Hello--I have been lurking for a while but now I could use some assistance from anyone who has been able to secure a reservation at French Laundry. Thank you.

Offer them your first born plus a new Porsche.

Neo

I called and got placed on the waiting list. A week before, they called me and offerred me a reservation. I took it expecting the meal of a lifetime, it wasn't.....

Start calling 2 months to the day at 10 am California time.

Also try OpenTable.

According to other posts, you can no longer get walk up reservations. Too bad, as that was a sure-fire way to get in.

Good Luck.

And I wouldn't worry too much about the naysayers. Without discounting their experience, it continues to win very positive reviews, including 3 Michelin stars. Thomas Keller is also the only American chef with two 3-star restaurants to his credit.

None of this guarantees you will love it but I think it means that, if you are serious about food, you should try it for yourself.

from what i can tell there is no secret.

and its a pain in the ass

but you call and redial for an hour 2 months to the date in advance at 10am yountville time

within an hour or two all the tables are booked

try for a weekday reservation rather than weekend

i think it was worth it to try once, but expect at the very least $800 for two people and up from there depending on wine selection.

Thank you travelgourmet and JMWF. This is exactly the kind of information I was hoping to obtain.

LOL Patrick!