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French Laundry Reservations: Tips and Advice on Getting a Reservation at The French Laundry

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It can be very difficult to get French Laundry reservations. In fact, The French Laundry is often named in the list of top ten most difficult restaurant reservations to book in the world.

This 3 Michelin-starred Thomas Keller restaurant in Yountville, California is one of the most exclusive in Napa Valley. However, this article will give you the facts on how to book a reservation at The French Laundry and tips on how to increase your odds of making a reservation based on our experience and from asking the staff at The French Laundry.

how to make reservations at French Laundry

So normally, making a restaurant reservation involves simply calling the restaurant or making a quick online reservation request. Generally you can do this a week or less in advance and boom you have a table.Things are not so easy at The French Laundry.

It takes a bit of planning to ensure you get a reservation on your preferred date and time. There’s also winter and summer closure breaks, white truffle season, and summer tourists to take into consideration. But things are not hopeless, read on for our tips to help you make French Laundry reservations.

We ate at The French Laundry as part of a surprise anniversary dinner. I used this as an opportunity to get tips from staff members on how best to make reservations for our blog readers. We’ve since updated those tips with recent changes which have included renovations to the restaurant as well as significant changes to their booking system and their reservation policies.

Napa Valley without wine

Some Basic Information about The French Laundry

The French Laundry is a three-Michelin starred restaurant service French-inspired American food. Thomas Keller is head chef.

  • Restaurant address: 6640 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599.
  • Their main phone number is 707-944-2380.
  • They are open seven nights a week for dinner and also service lunch on Friday-Sunday. They typically close for 1-2 weeks each Winter and Summer.
  • They serve dinner from 5:00pm to 8:45pm., and lunch Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11:00am to 12:30pm.
  • At each service, two nine-course tasting menus are offered (the “Tasting of Vegetables” vegetarian menu and the meat-inclusive Chef’s Menu). Both currently (as of November 2018) priced at $310 per person. Service and nonalcoholic drinks are included in the price. You can see a recent copy of the menu and wine list are posted online
  • There are 62 seats in the dining room. These seats are the ones that become available two months to the date. They are able to accommodate 1 to 7 persons per table in the main dining room.
  • For groups, there are two private dining rooms available that can each accommodate between 6 to 12 guests. In the warmer months, there is also one outdoor courtyard table that can accommodate 8-14 guests who wish to dine al fresco. Groups may also book out the full dining room for a private party. For private dining and group pricing and information you can call them at 707-944-0456.

how to make French Laundry reservations

How to Make a Reservation

Until recently there were three main options for making a reservation at The French Laundry, which included calling them directly, booking a table online through OpenTable, or using a concierge service to help book by phone. However, things have changed a lot recently, and all bookings are now done online (with the exception of private events) via Tock.

Important Note: Reservations are no longer taken by phone! You can not make a reservation (expect for larger private or special events), change a reservation, or join a waitlist by phone. You have to do it via the online system.

Book a Table Online via Tock

Here are all the information you need to make a reservation for The French Laundry online using Tock:

  • The French Laundry has moved to only taking reservations online using Tock. You can make an online reservation here.
  • I would sign up to Tock ahead of time if you are not already a registered user as you will need to sign up to make a reservation.
  • You need to book at least 2 to 4 months in advance for best chance to getting a table. Available tables are currently released every 1st day of every odd numbered month (January, March, May, July, September, and November) at 10:00 A.M. (PST), 2 months at a time. So for example tables are released on January 1st for those wanting to book from March 1st through April 30th and tables will be released on May 1st  for July 1st  through August 31st.
  • The Tock site is helpful as it shows in the sidebar of the website information about booking dates and when the next release will be (e.g., “Now booking through December 31, 2018”).
  • The new tables go online at 10am PST. Translate this time to your own time zone (e.g., 1:00pm in EST) and mark this on your calendar.
  • Have your credit card information handy. You have to pre-pay for your reservations.
  • If the system shows all the tables are booked, add yourself to the online Waitlist and you’ll be notified when and if a table becomes available for your chosen date(s).

Use a Concierge Service

If you have access to a concierge service through your credit card or bank (e.g., American Express, Visa Signature Concierge Service), I would call them and ask to see if they can help you get a reservations.

This strategy worked well back when the restaurant booked most of its tables via phone, but is likely much less effective now that it requires you to book via an online booking system. But you can still call to ask to see if they can help and be sure to explain how the booking system works.

