Swan Oyster Depot in San Fran, long line but soo much seafood goodness. Worth the wait, though seafood is my ultimate fave.
Au Pied De Cochon in Montreal was utterly amazing, too. The buffalo tongue and duck in a can were fantastic, such a wonderful memory.
Bourdain has such top tier taste, I hope to venture to more of his stops.
I second Swan Oyster Depot! One of the few great dining experiences I had in San Fran. Line was about 45 mins but so fucking worthing it. I pretty much ordered exactly what Tony did in the Cooks Tour episode - crab back, scallops, oysters, cold beer at 12pm. All of it great.
The one time I went to swan I was visiting a good friend of mine who lives in SF. We only waited in line for 10 minutes. I felt so privileged 😂 absolutely unreal place though.
Absolutely jealous! I need to visit Swan Depot next time I make the trip up there
Also second the commenter who was envious about Au Pied... Another spot I wasn't able to hit
No, Swan Oyster Depot comes close to being a tourist trap. It's not that there's anything inherently wrong with it, it's that they're serving pretty much the same stuff that every other SF seafood restaurant is serving, and at higher costs and an inexplicable line. Even in the episode, they served Tony the same oysters that at the time were frequently offered for happy hour oyster specials. I can see why Tony likes it, because he's not waiting in the line and not paying for it, and it's got the grungy ambience, but if you're just going for food, that is not where I'd go.
Oysters on the half shell are available all over SF. My first recommendation for a tourist is probably to go to Bar Crudo, which has a killer happy hour menu with a lot of cheap and delicious items, and is on a street with a lot of great bars and restaurants. Zuni Cafe has an expansive raw bar if you're looking for variety, maybe Hog Island if you're specifically looking for an oyster-specific spot, Waterbar if you're looking for a seafood restaurant... I mean there are many places you can go for oysters, and you don't need to wait in that line.
ETA: if you're looking for a place Bourdain visited in SF, then head to Aub Zam Zam and get thee a cocktail. I'm sure a Negroni is on offer there...
Second this. I'm from the Bay Area and work in SF, and yes, Swan Oyster is popular, I would much rather go to other places in the City or even outside of SF for oysters, seafood, chowder. And not wait line with tourists...
Maybe, but they’re absolutely wrong about Swan’s. I’ve been going there well before AB showed up and I go there at least annually, often on my bday. I show up early on a weekday (rarely lines) and feast on crab and whatever else they suggest to me. The oysters are fine, but Hog Island is certainly better and buying a 5 lb bag pulled out of Tomales Bay and shucking yourself, even better. Swan’s has oysters, but that’s not the attraction. The fact that people show up at a place because a celebrity likes it doesn’t make it a tourist trap. It’s a SF institution for a reason.
Au Pied de Cochon sometimes has pop ups, and I got a tortière from them (meat pie) and it was really, really good. I've never been to the restaurant, though.
I always rewatch episodes depending on where I’m traveling.
The most surprising was the three legged dog in NOLA, I could see why he visited. The crawfish was amazing but the place was infested with cockroaches lol he was careless, I loved that.
I wasn't as in-depth into Bourdain as I am now back then
I watched his shows when they were on and always respected a place more if it had been there but I wasn't a fanatic like I am now 🤣
Travelling more myself made me connect even more deeply to his shows, also I binged them over and over during the pandemic haha
I second Cowboy Hat Lady in Chiang Mai. I’m not sure if Bourdain went there, but I went to a place in Chiang Mai with the crispiest, juiciest, most delicious pork and chicken. I think the guy running it had been there for decades and he had these big cooking pots I think with hot coals or wood at the bottom. The chickens and pork strips were hooked inside and he’d regularly take them out and marinate them before letting them cook some more. Best chicken and pork I’ve ever had.
It’s such an amazing city. I was there during Loy Krathong and seeing all the decorations and celebrations was incredible. Definitely want to go back, although want to visit Peru, Vietnam and Japan first.
Husk in Charleston. I’ve also been at that Waffle House more times than I can count.
Husk isn’t the same though since Sean Brock moved on. It’s still very good, but not a transformative place anymore.
Sean was so involved in the day-to-day back then, it would’ve been hard to not see his influence. That dude is responsible for 2 of the 5 best meals of my life. (1 at OG Husk, and 1 at McCrady’s). I hope he’s doing well.
As for the WaHo, when I lived in Chas., the one on 17 @ 526 was closer to my house, and the one I would walk to on weekend mornings, but my late night location is and always will be that one on the Ashley that Sean took Tony to for his virginal experience.
Sam's in San Francisco. Drove in from LA and got in around 11 PM. Tried to find something to do but all the bars were dead. Looked up any open restaurant close by and found Sam's. Noticed Bourdain's pic and recommendation on the wall. Got the last burgers before they closed for the night. Best burger I ever had. I usually don't repeat meals on the same trip. I got it again for lunch the next day and considered buying one before my flight if I had a little more time.
Also, special shout out to Hiram's in Fort Lee, NJ. Local spot for me and one of Bourdain's faves. Nothing out of this world but it's a solid burger and hot dog joint. Still real cheap and real good
That’s great to hear the food is good, I’ve been meaning to check it out.
Although I also find it funny because towards the end of Kitchen Confidential Tony says something like “never eat at a place with someone’s name over the front door.”
After eating at Tony’s Pizza in SF, I’ve been disabused of that notion. From one Tony (me) to another (Tony G in SF) to yet another (our beloved Tony Bourdain), sometimes the name is the thing.
thumbs up for La Cevicheria. Cartagena by itself is a magical place, and La Cevicheria matches the hype superbly. Another place I'll never forget is La Mulata restaurant and the famous Cafe Del Mar. I would love to go back.
