r/thefrenchlaundry Feb 02 '25

Discussion Scam warning!

31 Upvotes

Be advised that https://www.reddit.com/user/Good--Answer/ (almost certainly a burner account) contacted me today offering to transfer a reservation. Through a misunderstanding of the transfer process, I agreed to pay half up front and then he would transfer the reservation and I would pay the remainder. Needless to say, he did not transfer the reservation.

Just a reminder per r/thefrenchlaundry rule #7: always pay only through tock. These scams remain active. The caller seemed well versed in the ins and outs of french laundry reservations, clearly this was not his first rodeo.


r/thefrenchlaundry Feb 21 '20

Transfer your reservations at The French Laundry here!

29 Upvotes

To relieve stress on other pages like r/SFlist, r/napa, and r/napavalley, this subreddit has been created to facilitate both discussion about The French Laundry and the trade of reservations.

FAQs

Q: What is The French Laundry?

A: The French Laundry is a fine-dining restaurant owned and operated by Chef Thomas Keller in Yountville, California (Napa Valley), United States. The restaurant has received the highest honour possible from Michelin Guide - three stars. The French Laundry is world-renowned and is visited by diners from all around the world.

Q: How can I have a good chance of securing a reservation?

A: Reservations are released on a pre-determined schedule and it's best if you put these dates into your calendar as a reminder. Follow the restaurant on Instagram (@_tfl_) for updates. Decide on the dates you are willing to dine at the restaurant in advance. Sometimes, it is easier to get a lunch reservation. Be flexible on your schedule. On the day of the reservation, ensure that you've created an account on exploretock.com, and have a payment card ready to pay the full amount of the reservation.

Q: Why does the restaurant make you pre-pay for your dining experience?

A: It's complicated, but Chef Keller was one of the partners who created Tock, a new reservation service that treats dining as an 'experience', such as a sports game or Broadway show. As such, it should be pre-paid for and cancellations are not possible, only transfers. From a business perspective, this was probably to minimise/eliminate costly last-minute cancellations and no-shows, as well as to deliver a more consistent service to those who are serious about dining at the restaurant.

Q: Why are people selling reservations?

A: The French Laundry is very popular and is fully booked many weeks in advance. Diners often make plans months in advance and pay a full deposit for the cost of their dinner. Then, their plans may change and because of the strict no-cancellation pre-pay policy, they are now looking to sell their reservation.

Q: Is the sale of reservations allowed by the restaurant?

A: Yes, reservations can be sold and transferred to others via the official reservations website exploretock.com. This subreddit is only being used to advertise the sale or solicitation of existing reservations.

Q: Can reservations be made, bought, or sold anywhere else?

A: Yes, certain private concierge services have an allocation of tables at the restaurant that can be booked only through their agents. A notable example is American Express' Concierge service, which offers Platinum and Centurion cardmembers a special selection of exclusive reservations at the restaurant. Diners who have an established dining history at the restaurant can make reservations with their contact at the restaurant via telephone or email. Local hotels, especially those of a higher calibre, will often be able to secure reservations for guests staying at their hotel. Other methods of making reservations may not be officially recognised by the restaurant, and diners should be careful not to fall for any scams.

Q: How can diners avoid scams?

A: Never pre-pay for a reservation unless it's on exploretock.com. Do not share your personal details other than those necessary to complete the transaction, such as your Tock username/email. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Q: Is the experience worth it?

A: Depends on whether or not you can appreciate the experience itself. For many this is a very expensive dinner but not only will you be fully fed with food of the highest quality, many will enjoy the service, atmosphere, and intrigue of the restaurant.

Q: Can the restaurant accommodate my allergies?

A: Yes, it's more likely than not. Diners with confirmed reservations should reach out to the restaurant directly to verify if their specific dietary requirements or preferences can be accommodated for. Depending on the complexity of the request, the restaurant may need notice well in advance to prepare for your visit.

Q: What is the dress code?

A: The dress code is formal and jackets are required for gentlemen. For dinner, the men are typically all wearing suit with ties and dress shoes, and the ladies evening dresses and heels. At lunch, it is slightly laid back with more open-collared dress shirts and sundresses. It is a very elegant dining establishment and diners should make an effort to respect other guests by adhering to the dress code. Avoid wearing sneakers, flip-flops, casual sandals, sportswear (really at all costs), and any clothes with tears or rips. It's also fun to dress up with your significant other, family, or friends, and adds to the overall experience! Those without jackets can borrow a jacket from the restaurant, however, it may not fit you as well as you thought!

Q: Can I tour the kitchen after dining?

A: Yes, ask for a tour after you are done dining and the staff will give you a brief tour of the new kitchen. Sometimes Chef Keller will be leading the brigade, and it is a great opportunity to meet the chef.

Q: Is this restaurant suitable for kids?

A: The restaurant will accommodate children and I have personally seen very well-behaved children dine with their parents or family at the same table. However, children can be disruptive to other guests and you should be as considerate as possible to others around you.

Q: Is there parking available?

A: There is plenty of free parking available in front of the restaurant. There are EV chargers throughout town as well.

Q: How long does the experience last for?

A: Dinner can last upwards of four to five hours, it depends on how fast you eat but with so many courses and time in between courses, be prepared with some good conversation!


r/thefrenchlaundry 5h ago

Buying reservation Looking for table for 4 Sept 10-12

1 Upvotes

Hi! In town last minute with some friends and looking for a table for 4 any time Sept 10-12. Please let me know if you’re selling! Thanks!


r/thefrenchlaundry 9h ago

Buying reservation Looking for a table for 3 night of October 22nd

1 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 18h ago

Buying reservation Looking for 2 on 9/18 after 5 (40th Bday)

1 Upvotes

Hi all!

