The Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t only affected restaurants and bars worldwide, but it is also forcing millions of people across the world to change their social habits and stay home. To support all those cooking and shaking at home, we have put together a list of 34 unmissable cookbooks and cocktail books for anyone looking to upgrade their skills while also supporting their favourite restaurants and bars
Note: this article includes links to amazon.com, as this is the biggest online bookstore easy to access across the globe. However, in many countries Amazon is currently focusing on delivering medical and essential supplies. We recommend our readers to instead check if the books may be obtained from the restaurant’s own websites or local libraries, where these are open.
COOKBOOKS
For cooks of any level
1. “Bread is Gold” by Massimo Bottura ($24.76, amazon.com)
Penned by the one of the world’s leading authorities on Italian food – chef Massimo Bottura of Best of the Best hall of famer Osteria Francescana in Italy – this book will help you create great meals no matter what’s in your pantry. Bottura’s idea is that extraordinary meals can be crafted even from ingredients that are often considered waste, and with over 150 recipes, you’ll be sure to find something for you.
2. “The Noma Guide to Fermentation” by René Redzepi and David Zilber ($18, amazon.com)
Anyone lucky enough to have dined at Noma – No.2 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019 – knows that chef René Redzepi is passionate about fermentations. With the 100 recipes in this guide, you will soon become a master of this technique that is not only healthy, but also perfect for transforming the perishable ingredients in your home into long-lasting new components.
3. “Tu Casa Mi Casa: Mexican Recipes for the Home Cook” by Enrique Olvera ($20, amazon.com)
Enrique Olvera’s first home-cooking book is a collection of the 100 recipes closest to the chef’s heart – authentic, sumptuous Mexican dishes that you will soon want to make every night of the week. The chef behind Pujol in Mexico City even included step-by-step photographs, making this a great choice for beginners and expert cooks alike.
4. “Cooking School: Mastering Classic and Modern French Cuisine” by Alain Ducasse ($14.94, amazon.com)
With over 200 recipes arranged in sections based on difficulty, this gourmet guide by French master Alain Ducasse is both an introduction and a love letter to French cuisine. From equipment to ingredients and techniques, this is a fantastic book for anyone trying to become a master of their kitchen.
Alain Ducasse with head chef Romain Meder
5. “The Whole Fish Cookbook: New Ways to Cook, Eat and Think” by Josh Niland ($28.48, amazon.com)
Sydney-based seafood chef Josh Niland has been the name on everyone’s lips in the last few months thanks to his latest guide. Tackling everything from cod to fish bone marrow, the book expands the nose-to-tail philosophy to the water world, with 60 recipes that transform the food you thought you knew into new dry-aged, cured and delicious creations.
6. “Le Bernardin Cookbook: Four-Star Simplicity” by Eric Ripert ($21.96, amazon.com)
This classic cookbook by Le Bernardin chef Eric Ripert has been around for over 20 years – but hasn’t lost any of its relevance. With over 100 recipes for anything from starter to dessert, the simple-to-replicate recipes in this book will be an upgrade to anyone’s weeknight meal plan.
7. “The French Laundry Cookbook” by Thomas Keller ($22.45, amazon.com)
A book much loved by culinary students all over the world, there has never been a better time to read this timeless classic. With 150 recipes straight from The French Laundry to the home cook’s kitchen, this guide will teach you everything from how to cook green vegetables to how to coax the purest, cleanest taste from your stock.
Thomas Keller's ricotta and basil anolini
8. “Son of a Southern Chef: Cook with Soul” by Lazarus Lynch ($11.30, amazon.com)
With the power to get almost anyone into the kitchen, this book contains more than 100 perfectly comforting recipes, from shrimp and Cheddar grits to dulce de leche banana bread. Blending fashion, storytelling and food, and written by sensation Lazarus Lynch, it’s a perfect buy for anyone keen to get inspired by American deep south cuisine.
9. “Heston Blumenthal at Home” by Heston Blumenthal ($44.32, amazon.com)
If you never thought you could possibly turn your hand to the recipes conceived by one of the world’s most boundary-pushing chefs, think again. Mixing simplified Fat Duck recipes and more traditional meals, this cookbook will require a bit of skill – but is guaranteed to yield fantastic results.
10. “The Whole Beast: Nose to Tail Eating” by Fergus Henderson ($11, amazon.com)
The forefather of Josh Niland’s Whole Fish Cookbook is to be found in British chef Fergus Henderson’s guide to nose to tail eating, seamlessly melding strong rural traditions with innovative twists. From devilled crab to Henderson’s signature dish of roast bone marrow and parsley salad, this is a book to master the classics of acclaimed London restaurant St. John.
St John's bone marrow dish
11. “Thai Food" by David Thompson ($26.99, amazon.com)
This 2002 guide – at the time the most comprehensive account of Thai cuisine ever published in English – charts the discoveries of renowned chef David Thompson as he fell in love with Bangkok and Thailand’s cuisine. Including hundreds of recipes going well beyond popular Thai classics, it’s an unmissable introduction to a cuisine full of surprises.