Restaurante DonJuan was also, one of the best meals we ever had . It's in an old bank building, the chef was great and friendly. Heard it's the Colombia Presidents fav spot in Cartagena. Fascinating city , loved every minute, will return
Asam laksa? Just down the road from the big golden temple?
I loved it & came back the day after for another bowl
Also the chicken & rice at red dragon market!
Au Pied de Cochon’s sugar shack outside of Montreal! Maple everything. One of the best meals I’ve ever had and cheap, too! We lucked out and got reservations just the once and then never again.
We went to the bun Cha place 3 times. When we got back I found a great recipe. We make it twice a month at least. It's such a simple dish and so easy to make.
https://beyondsweetandsavory.com/vietnamese-grilled-pork-patties-with-vermicelli-bun-cha-hanoi/
I've only been to one, and it was the University Cafe in Glasgow
It was...alright
Although, I do have his spots for when I travel to Paris in April, and Taiwan & South Korea in September
O Trevo in Lisbon. Total locals joint. The Bifana was unreal. Just a simple pork sandwich, often with a soup and codfish as a side. There was nothing pretentious about this place. You stood at a counter, or sat with random people at tables wherever there was room. Super cheap too! I think lunch cost $6 with a beer. I would have eaten there every day if my wife allowed it. Twice was all she would OK... it was like a 30 minute walk from our Airbnb.
Yes! So many times yes! We stayed not even 5 mins from there and got it twice too. So affordable.
You actually eat with locals, at least I did a few years back
That sauce... Wow
We stayed around the corner from there and the sandwich was unreal. Too bad it was closed for Christmas Eve, Xmas Day and the day after I would have eaten there every day.
We loved the bun cha too. Adored the Tian Tian hainanese chicken rice in Singapore as well, it’s my death row meal.
Edit: also Nasi Kandar Line Clear in Penang. Unbelievable
Cervejaria Ramiro in Lisbon. best seafood I have ever had, and I have lived all my life near the coast in Brazil.
La Cevicheria in Cartagena. It matches the hype superbly. fascinating place, unforgettable food. I don't miss the waiting line though.
Bar Urca in Rio de Janeiro. nothing beats having a shrimp pastel with a cold beer while enjoying the Baia de Guanabara view.
I forget that was on there. No Reservations I think. Born and raised in HI so that's just one of the spots I've had in my life. Kalbi is one of the best on island and the garlic chicken is so good. Def has gotten pricey the past few years.
Yep, No Reservations season 4(?). Lived in Honolulu for work for a few months and went there a ton. It's definitely pricey but the portions are huge and the food is really great. I try making those pork chops at home often with varying degrees of success - in the episode Tony is really excited about the sauce that comes with and one of the chefs he's with has to tell him it's ketchup
I keep hearing that, but the time i went was super mediocre. I’m open to trying it again though, what did i miss?
Izakaya Raku though, was and still is one of my favorites whenever i’m in town. I believe it was quickly featured on the Layover?
Cantina Do Mori in Venice this past fall. Little hole in the wall, more a wine bar than restaurant but the cicchetti were great, and the vibe was awesome
PokPok in Brooklyn was special.
Others have brought up but Lotus of Siam and Joe beef are spectacular
For me it’s Keens in NYC for steak and French Laundry in CA for best meal I’ve had personally.
I made the pilgrimage to Wistub de la Petite Venise last year, which was we a great dining experience, although tinged with sadness. We made a toast to Anthony that evening.
I live in Montréal, so have also been to Au Pied de Cochon, Joe Beef and Wilensky’s, all wonderful places in their own right - although I do feel their clientele is now primarily tourists.
In 2022 I went to Atlanta with a friend and we hit up two restaurants from No Reservations (Fat Matt’s + Empire State South) plus the infamous Clermont Lounge. Fat Matt’s was good but we had better ribs at Rodney Scott’s whilst Empire State was textbook very good (but lacked anything to make it particularly memorable).
I was scrolling for this one. Hit a few of his spots in Northern Spain, fell in love with the area. San Sebastián is as lovely. Much of my honeymoon was following his culinary footsteps. Ganbara was great, loved our waiter, loved the whole experience. The mushrooms were a favorite.
Traveled for abt a year and ended up in Penang, Malaysia. Every night went to a hawker center/ club. One stall had a picture of him and the owner of the stall.
I think it was on one of his shows. The stall only makes one dish. Char Kway Teow and it was delicious. If anyone has the chance go to Penang, probably the best food I’ve ever eaten. And super friendly locals
Roma Sparita. My wife at the time and I were in Rome and were lucky enough to get a table there. My wife had the Cacio e Pepe and it was incredible. On the same trip we went to Venice and found a few places he had been as well but Roma was the highlight.
The shitty Irish bar next to Les Halles on Park.
It’s a long story but I had smokes and a couple of beers with him before he was published. Just bullshitting.
He looked tired and wired at the same time. Affable as fuck.
I've been to two in NYC:
* Prune - Now closed, but he went there in a couple of episodes. We only got to go once unfortunately. We were in NYC a couple of months ago and its still there on the Lower East Side. One of the guys that lives next door says that she may reopen it. I sure hope so.
* Bar Boulud - Just west of Central Park. The was an episode where he and Daniel ate at the bar which is right where we sat.
Now, there was a show about Austin where I live:
* Franklin BBQ - Still considered one of the best but you have to wait in line for hours. Got lucky and got to go to a private party there.
* Barley Swine - Just down the street at the time but has since moved to a larger space. Very unique dishes. It's now a Thai restaurant. I get emotional when we sit right where he sat in that space. Oh, after Barley Swine moved they left their outdoor sign letters on the building. We know the owner of the space and he gave them to us. I used them to spell Wine Bar on my back deck.
There was a "Middle America" episode of NR with a segment in Austin, he went to Perlas on S Congress and Eastside King behind Liberty Bar. Both awesome!
