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    Home » Foodie Book Club

    Published: Apr 10, 2020 · Modified: Jul 5, 2023 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 51 Comments

    Best Nonfiction Food Books

    The ultimate list of the best books to read if you have a love for all things the food industry, restaurants, travel dining, and cooking. These nonfiction books are all must-reads.  No one should be without at least a few of these in their collection.

    Whether you want to read about the restaurant scene in New York or how to pick out the perfect cheese pairing, this book list is for you or the foodie in your life. I recommend many of these for your next book club selection as one of the best reads now.

    Jump to:
    • Why I Love these Books
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    • The Best Restaurants; Behind the Scene Books
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    Why I Love these Books

    Since I was a teen, I had a love for cooking, travel, and reading.   Back then ( trying not to age me here), there was not a lot on the shelf you could read about both those genres together.   When Anthony Bourdain came on the scene I think it finally opened up what people thought was a complex combination of both worlds into one simply magical genre.  His books became a must-read for me and that sparked my interest in other authors like Marco Pierre White and Julia Child, of course.

    Since then the boom of amazingly good reads where food is the main character has skyrocketed.  Do not get me wrong there are some terrible books out there but there are so many wonderful ones too.  I am often asked "Recommend me a book" by friends and family.  With so many wonderful book options about food, life, and travel often all woven together, my suggestion list of best reads keeps growing.

    So I want to share some of my favorites and hope you enjoy them too.  Purchase one today for yourself or as a gift, these are some of the best non-fiction books.  This list is the best Christmas book gift ideas for foodies, home cooks, chefs, and anyone that loves food.  Or buy one of the best cookbooks for teens & kids.

    Please comment below if you have read any of these and share your thoughts.

    I would also absolutely love to hear your recommendations too. I am always on the lookout for some more great reads!

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

    An open book on a table with a stack of other books
    Best Nonfiction Food Books

    Non-Fiction Food Genre Categories

    I have broken down my recommendations into several categories. If you have an interest in any of the following food-related groups, it will be easier to scan and buy what interests you most.  All of these books are the best reads and are the best rated also when you check out Amazon or other sites. The food genre categories I suggest are the following:

    • Chef biographies / memoirs

      • The best biographies and autobiographies are my favorite.  Getting to know the chefs, food writers, and others is what makes the stories so personal and exciting.
    • Restaurants; behind the scenes

      • These books are often fast-paced and really hook me in.  For those both in the food business and those not, getting a behind-the-scenes look is either validating or enlightening with these great reads.
    • Food & Travel

      • A mix of two of my favorite things into one is pure bliss for me. A way to escape from the everyday world makes travel books so popular. When you add the culinary aspects of foreign lands and people, you really get a sense of cultures and communities. I highly recommend reading these books and then cooking up some international or new recipes.
    • Other

      • A group of books about other categories like food anatomy and how it may affect our health or proper food pairing ideas.
    Books lined up on a cement slab.

    The Best Chef Biographies/Memoirs

    Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly - Anthony Bourdain

    The raw, ambitious, and sarcastic book is the tell-all memoir by Bourdain that elevated him to a best-selling author.   He takes you behind the scenes of sex, drugs, and mis en place for a wild ride behind the scenes of a New York French restaurant.  He explains why you should rarely go with chef specials and any restaurant that doesn't have a tight menu can do nothing really well.    There is more to this book than learning what knives to use or how staff "yell" at one another when working the stressful line.  His young days working his way up the ranks are some of my favorite parts.  This book is witty, personal, and wildly engaging throughout.  

     

    The Devil in the Kitchen: Sex, Pain, Madness, and the Making of a Great Chef - Marco Pierre White

    Marco Pierre White is the original bad boy of the professional kitchen underworld.  The youngest chef to receive 3 Michelin Stars shares the determination, madness, and sacrifice it takes to make it.     It is an intense and passionate account of what it takes to go from humble beginnings, to training with chefs, and to have proteges, such as Gordon Ramsey (a feud in the book between these two is quite telling of the foul-mouthed nature many chefs portray) rise from under your ranks. This culinary rockstar inspired many that came after him including Anthony Bourdain.

