjsk
San Francisco
35 reviews
vip
4.0
35 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2017
overall4food5service3ambience3
We were a group of six, all very excited for our long-anticipated evening at the French Laundry. The food was incredibly unique and beautifully prepared and presented....and so delicious, of course. We all agreed we had a magical evening, topped off with a wonderful conversation with Thomas Keller as we were departing. It was a special evening. However, I was disappointed in the constant "fussing" around our table. What was intended to be attentive service became, in fact, very disruptive to our socializing. There was constant activity from the staff, refilling water glasses after every sip; likewise with wine, and glasses removed, glasses added; cutlery removed and added....not to mention the flourish of servers and plates for every course. It just all became very hectic and disconcerting after awhile. I would suggest fewer servers hovering, and a less frantic pace to the service.
A
Angel
Sacramento
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
An amazing experience, service, staff, atmosphere and food/dining experience exceeded my expectations. You definitley pay for what you get, no doubt they are a 3 star Michelin restaurant. I plan to be back very soon.
P
Paul
Orange County
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on March 28, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and excellent food as expected
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2017
overall4food4service3ambience3
I had mixed reviews about TFL. I had high hopes and for the most part they were met but there were a couple of hiccups including our sommelier/captain who steered us in the wrong direction for wine pairings. Twice. At the risk of sounding like a #firstworldproblem, we didn't have a wine with one of our courses. It diminished that course. I wouldn't expect this at such a renowned restaurant such as FTL whose food and service should be flawless and impeccable. We got to meet Chef Keller so that was a nice surprise but I'm still thinking about that damn wine-less course.
ME
McElvis
Houston
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Phenomenal experience! Service was exquisite. Food and wine pairings were spot on. Truly a once in a lifetime culinary experience.
a
averageguy
San Francisco
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 22, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience4
One of the few Michelin 3-star restaurants in the bay area that doesn't leave you hungry after a three hour dinner! Absolutely top tier menu featuring a lot of local seasonal produce (they have their own garden across the street) along with impeccable yet friendly service. This place and Saison (San Francisco) belong at the top of a list already very short.
A
Alex
Fort Lauderdale
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on March 20, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an amazing experience. Starting with the beginning, all the way to the ending when we were offered a tour of the kitchen and we had the great pleasure of meeting Chef Thomas Keller, who was a complete gentleman. He made us feel as though we were the only ones there that night. The food, the service, everything. The best culinary experience that we have had in the entire world. Believe me we have been all over, but this was the best by far!!!!!!!
W
Will
Houston
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best meal of my life. For such a highly rated and well known restaurant, we were happily surprised to have such down to earth waiters and service. Not rushed or snooty, just an all around unforgettable experience. Took our party back to the kitchen after lunch. An awesome meal and great family time. Will definitely return.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
I read reviews and got nervous. When you're spending this kind of money on a meal, you want perfection. I had read that Thomas Keller's goal is to make you want just one more bite of each dish, but by the next course you're feeling the same way about it. He delivered perfection on 10 plates last night. The service was impeccable, the staff friendly, and the food was absolutely perfect. It was the best 2 hours of this foodies' restaurant life. We are still talking about dishes, ingredients, tastes, etc. I walked away thinking TK deserves every star he has. We have visited lots of highly rated restaurants; this is an experience like no other.
