Existing as a massive, sprawling testament to destruction and radical reinvention, Berlin is a city that carries its heavy historical scars alongside a wildly hedonistic modern energy. Arriving in 2008 for a brilliant episode of No Reservations, the objective was to navigate this profound juxtaposition by diving into the heavy, deeply comforting culinary traditions required to fuel such a kinetic metropolis. The food scene here is a fascinating study in survival, split between incredibly dense, classic German fare and the massive, transformative influence of the Turkish immigrant population. The journey perfectly balanced the old and the new, finding absolute joy in the messy, late-night perfection of a street-side currywurst and the monumental, slow-roasted glory of a pork shank, or eisbein. It also highlighted the meticulous, beautiful execution of traditional charcuterie and the undeniably crucial role of the perfect doner kebab in the city’s ecosystem. It is a masterful, beer-soaked exploration of a culture that knows how to endure the darkness and celebrate the light. Uncover the essential, undeniably hearty eateries that defined this spectacular urban adventure.
When Anthony Bourdain visited Berlin on his show No Reservations, he and his crew picked many restaurants. Here are all the addresses and the dishes showcased in a convenient list.
This is No Reservations, season 4, episode 2. It first aired on January 14, 2008.
READ MORE: HISTORICAL SITES IN BERLIN: 18 PLACES TO VISIT
DISH – “Traditional German Cuisine” – Anthony Bourdain Berlin
WHAT IS IT?
They had a veal schnitzel, beer, hard-boiled eggs, meatballs, white asparagus and a German variant of French toast.
“For starters everything comes with potatoes and beer… lots of beer. As long as you’re not driving or starting a riot, the Germans have a rather laissez-faire attitude about public drunkeness.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Prater Beer Garden
Kastanienallee 7-9, 10435 Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany
DISH – Currywurst – Anthony Bourdain Berlin
WHAT IS IT?
Anthony Bourdain had currywurst at Zur Currywurst located in Berlin.
They ate a currywurst made of pork sausage, french fries with ketchup and curry powder.
WHERE IS IT?
Zur Currywurst
Bahnhofstraße 40, 12555 Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany
READ MORE: BEST SHOPPING IN BERLIN: 11 PLACES TO VISIT
DISH – “Traditional German Food” – Anthony Bourdain Berlin
WHAT IS IT?
They had white asparagus, pork head cheese which is made of pig or cow byproducts, blutwurst or blood sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, fried fish, liverwurst or pig’s liver sausage, smoked ham and potato salad.
“First of all, I gotta say, this is some of the most beautiful food I’ve ever seen in my life. The color composition of every one of these plates is something that chefs strive for.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Rogacki
Wilmersdorfer Str. 145/46, 10585 Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany
DISH – “Berlin’s Turkish Dishes” – Anthony Bourdain Berlin
WHAT IS IT?
They had a doner kebab with bread, tomato sauce and sumac, shish kebab, marinated kebab, vegetables, yoghurt and bread.
“Man, it’s hard to say which I like more but I’m likin’ a lot all of it.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Hasir Restaurant
Nürnberger Str. 46, 10789 Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany
DISH – “Best German Food” – No Reservations Berlin
WHAT IS IT?
They had eisbein – or corned ham hock – with goulash, cabbage, potatoes and sauerkraut with Bautzner mustard.
“All the petty aggravations of the world fall away in a presence of a perfectly cooked pig shank.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Bräustüberl Weihenstephan
Weihenstephaner Berg 10, 85354 Freising, Germany
Berlin, Germany
READ MORE: BERLIN: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON PARTS UNKNOWN
This deep dive into Berlin perfectly captures his enduring fascination with cities that have been violently fractured and subsequently stitched back together. In the broader context of his travels, the episode is highly memorable for its brilliant defense of heavy, unpretentious comfort food, definitively proving that a perfectly executed doner kebab or a humble, spicy sausage can be as culturally significant as any Michelin-starred tasting menu. The sheer reverence he showed for the massive, terrifyingly beautiful platters of German meats and the relaxed, communal atmosphere of the historic beer gardens highlighted a deep appreciation for the city’s unique, slightly gritty charm. It remains a historically significant, incredibly fun hour of television that celebrates the unyielding resilience of the German capital. Grab a pint, embrace the shadows, and let the robust, undeniable flavors of the city satisfy your soul.