     

     

    Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise - Ruth Reichl

    The former editor of Gourmet magazine and food critic pens a wonderful trip for us to all take behind the scenes of the world of restaurant reviews.  If you ever wondered if service would be more on point if you were "someone important", then this is a fun read for you. It is at times funny at times and includes recipes from some of the top restaurants.  Reichl's writing style is sophisticated but not "hoity".  If you love reading about food and delicious descriptions of every plate, you will love this book and almost savor every bite along with her. 

    The Best Restaurants; Behind the Scene Books

    Spiced: A Pastry Chef's True Stories of Trials by Fire, After-Hours Exploits, and What Really Goes on in the Kitchen - Dalia Jurgunsen

    Not everyone chooses to work in a professional kitchen, sometimes it chooses you.  Out of a job and ready to work, Dalia somehow lands a stressful but dream gig at the infamous Nobu in New York City. As an apprentice to a pastry chef, she learns that timing is everything in a stressful position behind the scenes where the final touches must be precise or else.  The highlights of this book are about the relationships and hierarchy that exist in the restaurant business.  She is looked down on for her "grunt" work and really struggles internally to find confidence within herself and strives to gain respect from others.  The intricate desserts she prepares and the sometimes steamy relationships pair for a sweet duo in this delightful memoir. 

     

    Sous Chef: 24 Hours on the Line - Michael Gibney

    A fantastic debut book from a talented chef that has been working in kitchens since he was 16 years old.   The book takes us on a real-time frantic ride for 24 hours on what it takes to please restaurant customers in the world of fine dining.   The staff works like a well-oiled machine on very little sleep and is likely still a little hungover from the night before.   The stress, passion, and dedication of restaurant staff shine in this book. Anyone that likes to dine out should read this and gain whole new respect and appreciation for these devoted chefs. 


    Restaurant Man - Joe Bastianich

    Unlike the previous two books, this behind-the-scenes book focuses on the business side of the restaurant world versus behind the kitchen.  The son of the infamous, Lidia Bastianich, makes a name for himself as a successful restauranteur.   His passion for the industry keeps him persistent even when dealing with money-skimming managers and difficult suppliers. This book reads likely how Joe would speak with you if telling you this story over a glass of wine and a plate of handmade pasta, profanity and all.  A unique take on what it takes to start and run a successful restaurant empire. 

     

     

    The Best Food & Travel Books

    A Cook's Tour - Anthony Bourdain

    The quintessential food travel book of all time in my opinion.  You know I have been a Bourdain fan for over 20 years but this is honestly my favorite of all his books.  His sharp wit, a strong sense of adventure, and love for local people and flavors prevail throughout this book. From Vietnam to London to California, every mile of the journey is unbelievable.  The tours in Russia and Morocco are my personal favorites.  No wonder Food Network gave him his first show shortly after this book became a bestseller.  DO NOT miss reading where it all started. 

     

    The Tuscan Year: Life and Food in an Italian Valley - Elizabeth Romer

    This book takes us through all the seasons in a valley nestled between Tuscany and Umbria.  Whether it is planting and harvesting fava beans or making cheese, this book covers it all. Though this is not technically a travel book, it does conjure up the desire to travel to the region and emerge yourself as a local. One of my biggest bucket list items is to live in  Italy even if for just months at a team each year and live like a true Italian and not an American tourist. The book is filled with wonderful authentic seasonal recipes throughout the magical prose. 

    My Life in France - Julia Child

    There is no way I am creating a list of the must-read food books and NOT including Julia Child.   Her memoir is full of surprises for those that know Julia from her cooking show but knew little about her life and love for French cooking.  If you plan to visit France any time soon, this is a wonderful read to take with you and enjoy during your travels as if were a book on the history of French cuisine.   For the love of French food, the Cordon Bleu culinary academy, and such an icon this is a fascinating read.

     

     

    Other Amazing Books about Food

    Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth About Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar - Your Brain's Silent Killers - David Perlmutter, MD

    As someone that always felt tired and just a bit hazy whenever eating a high-carb meal, this book finally gave me my answer and validated all I was experiencing.   Dr. Perlmutter finally blows the lid off the reality that carbs are ruining our brains.  Using language we can all understand, this neurologist takes us into the changes our brains go through when we consume grains, even whole grains.   The real-world accounts by patients are a great balance with the scientific studies to paint a picture that shows we should exclude grains for better health.  

    Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling - Meathead Goldwyn

    How can you not trust someone that names themselves Meathead to teach you all you wanted to know about barbecue and grilling?  There are recipes in this book but it's the science behind good barbecue that makes this book a must-have.    The marriage of meat, heat, and smoke are the basics that lead to exceptional barbecue and you will learn all about it here.  If you are just learning how to barbecue or consider yourself the family pitmaster, this book has it all.  

     

    Cheese Primer - Steven Jenkins

    Unless you are lactose intolerant, no one should be without this book. If you are a cheese lover, this is the book for you. Better yet, make this the next gift you get the cheese lover in your life.  Learning about cheese doesn't have to be fancy or difficult and the author writes for both the novice and professional. This is the "Bible" of cheese that takes you on a cheese tour throughout the world. As cheese imports became more part of mainstream dining and shopping,  the hunger for more knowledge about regional cheese from different countries grew.  The author is passionate about cheese and it shows on every page of this book.  Whether you want to know how to pick out, cook with, store, or what pair cheese with, this is the ideal book. 

    Review of all the Books & Current Pricing

                      

                      

                      

                      

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

    Books on a table with fruit and a potted plant.

     

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Diane says

      April 13, 2020 at 6:44 am

      I love to cook but have never really thought about a non-fiction book! I think I need to order the cheese book now!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 19, 2020 at 4:53 pm

        Go for it Diane, you will be happy you did.

        Reply
    2. Debbie says

      April 13, 2020 at 7:56 am

      Thanks for the recommendations!

      Reply
    3. Jennifer says

      April 13, 2020 at 9:15 am

      An interesting variety of food books

      Reply
    4. Karie says

      April 13, 2020 at 11:01 am

      Never thought to read this genre. I see a few I would love to read. Julia Childs of course being one of them. Great list I will have to add a few of these to my to read list for sure.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 19, 2020 at 4:50 pm

        Enjoy.

        Reply
    5. Beth Shields says

      April 13, 2020 at 11:27 am

      Fascinating. Never thought about how these books detailed the lives of food lovers. Intriguing to read a few. Thanks for the post.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 19, 2020 at 4:44 pm

        I hope you enjoy a few.

        Reply
    6. CIndy says

      April 13, 2020 at 12:26 pm

      This is a great list-thanks!

      Reply
    7. Lisa Manderino says

      April 13, 2020 at 12:57 pm

      These sound like great recommendations for inspiration in the kitchen!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 19, 2020 at 4:44 pm

        They sure are.

        Reply
    8. Eva Keller says

      April 13, 2020 at 3:10 pm

      Haven't read any, but these all look like great reads!

      Reply
    9. Santana says

      April 13, 2020 at 3:41 pm

      Julia Child is a classic!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 13, 2020 at 7:25 pm

        Absolutely!

        Reply
    10. Melissa| It's a Joyous Journey says

      April 13, 2020 at 4:26 pm

      I'll have to tell my sister about this post. She loves books and cooking!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 13, 2020 at 7:23 pm

        Great, thanks for sharing. I hope both of you read a few and have a foodie book club! (which I hope to start someday here on the blog - stay tuned)

        Reply
    11. Candy says

      April 13, 2020 at 5:22 pm

      These are great suggestions! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 13, 2020 at 7:20 pm

        You are welcome, I hope you read at least one but all are amazing.

        Reply
    12. Holly says

      April 13, 2020 at 5:28 pm

      Great list of books! I have been doing more cooking and reading right now so this is awesome!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 13, 2020 at 7:17 pm

        Let me know if you read any. Always love chatting about books, enjoy the reads!

        Reply
    13. Hillari says

      April 13, 2020 at 7:28 pm

      What a super great post! I am always looking for new nonfiction texts to read - thank you!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 19, 2020 at 4:40 pm

        You are welcome Hillari.

        Reply
    14. Charlene says

      April 13, 2020 at 7:45 pm

      Perfect! My step-mom loves the stories behind the food. Picking up a book for her now!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 19, 2020 at 4:39 pm

        I hope she loves it, thanks.