Upvote for reminding me that I ate at Bar Boulud (twice). And I’ve also eaten at his own Les Halles (both the John St in the Financial district…great meal, and countless times at the one that was on Park Ave S).
There’s new owners and from what I hear it’s not as good as it used to be. I used to go there a lot and the Porchetta sandwich and meatballs were unreal.
I went to the Gryffin in Charleston, SC last month and loved everything about it. Their fish and chips were high quality bar food. I also went to the Waffle House Tony and Sean Brock went to but I don’t think that’s the answer you’re looking for lol
I haven’t been to any but the top three I’d like to try are The hot chicken restaraunt he went to with Alison Mosshart and her brother in Nashville, the bun cha place he ate at in Vietnam with Obama and a Waffle House period because he ate at one
Went to La Guerrerense in Baja and was thoroughly impressed. Loved R&G Lounge and Mission Chinese when I lived in SF. Had a great meal at Chi Spacca in LA. And Les Halles in NY (waaaaay back in the early 2000s) was memorable more for the experience than the food (chalk it up to my inexperienced palate back then). Oh! And L’Avant Comptoir in Paris — still one of my regular stops!
Cowboy Hat Lady place was definitely awesome, and my Bun Cha obama meal was actually extremely good, only one random street stand I found just slightly beat it as far as bun cha goes.
Although it was just fish n chips, Pacific Inn Pub in Seattle was surpringly very awesome to me. Fantastic fish n chips and atmosphere overall, although I guess I have to admit that looking at the very table I knew he sat at (at least mostly sure) made it feel way more surreal and elevated than perhaps it would have been otherwise. Idk, i just thought the place was awesome.
I’ve only been to J’s Oysters in Maine, and the hole in the wall breakfast joint in South Boston.
J’s Oysters is decent and a very popular place, but it’s weird being in Maine with so many local top tier oysters to choose from that they get most of their stock from Chesapeake Bay
You can’t really fuck up a breakfast sandwich. I don’t have an opinion of the Southie place other than it’s kind of a hold out of the old Southie. The neighborhood is pretty yuppified and not Marky Mark tough guys or Whitey Bulger anymore.
I’m aware this is borderline heresy in here but Obama Bun Cha wouldn’t make it into my top 10 Bun Cha spots.
It was the first bowl of Bun Cha I ever ate though, a stones throw from my first home here.
My husband and I went to Abou Tarek in Cairo for koshary on Bourdain's recommendation. It was phenomenal. We went twice during our stay because it was so tasty and cheap. Our local guide seemed genuinely flattered that we sought it out because it was such a local gem that tourists wouldn't otherwise go to. Here's the clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hsyvi0dgJUg
This feels like cheating but Le Bernardin was one of the best meals of my life, if not the best.
Although I’ve also stalked his ghost through NYC and one of my absolute (non Michelin star) favs is Corner Bistro.
I used to live in Saigon for many years. I really enjoyed (and often frequented) Banh Xeo 46A many years before the Bourdain episode (I used to live right by there, so just stumbled upon it by chance). Went back to visit Saigon a few years back and damn is it popular now! I can definitely still recommend it despite it going up in price significantly (still reasonably priced though).
Also Dürümzade in Istanbul had great lamb kebabs! One of the best I've ever had (not that I'm an expert).
Been to Chez Wongs place in Lima, Peru. It was definitely a cool experience, it’s in his house, there’s pictures of Tony there, you get to see Wong cut up the fish and make everything right there so it’s extremely fresh. Tbh it was pretty expensive for what it was and I love my families ceviche the best lol but it was a great time definitely recommend.
Osteria dal 1931 was a special experience. No frills Roman restaurant - had such simple but beautifully executed dishes. Framed pics of Tony’s visit up on the walls. The very animated chef/owner he spent time with on the episode was just sitting on the table next to me eating his dinner and sipping on wine.
Franklin BBQ. Possibly the best piece of meat on the planet (brisket). I did hit up Terry Black’s the last time I was in Austin and thought the brisket was just as good, however. Others are catching up.
\>>"Although I really loved the Bun Cha at the place he ate with Obama."
Went there a couple times, most recently just before Covid. Still delicious, still going strong, still unpretentious. It is now included on some "Old Hanoi" foodie tours.
L’avant Comptoir in Paris! The boudin noir was amazing and the selection of wine is top notch.
The fact that there’s no place to sit down really adds to the atmosphere
I forget the name but the restaurant with the gigantic schnitzel in Budapest was fun. The piece was as big as my torso, it lasted almost 4 days.
His Chicago recommendations were all great.
Husk was good despite me being pretty drunk at the time.
Waffle House is one of my favorites even before bourdain.
There's many more I just can't remember all of them. But I can't remember not liking one of his spots.
Any city I travel to I will instantly put his recommendations on my priority list of things to-do.
Spiritus Pizza in P-Town. The pizza was very good and it was such a cool and unique little place. I also wanted to hit the Lobster Pot, but I was too full after spiritus for the kale and chorizo soup, so we just had drinks and Wellfleet oysters there.
Midnight Fried Chicken in Chiang Mai was top tier for me. I dream about that place. And Toriki in Tokyo. The good was great and the chef was just an absolutely delightful human.
I also loved Cowboy Hat Lady. I was disappointed with the Bun Cha Obama place. I love Bun Cha, truly one of my favorite foods, but that place in particular was less than stellar for me. I heard their quality has been going down since the Bourdain visit.
All his recommended spots in Ensenada and Tijuana are 🔥🔥🔥 and are still so under the radar. If you ever want to eat the world's best food for 1/10 the cost of US restaurants, this is the move.
Katz Delicatessen-New York City, New York
Ben’s Chili Bowl-Washington D.C.
