Paris in 2005 was the perfect, highly romanticized starting line for No Reservations, launching the series with its very first episode. Bourdain’s relationship with France was foundational, rooted in his classic culinary training and lifelong obsession with the country’s intense dedication to pleasure. The Parisian culinary scene is legendary, built on the pillars of impeccable technique, rich butter, fresh bread, and an unapologetic love for meat and offal. Bourdain’s angle here was nostalgic but entirely unsnobbish; he bypassed Michelin-starred temples in favor of the real, enduring Paris. He sought out the blue-collar bistros, the bustling morning markets, the absinthe-soaked dive bars, and the perfect, simple ham sandwich. He wanted to show that the true magic of French food lies in its everyday execution and deep respect for tradition. To eat like a true Parisian and embrace the city’s unapologetic lifestyle, here are the foundational spots he uncovered.
When Anthony Bourdain visited Paris on his show No Reservations Season 1 Episode 1, he and his crew picked many restaurants. Here are all the addresses and the dishes showcased on No Reservations Paris, all in a convenient list:
READ MORE: PARIS: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON NO RESERVATIONS
DISH – Jus d’Orange, Café Crème, and Croissant
WHAT IS IT?
Jus d’Orange – orange juice; Café Crème – espresso with foamed milk on top; Croissant – buttery, flaky pastry with a crescent shape.
WHERE IS IT?
Le Royal
212 Rue de Grenelle
Paris, France
READ MORE: PARIS: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON THE LAYOVER
NO RESERVATIONS PARIS NOTES
Anthony Bourdain’s tip: “The most important thing to do the instant you arrive in Paris is stop, find some place inviting, and slip comfortably into the Parisian pace of life.” After having his “French breakfast” at Le Royal, he then proceeded to L’ Hotel, which he described as a “very discreet joint known for being a love shack to the tragically hip for ages”. He mentioned it was where Oscar Wilde died in 1900 in Room 16, the same room he stayed in on this episode.
READ MORE: LOOK! CEDRIC’S HAD A MEAL AT L’HOTEL’S RESTAURANT – AND IT’S MICHELIN-STARRED! READ HIS REVIEW HERE
DRINKS – Absinthe
WHAT IS IT?
Alcoholic beverage tasting of licorice and exotic aromatics.
WHERE IS IT?
Cantada II
13 Rue Moret
Paris, France
Unfortunately, this restaurant has since closed its doors.
NO RESERVATIONS PARIS NOTES
As of this writing, Cantada II is reported to be already closed.
DISH – Blanquette de Veau and Baba au Rhum
WHAT IS IT?
Blanquette de Veau – big hunks of veal slowly cooked in stock with cream sauce; Baba au Rhum – rum-saturated yeast cake with whipped cream.
WHERE IS IT?
La Tour Montlhéry – Chez Denise
5 Rue des Prouvaires
Paris, France
NO RESERVATIONS PARIS NOTES
Chez Denise is an over a century old bistro offering historic blue collar creations.
DISH – Sandwich au Rôti de Bœuf – Anthony Bourdain Paris
WHAT IS IT?
Roast beef sandwich.
WHERE IS IT?
Le Saint Hubert at Rungis Market
Avenue Georges Guynemer
Chevilly-Larue, France
NO RESERVATIONS PARIS NOTES
Marché de Rungis is the principal meat market of Paris – where you can find Le Saint Hubert inside.
DISH – Boudin Noir, Fromage de Tête, and Côte de Bœuf – Anthony Bourdain Paris
WHAT IS IT?
Boudin Noir – sausage made from pig’s blood and onions; Fromage de Tête – also called head cheese, refers to cooked pig’s head and offal, packed in a terrine with gelatinized broth; Côte de Bœuf – massive rib steak for two.
WHERE IS IT?
Robert et Louise
64 Rue Vieille du Temple
Paris, France
NO RESERVATIONS PARIS NOTES
According to Tony, “In a place like Chez Robert and Louise, you’re rewarded with a truly local experience.”
DISH – Baguette – Anthony Bourdain Paris
WHAT IS IT?
Long, thick French bread loaf.
WHERE IS IT?
Pâtisserie Pinaud Pascal
70 Rue Monge
Paris, France
NO RESERVATIONS PARIS NOTES
At Pâtisserie Pinaud Pascal, you can find high-quality French breads.
DISH – Sandwich au Jambon – Anthony Bourdain Paris
WHAT IS IT?
Ham sandwich.
WHERE IS IT?
Café de la Mairie
8 Place Saint-Sulpice
Paris, France
NO RESERVATIONS PARIS NOTES
For this episode, Tony’s last stop was at Café de la Mairie, a coffee shop with outdoor seating that he noted to be pointed in one direction, with little tables staring out into the street.
This inaugural episode of No Reservations is historically significant as the blueprint for the entire Bourdain television empire. It established his signature style: blending deep culinary respect with rock-and-roll irreverence, treating a simple baguette with the same reverence as a complex veal stew. It reflected his deep, abiding love for France and its insistence on taking time to truly live and eat well. The episode remains a love letter to the enduring, gritty, and beautiful soul of Paris. Book your flight, grab a seat at a sidewalk café, and watch the world go by with a café crème.
