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The French Laundry

6640 Washington St Yountville, CA (707) 944-2380  reserve online
Website: http://www.frenchlaundry.com
Menu:

Hours  

The French Laundry is a American and French restaurant where most Menuism users came for fun with friends, paid more than $50, and tipped more than 18%.

People describe this restaurant as French Laundry, American, French, Expensive, OpenTable, Reservations, Keller, and Fine Dining [ tag it ]

Stats

  • # who want to try this restaurant : 39
  • # who have favorited this restaurant : 10
  • # sites linking here : 0

Overall

****3/4

4.8 avg. based on 18 ratings & 11 reviews

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From the Restaurant

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 15 tables. The dining time is 3-4 hours with two prix-fixe menus to choose from. Reservations are taken two months in advance to the calendar date (i.e. Reservations for April 1st are taken February 1st).

Jackets are required. No Jeans, Shorts or Tennis Shoes please.

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Reviews

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11 reviews

Award_star_gold First reviewed by:  JDogg
Feb 21, 2008 Link

worth every penny

as pretty much everyone else says, if you’re a foodie you have to go to french laundry at least once. the food is amazing and the service is impeccable. just be prepared to spend a fortune.

Extras:
I came here for
fun with friends
My meal cost
more than $50
I tipped
more than 18%
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Dec 3, 2007 Link

F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S...If you're a true foodie, you...

F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S…If you’re a true foodie, you will need to experience French Laundry at least once in your lifetime. If you can, try the private room dining with 9 of your dearest family & friends. A big party in the mouth, excellent service, wonderful ambience. Lunch meal started at noon and we didn’t leave until 4:30pm! This is a place to savor. As others have mentioned…French Laundry is not about the food only, but the experience. If I won the Lotto, I would still reserve the French Laundry and not de-mean it to an every day experience :)

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Aug 26, 2007 Link

If I can give it a six, I will. French Laundry is an exp...

If I can give it a six, I will. French Laundry is an experience. Once you experience their top notch service and food, nothing compares. Thomas Keller put a lot of details in serving and cooking. Every dish worth a moment to reflect how it tastes and how all flavor blends perfectly together. I even got a trip to the kitchen and met the chef. So worth it. Go on a special occasion. :D

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Aug 14, 2007 Link

We were there for more than four hours and had to stop mi...

We were there for more than four hours and had to stop mid-way to take a walk around the garden. We never expected to be that full, and by the time we got to dessert we were so stuffed. The shortbread cookies they gave us to take home were SOO good…

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Aug 1, 2007 Link

Decadent, amazing and a wonderful eating experience. We ...

Decadent, amazing and a wonderful eating experience. We were there for over 4 hours savoring the most amazing food. Besides Lumiere in Vancouver, this is the best French fixed priced meal in North America.

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Jul 1, 2007 Link

This is one of the best Restaurants in the United States....

This is one of the best Restaurants in the United States. The chef, Thomas Keller, believes that regardless of how good something tastes, you can only have a maximum of three bites, or you will begin to used to the flavor and will eat without appreciating the true splendor of the food being ingested. Thus he does an 11 course taster menu, where you are served 11 of the best meals you have ever had, but a portion so small you’ll start crying because you want more of it. But luckily this happens 11 times, and by the end your left with a huge variety of amazing tastes left lingering in your mouth.

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Jun 7, 2007 Link

This is pretty much the definition of a 5-star restaurant...

This is pretty much the definition of a 5-star restaurant. Amazing food and impeccable service with a refined atmosphere. I’ve been three times and it has blown me away each time. My only complaint, if one can call it a complaint given the exquisite food, is that the amuses bouche tend not to change very often. Each time I’ve been, I’ve gotten roughly the same little goodies before the meal and between courses. They’re all really good (hence my reluctance to call this a complaint, exactly) but a little variety would be welcome.

In any event, I definitely want to go again. If I can ever get through on the reservation line.

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May 23, 2007 Link

French Laundry

Really an adventure. From getting reservations to anticipation of a good meal this is an experience you don’t really forget. The service here is good, almost as good as Danko. Our server was by far the best I’ve experienced from Alan Wong’s to Morimoto’s. The food was good, very good. Would i go again? probably not for a few years, but it’s definitely something you have to try. A couple dishes missed, but every some of the dishes were exquisite. Something like the Oysters and Pearls where the pearl of the oyster is placed in a rich stock and topped with caviar. The dish was awesome. Don’t get me started on the seared foie gras… Extremely expensive so save up and give it a go. Carve out 3 hours for your dinner too cuz that’s how long it usually takes.

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Jan 1, 2007 Link

Great time but not the best

I would have to agree the experience was quite unique. How often do you get a 9-course tasting menu? But, I would say its not worth all the hype. Try it once for yourself… but I would never go again. Gary Danko is still my number 1.

Extras:
I came here for
a romantic date
My meal cost
more than $50
I tipped
between 15% to 18%
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Oct 10, 2006 Link

Deserves all 3 of its Michelin stars

I’d have to agree with the critics and say this IS the best place to eat in California. Unique flavors, best ingredients, impeccable service- everyone should eat here at least once. As far as fine dining goes, it doesn’t get much better than this.

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Aug 9, 2006 Link

Attention to detail

The attention to detail at this restaurant is incredible. The friendly waitstaff move about the room as if it were choreographed. The food is prepared to the EXACT specifications (temperature, doneness, crispiness, etc.). They only use the best ingredients and don’t skimp on the expensive stuff (like fresh truffles). The menu changes every day so it’s pointless to list.

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People Who Love It (10)

People Who Want to Try It (39)