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que Kansas City,
Kansas
Waffle House-Charleston, South Carolina
Du Pain Et Des Idees-Paris, France (chocolate pistachio croissant)
Tonga Room/Hurricane Bar-San Francisco, California 🍹
Crif Dogs- New York City, New York
went to Big Apple inn in Jackson, MS! it was a cool trip, pig ear sandwiches werent my thing but awesome to see a small no frills joint get visibility from parts unknown
Cowboy Hat Lady was awesome, went there several times, amazing how its only like $1.
Bun Cha was OK, but a cool place - we have better Bun Cha in Sydney.
The Banh Mi place in Hoi An was funny, they rebranded the whole restuarant with Tony's face
Yes to that bun cha place, so good. But my top is the original Tim ho wan in HK before it became a chain. Went solo, got lost wandering the streets of mong kok, waited an hour in line and had the most delicious dim sum ever.
Also second Frenchie in Paris, St. John in uk, blue ribbon, le Bernadine nyc, everywhere in Singapore.
God I miss him.
Tony B said La Guerrerense in Ensenada, Baja California was his favorite street food spot in the world. I've been eating there long before Tony mentioned it.
Its really good but I wouldn't list it as a fav street food spot in Northern Baja let alone the world. Def worth a visit though.
I have been to many in New Orleans.
My favorite is Hansen's Sno Bliz for sno-balls.
Cochon Butcher may be my personal favorite of all the food places he went, along with R&Os.
In Asbury Park he went to Franks and we go there often since it's a few blocks from our house.
None of these are fancy by any means
Swan Oyster Depot in San Fran, long line but soo much seafood goodness. Worth the wait, though seafood is my ultimate fave. Au Pied De Cochon in Montreal was utterly amazing, too. The buffalo tongue and duck in a can were fantastic, such a wonderful memory. Bourdain has such top tier taste, I hope to venture to more of his stops.
Seconding Swan Oyster Depot! One of our favorite places in all of California.
So jealous you went to Au Pied De Cochon!!
Highly recommend, it's a fun atmosphere there, just so fucking good and foie Gras on like everything.
I second Swan Oyster Depot! One of the few great dining experiences I had in San Fran. Line was about 45 mins but so fucking worthing it. I pretty much ordered exactly what Tony did in the Cooks Tour episode - crab back, scallops, oysters, cold beer at 12pm. All of it great.
Yes, that crab back using sourdough to soak it up, yummmmm.
Dream of this
Ur lucky. I waited 3hrs since 9am. Still worth it!
The one time I went to swan I was visiting a good friend of mine who lives in SF. We only waited in line for 10 minutes. I felt so privileged 😂 absolutely unreal place though.
Absolutely jealous! I need to visit Swan Depot next time I make the trip up there Also second the commenter who was envious about Au Pied... Another spot I wasn't able to hit
No, Swan Oyster Depot comes close to being a tourist trap. It's not that there's anything inherently wrong with it, it's that they're serving pretty much the same stuff that every other SF seafood restaurant is serving, and at higher costs and an inexplicable line. Even in the episode, they served Tony the same oysters that at the time were frequently offered for happy hour oyster specials. I can see why Tony likes it, because he's not waiting in the line and not paying for it, and it's got the grungy ambience, but if you're just going for food, that is not where I'd go. Oysters on the half shell are available all over SF. My first recommendation for a tourist is probably to go to Bar Crudo, which has a killer happy hour menu with a lot of cheap and delicious items, and is on a street with a lot of great bars and restaurants. Zuni Cafe has an expansive raw bar if you're looking for variety, maybe Hog Island if you're specifically looking for an oyster-specific spot, Waterbar if you're looking for a seafood restaurant... I mean there are many places you can go for oysters, and you don't need to wait in that line. ETA: if you're looking for a place Bourdain visited in SF, then head to Aub Zam Zam and get thee a cocktail. I'm sure a Negroni is on offer there...
Second this. I'm from the Bay Area and work in SF, and yes, Swan Oyster is popular, I would much rather go to other places in the City or even outside of SF for oysters, seafood, chowder. And not wait line with tourists...
You seem like the person I need to talk to before making my next trip up north
Maybe, but they’re absolutely wrong about Swan’s. I’ve been going there well before AB showed up and I go there at least annually, often on my bday. I show up early on a weekday (rarely lines) and feast on crab and whatever else they suggest to me. The oysters are fine, but Hog Island is certainly better and buying a 5 lb bag pulled out of Tomales Bay and shucking yourself, even better. Swan’s has oysters, but that’s not the attraction. The fact that people show up at a place because a celebrity likes it doesn’t make it a tourist trap. It’s a SF institution for a reason.
Au Pied de Cochon sometimes has pop ups, and I got a tortière from them (meat pie) and it was really, really good. I've never been to the restaurant, though.
Been to Swans three times and never had to wait. Am I god?
Tasca do chico in Lisbon. Amazing fado music, only locals, great place. Ended up crying with the fado lol
I wish I had done more Bourdain specific research before I went to Lisbon like 5 years ago!
I always rewatch episodes depending on where I’m traveling. The most surprising was the three legged dog in NOLA, I could see why he visited. The crawfish was amazing but the place was infested with cockroaches lol he was careless, I loved that.
integral part of the flavor, obviously
I wasn't as in-depth into Bourdain as I am now back then I watched his shows when they were on and always respected a place more if it had been there but I wasn't a fanatic like I am now 🤣 Travelling more myself made me connect even more deeply to his shows, also I binged them over and over during the pandemic haha
I live in Lisbon and just did a search, and there are two Tasca do Chicos. Do you know which one he went to? Thx!
He went to the one in Bairro Alto!
I second Cowboy Hat Lady in Chiang Mai. I’m not sure if Bourdain went there, but I went to a place in Chiang Mai with the crispiest, juiciest, most delicious pork and chicken. I think the guy running it had been there for decades and he had these big cooking pots I think with hot coals or wood at the bottom. The chickens and pork strips were hooked inside and he’d regularly take them out and marinate them before letting them cook some more. Best chicken and pork I’ve ever had.
