Anthony Bourdain’s Favorite Restaurants in NYC: A Culinary Tour of the City He Loved
Few figures in the food world have had as profound an impact as Anthony Bourdain. A chef, storyteller, and cultural adventurer, Bourdain was as much a philosopher as he was a gastronome. While he explored far-flung corners of the globe, New York City — his hometown — always held a special place in his heart. From high-end institutions to gritty, no-frills counters, Bourdain celebrated the full spectrum of NYC dining.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Anthony Bourdain’s favorite restaurants in NYC — the places he dined at, praised, and immortalized through his writing and TV shows.
A Taste for the Real: Bourdain’s Food Philosophy
Anthony Bourdain wasn’t about Michelin stars or molecular gastronomy for the sake of novelty. He was driven by authenticity, soul, and stories behind the food. He had as much reverence for a perfectly crafted street taco as he did for an expertly plated tasting menu.
In New York, Bourdain sought out establishments that reflected the city’s rich immigrant culture, deep history, and unapologetic grit. To follow Bourdain’s NYC favorites is to experience the city through his eyes — with curiosity, respect, and a hearty appetite.
Iconic Anthony Bourdain Favorite Restaurants in NYC
1. Katz’s Delicatessen—Lower East Side
Featured on No Reservations, Katz’s was one of Bourdain’s quintessential NYC stops. Known for its towering pastrami on rye, this Jewish deli has been serving New Yorkers since 1888.
“Katz’s is where you go to get a real taste of New York. No B.S., just an amazing sandwich,” Bourdain once said.
He appreciated the old-school vibe, the chaotic counter service, and the unmistakable flavor of tradition.
2. Russ & Daughters—Lower East Side
Bourdain adored this century-old appetizing shop for its smoked fish, caviar, and iconic bagels. For him, this was another reminder of New York’s rich Jewish culinary heritage.
He once declared that their bagel with lox, cream cheese, and caviar was “the breakfast of champions.”
3. Keens Steakhouse—Midtown Manhattan
If Bourdain had a soft spot for classic New York institutions, Keens was high on the list. With walls lined with historical memorabilia and ceilings hung with old smoking pipes, this steakhouse is a time capsule.
He favored the legendary mutton chop — massive, juicy, and deeply flavorful. “Eating this feels like time travel,” he said in an episode of The Layover.
4. The Spotted Pig (Now Closed)—West Village
In its heyday, The Spotted Pig was one of the most talked-about gastropubs in NYC, and Bourdain was a frequent visitor. He praised chef April Bloomfield’s unapologetically rich food, particularly the Roquefort burger and shoestring fries.
This was a late-night haunt where chefs went to unwind, and Bourdain loved its irreverent energy.
5. Gray’s Papaya—Uptown & Midtown Locations
For Bourdain, cheap eats were just as essential to understanding a city’s food scene. Gray’s Papaya, with its legendary hot dogs and tropical drinks, was one of his go-to NYC fast-food joints.
He called it “a taste of New York street culture in its purest form,” and it was often one of his first stops back in the city after traveling.
6. Le Bernardin—Midtown Manhattan
Bourdain may have mocked fine dining in his early chef years, but Le Bernardin was different — largely due to his close friendship with chef Eric Ripert. This three-star Michelin seafood temple stood for everything he respected: excellence, precision, and humility.
He dined there often and never hesitated to praise it. “If I had to choose a last meal, Le Bernardin would probably be involved,” he said.
7. Xi’an Famous Foods—Multiple Locations
This humble noodle shop caught Bourdain’s attention during a No Reservations episode in Queens. He loved the spicy hand-pulled noodles, lamb burgers, and bold flavors of western Chinese cuisine.
After the episode aired, Xi’an Famous Foods saw a massive boom in popularity, something the owner credits largely to Bourdain. “He changed our lives,” they said.
Bourdain’s Legacy in NYC Dining
Bourdain had a unique ability to shine a spotlight on places that felt “real.” After he featured a spot on his shows, it often gained newfound recognition — not because it changed, but because more people finally appreciated what was already there.
In NYC, he helped preserve the cultural memory of institutions that might otherwise have faded. He inspired locals and tourists alike to look beyond the flashy and dig into the authentic.
A Bourdain-Inspired NYC Food Tour
Want to eat like Bourdain in a single day? Here’s a sample itinerary:
- Breakfast at Russ & Daughters—bagel with lox, caviar, and coffee
- Lunch at Katz’s Delicatessen—pastrami on rye with a side of pickles
- Snack at Xi’an Famous Foods—spicy lamb noodles
- Dinner at Keens Steakhouse—mutton chop with mashed potatoes
- Late-night bite at Gray’s Papaya—two hot dogs and a papaya drink
Bonus: If you can get a reservation, Le Bernardin makes for a perfect celebratory meal to end the day.
Conclusion
Anthony Bourdain’s favorite restaurants in NYC aren’t just places to eat —they’re chapters in a love letter to the city he called home. Whether you’re a native New Yorker or a first-time visitor, exploring these spots is a journey into the heart of what made Bourdain tick: a hunger for truth, a respect for culture, and a passion for food that tells a story.
In walking his culinary trail, we keep his legacy alive — one bite at a time.
