Chef Anthony Bourdain and TV legend gained worldwide fame thanks to his audacious - and oftentimes intense - global gastronomy escapades across the various culinary programs including A Cook's Tour (Food Network), the Emmy Award-winning No Reservations (Travel Channel) and the much-missed No Reservations (CNN). When the esteemed food critic, with one seriously sensitive tongue (and, you could argue, equally sensitive sensibilities) and one wicked sharp, take-no-prisoners mouth said it, a hidden haunt could very suddenly - and very deservedly - explode with popularity. So, grab your fork, pack your best eating pants, and get ready for some inspiration - we look at Bourdain's greatest eats across the US - from New York's historic pizzerias and classic delis to lauded temples of cuisine. How many has he given us his stamp of approval for?
2nd Street Bistro, Livingston, Montana
After Bourdain visited this restaurant in the 1890's brick Murray Block Hotel in 2016, he officially declared what every Livingston local already knew -- this is the place to go for elegant European food with the seasonal zing of local produce. With local bard Jim Harrison (a very tall-ish man for the season as Bob and I refer to him, to our immense pleasure), Bourdain feasted on a selection of delectable fare including a paupiette of braised whitefish stuffed with smoked trout, topped with caviar and beurre blanc and laid in fresh, local spinach.
Ciro & Sal’s, Provincetown, Massachusetts
He started in the food world as a dishwasher and then later graduated to line cook at this place in Boston, called Ciro & Sal’s. If you’re a huge Anthony Bourdain fan and want to visit his former haunt, this place will give you a nostalgic hit of old-world spaghetti and creamy carbonara—it first opened way back in 1954. His go-to dish here was the Veal Marsala, which comes a ton of wine and butter and I’m here for all of it.
Al-Ameer, Dearborn, Michigan
At Al-Ameer, the spread ranged from classic Lebanon fare like baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and hummus to beef and sheep’s-milk cheese pies and raw lamb kibbeh nayeh. Having previously filmed in Beirut, the presenter was hungry to dive back into the vibrant Med cuisine he favored- and he was rewarded. It still impresses guests with their authentic cooking and hospitable atmosphere. Guests that have dined here consistently recommend the giant-ass mixed platter featuring stacks of chicken and beef shawarma, kofta, kebabs and fluffy rounds of freshly baked pita
Polonia Restaurant, Hamtramck, Michigan
The restaurant’s website still touts it, as they should, as “Home of the time Anthony Bourdain came to Polonaise - in 2009.” This homey little place in an unassuming old building consistently gets raving reviews for fresh food, generous portions, and fair prices. To eat like Tony, you will need a repast of robust Polish specialties- kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, pierogi, goulash, duck with applesauce- and a side of crispy potato latkes and mushrooms.
Burt’s Place, Chicago, Illinois
Until he visited Burt’s Place, Bourdain was not a pizza guy, and especially he was not a Chicago deep-dish person. That changed after the staff served him his deeply browned, pepper, mushroom and spinach topped pizza: Burt’s enthusiasts will tell you it’s the best pizza in the city, and Bourdain agreed: “Burt’s was the only deep-dish pizza I ever loved.”
The Sample Room, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Founded in 1893, The Sample Room—which the same owner has run since 2002—is known for its Midwestern comfort food classics and imaginative small plates. Bourdain hailed the unpretentious "cozy" restaurant with "great food" after piling his plate with classics, such as "good quality meat loaf, breaded deep-fried walleye with tartare, and hot with spice sausage and mustard.”
Michael’s Genuine, Miami, Florida
Re: Food | Best Restaurants |Miami the Best of Miami for 2101 Best Of, Anthony Bourdain dubbed the Design District haunt in 2011 'the best restaurant in Miami right now,' and it hasn't lost any of its appeal. Locals pack The Magic City's popular, buzzing spot and gobble down creative, seasonal American cuisine. Set at a patio table or the bar like Bourdain—we recommend deviled eggs, or fresh figs with fresh hazelnuts, spicy arugula, drizzled with our local honey, Gorgonzola -- when in season.
Puka Dog, Kauai, Hawaii
Favorite spot: Puka Burgr (a small outpost at Puka in Poipu) “This Kauai outpost near Poipu Beach, just down the road from the Four Seasons, served my favorite hot dogs. … the bun… is a fully steamed, closed-off bread bag type of bread that fully encapsulates the entire sausage from both ends and at the top.… creepy to look at but really smart from a design aspect and really effective. … I prefer them loaded with the secret garlic lemon sauce at varying levels of hotness with pineapple, banana, mango, papaya, and coconut.
FAQ's
1. Which BBQ spot did Anthony Bourdain call the best in the world?
Bourdain famously declared Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (formerly Oklahoma Joe’s) in Kansas City, Kansas, as serving the best barbecue in the world. Housed in a working gas station, Bourdain frequently raved about their smoked brisket, pulled pork, and iconic burnt ends.
2. What was Bourdain’s favorite seafood counter in San Francisco?
His undisputed favorite was Swan Oyster Depot in San Francisco’s Nob Hill neighborhood. Operating out of a tiny 18-stool counter since 1912, Bourdain referred to it as a "touchstone in my worldwide wanderings," often praising their fresh oysters, anchor steam beer, and signature "crab back" (crab shell filled with rich body meat and fat).
3. Which iconic New York City deli did he champion?
Bourdain was a massive advocate for Katz’s Delicatessen on the Lower East Side, calling it an institution in the truest sense. He frequently celebrated their hand-carved, towering pastrami and corned beef sandwiches on rye. For breakfast, he also regularly praised Barney Greengrass on the Upper West Side for its smoked sturgeon and bagels.
4. Did Anthony Bourdain appreciate fast food?
Yes, Bourdain famously loved In-N-Out Burger, calling it his favorite restaurant in Los Angeles. He frequently praised the simplicity, fresh ingredients, and structural engineering of their burgers, famously ordering a Double-Double "Animal Style" as soon as he landed in Southern California.
5. What fine-dining restaurants received his highest praise?
Bourdain had deep reverence for Thomas Keller’s flagship restaurants: The French Laundry in Yountville, California, and Per Se in New York City. He described his multi-course meal at The French Laundry as "the best sit-down, white-tablecloth meal of my life," and called Per Se "the best restaurant in the world, period" for its unmatched execution and ingredient standards.
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