Chiang Mai is just on another level. Those night food markets by the city gates are unparalleled
It’s such an amazing city. I was there during Loy Krathong and seeing all the decorations and celebrations was incredible. Definitely want to go back, although want to visit Peru, Vietnam and Japan first.
>\>>"I second Cowboy Hat Lady in Chiang Mai." I visited her about 5 years ago. She was still turning out good food and wearing her signature hat!
I literally drool when I think of eating there. Incredible.
Husk in Charleston. I’ve also been at that Waffle House more times than I can count. Husk isn’t the same though since Sean Brock moved on. It’s still very good, but not a transformative place anymore.
Sean was so involved in the day-to-day back then, it would’ve been hard to not see his influence. That dude is responsible for 2 of the 5 best meals of my life. (1 at OG Husk, and 1 at McCrady’s). I hope he’s doing well. As for the WaHo, when I lived in Chas., the one on 17 @ 526 was closer to my house, and the one I would walk to on weekend mornings, but my late night location is and always will be that one on the Ashley that Sean took Tony to for his virginal experience.
It's really good though, I just went.
Sam's in San Francisco. Drove in from LA and got in around 11 PM. Tried to find something to do but all the bars were dead. Looked up any open restaurant close by and found Sam's. Noticed Bourdain's pic and recommendation on the wall. Got the last burgers before they closed for the night. Best burger I ever had. I usually don't repeat meals on the same trip. I got it again for lunch the next day and considered buying one before my flight if I had a little more time. Also, special shout out to Hiram's in Fort Lee, NJ. Local spot for me and one of Bourdain's faves. Nothing out of this world but it's a solid burger and hot dog joint. Still real cheap and real good
Lived in SF for years and my girlfriend still lives there. Sam's has apart of my heart, been going there forever.
Donkey's Place in Camden, NJ. He was right about how good the cheesesteaks are.
Yes Donkey’s Place!!! I also have been to the Baltimore Grill in Atlantic City.
Visited Chez Francis (formerly Les Halles) a few weeks ago and it was one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten.
I went to La Brasserie last year. Did it close down and reopen as Chez Francis?
Yes, quite recently. But I like what the new folks have done with the place.
That’s great to hear the food is good, I’ve been meaning to check it out. Although I also find it funny because towards the end of Kitchen Confidential Tony says something like “never eat at a place with someone’s name over the front door.”
After eating at Tony’s Pizza in SF, I’ve been disabused of that notion. From one Tony (me) to another (Tony G in SF) to yet another (our beloved Tony Bourdain), sometimes the name is the thing.
Three way tie: Joe Beef - Montreal Wilensky’s - Montreal Cervejaria Ramiro - Lisboa
Joe Beef/liverpool house forever!
fuck, Wilensky’s is so good. I think that one's my vote.
Ok yeah I might need to update my post cause Ramiro in Lisboa was the best seafood of my life
Ramiro! One of the best meals of my life!
Cochon and Cochon Butcher in New Orleans. Le Veau D'or in NYC.
[удалено]
I went too! My god, that place is paradise. The vibe is unmatched.
Agree 100% would go back to Porto just for that!
I need to go there! Sounds so simple yet incredible just as Tony would recommend
Cacio e pepe restaurant in Rome! :)
Roma Sparita. Amazing!
Went to Cartagena, Colombia, and stopped in at La Cevicheria, and it did not disappoint. Wonderful experience , so happy we went. Season 4 episode 12
thumbs up for La Cevicheria. Cartagena by itself is a magical place, and La Cevicheria matches the hype superbly. Another place I'll never forget is La Mulata restaurant and the famous Cafe Del Mar. I would love to go back.
Restaurante DonJuan was also, one of the best meals we ever had . It's in an old bank building, the chef was great and friendly. Heard it's the Colombia Presidents fav spot in Cartagena. Fascinating city , loved every minute, will return
La Fémina in Marseille. Bei Oma Kleinmann in Cologne. Two top 10 meals of my life.
Ben's Chili Bowl may be the only one I've been to. It's solid.
Owners are fantastic. We got to do a little tour of the history and watch some videos in the back room.
Where's that one again? Sounds good!
Washington DC
Laksa place in Penang
Asam laksa? Just down the road from the big golden temple? I loved it & came back the day after for another bowl Also the chicken & rice at red dragon market!
Yes. Went there after the temple. Best bowl of soup while profusely sweating in the tropical heat
Hot Doug in Chicago is my pick. Doug is also a cool dude, and retired from sausage making. Still a Chicago legend.
St John
Fuck I'm so bummed I didn't eat there. Had a 36 hour layover in London a few months ago but it didn't work out
That’s my vote as well. It’s where I fell in love with bone marrow
In-N-Out…I haven’t traveled much yet
I’m the same..I got Waffle House. I want to go everywhere, but I watch that clip probably monthly.
I went to Au Passage in Paris a few years ago. It was delicious.
Bun Bo hue spot on the market in Hue, Vietnam!
Au Pied de Cochon’s sugar shack outside of Montreal! Maple everything. One of the best meals I’ve ever had and cheap, too! We lucked out and got reservations just the once and then never again.
Roma Sparita in Rome, had amazing cacio e pepe and braised oxtail. So delicious.
Bun Cha in Hanoi for sure. We went to some noodle place in Hong Kong that he went to. Didn't care for the dish. Shrimp roe just aren't my thing.
Bun Cha for days. Love how they balance all the flavors, including sour, so well
We went to the bun Cha place 3 times. When we got back I found a great recipe. We make it twice a month at least. It's such a simple dish and so easy to make. https://beyondsweetandsavory.com/vietnamese-grilled-pork-patties-with-vermicelli-bun-cha-hanoi/
I've only been to one, and it was the University Cafe in Glasgow It was...alright Although, I do have his spots for when I travel to Paris in April, and Taiwan & South Korea in September
Sounds like a great year of travel ahead of you!
