French Laundry Reservations

[Anonymous]

Going to Napa in November and trying to snag FL reservations. I understand the website opens on the first of the month for the following month so November would open October 1st. Does anyone know what time that happens? Any other way to get reservations I should know about?

[Anonymous]

Pre-covid you could use a concierge service through certain credit cards. Not sure if that's still the case but you could look into it.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure OP has their own reason for wanting to go dine there, but I dined there once and was underwhelmed by the whole experience. Maybe it was worth the hype earlier in its existence, but I've had much better dining experiences at much lower price points.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure OP has their own reason for wanting to go dine there, but I dined there once and was underwhelmed by the whole experience. Maybe it was worth the hype earlier in its existence, but I've had much better dining experiences at much lower price points.

Thanks for sharing.

[Anonymous]

Have gotten reservations - back when it was the number 1 restaurant in the world so I am sure there was a lot of demand - just by calling.

If Bouchon is still open, put that on the list too.

[Anonymous]

OP here

Thanks! We’ve been to Bouchon and it was delicious! This is a kid free trip so we’re excited to do all the fancy things we can’t generally do with the littles in tow.

[Anonymous]

We did get in off the waitlist. So worth putting yourself down but you need to be able to drop/reschedule other plans.

[Anonymous]

I was able to get a reservation at 5 p.m. on a weeknight easily a few years ago. Do you have flexibility with your timing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure OP has their own reason for wanting to go dine there, but I dined there once and was underwhelmed by the whole experience. Maybe it was worth the hype earlier in its existence, but I've had much better dining experiences at much lower price points.

DP. I felt the same, so hyped up yet just was not for me.

We stayed at Meadowood in Napa for a week several years ago (prior to the fire) and were excited for our FL dinner. It felt very scripted watching the course deliveries play out over and over at each table. Too many little courses for me, just as an aside I much preferred the ability to select among offerings at The Inn at Little Washington. Food was very good; DH preferred FL.

The Restaurant at Meadowood was excellent (closed due to fire). If I were to return to Napa, I would try The Charter Oak in St. Helena., owned by the former Chef at the Restaurant.