Anthony Bourdain was an unparalleled authority on an eclectic range of topics, from cuisine to customs to travel. He accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience through his four television shows and his expeditions to over 80 nations throughout his lifetime. The late chef was admired for his straightforward demeanor, which never veered from honesty. In a candid moment, Bourdain disclosed a list of his favorite destinations, which he regarded as must-visit places for any food lover who wishes to discover new culinary experiences. Join ViewCation as we travel to discover the best cities for foodies according to Anthony Bourdain.
Lyon, France
During his culinary expedition through France, Bourdain discovered Lyon, a city that left a profound impression on him with its incredible culinary heritage. According to Bourdain, Lyon’s influence on the culinary world was significant, having produced some of the world’s most celebrated chefs, including the likes of Point, Chapel, Troisgros, and Bocuse.
Bourdain visited a lot of restaurants but was particularly taken with Restaurant Paul Bocuse. That restaurant was run by Paul Bocuse, an esteemed chef who had made a significant impact on French gastronomy. During his visit, Bourdain had the good fortune to dine with Bocuse himself, and the experience left a lasting impression on him. Bocuse was a true innovator who revolutionized French cuisine and earned the respect and admiration of food enthusiasts worldwide.
Paul Bocuse, who was born in 1926, passed away in 2018 in the same room in which he was born, bringing an end to an era of culinary excellence. Bocuse was not only a chef but also a mentor to many aspiring young chefs, whom he inspired to pursue their dreams and hone their craft. His legacy, however, continues to live on. Today, Restaurant Paul Bocuse remains one of the most sought-after dining destinations in France, attracting foodies from all over the world who are on a quest to taste the very best of French cuisine. The culinary world owes a great deal to Bocuse, Lyon, and all the chefs who have contributed to the city’s rich gastronomic history.
Hue, Vietnam
Huế, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, held a special place in Anthony Bourdain’s heart. He loved the country so much that he chose to film all three of his shows there, and it quickly became a second home for him. He once declared, “I love Vietnam. I loved it from the minute I arrived for the first time.”
To Bourdain, Vietnam represented a whole new world of flavors that he had never experienced before. He believed that the food, culture, landscape, and smells were all intertwined and inseparable from each other. Even after years of traveling, it took Bourdain a while to get to Huế, a city that once served as the seat of imperial power and is located on the banks of the shallow Huong River.
However, when Bourdain finally made it to Huế, he was in for a treat. He discovered the “greatest soup in the world” at Bún Bò Huế Kim Chau, which he described in such exquisite detail that it was hard not to salivate. The dish was a meaty broth with hints of lemongrass, spice, and fermented shrimp paste, and Bourdain regarded it as sophisticated and complex a bowl of food as any French restaurant. For Bourdain, this dish encapsulated everything that made Vietnamese cuisine so exceptional.
He admired the unique blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that the dish offered, and he couldn’t resist the temptation to sample it again and again. His visit to Huế was a testament to his love for Vietnam and the incredible culinary delights that the country has to offer.
Beirut, Lebanon
This is another city that held a special place in Anthony Bourdain’s heart, despite the difficult circumstances he experienced during his first visit. Bourdain arrived in the city during a period of intense conflict. Much of the city was destroyed by bombs and naval artillery following a cross-border raid by Hezbollah guerrillas. Despite the violence and devastation, Bourdain fell in love with the city.
One of Bourdain’s favorite spots in Beirut was Le Chef, a restaurant tucked away in the Gemmayze district. Unfortunately, it was one of the many businesses destroyed by the devastating explosion of a store of ammonium nitrate in August 2006. The explosion claimed the lives of 135 people and injured countless others. The restaurant, which had opened its doors in 1967 and clung to its 1960s beauty, was reduced to ashes.
In a beautiful tribute to Bourdain, Russell Crowe donated a generous sum of money to help get Le Chef up and running again in 2020. Crowe recognized the importance of preserving the legacy of such an iconic restaurant, not just for the people of Beirut but also for the memory of Bourdain. For Bourdain, Le Chef was more than just a place to enjoy great food; it was a symbol of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
Rome, Italy
Rome is a city that exudes history, culture, and a sense of timelessness. It is a city that has been the subject of countless works of literature, art, and cinema, and it’s no surprise that it has also captured the heart of Anthony Bourdain. Despite the sweltering heat, Bourdain was undeterred in his pursuit of the city’s culinary treasures, wandering through its winding streets, ever-curious and adventurous. For Bourdain, Rome was more than just a city; it was a place where he found the most extraordinary pleasures in the most ordinary things.