Make sure the concierge service has your credit card info and that you authorize them to give out your information as Tock and The French Laundry will need this information to hold the reservation.

The great thing about the concierge services is they may have a better chance than you of getting a reservation and you don’t have to do anything further. However, the downside is that you have little control over the process and you are left waiting to see if they are successful or not.

If you Don’t Succeed, Don’t Give up All Hope

If there are reservations left online for the The French Laundry, don’t give up all hope as there is still a chance you can still score a reservation. Also if you need to cancel or transfer a TFL reservation, but don’t know anyone who wants it, you can still find someone.

See our tips below:

  • Keep checking back periodically on Tock as people’s plans change and tables will often come open.
  • If you are in the Napa area already, keep checking online the day before or the day of your visit as people sometimes have to cancel reservations last minute and you may be able to scoop a table.
  • Make sure you are on the online waiting list. You need to add your name on the Waitlist through the Tock software.
  • The French Laundry has a very strict cancellation policy. It used to be that there was a USD $100 cancellation fee per booking; however, that policy has changed. All bookings are non-refundable and cannot be canceled. However, you are able to sell the booking to someone or transfer the booking to another person as a whole reservation online within the Tock system.
  • Check the Comments section at the bottom of this article as people who are interested in transferring their reservations often post that they have or need a reservation. If there is a reservation that matches your dates, you can contact that person directly. Or if not, you can leave your own comment saying you are looking for a reservation (be sure to leave a contact email and/or phone number).
  • Note that if you plan to transfer a reservation, be sure to do it through the Tock system. If you are also paying a finder’s fee (a price beyond the original price of the reservation), you’ll need to do this outside of the Tock system. Be cautious, and use your good judgement on the best way to do this.
  • If you score a TFL reservation using our tips or via our Comments section, let us know about it. Our Comments section on this article has become a dining matchmaking service and we love success stories!

More Tips for Booking French Laundry Reservations

Be prepared and do your planning. Those who plan in advance are much more likely to get reservations.

Call or check their website for their upcoming closing or renovation dates. Generally, The French Laundry closes twice a year for 1-2 weeks in both Winter and Summer although it was closed more often in recent years during extensive kitchen renovations. Figuring out these dates in advance, can save you a lot of time since it will be impossible to dine here during their closures. Similarly, you can also call and check to make sure the restaurant is not being booked for private party on your desired date.

Be flexible with your dates. This will greatly increase your chance of getting a reservation. Try for weekdays instead of weekends.

Be flexible about when you can dine. Most people want the coveted middle dinner seating, but be open to the early and late times as well. We ate at the early 5:30pm seating and the food was still wonderful, we just planned accordingly and didn’t eat much for lunch. Lunch reservations are easier to get than dinner. The French Laundry serves dinner 7 nights a week when open, but also serves lunch on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The menu is still the same!

Best time of year to try for French Laundry reservations according to staff at the restaurant are February through the beginning of May as this is a slow time for tourism in Napa Valley. Worse times of year for getting French Laundry reservations according to staff are during white truffle season (October and November), and during the summer months (mid May through end of August). The staff also noted that right before or after a closure (they normally close for one week or so in the Winter and Summer) is typically quite busy as well.

All bookings are non-refundable and cannot be canceled. Be sure to check the latest cancellation guidelines before booking. If you do need to cancel, be sure to do so as early as possible to be able to have a good chance of selling your reservation to someone else. 

If you need to cancel your reservation, you can transfer it thorough Tock online at any time. You can gift or sell your reservation for any amount up to the original purchase price to another person. To transfer a reservation, you need to log into your Tock profile and complete the transfer through there. 

If it don’t know of someone looking for a reservation, try posting online (such as our Comments section at the end of the article) to see if you can find some other diners looking for reservations that can take your place. Be sure to leave the date and time of your reservation, number of seats, contact information (phone number and/or email), and any other pertinent details. Comments left without contact information will be deleted.

If it is last minute and you are in Napa, ask if your hotel might help you by calling around to see if there are other visitors who have been trying to get reservations.

Where to Stay Near The French Laundry

After a big evening meal and a few glasses of wine, you are not going to want to have to drive far to get home. In fact, if you and your dining partners are planning to drink, you’ll probably need to call a taxi. Or better yet, choose a place that you can simply walk to after dinner!

