Anthony Bourdain was a world-famous chef who loved trying food everywhere. His top 10 restaurants in the USA are a bucket list for any foodie. From fancy places to hole-in-the-wall spots, Bourdain knew where to find the best eats. These restaurants aren’t just about the food; they’re a taste of the real America, picked by a guy who traveled the globe searching for amazing meals. From New York delis to Miami seafood spots, here’s his
top 10 favorite restaurants.
10. Tacos Villa Corona in California
In 2012, Bourdain visited Tacos Villa Corona in Los Angeles. It’s a hole-in-wall restaurant that
serves authentic Mexican food that Bourdain has described to be a “torpedo” which is maybe
because of the way the flavors just hit you. If you want to try Bourdain’s order, order the chicken
and steak tacos which he said was “awesome.” He also got their chorizo and papas breakfast
burrito. Tacos Villa Corona also serves quesadillas and nachos which are also definitely worth
the try.
9. Chef Creole Seasoned Kitchen in Miami
Chef Creole Seasoned Kitchen was featured in Bourdain’s show, No Reservations. Bourdain
came to the restaurant with his fellow chef, Michelle Lindsay. Together with Chef Creole’s very
own Ken Pierre, they had a delicious feast of spicy fresh conch chowder with sweet and green
plantains and grilled snapper with scotch bonnet.
Lucky for you, Chef Creole has six other branches, in addition to the Miami branch that
Bourdain visited. Give it a try and indulge in Ken Pierre’s Haitian menu.
8. Captain Jim’s Seafood in Miami
Before becoming one of Bourdain’s favorite seafood restaurants, Captain Jim’s Seafood was a
fish distribution center. When the owners saw that people were looking for a seafood restaurant
in North Miami, they decided to cater to this demand and opened up the restaurant.
If you want to try what Bourdain got, he ordered the stone crab claws. Don’t just stop there
though. Try out some of their signature dishes which includes The Captain’s Tail Sandwich
which is a fresh snapper fillet. Also try out the Corvina Frances–a sea bass prepared with a light
lemon sauce over linguine.
7. Heidelberg Restaurant in New York City
Heidelberg Restaurant is a German restaurant in New York City where Bourdain was seen
enjoying a pork shank and a beer. Bourdain described the pork shank as “tender, delicious,
falling off the freaking bone.” The Heidelberg is also one of the oldest German restaurants in the
United States with their menu dating back from when they first started. So, if you want a taste of
German cuisine without going to Germany, head on over here and try some of their sausages
with sauerkraut, red cabbage and potato–which Bourdain also had.
6. Swan Oyster Depot in San Francisco
Swan Oyster Depot’s menu is over a hundred years old and it was what Bourdain called as his
“happy zone.” It was a regular hangout spot for him where he would come to film every time he
was in the Bay Area. He described it as a crucial part of his global travels and expressed
contentment at the idea of dying at the counter of this beloved restaurant.
5. Russ & Daughters in New York City
Russ & Daughters boasts one of Bourdain’s quotes where he says, “Russ & Daughters
occupies that rare and tiny place on the mountaintop reserved for those who are not just the
oldest and the last but also the best.” This century-old restaurant in New York City has been
serving pickled herring, smoked sable, and slices of salmon since 1914.
4. Jitlada in Los Angeles
Anthony Bourdain loved Jitlada, a popular Thai restaurant in East Hollywood, Los Angeles.
Known for its spicy Southern Thai cuisine and unique decor, Jitlada is a favorite for many food
enthusiasts. Bourdain praised dishes like the crispy catfish salad, which has a crunchy texture
and fresh mango flavors, and the spicy jungle curry with pork. His visits to Jitlada showcased his
appreciation for flavorful and high-quality meals, reflecting his passion for exploring diverse
culinary scenes in his travel and food shows.
3. Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas
Franklin Barbecue’s dedication to quality and the art of smoking meat drew Bourdain to the
eatery. The eatery is famous for the “Holy Trinity” of Texas barbecue: brisket, ribs, and
sausage, all expertly prepared and highly sought after. Aaron Franklin, one of the best
pitmasters in the United States, has an uncommon dedication that translates to long lines of
avid food consumers waiting daily. He is also known for his meticulous attention to quality and
hands-on approach, personally slicing the meat despite the high volume of customers.
2. Northern China Eatery in Atlanta, Georgia
Featured in Bourdain’s show The Layover, Northern China Eatery is a “stairway to heaven”
according to Bourdain. This restaurant aims to serve freshest and most authentic food from
Northeast China and Beijin-Tianjin. They serve a variety of dumplings, buns, noodles, and
kabobs. Bourdain’s personal recommendation is the fish in hot and spicy pot, which is deep
fried fish with loads of chili.
1. Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City
There are many places of food in the streets of New York, but Katz’s for Anthony Bourdain
stood out (and also my personal favorite pastrami restaurant). He enjoys their pastrami sandwiches, especially with homemade mustard, a sour
pickle, and a cream soda. Bourdain admired Katz’s traditional pastrami preparation, involving a
meticulous three-week process. This dedication to quality made Katz’s one of his top late-night
spots in NYC.