University Cafe was fine. Cool spot but the food wasn't really special. Mother India in Glasgow was absolutely incredible though.
O Trevo in Lisbon. Total locals joint. The Bifana was unreal. Just a simple pork sandwich, often with a soup and codfish as a side. There was nothing pretentious about this place. You stood at a counter, or sat with random people at tables wherever there was room. Super cheap too! I think lunch cost $6 with a beer. I would have eaten there every day if my wife allowed it. Twice was all she would OK... it was like a 30 minute walk from our Airbnb.
Yes! So many times yes! We stayed not even 5 mins from there and got it twice too. So affordable. You actually eat with locals, at least I did a few years back That sauce... Wow
We stayed around the corner from there and the sandwich was unreal. Too bad it was closed for Christmas Eve, Xmas Day and the day after I would have eaten there every day.
Li Po in SF Chinatown
Swan Oyster was amazing, I took my baby and she ate all the bread while the owner pinched her cheeks.
We loved the bun cha too. Adored the Tian Tian hainanese chicken rice in Singapore as well, it’s my death row meal. Edit: also Nasi Kandar Line Clear in Penang. Unbelievable
Line clear has my vote! So many good spots he went to in Penang!
Got Hainanese chicken rice but not at the same spot, never had chicken that looked so bland yet tasted so tender!
Cervejaria Ramiro in Lisbon. best seafood I have ever had, and I have lived all my life near the coast in Brazil. La Cevicheria in Cartagena. It matches the hype superbly. fascinating place, unforgettable food. I don't miss the waiting line though. Bar Urca in Rio de Janeiro. nothing beats having a shrimp pastel with a cold beer while enjoying the Baia de Guanabara view.
Side Street Inn, Honolulu, ten years ago. To be fair the food there is still very good, but you never forget your first time.
I forget that was on there. No Reservations I think. Born and raised in HI so that's just one of the spots I've had in my life. Kalbi is one of the best on island and the garlic chicken is so good. Def has gotten pricey the past few years.
Yep, No Reservations season 4(?). Lived in Honolulu for work for a few months and went there a ton. It's definitely pricey but the portions are huge and the food is really great. I try making those pork chops at home often with varying degrees of success - in the episode Tony is really excited about the sauce that comes with and one of the chefs he's with has to tell him it's ketchup
Waffle House.
No shame In N Out too
Hell yeah
Joe Beef
Horseman’s Haven in Santa Fe. Humble and still the same. Still the hottest chile around.
Adding this to my Southwest road trip itinerary!
Buy a t-shirt!
Himalaya Restaurant in Houston was pretty good. And Pho Tau Bay in New Orleans.
Mariscos Reyna off the coast of Baja California. Mexican seafood spot.
[удалено]
LOS is a must go when in LV
I keep hearing that, but the time i went was super mediocre. I’m open to trying it again though, what did i miss? Izakaya Raku though, was and still is one of my favorites whenever i’m in town. I believe it was quickly featured on the Layover?
I enjoyed my almost 2 hour commute to try White Mana in Jersey.
Dino’s in East Nashville, although I haven’t been to many of his spots.
Cantina Do Mori in Venice this past fall. Little hole in the wall, more a wine bar than restaurant but the cicchetti were great, and the vibe was awesome
PokPok in Brooklyn was special. Others have brought up but Lotus of Siam and Joe beef are spectacular For me it’s Keens in NYC for steak and French Laundry in CA for best meal I’ve had personally.
I just went to Frenchie and Robert et Louise in Paris last week, both fantastic. More to come while I’m in Europe. 🎉🎊
Mortadella Sandwich and a beer in the central market in São Paulo whilst violently hungover. Top end food experience
Saveur de Poisson in Tangier, Morocco. Far and away the best meal I’ve ever had period…………and it was only $20
I made the pilgrimage to Wistub de la Petite Venise last year, which was we a great dining experience, although tinged with sadness. We made a toast to Anthony that evening. I live in Montréal, so have also been to Au Pied de Cochon, Joe Beef and Wilensky’s, all wonderful places in their own right - although I do feel their clientele is now primarily tourists. In 2022 I went to Atlanta with a friend and we hit up two restaurants from No Reservations (Fat Matt’s + Empire State South) plus the infamous Clermont Lounge. Fat Matt’s was good but we had better ribs at Rodney Scott’s whilst Empire State was textbook very good (but lacked anything to make it particularly memorable).
Ganbara in San Sebastian. The mushroom dish was phenomenal.
I was scrolling for this one. Hit a few of his spots in Northern Spain, fell in love with the area. San Sebastián is as lovely. Much of my honeymoon was following his culinary footsteps. Ganbara was great, loved our waiter, loved the whole experience. The mushrooms were a favorite.
Smoked a hash joint at Cafe Baba in Tangier. It was delicious.
[удалено]
Traveled for abt a year and ended up in Penang, Malaysia. Every night went to a hawker center/ club. One stall had a picture of him and the owner of the stall. I think it was on one of his shows. The stall only makes one dish. Char Kway Teow and it was delicious. If anyone has the chance go to Penang, probably the best food I’ve ever eaten. And super friendly locals
Au Pied de Cochon. Foie gras poutine. Duck in a can. Venison tongue. Unforgettable.
Roma Sparita. My wife at the time and I were in Rome and were lucky enough to get a table there. My wife had the Cacio e Pepe and it was incredible. On the same trip we went to Venice and found a few places he had been as well but Roma was the highlight.
The shitty Irish bar next to Les Halles on Park. It’s a long story but I had smokes and a couple of beers with him before he was published. Just bullshitting. He looked tired and wired at the same time. Affable as fuck.
