Celebrating Cookbook Stores from Around the World
In honor of Read Across America Day, I wanted to share a list of cookbook stores that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting over the last few years. I’ll continue to update as I visit new locations.
Please note, this list has been updated with operating hours during the COVID-19 pandemic and any related online purchasing policies.
Kitchen Arts & Letters
New York City, New York
I came here years ago under the direction of Anthony Bourdain, as one must if one is serious about food. Opened in 1983, Julia Child, James Beard and Laurie Collin were some of the first patrons. They carry cookbooks — new, vintage and out of print — as well as books on food scholarship. Its a place I feel incredibly comfortable pouring over books and papers for hours on end — and they are happy to facilitate.
They are currently fulfilling online and phone orders for curbside pick-up. The phone number to reach the store is (212) 876–5550.
Omnivore Books
San Francisco, California
Currently in my backyard, Omnivore Books is my go to spot. Celia Sack, a native of Jacksonville, was a rare book specialist at an auction house before opening the store Noe Valley. Through the years she has amassed a large collection of limited edition, out of print, and first edition books. Additionally, Sack hosts monthly author talks and signings. One in particular that was excellent was Cory Lee from Benu moderator a talk with Sean Brock for his latest book, South.
They are open for in-store shopping at limited capacity with proper mask. They are also fulfilling online orders for curbside pick-up or shipping across the US or internat. The phone number to reach the store is (415) 282–4712.
Book Larder
Seattle, Washington
Here is a store that has a bit of everything. In addition to the large range of books, essays and art; the shop acts as a gathering place for the food enthusiasts. Their calendar is jam packed with talks, discussions, and cooking demonstrations. I always said if I were to open a cookbook shop, it would be modeled after this lovely location.
They are open for in-store shopping at limited capacity with proper mask. They are also fulfilling online orders for curbside pick-up or shipping across the US or internat. The phone number to reach the store is (206) 397–4271.
Now Serving
Los Angeles
Ken Concepcion and his wife Michelle Mungcal are the collective force behind this cookbook and ceramics shop. It is said that the shop is intended to be an extension of home for all of the chefs, cooks and home cooks alike. What started as an insane personal collection turned into a haven for people to source the next big thing — maybe a chef zine or Japanese dyed cloth. Either way, it is surely to be an amazing souvenir for your time in LA.
They are currently fulfilling online and phone orders. Purchases made on Tuesday or Wednesday will be shipped on Thursday. The phone number to reach the store is (213) 395–0627.
Librarie Gourmamde
Paris, France
This compact store in the Montmartre is where I purchase several books in French by Paul Bocuse. Since it’s a little out of the way from most of the Parisian attractions, its a great place to spend an afternoon, popping in and out while having a beer next door. The shop has a ton of different books from various nationalities that would be otherwise difficult to find in a shop in the United States. For example, I noticed a large collection of Portuguese and West African books. The staff was incredibly helpful (and were very patient with my broken French).
They are open for in-store shopping at limited capacity with proper mask. They are also fulfilling online orders for shipping to a limited countries in Europe. The phone number to reach the store is +33 1 43 54 37 27.
Other shops that I would love to visit in the near future:
- Chicago: Read It & Eat
- Montreal: Appetite for Books
- Boston: Stir
- London: Books for Cooks
- New Orleans: Kitchen Witch Cookbooks