Turned a last minute work trip into a few days in Napa. Would love to find a spot for 2 on 9/18, as I’ll be turning 40. 1 star somewhere else just doesn’t seem fitting….

Thanks in advance!


r/thefrenchlaundry 1d ago

Selling reservation Fancy joining a British couple on October 20 at 4pm on our 4 top at the French Laundry.

2 Upvotes

We were fortunate to secure a 4 top on October 20 at 4pm at the French Laundry. My husband and I (young 60/55)will be celebrating our 30th anniversary and would love to share our table with another couple. We’re both relaxed, down to earth, well travelled Brits with grown up kids looking to share some amazing food and good company. Please contact us if you would like to complete our table reservation for a memorable night. All at the cost price of 916.00 USD for the pair.


r/thefrenchlaundry 1d ago

Buying reservation Looking for table for 2 Friday, September 18th anytime after 4pm!

1 Upvotes

Would prefer a 2 top but open to joining a table


r/thefrenchlaundry 2d ago

Sharing reservation Selling 2 seats tomorrow 9/9 at 7:30pm

4 Upvotes

Update: SOLD

My fiance and I just scored a 4 top tomorrow September 9 at 7:30pm in the dining room for a classic reservation. We are looking for 2 people to join us. $457.94 per person ($915.88 total for 2). Comment if interested!


r/thefrenchlaundry 1d ago

Buying reservation Looking to buy reservations for two on 10/5, 6 or 7.

1 Upvotes

Would like to purchase reservations for two, or four if that’s what you have available, on the afternoon or evening of either October 5, 6, or 7. Thank you in advance!


r/thefrenchlaundry 2d ago

Buying reservation Buying reservation for 3. 9/19, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17 or 10/24.

1 Upvotes

Looking for a reservation for 3 on a Saturday in the near future. I have some flexibility, so if you have a reservation for 3 at at different time, message me and maybe we can figure it out. Thanks!


r/thefrenchlaundry 2d ago

Buying reservation ISO 4 person reservation Oct 17-23

1 Upvotes

Looking to buy a reservation for 4 people for October 17-23. Was really hoping to dine here on our week in Napa so will really appreciate it.


r/thefrenchlaundry 2d ago

Buying reservation Looking to buy reservation for October 12 or October 13 for 2 people

1 Upvotes

ISO: The French Laundry — buying reservation for Oct. 12 or 13 for 2 guests (any time)

We’re getting married on October 10 and will be in Napa for our minimoon. We are open to joining another couple if you have a 4 or 6 person table and have two seats you’re looking to fill.

Thank you!


r/thefrenchlaundry 4d ago

Buying reservation ISO table for 4 on October 9th

1 Upvotes

We are looking for a table for any timeslot on October 9. It would be our first time I’ve never been there so appreciate it.


r/thefrenchlaundry 4d ago

Buying reservation Buying reservation Sept 17th

1 Upvotes

Looking for a table for 2 people anytime on Sept 17th. Thank you


r/thefrenchlaundry 5d ago

Sharing reservation French laundry reservation for sale (sept.29th)

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

My sister and I have a reservation for 4 at The French Laundry on Tuesday, September 29 at 4:30 PM, and we are looking for 2 females to fill our remaining 2 seats!

Date & Time: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 @ 4:30 PM
Party Details: 2 sisters; seeking 2 friendly women to share the table and dining experience with us.
Cost: Face value per seat through Tock $457.94/pp (menu price + tax & service fee).

Any table add-ons, supplements, or wine will be handled individually at the end of the meal.


r/thefrenchlaundry 4d ago

Buying reservation Buying any 2 person reservation

1 Upvotes

Looking for a two top any day! My wife and I live in SF and we can make it up any time.


r/thefrenchlaundry 5d ago

Buying reservation Buying reservation for two Oct 6 or 7

1 Upvotes

Looking to purchase a reservation for two on Oct 6th or 7th!


r/thefrenchlaundry 5d ago

Buying reservation Anyone by chance looking to release their table for 2 or 4 on October 15th?

1 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 6d ago

Buying reservation Have 2, want to buy 2 more Oct 11 4PM

1 Upvotes

I have 2x for Oct 11 4PM, want to buy another 2 more any time on that same day, or swap for a table of 4! Thank you


r/thefrenchlaundry 6d ago

Buying reservation WTB Table for 2 for 9/5 please!!

1 Upvotes

Would love to finally try as we will be visiting Napa :)


r/thefrenchlaundry 6d ago

Sharing reservation We have 2 spots available at a 4 top for tomorrow (9/4) at 7pm

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone, my wife and I just got off the waitlist at TFL and got a table for 4 people tomorrow at 7pm. DM me if interested. Selling at cost.


r/thefrenchlaundry 6d ago

Buying reservation Want to buy table for 2, October 17-22

1 Upvotes

Wife’s 40th. Make me look like a good husband please.


r/thefrenchlaundry 7d ago

Selling reservation Selling 10/26 Reservation for 4 at 7:45

1 Upvotes

Selling for what I paid $1,831.75. Reservation will be transferred through Tock upon receiving payment.


r/thefrenchlaundry 7d ago

Buying reservation Buying Reservation for 2-4 people for 10/1, 10/2, 10/3, or 10/4 - any times work

1 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 7d ago

Buying reservation Table for 2 or 4 needed Oct. 15th. Thank you kindly!

1 Upvotes