Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Bourdain was more than just a chef or television host—he was a cultural explorer who used food as a passport into the soul of a place. With gritty charm, razor-sharp wit, and an insatiable curiosity, Bourdain ventured far beyond fine dining. From street-side bowls of pho in Vietnam to home-cooked meals in war-torn Lebanon, he illuminated the richness of humanity in its most everyday rituals. His groundbreaking shows—No Reservations and Parts Unknown—were less about cuisine than about connection, empathy, and the raw poetry of human life.
What made Bourdain so compelling was his candor. A former line cook who battled addiction, he never shied away from darkness—his own or the world’s. He wrote with a voice both punk and philosophical, capturing the chaos of kitchens and the calm of shared meals. In doing so, he elevated the role of the storyteller in food and travel. Bourdain didn’t just visit places—he listened, he learned, and he gave people the space to speak for themselves. His legacy lives not only in kitchens but in the hearts of those who believe in the power of open conversation and an open table.
He was also a powerful writer whose books deepened our understanding of the world behind the plate. His breakout memoir, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (2000), became an instant classic, offering an unfiltered, darkly funny look into the high-pressure world of professional kitchens. A Cook’s Tour (2001) chronicled his early travels in search of the perfect meal, while The Nasty Bits (2006) compiled his sharp reflections on food, culture, and absurdity. In Medium Raw (2010), he revisited the culinary world with age, wisdom, and no less honesty. And World Travel: An Irreverent Guide (2021), Published posthumously with his longtime collaborator Laurie Woolever, this book captures Bourdain’s insights and favorite spots around the world, offering practical travel tips alongside personal stories.
Each of these works carries his singular voice—cynical, soulful, fiercely intelligent—and his enduring belief that food is never just food; it’s a gateway to truth.
Some of his favorite restaurants: Anthony Bourdain often shared his favorite restaurants during his travels. Here are a few standout places he praised and revisited:
1. Les Halles – New York City, USA
This was Bourdain’s home base for years, where he worked as executive chef. Though it closed in 2017, he frequently referenced it with deep affection.
2. Sukiyabashi Jiro – Tokyo, Japan
Bourdain admired the precision and passion of sushi master Jiro Ono. The restaurant, made famous by the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, was a spiritual food experience for him.
3. Le Comptoir – Paris, France
He praised this bistro as one of the best meals in Paris. Chef Yves Camdeborde’s modern twist on French classics impressed Bourdain greatly.
4. St. John – London, UK
Fergus Henderson’s “nose-to-tail” cooking matched Bourdain’s own culinary philosophy. He often celebrated the restaurant for its honest, rustic British fare.
5. Tu Lan – San Francisco, USA
A no-frills Vietnamese spot that Bourdain loved for its authenticity, he often recommended it as a place to get great food without pretense.
6. Don Carlos – Buenos Aires, Argentina
This simple parrilla (steakhouse) near Boca Juniors stadium offered Bourdain “the best steak in the world,” served by the incredibly kind owner.
Anthony Bourdain made one trip to Boston, and here are the places he ate during that trip which are still open today:
However, there is no place in Massachusetts which is more important to Bourdain than Provincetown, where is cooking career began. Over the course of two partial episodes, he takes us to some of the places that are still around today, some 50 years after he first joined the line: