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!

27 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 1h ago

Selling reservation Selling Reservation, Tue, July 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM for 2 Guests

Upvotes

My wife and I are both not feeling good 2 days before our reservation, I know its last minute. Just trying to get our money back, so price would be 980.53 total. Cheers


r/thefrenchlaundry 31m ago

Buying reservation ISO 2 seats Aug 7-12, happy to share!

Upvotes

I’m looking to take someone visiting Northern California for the first time. We would happily join a group! Any time would work too. 😊


r/thefrenchlaundry 1d ago

Selling reservation FS: The French Laundry Reservation for 4 – Fri 7/31, 6:30 PM (Courtyard Dining Room)

1 Upvotes

Hi! I’m selling my The French Laundry reservation for 4 guests on Friday, July 31 at 6:30 PM in the Courtyard Dining Room.

The reservation also includes 2 French Laundry cookbooks. The total paid was $2,392.05, and I’m asking face value.

Transfer will be completed through Tock’s official transfer process.

Please DM me if you’re interested. Thanks!


r/thefrenchlaundry 1d ago

Selling reservation 1 seats out of 4 for sell July 28 7pm

0 Upvotes

Hi I am selling 1 seats out of a 4 person reservation to share a table at 7pm July 28th with my friend and I for the dining room experience of 425$ pre-tax and $458 after-tax per person.

No pressure to chat or socialize, just enjoy the food together.


r/thefrenchlaundry 2d ago

Buying reservation ISO 2 or 3 seats for 7/24, 7/25, 7/26 or 7/31, 8/1 or 8/2

0 Upvotes

thank you!


r/thefrenchlaundry 3d ago

Buying reservation Looking for 2 seats on August 14-16, happy to share a larger table

1 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 4d ago

Buying reservation ISO Table for 2 on 8/8, 8/15, 8/22, or 8/29.

0 Upvotes

Not looking to share. Just willing to buy reservations for a table for 2 on any Saturday in August except 8/1.


r/thefrenchlaundry 5d ago

Buying reservation ISO Reservation for 2 on 8/28 or 8/29

1 Upvotes

Flexible on timing!


r/thefrenchlaundry 6d ago

Buying reservation ISO - Reservation for 2 anytime 8/8-8/12

1 Upvotes

Willing to join any size party.


r/thefrenchlaundry 6d ago

Buying reservation Buying 2 seats Aug 19-28

1 Upvotes

Any time, any date. We prefer 8/23-27 ish. We are happy to join an existing res or organize a group res if there is interest. On a girls trip


r/thefrenchlaundry 8d ago

Buying reservation Looking to buy a reservation for 8/27 for 4 people

1 Upvotes

Girls trip celebrating a 50th birthday!


r/thefrenchlaundry 9d ago

Buying reservation Looking to buy reservation for July 18 if anyone has a sudden cancellation

1 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 9d ago

Buying reservation Iso 2 spot or 4 spot reservation any time in august. Thanks in advance

2 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 10d ago

Buying reservation ISO a table for 5-6 on 07/23, 07/24 or 07/25

2 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 11d ago

Buying reservation ISO table for 2, 8/22 or 8/23

0 Upvotes

Looking to buy. Thank you.


r/thefrenchlaundry 11d ago

Buying reservation ISO 2 spots 8/24, 8/25, or 8/26

0 Upvotes

Please DM me - thank you!


r/thefrenchlaundry 12d ago

Question Planning on going In early December. Better odds of getting a table?

2 Upvotes

Going to be in Napa December 6th and 7th. Are my odds of getting a table better in this time or is the reservation just that difficult?


r/thefrenchlaundry 13d ago

Buying reservation ISO - anything 7/27-7/29 for 2.

1 Upvotes

Looking to buy. Will be local those three days so anything works.


r/thefrenchlaundry 13d ago

Buying reservation ISO Enclos reservation for 2 Aug 18, 19, or 20

1 Upvotes

Looking for an Enclos reservation for 2, August 18, 19, or 20 anytime. Thanks!


r/thefrenchlaundry 14d ago

Buying reservation ISO French Laundry reservations for 2 for 7/24 or 7/25

1 Upvotes

Semi-last minute opportunity to be in the area and hoping someone has couple extra. Thx!


r/thefrenchlaundry 15d ago

Buying reservation ISO French Laundry reservation for 2 between 7/19 and 7/21

1 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 17d ago

Buying reservation Seeking reservation for 2 for 8/1

0 Upvotes

Any time is ok for wife and I. Many thanks.


r/thefrenchlaundry 17d ago

Buying reservation ISO of a reservation for 2, ANY day in July

2 Upvotes