The French Laundry
The French Laundry is a fine dining restaurant in Yountville, Napa County, housed in a historic building made of river rock and wood. It features two floors with multiple dining rooms and a large outdoor area, with each table dressed simply in cloth, candlelight, and fresh flowers.
The building dates to the late 1800s and originally served as a laundry facility for steam laundry operators. The name was retained when it was converted into a restaurant, which has grown in reputation over the decades.
The restaurant's name comes from its original purpose as a laundry facility in the late 1800s. Today, this heritage is reflected in the understated way the building presents itself, which often surprises visitors who arrive expecting a grand entrance.
Reservations are difficult to secure, as they are released on the first of each month and sell out quickly. It is wise to arrive early to relax before your meal and enjoy the surrounding gardens.
After the meal, guests can visit the kitchen and watch chefs at work in a spotless, modern space. Both locations have a live video feed so kitchen teams can monitor how the other location is operating.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.