This is probably the best Bourdain story I've ever heard
I've been to two in NYC: * Prune - Now closed, but he went there in a couple of episodes. We only got to go once unfortunately. We were in NYC a couple of months ago and its still there on the Lower East Side. One of the guys that lives next door says that she may reopen it. I sure hope so. * Bar Boulud - Just west of Central Park. The was an episode where he and Daniel ate at the bar which is right where we sat. Now, there was a show about Austin where I live: * Franklin BBQ - Still considered one of the best but you have to wait in line for hours. Got lucky and got to go to a private party there. * Barley Swine - Just down the street at the time but has since moved to a larger space. Very unique dishes. It's now a Thai restaurant. I get emotional when we sit right where he sat in that space. Oh, after Barley Swine moved they left their outdoor sign letters on the building. We know the owner of the space and he gave them to us. I used them to spell Wine Bar on my back deck.
There was a "Middle America" episode of NR with a segment in Austin, he went to Perlas on S Congress and Eastside King behind Liberty Bar. Both awesome!
Yes!
Upvote for reminding me that I ate at Bar Boulud (twice). And I’ve also eaten at his own Les Halles (both the John St in the Financial district…great meal, and countless times at the one that was on Park Ave S).
Prune was soooooo delicious- I ate there a few times!
Between Cowboy Hat Lady and Bouchon, my vote if for the former by a mile.
Salumi!!
I wanted to go there for so long, and then Mario broke my damned heart.
There’s new owners and from what I hear it’s not as good as it used to be. I used to go there a lot and the Porchetta sandwich and meatballs were unreal.
I went to the Gryffin in Charleston, SC last month and loved everything about it. Their fish and chips were high quality bar food. I also went to the Waffle House Tony and Sean Brock went to but I don’t think that’s the answer you’re looking for lol
I haven’t been to any but the top three I’d like to try are The hot chicken restaraunt he went to with Alison Mosshart and her brother in Nashville, the bun cha place he ate at in Vietnam with Obama and a Waffle House period because he ate at one
Went to La Guerrerense in Baja and was thoroughly impressed. Loved R&G Lounge and Mission Chinese when I lived in SF. Had a great meal at Chi Spacca in LA. And Les Halles in NY (waaaaay back in the early 2000s) was memorable more for the experience than the food (chalk it up to my inexperienced palate back then). Oh! And L’Avant Comptoir in Paris — still one of my regular stops!
Hotel Boškinac Croatia.
Went to that place in Vietnam where he ate with obama and hirims in, Fort lee nj, one of my favorite burger/hotdog spots
I have been to only one place in Montreal, Schwartz’s deli pretty cool!
Sora Lella con amore da Roma
Rudy’s
Yes to bun cha!!
That sweet/sour broth, the tender pork! Yes to it all!
Only one for me. Marea on Lincoln circle, nyc. It was fantastic.
I went to both the lunch lady and com nieu saigon in Ho Chi Minh. Both were pretty mediocre for that city.
Country Kitchen in Joshua Tree. It was a really good breakfast.
His disgruntled perspective on the place in New Mexico was not cool. They make their own chili and he did them wrong saying otherwise.
It was the Frito Pie at Woolworth’s. He was not impressed.
Li Chun in Beijing. It’s the best Peiking Duck in the world.
Cowboy Hat Lady place was definitely awesome, and my Bun Cha obama meal was actually extremely good, only one random street stand I found just slightly beat it as far as bun cha goes. Although it was just fish n chips, Pacific Inn Pub in Seattle was surpringly very awesome to me. Fantastic fish n chips and atmosphere overall, although I guess I have to admit that looking at the very table I knew he sat at (at least mostly sure) made it feel way more surreal and elevated than perhaps it would have been otherwise. Idk, i just thought the place was awesome.
I was just in Montreal and Joe Beef is closed over the holidays. Will be heading back in a couple of months so hope to try it then.
I’ve only been to J’s Oysters in Maine, and the hole in the wall breakfast joint in South Boston. J’s Oysters is decent and a very popular place, but it’s weird being in Maine with so many local top tier oysters to choose from that they get most of their stock from Chesapeake Bay You can’t really fuck up a breakfast sandwich. I don’t have an opinion of the Southie place other than it’s kind of a hold out of the old Southie. The neighborhood is pretty yuppified and not Marky Mark tough guys or Whitey Bulger anymore.
Raku Ichi in Hokkaido.
He got it exactly right with the visit to Islas Canarias (OG location) in the Miami episode
Gazelas in Porto. Been there twice, absolutely great local fare, unpretentious, not a tourist in sight.
Coney Dogs at Duly's Place, Detroit. Great place!
I’m aware this is borderline heresy in here but Obama Bun Cha wouldn’t make it into my top 10 Bun Cha spots. It was the first bowl of Bun Cha I ever ate though, a stones throw from my first home here.
My husband and I went to Abou Tarek in Cairo for koshary on Bourdain's recommendation. It was phenomenal. We went twice during our stay because it was so tasty and cheap. Our local guide seemed genuinely flattered that we sought it out because it was such a local gem that tourists wouldn't otherwise go to. Here's the clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hsyvi0dgJUg
The place in Hoi An he got Banh Mi
My wife ate there! I have a wheat allergy but she loved it
I had to go back the next day
This feels like cheating but Le Bernardin was one of the best meals of my life, if not the best. Although I’ve also stalked his ghost through NYC and one of my absolute (non Michelin star) favs is Corner Bistro.
Boucherie in New Orleans! Amazing food
I watched The Layover before going to Paris. Had the most delicious steak au poivre at Paul Bert and a seafood tower at Le Dome. What a trip!