We’d definitely recommend staying in Yountville on the night of your reservation so you can just enjoy a short and leisurely walk home afterwards.

You can compare and book Yountville hotel options or check the wider Napa Valley hotel options here.

Here are some of our recommendations on places to consider within walking distance of The French Laundry:

  • Bardessonno Hotel & Spa – A 5-star hotel that includes a full-service restaurant, bar, spa, rooftop pool, and free bicycle rentals. Spacious guest suites come with private balconies, fireplaces and sofas. Hotel is located only a 7 minute walk from The French Laundry.
  • Vintage House – A 4-star country-style house hotel featuring a spa, swimming pool, breakfast buffet, fitness center, and restaurant. Rooms include hot tubs, a balcony or patio, and fireplaces. The Vintage House is located only a 2 minute walk from The French Laundry restaurant.
  • Lavendar – A 3-star Four Sisters Inn offering cozy guest rooms in a historic home. A stay includes a free full breakfast and evening and evening wine and hors d’oeuvres. A short 2 minute walk to The French Laundry Lavender features guest rooms
  • Hotel Yountville – This 5-star hotel features a restaurant with a wood burning fireplace, a bar, a spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a business center, and free bike rentals. Guest rooms include modern decor, bathrobes, minibar, and private patios. A 13 minute walk from The French Laundry, or a 3 minute drive.

If you don’t mind driving or taking a taxi, here are some more accommodation options to consider:

  • Poetry Inn – This 5-star property offers a seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, spa treatment rooms, a 3-course breakfast, and turn down service. Rooms includes fireplaces, soaking tubs, and balconies with views of the beautiful Mayacamas mountains. A 7 minute drive from The French Laundry.
  • Auberge du Soleil – This 5-star luxury resort sits within an olive grove and includes an outdoor pool, full-service spa, complimentary fitness classes, fine dining restaurant, and bar. Rooms include fireplaces, balconies or patios, soaking tubs, and living room areas. Auberge du Soleil is located 14 minute drive from The French Laundry. is located 14 minute drive from The French Laundry.
  • Calistoga Ranch –  This 5-star rustic luxury resort is one of the best known and expensive properties in the area. The lodging sits within a 157 acre ranch and features a swimming pool, restaurant, fitness center, and free bicycle rentals. Rooms include fireplaces, spa toiletries, and outdoor rain showers. Calistoga Ranch is located 25 minutes by car from The French Laundry.

Napa Valley without wine hot air ballon rides

OK, so there you go! A comprehensive guide to how to make French Laundry reservations if you ever choose to do so. Have you ever booked reservations to The French Laundry?

A guide to how to make reservations at The French Laundry, what to do if it is fully booked, how to cancel or exchange your reservations, and advice on where to stay near The French Laundry in Yountville and the Napa Valley California. #TheFrenchLaundry #finedining #Michelinrestaurants #FrenchLaundry #NapaValley #Yountville

 If you have more tips, updated information, or advice for booking reservations, please let us know. Also, you can read about our dining experience in our The French Laundry review dining experience (including loads of pics) and also check out our guide to things to do in Napa besides drink wine.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I’m looking to sell and transfer my TFL reservations at face value ($700.38) for Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 11:45am for 2 people. We sadly cannot make it anymore. Please email cthai88@gmail.com if interested.
    -Cathy

    Reply

  4. Looking for reservations for 2 for Feb28th. I tried to time my booking just right but missed the release date by a day and it was booked up immediately. I really wanted to surprise my husband for his birthday while we are down that way. My email is AShaferRN@hotmail.com

    Reply

  8. I am looking for 2ppl any time on Mon, Tues,, or Wed February 4th, 5th or 6th.
    I planned this surprise trip for my husbands 60th Birthday, flying out from New Jersey. The concierge at the hotel we are staying at in Yountville advised me reservations would be available on line December 1st for February. Well, they became available November 1st…almost three months out. I am on wait list but just trying all avenues. Will pay finders fee…

    Email: abstractart303@yahoo.com

    Reply

    • Hi Tracy, I am very sorry to hear that you were given inacccurate information from your hotel.

      Yes, reservations are released online on Tock from 2 months from the release date to 4 months from it. Available tables are currently released every 1st day of every odd numbered month (January, March, May, July, September, and November), 2 months at a time. So for example tables will released on January 1st for those wanting to book from March 1st through April 30th.

