The complete list of Anthony Bourdain books, by genre
Want to read Anthony Bourdain’s books but don’t know where to start? This list catalogues his books by genre to help you find your next read.
THE FOREWORD
It’s no secret that Anthony Bourdain was a talented chef – but did you know he was also a prolific author?
While his most famous book, Kitchen Confidential, was a personal memoir, his writing skills go far beyond his own story. In addition to that first memoir, Bourdain also wrote historical non-fiction, crime fiction and even two cookbooks.
Beyond his solo works, Bourdain contributed to countless anthologies and collaborative projects – including two graphic novels!
For the sake of simplicity, this list focuses on the works he authored himself, but once you make your way through this list, there is plenty more to read. Ready to explore the tip of the iceberg?
Anthony Bourdain books, organised by genre
Memoirs & non-fiction
Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (2000)
Kitchen Confidential traces Anthony Bourdain’s career, from his first role as dishwasher at a seafood restaurant to Executive Chef at a swanky French brasserie in Manhattan.
But for Bourdain – as for many chefs – the road to culinary success wasn’t easy. In a world where late nights and high stakes were the norm, Bourdain found himself in a work-hard-play-hard culture, fuelled by drugs and managed by sometimes-cruel bosses.
The vignettes in this book peel back the curtain, showing what really happens behind closed kitchen doors. You’ll laugh, you might cry – and once you close the last page, you’ll either want to work in a kitchen yourself . . . or run in the opposite direction!
A Cook’s Tour: In Search of the Perfect Meal (2001)
This book follows Bourdain as he eats his way around the world.
Written while filming his TV show of the same name, this travelogue is brimming with the sense of adventure that Bourdain became known for.
Avoiding typical tourist traps, this book follows the chef as he seeks out unexpected experiences and eats. From trying a (still-beating) cobra heart to revisiting the tiny village where he tried his first oyster.
Typhoid Mary: An Urban Historical (2001)
This book is a bit different from Bourdain’s typical food writing, instead following the infamous life of Mary Mallon, a cook in New York in the early 1900s who became known as Typhoid Mary.
Following her through various kitchens, Bourdain explores the conditions that allowed the spread of typhoid for more than a decade. Whether you’re a history buff or simply love Bourdain’s writing style, this is an intriguing account you won’t want to pass up.
The Nasty Bits (2006)
This collection of previously unpublished works highlights all the bits that got cut from previous books recounting Bourdain’s misadventures.
From peeling back the curtain on what really goes on in television production to admitting guilt over cooking lobster, this book offers an honest look into Bourdain’s mind. While he’s never been known to sugarcoat things, this book is particularly candid, letting some of the ‘offcuts’ of his previous works take centre stage.
No Reservations (2007)
This is the perfect read for fans of Bourdain’s television series of the same name. A companion book to the show, this illustrated journal lets readers immerse themselves even more in Bourdain’s far-flung adventures.
Including never-before-seen photos, commentary and mementoes from the chef’s travels, this book will transport you around the world – sampling plenty of delicious meals along the way.
Medium Raw (2010)
Ten years after the publication of Kitchen Confidential, this book explores the evolving restaurant industry and Bourdain’s career trajectory.
Comparing the past and the present, Bourdain reflects on what’s evolved and what hasn’t – offering his own, unfiltered opinions along the way. If you enjoyed Bourdain’s first book, this makes for the perfect follow-up, tracking not only a shifting industry but also the life of one of the world’s most renowned chefs.
Fiction & crime novels
Bone in the Throat (1995)
Tommy had thought that culinary school taught him everything he needed to know – but boy, was he wrong!
After accepting a not-so-glamorous job at his uncle’s failing restaurant in the Little Italy neighbourhood in New York City, he soon finds himself in the middle of a crime scene.
Described as a ‘crude culinary noir classic’, this book brings Bourdain’s signature writing style into the world of crime fiction.
Gone Bamboo (1997)
Bourdain’s second crime fiction novel follows two mysterious ex-New Yorkers who have relocated to the Caribbean for retirement.
Soon, though, there’s trouble in paradise when their old life starts catching up with them. With an idyllic setting, dry wit and intriguing characters, this book offers a fun twist on Bourdain’s usual writing style.
Bobby Gold (2001)
Like Bourdain’s other crime fiction, this book centres an antihero who makes his way around New York City’s clubs and restaurants.
When he falls for a line cook, things may just get complicated. He had known trouble before . . . but this time things are different.
Cookbooks
Anthony Bourdain’s Les Halles Cookbook (2004)
Before becoming a globe-trotting television star, Bourdain was known for serving up French fare at Les Halles brasserie in New York City. With his signature charm and humour, the chef breaks down some of his favourite recipes in this book.
From veal short ribs to steak frites, this book is as practical as it is entertaining. The 20th anniversary edition, published in 2025, has an updated cover and layout, as well as a foreword by Fergus Henderson.
Appetites (2016)
Irreverent and a little chaotic, this cookbook encapsulates Bourdain’s dedication to food. Featuring a huge array of recipes, the book offers sage advice and less-than-perfect photography to inspire your own home cooking.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious dish to cook for yourself or something to impress your guests, this book has it all. From acai bowls to clam linguine, you’re sure to find a recipe that will make your mouth water.