n
napalgal
Orlando
70 reviews
vip
5.0
70 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Been waiting a long time to dine at this restaurant , exceeded our expectations . Tyson was absolutely amazing The food was so exciting and flawlessly delicious Yes, it was hugely expensive, but it was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences Our som was fantastic
MB
MaryB
New Orleans
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience3
The French Laundry has been on my bucket list for years and it was well worth the wait! The food and wine combined with the outstanding hospitality made for the most beautiful family dinner in Yountville. Half of our group chose the Tasting of Vegetables and half chose the chef's Tasting menu. If you have ever considered trying rabbit and octopus this is the place! On the vegetarian menu stuffed morel mushrooms, potato crusted la ratte potato and almond wood grilled cabbage are never a regret. All delicious and artistically presented. The dessert course was filled with fruit, chocolates, ice cream and more. All decadent and once in a lifetime delicious. This was one of the most fantastic "foodie" experiences for my young adult children. It will be a lifetime memory for our family and The French Laundry is back on my bucket list. One must experience this twice in a lifetime!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2017
overall5food4service5ambience3
This was a truly fabulous experience and the food and wine were only surpassed by the service. We read a tremendous amount of reviews that The French Laundry was overrated. In all honesty, a couple decades ago we dined here as well and we were not wowed; so we hesitated to revisit. However, something about this trip was fabulous. We all found it to be very worth it. Four of us dined and all four enjoyed every course. The recommended wine pairings were spot on and the selection was endless. Three in our foursome are quasi sommeliers and they were appreciative of the wine selections. It is certainly not for those on a budget, but if you are one who can manage it, I highly recommend giving it a try. It is worth the trouble and I would bet my first born that if you feel anything is not absolutely perfect, politely communicate your concerns and the unparalleled staff will be immediately remedy any issue beyond your satisfaction. I am confident that everyone in the restaurant on our night left with smiles on their faces and I am confident you will too.
D
Djcook
Orlando
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was a once in a lifetime dining experience for us. This is a dining experience - food, service, ambiance - it was all amazing. However, you do pay for amazing. It was the most we've ever paid for a meal, but we had an amazing time.
JH
JohnH
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 7, 2017
overall5food5service4ambience3
Once in a lifetime experience loved it The interior could use an update
L
Lili
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 6, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
My dream come true!Best restaurant in the world!Must say even though expensive it's so worth it! Really want to come back for my birthday dinner. But it's hard to book :((
AW
ArtsyWarin
Washington DC
18 reviews
vip
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2017
overall4food5service5ambience2
We visited the French Laundry, flying in from the East Coast, specifically to celebrate a special birthday with another couple. Perhaps we are completely spoiled, but we have also dined at the Inn at Little Washington and Paul Bocuse's L'Auberge du Pont de Collonges within the last 2 years. They were both a much more impressive experience, the food was way more impressive and creative and better presented (one of our courses at The French Laundry was a uniquely shaped piece of bread). The most disappointing of all was the lack of ambiance. There were 4 wall lights within view on the top floor where we were seated, but absolutely no decor or artwork anywhere to be found, except for a beautiful flower arrangement on the back wall near the ladies room. We will not go back again, although we were still glad we tried it. Oh, and it should be noted that the wine list begins at $150. We were shocked that the restaurant (in the heart of Napa Valley) didn't offer some unique, well-priced local wines to round out the dining experience. In short, no ambiance, good food, great service, but we left disappointed. So-so value.
AN
AlejandroN
Houston
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is the most impeccable out of this world dinner
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 28, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
An unbelievable experience. Menu, food and service were all on point. With all the expectations coming into a restaurant that is as highly rated, reviewed and renowned as the French Laundry, we wondered if it would be as great as we had heard. They did not disappoint and instead exceeded every hope. It was a joyful, fun, and wonderful experience-one we will never forget. Cannot thank them enough for making my husbands 50th birthday so perfect.
r
rcasasjr
San Francisco
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow! The dining experience was outstanding. All courses were great the presentation equally as great. Our server Anton and others were awesome explaining each course as it was presented. Our Sommelier Oscar was on point with his recommendation. Nick the Maitre D' gave us a tour of the newly open kitchen which was very informative and fun. All in all a great time out. We were celebrating my wife's birthday and they had all the details with the personalized menu with a Birthday greeting for her. The passion for what they do there is quite evident from top to bottom.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superb meal!
GG
GayleG
Kansas City
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pricey - and worth it! We were pampered every minute from the time we walked in the door until we left 4 hours later! Unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
B
Bobodante
Montreal
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Simply stunning experience. Without a doubt, one of the greatest dining experiences of our lives.
