Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations is one of the most informative, raw travel and food shows that was ever filmed. The show was hosted by the famous Chef Anthony Bourdain who traveled all over the world where he explores local culture and cuisine. The series aired from 2005 to 2012 and it had nine seasons in total.
The audience is immediately hooked on the show due to the amazing destinations and the delicious food that is portrayed. Another reason why the show had so much success is that it was filmed with almost no directing. Below there are ten of the best episodes, according to IMDb ratings.
Provence (8.7)
Provence is the ninth episode from season six that aired on March 22nd, 2010. In this episode, Bourdain travels on his own and tries to find ways how to simplify his life. The only way he knows is through experimenting with delicious yet simple dishes. Provence is located in southeastern France where the diverse landscapes, fruitful vineyards, and olive groves capture the essence of good dining.
Food Porn 2 (8.7)
The thirteenth episode of season six was reserved for the episode Food Porn part two, this time Bourdain teams up with Ron Jeremy and a few other friends to tackle some amazing meaty dishes who will make everyone hungry immediately. It is recommended to watch this episode on a full stomach because the cravings will start raging by the end of the first five minutes.
Techniques Special
In the sixth season of the show, there is a rather interesting episode (episode 11) where Bourdain teams up with some of the world's best chefs. For over forty minutes, they demonstrate classic and simple dishes that are interesting to watch and they can certainly serve as an inspiration for many to give cooking a shot.
The episode aired on the 5th of April 2010 and it is definitely one of the most interesting and creative ones that the chef has ever produced.
Paris (8.7)
The plot of season six episode twenty-four takes place in the most romantic city in the world - Paris! The episode where Bourdain takes his viewers on a stroll through France's capital where it is all about art, fashion, culture, and delicious food. The varied ethnic communities show a diverse side of Paris and the real touch is a special feeling of belonging.
Lisbon (8.7)
Lisbon is the fourth episode from season eight that aired on April 30th, 2012. In this episode, Bourdain explores the breathtaking capital of Portugal alongside a local group of friends who accompany him on this adventure. The city is famous for vivid culture and delicious food that will force the viewer to pause the episode, book a flight, and resume watching.
Saudi Arabia (8.8)
In the thirteenth episode of season four, Bourdain decides to pick a location that is based on a fan suggestion. The result of his choosing is Saudi Arabia where he travels to discover a totally new world with its culture and food.
The typical ingredients used to make a dish in this country are lamb, chicken, rice, potatoes, and dates. It all seems very familiar but it is the way they prepare the food that is different.
Miami (8.8)
Miami is one of the most attractive destinations for a vacation in the past years, Bourdain decided to see what is all the fuss about in 2006 when he filmed an episode mainly about the food and the local culture. He tried a variety of pastries and a sandwich that was made out of Swiss cheese, roast pork, ham, pickles, and mustard. It was prepared by chef Michelle Bernstein and it sounds absolutely delicious!
Vietnam: There's No Place Like Home (8.9)
One of the most iconic episodes that Bourdain filmed was about Vietnam. In 2009 the chef decided to move there for a year and write a novel about the place. He simply fell in love with the Vietnamese food and for him it was a place that he truly felt like home. It can easily be said that this was his first love.
Sardinia (8.9)
The twentieth episode of season five is all about Sardinia, the homeland of his wife. By coming to the island he learns how to become a true Sardinian, what values they nurture and how they prepare their food. The island has a very strong culture and a strong mentality which helps them in attracting even more tourists due to their authenticity.
The episode aired on the 14th of September 2009, just when people are back home and ready to make a decision which destination they should pick next for their vacation in the near future.
Kerala, India (8.9)
India is one of the most culinary rich countries in the world where the food varies from region to region based on different soil. The most common ingredients used for cooking are herbs, vegetables, local spices, and fruit. When Bourdain was filming an episode he went to Kerala where he discovered that this place is almost completely untouched by Western franchises and the locals are still nurturing their traditions.