Existing as a city of profound ghosts and relentless reinvention, the modern German capital is a canvas of stark contrasts and creative chaos. Filmed for Parts Unknown and airing in 2018, this exploration of Berlin bypassed the polished, reunited facade to dive into the gritty, weird, and wonderful energy of neighborhoods like Friedrichshain. The culinary scene here is a fascinating mix of heavy, old-school comfort food necessary for survival and the progressive, organic plates demanded by the influx of artists and expats. The angle was deeply reflective, examining a metropolis that embraces its dark history while furiously building a hyper-liberal, bohemian future. From tearing into a massive, golden pork schnitzel at a classic, no-nonsense butcher shop to navigating the avant-garde dining spaces defining the new era, the journey captures the beautiful friction of the city. It is an homage to the misfits, the musicians, and the classic, unapologetic flavors that anchor them all. To understand this complex, ever-shifting landscape, start with these essential local establishments.
The great Anthony Bourdain left his mark everywhere he went. When his death was announced to the world in June 2018, media throughout the globe chimed in and listed all the great things he had done for their respective city. Whereas before, tourists would shy away from exotic foods, thanks to him, travellers now go the extra mile to find and try local bites. With this in mind, here are all the restaurants Bourdain visited and the dishes he tasted when he shot Anthony Bourdain Berlin for his show, Parts Unknown Season 11 Episode 6 (originally aired June 10, 2018):
DISH – Pork Schnitzel and Boulette
WHAT IS IT?
Pork Schnitzel – pounded then breaded pork chops, fried and served with brown gravy; Boulette – German-style meatballs.
WHERE IS IT?
Fleischerei Domke
Warschauer Str. 64
Berlin, Germany
READ MORE: 10 FREE THINGS TO DO IN BERLIN
ANTHONY BOURDAIN BERLIN NOTES
Long-established butcher shop serving meat dishes.
READ MORE: BERLIN IS A FOODIE CITY! (REALLY? REALLY!) HERE’S BERLIN FOOD GUIDE
DISH – Sausage and Sauerbraten
WHAT IS IT?
Sausage of chicken, pig’s feet and sage, with smoked mashed potatoes and apple; Sauerbraten – braised beef shoulder and served with root vegetables, potatoes, horseradish and kale.
WHERE IS IT?
Michelberger
Warschauer Str. 39
Berlin, Germany
ANTHONY BOURDAIN BERLIN NOTES
A joint in Friedrichshain that serves modern, organic German fare.
DISH – Eisbein
WHAT IS IT?
Brined, cured pork knuckle boiled with spices until tender and falling off the bone, usually served with sauerkraut and potatoes.
WHERE IS IT?
Zum Schusterjungen
Danziger Str. 9
Berlin, Germany
PARTS UNKNOWN BERLIN NOTES
In Parts Unknown Berlin, Anthony Bourdain enjoyed Eisbein at Zum Schusterjungen, while his guest, Anton Newcombe of The Brian Jonestown Massacre, had schnitzel.
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN BERLIN : ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON NO RESERVATIONS
Airing mere days after his tragic passing in June 2018, this exploration of Berlin carries a profound, heartbreaking historical weight that alters how it is viewed forever. It perfectly encapsulates his lifelong fascination with cities that have been broken and rebuilt, celebrating the beauty found in the scars. The episode is incredibly memorable for its moody, cinematic aesthetic and the deeply engaging conversations with eccentric creatives like Anton Newcombe, reflecting a host who felt most at home among the brilliant and the marginalized. It stands as a brilliant, somber testament to his unparalleled ability to capture the psychological pulse of a destination. Embrace the shadows, find a warm tavern, and raise a glass to the enduring resilience of the human spirit.