RO
RobertO
Nashville
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience4
Once in a lifetime dinning. A bucket list item. Unique
KD
KristenD
Dallas
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on February 21, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing. I don't think my words for Thomas kellers restaurant will do it justice.
M
Mark
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 21, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best restaurant in the world still! Must say even though expensive it's so worth it! Go there, eat there and have a memory for life!
BT
BenjaminT
Exclusive
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic. Lived up to the hype. The food was spectacular, especially the wagyu beef. It melted in your mouth like nothing I have ever tasted. The tour of the kitchen after dinner was great. Thomas Keller was cooking on this night and was gracious enough to take a photo with my wife and me. After the photo, he went back to cleaning the work surfaces. A true leader.
AB
AllenB
San Francisco
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
French Laundry is absolutely spectacular. The French cuisine is both beautiful and delicious. The wine list is incredible, and the sommelier is truly a gem. Be prepared for very rich food. It will be one of the best meals of your life.
U
Unitedwebe
San Francisco
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on December 20, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely perfect. Lunch 3 1/2 hours. The food was incredible but also very noteworthy is the service. The employees are all extremely gracious and kind, not only to us but to each other. As one of them said, we work in small quarters so we need to get along. I also appreciate the parting "gifts", including a folder with our menu as a momento.
MJ
MoJo
Exclusive
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 20, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
In a word, spectacular. 5 stars in every category. It continues to be a great, great restaurant and amazingly worth the tariff for memory-making experience. Still, there is a tarnish on the silver. Let me focus first on the big picture. There are several dishes here, I will mention the foie gras with its accompaniment of salts from around the world, including those from a 150 million year old copper mine and the incredibly pure from beneath the sea in Japan, called terrine, that are worth a journey. Let me mention also the smoked trout and the yellowtail, both melt-in-the-mouth delicious, and the little amuse, the salmon tartar starter, the gougere that exploded with wonderful flavor rather than passively melting in the mouth, the egg custard with truffle as a bonus dish with sublime texture! Our CIA graduate loved the pappardelle with white truffles, since we were lucky to be in season. The diversity of the tasting menu is intriguing all by itself. If only one had an unlimited digestive system! But it is too much food, and for today's market, a little too inflexible in terms of not offering a more limited menu, in my view. Hardly any superlatives suffice to describe the wine list. World-class, but at the same time, interesting. So what I regret to say, is that although in general the staff was outstanding, and even memorable, there were more than one or two errors that were surprising. A special order forgotten, more than one instance of dishes given to the wrong guest of our table of 4. So, we were the rare holiday lunch guests, so perhaps that's the explanation. Also, the seasoning of one lentil side dish seemed awfully salty to all of us. Back to the big picture, if you have the time and the $, one of the most wonderful culinary experiences available in the US! Whatever your expectations, you cannot be disappointed
f
foodandwinescritics
San Francisco
22 reviews
3.0
22 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2016
overall3food3service4ambience3
Mediocre food for a 3 Michelin star restaurant no bottle sparkling water in the house only purify.no black napkins for a black dress, definatelly need more for the 3 stars. Sorry Overprice wine list creazy over priced wines !
LB
LoriB
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
A fantastic experience. I loved the food but what was just as wonderful was the service. Not pretentious but attentive and approachable. A memorable evening for sure!
CW
CeliaW
Raleigh
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
I've been to this fabulous restaurant 8 times now and I can honestly say, that each time, is like the first time. Looking forward to another fabulous dinner on New Year's Eve. Great staff, great food and an all around amazing experience. P.S. My husband LOVED the cigar on the patio after lunch. It was a great way to cap off a wonderful meal and I highly recommend it! Celia
D
jayD
Palm Springs
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
truly lives up to its billing as one of the greatest restaurants in the world
n
nessy
Los Angeles
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow, what an experience! The French Laundry is absolutely something to be experienced, as I feel no words can do it justice. The service was impeccable and the food was phenomenal. A must try!

FAQs

The French Laundry is rated 4.8 stars by 702 OpenTable diners.