        Reply
    15. Christina Cumbria says

      April 14, 2020 at 5:38 am

      Those look like great book recommendations! Would love to read them!

      Reply
    16. Jordan says

      April 14, 2020 at 8:17 am

      Great suggestions! I’ll have to take a look at a few!

      Reply
    17. Sydney says

      April 14, 2020 at 8:49 am

      These all look like great reads!

      Reply
    18. Cathy says

      April 14, 2020 at 10:28 am

      Some interesting choices! I will have to check them out! Thanks for the list!

      Reply
    19. Tricia Snow says

      April 14, 2020 at 11:27 am

      These are great! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    20. Alice says

      April 14, 2020 at 2:59 pm

      I became addicted to watching cooking competition shows last year and started to get to know some of the famous chefs. I would love to read some of these books.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 14, 2020 at 9:34 pm

        I love those shows too. You will love these books, they are perfect for you.

        Reply
    21. Lina says

      April 14, 2020 at 5:51 pm

      This is a great list. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 14, 2020 at 9:33 pm

        You are welcome.

        Reply
    22. Ayesha Siddiqui says

      April 14, 2020 at 6:01 pm

      I love this different take on 'cooking books'; and never considered the world behind the kitchen - will definitely check some of these books out.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 14, 2020 at 9:32 pm

        Great, I hope you enjoy some of them.

        Reply
    23. Kendra says

      April 15, 2020 at 10:32 am

      These are great! I'm adding several of these to my reading list.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 15, 2020 at 9:12 pm

        Enjoy them.

        Reply
    24. heather J jandrue says

      April 15, 2020 at 5:09 pm

      These look like some interesting reads.

      Reply
    25. Tiffany says

      April 15, 2020 at 5:54 pm

      I really want to check out the Cheese Primer book - I have yet to order a cheese plate I haven't liked - but have yet to go to the store to buy it myself! Don't even know where to start or what to do with it once I have it all home!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 15, 2020 at 9:11 pm

        The Cheese Primer sounds like a book you would love. It really has helped me with entertaining and pairing cheese with anything.

        Reply
    26. Tara Hallie says

      April 16, 2020 at 6:03 am

      You just added 5 more books to my reading list! I've read a few on here and I'm so excited that you suggested some I hadn't read yet. Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 16, 2020 at 5:32 pm

        Great, let me know what you think after you read each one - love talking books any time.

        Reply
    27. Becca @ The Earthling's Handbook says

      April 16, 2020 at 6:03 pm

      I haven't read any of these, but a lot of them sound good!

      One of my favorite books about food is Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. The author is mostly a novelist, but this book is a memoir about how she and her family moved to a farm in Virginia and resolved to spend one year living off what they could grow (plus a few staples like flour and coffee). It's fascinating! I've read it twice and will read it again someday!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 18, 2020 at 9:10 pm

        Becca, that book sounds amazing. I am adding that to my Amazon shopping cart right now. Thank you so much.

        Reply
    28. Melissa Jones says

      April 18, 2020 at 11:18 am

      Interesting! These are things I would have never thought about!

      Reply
    29. Lisa says

      April 18, 2020 at 10:52 pm

      What an interesting genre! Never heard of it before.

      Reply
    30. Ruth H Iaela-Pukahi says

      April 19, 2020 at 3:52 pm

      I have never read any of these books! I guess I just never thought to explore the food genre before. Hmmm...which should I try first?!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 19, 2020 at 4:31 pm

        Oh, it is hard to pick but if you want the rough and raw parts of the restaurant world, Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential is a must-read for everyone.

        Reply
    31. Miz Helen says

      April 21, 2020 at 3:08 pm

      What great reads during our time-out and other wise quiet time! Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and sure hope you will come back soon!
      Miz Helen

      Reply
    32. Anita Legsdin says

      November 30, 2020 at 3:25 pm

      I can’t simply go without leaving a comment. This post is a great read.

      you need to have the most delicious recipes, the most sensual language, the most mouth-watering food images, and the most fascinating stories in your book.

      I hope you can take the time to read my post as well:How to Write an Interesting Book about Food?

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 01, 2020 at 1:52 pm

        Thanks, Anita for the comment and for sharing your article.

        Reply

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