One of Bourdain’s memorable experiences in Rome was his visit to Osteria dal 1931, a small restaurant located in a quiet residential area. The eatery, which opened its doors in 1931, is a family-owned business that has been serving up traditional Roman cuisine for nearly a century. Bourdain was immediately struck by the warm and cozy ambiance of the restaurant, which was filled with locals and visitors alike, savoring the delicious aromas and flavors emanating from the kitchen.
Bourdain was effusive in his praise for the food at Osteria dal 1931, describing it as a “revelation.” He was particularly taken with their Cacio e Pepe, a classic Roman pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper, which he declared “life-changing.” Bourdain also savored the succulent roasted pork with crispy crackling and the tender osso buco, which he washed down with some locally produced red wine. For Bourdain, dining at Osteria dal 1931 was an authentic Italian experience, and he was so enamored with the restaurant that he proclaimed, “I want to die here already, and I might yet.”
San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastian, Spain is a coastal city situated in the Basque region of Spain. Bourdain was captivated by the city’s stunning beauty and its reputation as a culinary paradise. In his show “Parts Unknown,” he proclaimed that there’s no better place to eat in Europe than San Sebastian. The city boasts a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita, and even the everyday joints are superb. The Basque culture places a strong emphasis on food and the use of the very best ingredients, which is evident throughout the city.
Among the many incredible restaurants in San Sebastian, Ganbara stands out as Bourdain’s favorite. Located in the Parte Viega neighborhood, Ganbara has been serving up high-quality cuisine for over 25 years. The establishment was founded by Jose and Amaia, who had a vision of blending the atmosphere of a cozy Pintxos bar with a menu that rivals that of any restaurant. Today, Ganbara is renowned as one of the best small plate restaurants in the entire Basque country.
Tokyo, Japan
During an interview with Maxim in 2017, Anthony Bourdain revealed his undying love for Tokyo, Japan, stating that if he were to choose one country or city to spend the rest of his life in, he would pick Tokyo without a second thought. The city’s culture, customs, and layer upon layer of flavors fascinated Bourdain, especially their uni, sea urchin, and duck dishes. His admiration for Japanese culture went beyond cuisine; he also practiced jiu-jitsu and even wrote a graphic novel featuring a sushi chef who decapitates customers who mix wasabi with their soy sauce.
For those planning to explore Tokyo, Bourdain recommended visiting the famed Robot Restaurant, indulging in Izakayas’ food and drinks, and checking out the department store food halls. Bourdain’s deep appreciation for Japanese culture was evident in every aspect of his life, from his tattoos to his food preferences. His love for Tokyo continues to inspire people to explore the city and experience its unique culture and cuisine.
Other Cities
In an interview, he shared his love for certain cities that he believed were underrated, including Medellin, Cartagena, and Montevideo. He praised the cultural richness, beautiful architecture, and the distinct culinary experiences that each of these cities offered. Bourdain also commented on Venice, stating that even though these cities are often crowded with tourists, they are still worth visiting for their gastronomic offerings
Other Favorite restaurants
Speaking of some of his favorite restaurants, Bourdain immediately mentioned Il Timoniere in Rome, where he had previously shot an episode of his show. The restaurant is described as a casual place, jokingly referred to as “the angry cousin,” and specializes in traditional Roman pasta and braised dishes. Bourdain and his crew love the place so much that they eat there even when they are not filming.
Another restaurant that Bourdain mentioned as one of his favorites is Asador Etxebarri, located near San Sebastián. This Basque restaurant is known for its deceptively simple yet exquisite dishes, made with only the best ingredients and grilled to perfection with meticulous attention to detail. Bourdain has even claimed that this is the place where most chefs he knows would want to have their last meal. He also covered this place during one of his Spain episodes and was clearly impressed by the restaurant. With Bourdain’s recommendation, Asador Etxebarri has become a destination for foodies worldwide who want to experience the flavors and techniques of Basque cuisine.
There you have it. It’s not time to hear from you. Don’t forget to share your thoughts on which of Anthony’s cooking shows featured your favorite episode.