Alert – Inside America’s most famous posh restaurant: Rare footage reveals what it’s like to have an $830 meal at the 3-Michelin-starred French Laundry (and what its $160 mac and cheese tastes like)

The French Laundry restaurant in Napa Valley, California, is a mecca for fine-dining enthusiasts – it holds three Michelin stars and is run by a chef with legendary status in the U.S, Thomas Keller.

What’s it like to eat there? A fascinating YouTube video has emerged that gives viewers a seat at the table. It was shot by Alexander Varga, the co-owner of one-Michelin-starred restaurant ’42’ in Esztergom, Hungary.

As part of his ‘mission to find inspiration in gastronomy’, he visits other Michelin-starred restaurants – he’s ticked off over 80 three-star venues to date – and creates spellbinding videos of his experiences at them.

They’re uploaded to his YouTube channel, ‘Alexander The Guest’, with his French Laundry video accumulating over 500,000 views so far.

He reveals in the footage that the bill comes to $1,616 (£1,226/1,458 euros) for two. What does he get for this not-insignificant sum of money? ‘Practically a perfect experience,’ Alexander says in the video, adding separately to that his server, Brighton, was ‘the best waiter I’ve ever had the pleasure of being served by’.

Alexander Varga, co-owner of Michelin-starred ’42’ restaurant in Hungary, filmed a meal he had at the three-Michelin-starred French Laundry restaurant in Yountville, California. Above is Brighton, who Alexander described as the ‘best-ever waiter’

Alexander (above) has visited over 80 three-star restaurants

He added: ‘Brighton is incredibly intelligent and moves almost like a ballet dancer.’

Which dishes were the top highlights?

Alexander told : ‘The top highlight for me was the Oysters and Pearls, which is the restaurant’s signature dish with sabayon of pearl tapioca and island creek oysters [and Regiis Ova caviar]. It’s unforgettable and showcases the chef’s incredible skill.’

Which dishes surprised him the most?

Alexander said: ‘The Beef Wellington stands out. It was not just a remarkable dish but also brought back some strong memories. The flavours were perfect, and the execution was impeccable.’

He’s also served the restaurant’s take on mac and cheese for a $160 (£121) supplement – macaroni with black winter truffle mousseline and crispy Parmesan.

Which dish surprised him the most at The French Laundry? Alexander said: ‘The Beef Wellington [above] stands out. The flavours were perfect, and the execution was impeccable’

‘Brave in a three-star restaurant’: Alexander is served a $160 mac and cheese – macaroni with black winter truffle mousseline and crispy Parmesan

Alexander opened his alcohol ledger at the restaurant with a 169th edition of Krug – ‘always excellent’

In the video, Alexander says: ‘This is a brave one – serving macaroni at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.’

The verdict? ‘I love it,’ says Alexander in the footage.

Which wines were the top highlights?

‘We started with the 169th edition of Krug,’ Alexander explained, ‘which is one of my favourites and, as always, it was excellent.’

Above is Alexander’s favourite French Laundry dish – sabayon of pearl tapioca, island creek oysters and Regiis Ova caviar

Was The French Laundry worth the money? ‘This is more complex than a simple yes or no,’ said Alexander. ‘It’s like experiencing the Mona Lisa – it’s not about the cost, but about witnessing the dedication and craftsmanship of a highly committed team’

Is The French Laundry the best restaurant he’s been to in America?

Alexander said: ‘I can’t declare an outright winner because each top restaurant has its own charm and speciality. But The French Laundry certainly holds the most emotional significance for me, and it is undoubtedly one of the finest.’

What does he think The French Laundry’s secret to success is?

Alexander said: ‘Hard work, hard work, and more hard work. It’s about never compromising and always asking what more can be done for the guest and the team. That’s the foundation of their success.’

Alexander described The French Laundry as one of the finest restaurants in America

Above – The French Laundry’s Chef de Cuisine, David Breeden, who chats with Alexander after the meal

What does Alexander think The French Laundry’s [above] secret to success is? ‘Hard work, hard work, and more hard work,’ he said

Was The French Laundry worth the money?

‘This is more complex than a simple yes or no,’ said Alexander. ‘It’s like experiencing the Mona Lisa – it’s not about the cost, but about witnessing the dedication and craftsmanship of a highly committed team. The value lies in that experience.’

For more fascinating foodie videos from Alexander visit www.youtube.com/@alexandertheguest and follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/alexandertheguest and on TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@alexandertheguest. Follow his restaurant on Instagram at www.instagram.com/42restaurant.

For more on The French Laundry, located in Yountville, visit www.thomaskeller.com/tfl.