      Hope you are able to find a reservation for your husband’s birthday. Readers post on here almost daily so keep checking back as well.

      Best,
      Jessica

      Reply

  13. Hi everyone – I plan to be in Napa on 12/21 with my best friend visiting from Australia. Does anyone have 2 tickets available to sell? Lunch, dinner, anytime!

    Thank you!
    Sam

    Reply

  17. I am looking for reservations for 2 at the French Laundry, dates between Feb 24-Feb 28. Its for my (soon to be) husband and I’s honeymoon. If anybody could help we would be so grateful!!

    Reply

  27. Hi, I am looking for a reservation for 2 people on a Friday (night), Saturday (day or night), or Sunday (day). Any weekend from Nov 30 – Dec 16, or any weekend after January 10th will work. Please reply here and/or email me at frog139@comcast.net. Thank you!

    Reply

  28. I have a reservation for 2 people in the dining room on 29 January 2019 at 8:45pm. I no longer need this and would like to sell it. If interested l, please contact me at singer.jw@gmail.com and we can make the transfer via tock.
    —John

    Reply

  32. I have 4 tickets to sell for dinner at 8:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve!! Please contact me at stefiekam@gmail.com if interested. Payment will be handled through the French Laundry reservation system Tock.

    Reply

  34. Selling at cost ($700.38) a reservation for 2 on Monday, February 25th at 5:30PM. Please reply to this comment. Thanks!

    Reply

  36. Looking for Nov 10th or Nov 11th French Laundry reservations. Please contact me (smohan83@gmail.com) if you’re willing to transfer yours

    Reply

  42. Looking for a TFL reservation for 3 or 4 for December 21 for dinner. It’s my parents 50th wedding anniversary and would love to surprise them.

    Reply

  43. I’m looking for a reservation for November 16 (lunch or dinner), 17 (lunch or dinner) or 18 (lunch). Let me know if anyone has one to transfer. Thanks!

    Reply

  44. Hi! I am looking for French Laundry reservations for dinner on November 24th for 2. I planned a trip to Napa because my sister had an additional reservation but hers sold before I knew I could join. I would greatly appreciate any help. Please email irina2103@gmail.com.

    Reply

  46. Looking for The French Laundry DINNER reservations for 3 for anytime Wednesday thru Saturday, October 17-20. Thanks for any help you can give these 3 gals on an impromptu 40th bday vacay, misplaced by Hurricane Michael! 🙂 Contact Penny 314-504-7656 or onecentwagner@gmail.com

    Reply

  47. Hi,
    We are travelling to Napa from Australia for Christmas and would love a lunch or dinner reservation for 3 people on Sunday, December 23. Will pay finder’s fee. Please contact me via shlubucek@gmail.com if you can assist. Thanks!

    Reply

  51. Hi! I am looking for a reservation for 2 to The French Laundry in December in order to celebrate my husband’s 40th Birthday! I hope someone out there has a reservation in December that they need to get rid of, thanks! Email: allisonwsurveys@gmail.com

    Reply

  52. Hello, we are selling the following reservation for the price we prepaid. Please contact me at arenda@roico.com if interested. Thank you!
    The Board Room
    Thursday, October 18, 2018
    6:00 PM
    8 guests
    $3,600.00 + $279.00 (Tax 7.75%)
    Total: $3,879.00

    Reply

  56. Hi everyone,
    I am looking to celebrate my 70th birthday and am looking for a 5 person reservation for or around Feb. 23.
    Thanks,
    Sanjay Ray

    Reply

    • Hi Sanjay, February dining reservations are not being taken yet so no one will be able to offer them on here. So you still have time to book online via Tock and get a reservation yourself. I recommend that you read over the article for details and sign up to Tock.

      Reply

    • Hi Emily, You probably already saw these, but there are a few people offering reservations at The French Laundry that would work for your dates that have commented below. A good place to start, if you haven’t already done so, is by contacting those folks to see if they still have reservations.

      Good luck!
      Jessica

      Reply

  61. Hi I am looking for 2 French Laundry reservations for either October 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19th. Very special birthday for bucket list. Please email me at: marcihr@aol.com. Thank you. Marci.

    Reply

  65. I am looking for TFL dinner reservations for November 9 or 10 for party of 4. It is my wife’s 40th birthday. Please email me at jonghwoo117@gmail.com if you are willing to sell. Will pay transfer / finders fee if necessary. Thank you!!

