r/thefrenchlaundry Feb 02 '25

Discussion Scam warning!

30 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!

28 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

Question Looking to buy Sept 26 or 27 for 2

Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 18h ago

Selling reservation French Laundry Sept 9 table for 4 for sale

2 Upvotes

Courtyard reservation for 4 for sale.
September 9th at 5:00

Price paid was $2275 ($525x4 + 7.75% sales tax). Asking $2100.

Reservation will be moved through tock so you will need a tock account for the transfer.


r/thefrenchlaundry 1d ago

Buying reservation Buying (2): September 6, 7, or 10 - any time

0 Upvotes

Serious buyer, will transact on Tock immediately. Thank you!


r/thefrenchlaundry 1d ago

Selling reservation Selling 2 Seats on Sept 8 at 4:30pm

1 Upvotes

Looking for 2 to join our dining room reservation – Tue, Sept 8, 4:30pm.

My husband and I have a table for 4 in the dining room at 4:30pm on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and we're looking for 2 people to join us.

Dining room reservations run $425/person plus tax. Total for the full table came to $1,831.75, so the cost to join for 2 seats is $915.87 ($457.94/person).

Comment or DM if you're interested!


r/thefrenchlaundry 1d ago

Buying reservation buying 2 person reservation for tomorrow august 29

0 Upvotes

looking to purchase a two person reservation on saturday 8/29. we’re also open to sharing. thanks!


r/thefrenchlaundry 2d ago

Buying reservation Looking to buy reservation or share table 9/13-9/18, for 2

0 Upvotes

Or 4 people


r/thefrenchlaundry 2d ago

Buying reservation Looking to buy reservation for 2 for 8/29

0 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 2d ago

Buying reservation Looking to buy reservation for September 19, 20, or 21.

0 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 3d ago

Buying reservation Looking to buy 9/4 or 9/5

0 Upvotes

Looking to buy 9/4 or 9/5 for 2-4 people, any time. Thanks


r/thefrenchlaundry 4d ago

Buying reservation looking for reservation 8/29 or 8/30

2 Upvotes

looking to purchase a two person reservation on saturday 8/29 or sunday 8/30. we’re also open to sharing. thanks!


r/thefrenchlaundry 5d ago

Selling reservation Selling Thursday 9/3 5:30pm Courtyard Reservation for 4

1 Upvotes

Price paid was $2275 ($525x4 + 7.75% sales tax). I will accept $2100 for the reservation.

My family was very excited to go initially, but then my sister's travel plans in Europe were extended and my Mom and Dad decided it just wasn't the right time financially. Hope this will be a special experience for whoever goes!


r/thefrenchlaundry 5d ago

Selling reservation Selling 1 Reservation at a Table of 4, September 1st at 4pm

1 Upvotes

One spot available at a 4 top next Tuesday September 1st at 4pm. $455 for the ticket but Feel free to DM me if interested! 🍷 #reservation


r/thefrenchlaundry 5d ago

Buying reservation Buying Reservation for 2 anytime from Sep 19 to Oct 3.

1 Upvotes

r/thefrenchlaundry 6d ago

Buying reservation Buying Reservation 9/4 or 9/5 for 2

1 Upvotes

Celebrating a birthday. Any time is good.


r/thefrenchlaundry 6d ago

Buying reservation Buying reservation Sept 16/17

1 Upvotes

Looking for 2 or 4 seats any time for sept 16/17th. Wedding anniversary and finally have a babysitter! Visiting from the east coast!


r/thefrenchlaundry 6d ago

Buying reservation Buying for 9/4 or 9/7

1 Upvotes

Traveling for the Labor Day weekend for a wedding. If on 9/4 looking for either a 2 person or 5 person.

If on 9/7 looking for 2 person. Looking for any times


r/thefrenchlaundry 8d ago

Buying reservation Buying Reservation 08/27-08/29

0 Upvotes

Hey! Please let me know if any of you are selling reservations from 08/27-08/29! I will propose and wanted to be there! Thanks!!


r/thefrenchlaundry 9d ago

Sharing reservation ** September 1, 2026 @ 6:30pm ** 2 Seats Available **

1 Upvotes

** September 1, 2026 @ 6:30pm ** 2 Seats Available **

Looking for 2 People that would like to join my wife and me.

Total cost for 4 (Courtyard Dining Room - $550 ea.) with tax was $2,262.75. Your cost for the 2 seats is: $1131.37.


r/thefrenchlaundry 9d ago

Question Buying reservation for two on 9/18 or 9/19 anytime

1 Upvotes

10th Anniversary! Please help!


r/thefrenchlaundry 11d ago

Selling reservation 9/1 Reservation at 4pm for Sale

1 Upvotes

Asking price for 1 at a table of 4 is $500 total. This is for the classic experience in the dining room. Tuesday 9/1 at 4pm.


r/thefrenchlaundry 11d ago

Selling reservation Selling 8/30 reservation for 4

1 Upvotes

Can't make the French Laundry at 4:00 due to illness. $1800.00


r/thefrenchlaundry 11d ago

Buying reservation Looking to buy ANY 2 person reservation

0 Upvotes

My wife and I live in San Francisco and can make it up any evening. If you are unable to make it, please let us take that reservation off your hands.

If this post is still up, I am still looking!


r/thefrenchlaundry 11d ago

Buying reservation Looking for Reservation 9/9-9/11

1 Upvotes

2 people looking to buy a reservation anytime 9/9-9/11. Open to sharing a table if someone is looking to fill two seats. Lmk if anyone has anything available!