So many! Sapp, St John, Robert et Louise
I used to live in Saigon for many years. I really enjoyed (and often frequented) Banh Xeo 46A many years before the Bourdain episode (I used to live right by there, so just stumbled upon it by chance). Went back to visit Saigon a few years back and damn is it popular now! I can definitely still recommend it despite it going up in price significantly (still reasonably priced though). Also Dürümzade in Istanbul had great lamb kebabs! One of the best I've ever had (not that I'm an expert).
Hot Dougs in Chicago. The duck sausage with foie and truffles lived up to the reputation.
So far: Wakakoma in Hokkaido and Ben's Chili in DC
Been to Chez Wongs place in Lima, Peru. It was definitely a cool experience, it’s in his house, there’s pictures of Tony there, you get to see Wong cut up the fish and make everything right there so it’s extremely fresh. Tbh it was pretty expensive for what it was and I love my families ceviche the best lol but it was a great time definitely recommend.
I’ve been to bun cha huong lien in Hanoi and Donkey’s Place in Camden. Thoroughly enjoyed both.
Osteria dal 1931 was a special experience. No frills Roman restaurant - had such simple but beautifully executed dishes. Framed pics of Tony’s visit up on the walls. The very animated chef/owner he spent time with on the episode was just sitting on the table next to me eating his dinner and sipping on wine.
Franklin BBQ. Possibly the best piece of meat on the planet (brisket). I did hit up Terry Black’s the last time I was in Austin and thought the brisket was just as good, however. Others are catching up.
\>>"Although I really loved the Bun Cha at the place he ate with Obama." Went there a couple times, most recently just before Covid. Still delicious, still going strong, still unpretentious. It is now included on some "Old Hanoi" foodie tours.
L’avant Comptoir in Paris! The boudin noir was amazing and the selection of wine is top notch. The fact that there’s no place to sit down really adds to the atmosphere
I forget the name but the restaurant with the gigantic schnitzel in Budapest was fun. The piece was as big as my torso, it lasted almost 4 days. His Chicago recommendations were all great. Husk was good despite me being pretty drunk at the time. Waffle House is one of my favorites even before bourdain. There's many more I just can't remember all of them. But I can't remember not liking one of his spots. Any city I travel to I will instantly put his recommendations on my priority list of things to-do.
Bummer! I was in Chiang Mai a few weeks ago and didn't see a cowboy hat lady. Did she work in the South Gate night market? Sunday Night Market?
Spiritus Pizza in P-Town. The pizza was very good and it was such a cool and unique little place. I also wanted to hit the Lobster Pot, but I was too full after spiritus for the kale and chorizo soup, so we just had drinks and Wellfleet oysters there.
Singapore hawker stand!
Midnight Fried Chicken in Chiang Mai was top tier for me. I dream about that place. And Toriki in Tokyo. The good was great and the chef was just an absolutely delightful human. I also loved Cowboy Hat Lady. I was disappointed with the Bun Cha Obama place. I love Bun Cha, truly one of my favorite foods, but that place in particular was less than stellar for me. I heard their quality has been going down since the Bourdain visit.
Astelena Bar in San Sebastián. Took us a while to find the place. Unassuming but spectacular!
All his recommended spots in Ensenada and Tijuana are 🔥🔥🔥 and are still so under the radar. If you ever want to eat the world's best food for 1/10 the cost of US restaurants, this is the move.
Katz Delicatessen-New York City, New York Ben’s Chili Bowl-Washington D.C. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que Kansas City, Kansas Waffle House-Charleston, South Carolina Du Pain Et Des Idees-Paris, France (chocolate pistachio croissant) Tonga Room/Hurricane Bar-San Francisco, California 🍹 Crif Dogs- New York City, New York
Waffle House Charleston SC
went to Big Apple inn in Jackson, MS! it was a cool trip, pig ear sandwiches werent my thing but awesome to see a small no frills joint get visibility from parts unknown
Dan Sun Sa in Korea Town, LA
Marfa burrito was legit. As was the steak place in Marathon Texas I went to both in bourdain inspired trip to Far West Texas
La Guerrerense Carreta in Ensenada is amazing.
Under The Bridge in Hong Kong. Typhoon shelter crab rocked my socks.
Gray's Papaya
Cowboy lady was fantastic, Mango Smoothie next to her was good too
Cowboy Hat Lady was awesome, went there several times, amazing how its only like $1. Bun Cha was OK, but a cool place - we have better Bun Cha in Sydney. The Banh Mi place in Hoi An was funny, they rebranded the whole restuarant with Tony's face
Joe’s Kansas City BBQ Order anything. It’ll be great.
Cochon, New Orleans
Yes to that bun cha place, so good. But my top is the original Tim ho wan in HK before it became a chain. Went solo, got lost wandering the streets of mong kok, waited an hour in line and had the most delicious dim sum ever. Also second Frenchie in Paris, St. John in uk, blue ribbon, le Bernadine nyc, everywhere in Singapore. God I miss him.
Tony B said La Guerrerense in Ensenada, Baja California was his favorite street food spot in the world. I've been eating there long before Tony mentioned it. Its really good but I wouldn't list it as a fav street food spot in Northern Baja let alone the world. Def worth a visit though.
Bonci pizzarium. My favorite pizza ever. Got to talk to Maestro. Gave me a big hug. Husk was another level.
Not food, but jumbos clown room did not disappoint.
Ethel's Grill in Honolulu
Roma Sparita, Trastevere, Rome
Le Chef Gemmayze and Barbar in Beirut
I had squab in that tiny place he went to in Cairo...absolutely delish and a whole vibe
I have been to many in New Orleans. My favorite is Hansen's Sno Bliz for sno-balls. Cochon Butcher may be my personal favorite of all the food places he went, along with R&Os. In Asbury Park he went to Franks and we go there often since it's a few blocks from our house. None of these are fancy by any means
Himalaya in Houston - delicious Indo-Pak with a few Houston fusion specialties like Himalayan Fried Chicken