    Reply

  67. Hi, We have a reservation at The French Laundry for Thursday, Sept 27th at 8:15pm that we would like to sell. I would utilize the “transfer” option in the Tock reservation system and would simply charge what I Paid for them ($700). Please e-mail me if interested at cnagelbagel@gmail.com
    Thanks!
    Carrie

    Reply

  69. Looking for a reservation for dinner for 2 in October 2018 to celebrate 21st year anniversary. Any dates on Oct 5,6,12,26,27 or Nov 1 or Nov 2 will work. Thanks in advance.
    Russell Tam
    rptam1@gmail.com
    512-695-5860

    Reply

  72. I have a French Laundry reservation for 2 on Friday, November 16, 2018 at 11:15 AM (Lunch time) and am looking to sell. I would utilize the “transfer” option in the Tock reservation system and would simply charge what I Paid for them ($700). Please e-mail me if interested at pfrederiksen@me.com. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Hi Anastasia, Hopefully this will help someone looking for a French Laundry reservation – may be helpful to leave the date you have your reservation so people can see if it matches the dates they’ll be in Napa Valley. Best, Jessica

      Reply

  80. I am looking for a reservation for two at TFL for ANY dinner date in the next three months. I will pay a $500 finder’s fee in addition to the cost of the reservation. Please help if you have a reservation you don’t need. Thanks! Lisa

    Reply

    • Hi Lisa, Best of luck in finding a TFL reservation and you may want to include some way for people to contact you directly such as an email about any possible French Laundry reservations. I would also check again with the restaurant closer to the time as it is possible they may have cancellations. Good luck, Jessica

      Reply

  81. Dear Jessica,
    I have called more than 100 times for reservation. I will become 75 April second it has been in my bucket list to celebrate my
    75th birthday having dinner at French Laundry there will be 5 of us and desire to have dinner between 6 to 7 PM on April first 2017
    can you make my wish to become a reality Thank you for reading JAY

    Reply

    • Hi Jay, Unfortunately, I do not have any way to help you make a reservation as I do not work for the French Laundry. I would recommend following the tips in this post as those are the best tips to get a dinner reservation at The French Laundry. Also note that The French Laundry is still in the middle of a large renovation and currently they are now only taking reservations 1 month in advance (it is normally 2 months in advance). Here is what their website says: “Due to our construction schedule, reservations are currently taken one month to the calendar date and can be made daily by calling our reservationists between 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at 707.944.2380 or visit OPENTABLE. Our PRIVATE DINING ROOM can be reserved through April until construction is completed. ” So for an April 1st reservation, they won’t take that reservation until March 1st so be sure to call then. You also have the option to potentially book the private dining room if a regular table is not available. Best of luck, Jessica

      Reply

  82. Is there no way to email The French Laundry? Not to make reservations, but for feedback? I don’t see any place on their website where one can leave feedback. If you know of a way to email them, please advise,
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Hi Tammy, I do not see a general email either, but they do have press and private dining emails/submission forms on their website where you can contact them online. However, that does not sound like what you are looking for. Instead, you might consider calling them directly at 707-944-2380 if you have a question or want to give them feedback directly, or you can leave feedback or a review on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/frenchlaundry). Hope this helps! ~ Jessica

      Reply

  83. do you know when the french laundry closes during the winter, as we are hoping to eat there around the 10th January 2017. we are travelling from the UK on our honeymoon.

    Reply

    • Hi Wayne, Yes, as far as I know The French Laundry still has not completed the renovations of their kitchen so closures due to construction are only being noted about a month in advance (they are taking reservations starting 1 month in advance). I would try calling them to inquire to see if they have any scheduled winter closures in January or if they expect there to be any due to construction. You won’t be able to make a reservation yet, but if they anticipate being closed at that time, I would consider making reservations elsewhere in the Napa area to be sure to secure your second-choice restaurant (there are tons of excellent restaurants in the Napa, Sonoma, and SF area). If you find out any information, please feel free to share it for future readers. Best, Jessica

      Reply

  84. Excellent roster of tips for gaining a reservation at French Laundry, or any in-demand restaurant. Nice post – thanks for sharing your insights.

    Reply

    • We are happy to have gotten so much feedback that this article has been useful for people. Yes, I guess these tips are actually applicable to how to get almost any hard to get restaurant reservation.

      Reply

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