Manhattan in 2009 was Anthony Bourdain’s home turf, and this Season 5 episode of No Reservations served as a deeply personal love letter to the vanishing institutions of New York City. Rather than chasing the newest culinary trends, Bourdain focused intensely on the historic, foundational eateries that built the city’s gastronomic identity. The culinary scene he showcased was resolutely old-school: towering pastrami sandwiches, classic bagel and lox counters, heavy French bistro fare, and dimly lit, wood-paneled steakhouses. Bourdain’s angle was a mix of profound nostalgia and urgent preservation; he wanted to celebrate the places that maintain the gritty, authentic soul of New York before gentrification swept them away entirely. It was an homage to the immigrant groups—Italian, Jewish, Chinese, German—who shaped the city’s flavor. For a taste of the real, enduring New York that Bourdain held dear, these classic institutions are absolutely essential stops.
When Anthony Bourdain visited Manhattan 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 5, episode 8. It first aired on February 23, 2009.
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DISH – Spaghetti and Meatballs
WHAT IS IT?
They had spaghetti and meatballs and also lasagna.
“This was food that both provided the ingredients and recipes of the old country but also reflected the congeniality of the new country and the relatively prosperous land of opportunity of America, sauce once it’s garnished became the gravy, the main event.”
WHERE IS IT?
Manganaro Foods
488 9th Ave #2, New York, NY 10018, United States
Manhattan, United States
NOTES
Unfortunately, this restaurant has since closed its doors.
DISH – “Manhattan Style Dishes”
WHAT IS IT?
First: Jumbo shrimp cocktail with horseradish cocktail sauce.
Second: Lamb and mutton chops.
Third: Steak and slab of roast beef with cream spinach and hash browns.
“Oh my god, that’s good.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Keens Steakhouse
72 W 36th St., New York, NY 10018, United States
Manhattan, United States
DISH – Bagel with Cream Cheese and Lox
WHAT IS IT?
They had bagel with cream cheese and lox.
“is there any more classic combination? Is there anymore New York? A timeless matchup of ingredients unreproducible anywhere else in the world.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Russ & Daughters
179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Manhattan, United States
DISH – Pastrami on Rye
WHAT IS IT?
They had pastrami on rye made of pastrami, corned beef, brisket and rye bread with a smear of brown mustard and a side of sour pickles.
“If you look around on the neighborhood even a new neighbors are still eating here. But then, so is everybody else and Katz’s most quintessential New York establishments remains defiantly the same. The price of admission is only that you love New York and that you like pastrami.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Katz’s Delicatessen
205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Manhattan, United States
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN NEW ORLEANS : ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON NO RESERVATIONS
DISH – Tuna Salad
WHAT IS IT?
Anthony Bourdain had a tuna salad with a drink called “Lime Rickey” made of lime juice and cherry syrup.
“You don’t see this exactly or as good anywhere else.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop
174 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010, United States
Manhattan, United States
DISH – “Authentic German Dish”
WHAT IS IT?
They had a sausage platter with sauerkraut and boiled potatoes, pork tongue, pork sandwich, pork shanks, Jaegerschnitzel with mushroom gravy and beer on a boot.
“Tender, delicious, fallin’ of the freakin’ bone, evenly acoustics are a joy. Irony sucks, this is good.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Heidelberg Restaurant
1648 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States
Manhattan, United States
DISH – “Old School Cantonese Dish” – No Reservations Manhattan
WHAT IS IT?
Anthony Bourdain visited Hop Kee located at Manhattan.
They had wonton soup, eggroll, barbecue spare ribs, pork fried rice, sweet pungent pork, Cantonese crab with sauce of chili, egg and soy sauce, black bean snails and hand fried flounder.
“My family might’ve first not have known that there were worlds, delicious worlds beyond what we knew. It seems silly and post-ironic now I know where to look back fondly at the eggroll, the wonton and its sweet broth, the rubbery fortune cookie but those were happy times, but all these was bright and new.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Hop Kee
21 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Manhattan, United States
DISH – “Old French Cuisine” – No Reservations Manhattan
WHAT IS IT?
Anthony Bourdain visited Le Veau d’Or located at Manhattan.
They had Celeri Remoulade or celery root, Saucisson Chaud or garlic sausage, Pate Du Chef or country pate, roasted baby chicken with white wine and mushrooms, Peche Melba and Ceufs a La Neige.
“It’s fantastic, life’s good again. Water has been restored to the universe.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Le Veau d’Or
129 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022, United States
Manhattan, United States
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN NEW YORK CITY : ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON A COOK’S TOUR
This Manhattan episode stands out as a highly personal reflection on Bourdain’s own culinary coming-of-age in the city. It is historically significant for acting as a vital time capsule, urgently documenting legacy restaurants that represent the true, unvarnished history of New York’s food culture. Bourdain’s passionate defense of these classic joints reminded viewers that true culinary greatness often lies in consistency, tradition, and community, rather than fleeting culinary trends. The episode is a deeply felt tribute to his home. Grab a booth at one of these legendary spots and taste the history of New York City.
