A highly acclaimed three-Michelin-star restaurant known for its exquisite French cuisine with a modern American twist. Chef Elliot Bell is an alumnus of this establishment.
Chef Elliot Bell is an alumnus of the world-renowned The French Laundry and currently serves as the chef and owner of Miller House at Frank Family Vineyards.
Brandon Olsen is a Canadian chef and chocolatier, known for his work with chocolate and pastry. He has trained under Thomas Keller and co-owned Restaurant La Banane and CXBO Chocolates in Toronto.
We got to experience The French Laundry for my mother-in-law’s birthday. We learned that getting a reservation for four is much more attainable than for two, so it ended up being the perfect excuse to share the experience with family.
They made my mother-in-law’s birthday feel special from the start. Her menu included a birthday message, and at the end of the meal they surprised her with an engraved bottle featuring her name.
We experienced both tasting menus. I chose the chef’s tasting menu while the rest of my family selected the vegetable tasting menu, so we were able to compare both. I also added a wine pairing which looks a little different here. Instead of a set list, they ask you questions and price point to build one for you.
Every course was well prepared, and there wasn’t a single dish we didn’t enjoy. I wouldn’t say the menu is trying to surprise you with novel combinations. To me, the focus was on technique and executing each dish really well.
Between the food, the service, and the way they celebrated my mother-in-law’s birthday, it was an experience our family will always remember.
Everything is perfection. We are so fortunate to have Thomas Keller in the Bay Area, offering perhaps the finest interpretation of California produce anywhere. Many Michelin-starred restaurants can deliver inventive appetizers, but their main courses often fail to rise to the same level. That is not the case at The French Laundry, where every course feels creative, playful, and deeply considered.
The reimagining of familiar everyday ingredients becomes an unforgettable experience. Everything arrives in peak condition, and the flavors seem to move in perfect harmony. The thinking behind each dish is mind-blowing, and the fact that they allow us to bring our dog is a really big plus.
I’m already looking forward to my next visit.
5
Last night, was a spectacular night!!
We went for dinner at a place that I had wanted to go for a very long time. I had heard many stories about the French Laundry over the years, and I must say it exceeded my expectations. Of course, the food was excellent. However, what was more impressive to me was the level of service and the attention to detail.
From the moment we walked in, everything was perfect. Every team member made eye contact, smiled, and helped each other throughout the entire evening. It was a symphony of how a team should perform.
Thomas Keller needs to teach a hospitality course based on this restaurant. It was utter perfection!!!!!
5
This has been on my bucket list for years. I never thought I'd actually have an opportunity to go. I was also nervous that their reputation would have my expectations inflated beyond what they could achieve or that they would be riding on their fame. However, im so glad that none of this was the case. Their food was outstanding; it is the best dinner I have ever had. We did their evolution menu, which has an intimidating price point, but if you are able to afford splurging on it, I highly recommend you do it! Every course was exceptional and unique. The staff was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. I'm so happy that this bucket list experience surpassed anything I could have hoped for. Although I am not from california, I will try to come back for another meal from The French Laundry in the future!
5
AMAZING experience. I’ve been to other 3 Michelin restaurants but there is a reason why this remains a legendary restaurant. Food was delicious of course but it was really the super attentive service that differentiated French Laundry from others. After I told them the squab was too gamey, they made both my fiance and me a whole new special beef steak (my fiance had finished the squab so he didn’t need another dish). We were way too full by then and they even packed it up for us to take in boxes! I’ve never had a Michelin star restaurant offer to box food! Hah
My fav dish was the oyster + caviar (in photo). Wagyu was not as expected but still good.
We were celebrating my birthday and our engagement and they got us seated outside for dessert, followed by the kitchen tour! Everything was so nice and I will def return on another special occasion