12. “The Family Meal: Home Cooking with Ferran Adrià” by Ferran Adrià ($36.26, amazon.com)
Ferran Adrià is the legendary chef behind Best of Best hall of famer (and now closed) El Bulli, one of the most influential restaurants of the 21st century. In his first home-cooking book, the Spanish chef shares a series of three-course menus that can be prepared by everyone – and goes out of his way to ensure ingredients are affordable and can be found in local supermarkets.
13. “Momofuku” by David Chang ($19.99, amazon.com)
This 10-year-old New York Times bestseller by ‘God of food’ David Chang hasn’t lost one iota of its relevance. With his signature witty and candid style, the chef shares the story of his rise to stardom along Momofuku classic recipes, including the much-loved pork buns.
David Chang's pork buns
For the advanced cook
14. “Sun and Rain” by Ana Roš ($56.06, amazon.com)
The just-published debut of former World’s Best Female Chef Ana Roš of restaurant Hiša Franko in Slovenia is more than just a cookbook. Reflecting on her life through essays, recollections and – of course – recipes, it’s a journey inside the mind of one of the most acclaimed chefs of the decade. Don’t miss your chance to be the first to read it.
15. “Mirazur” by Mauro Colagreco ($50.62, amazon.com)
Voted The World’s Best Restaurant 2019, Mirazur is the epoch-defining restaurant by Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco located on France’s southern coast. Its eponymous book is a collection of the chef’s reflections on his ‘frontier cuisine’, along with 65 detailed recipes for Mirazur’s dishes, each accompanied by stunning photography.
16. “Etxebarri” by Jon Sarabia and Juan Pablo Cardenal ($29.92, amazon.com)
Victor Arguinzoniz, chef of Etxebarri in Spain, has only ever worked in one kitchen: his own. Here, he coaxes pure flavours from ingredients using only his height-adjustable grills and fire. In this book, get to know the chef up close and discover the secrets of his kitchen and his world-beating barbecue recipes. 
A dish at Asador Etxebarri
17. “Mugaritz: A Natural Science of Cooking” by Andoni Luis Aduriz ($32.39, amazon.com)
Considered one of the world’s most forward-thinking chefs, in this book Andoni Luis Aduriz reveals and analyses the creative process that led Mugaritz in Spain to become one of the most influential restaurants in the world. With 70 recipes to inspire and challenge you, this volume won’t only teach you cooking techniques, but also creativity and innovation.
18. “Central” by Virgilio Martínez ($41.60, amazon.com)
Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez has long been fascinated by his country’s diverse ecosystems – his tasting menus are an exploration of the different habitats and products of Peru. Through chapters organised by altitude, you’ll get to know the globally acclaimed chef and become familiar with his recipes as you learn about biodiversity and the chef’s own vision.
19. “Fruit: The Art of Pastry” by Cédric Grolet ($31.47, amazon.com)
In Fruit, French sensation Cédric Grolet – who was voted The World’s Best Pastry Chef 2018 – explains the techniques through which he transforms ingredients into unique trompe l’oeil desserts that celebrate fruits and pure flavours. Get a peek behind the curtain and learn the secrets behind Grolet’s sculpted creations with the 130 recipes featured in the book.
Cedric Grolet's sculpted limes
20. “Atelier Crenn: Metamorphosis of Taste” by Dominique Crenn ($27.26, amazon.com)
World’s Best Female Chef Dominique Crenn rose to fame thanks to her ‘poetic culinaria’, a style that melds the literary and culinary art forms. In her first cookbook, she shares her life story from France to San Francisco through her recipes. Expect surprising and impressive twists on classics, such as broccoli and beef tartare.
21. “My Way: From the Gutter to the Stars” by Tim Raue ($40.34, amazon.com)
Half memoir, half cookbook, My Way tells the story of German chef Tim Raue from street kid to owner of one of the most iconic restaurants in the world. The chef found his inspiration in the flavours of Asia, and the 70 recipes in this book will surely inspire you to experiment with new, Asian-influenced ingredients and meals.
22. “Casa Cacao: The Return Trip to the Origin of Chocolate” by Jordi Roca ($32.42, amazon.com)
Before opening his latest project, chocolate factory and hotel Casa Cacao in Spain, one-time World’s Best Pastry Chef Jordi Roca went on a journey through Colombia, Peru and Ecuador to discover the origin of cocoa. This book narrates his expedition and includes 40 recipes, formulas and creative ideas to inspire any chocolate lover.
Jordi Roca at Casa Cacao
23. “Eleven Madison Park: The Next Chapter” by Daniel Humm ($41.18, amazon.com)
In this revised edition, chef Daniel Humm of Best of the Best member Eleven Madison Park in New York outlines his culinary journey and inspiration, along with 80 recipes from the restaurant – each accompanied by its story. Including Humm’s own watercolours of the dishes, it’s a deep dive into the Swiss chef’s signature minimalist style.
24. “The Nordic Cookbook” by Magnus Nilsson ($85.87, amazon.com)
An in-depth immersion in the culture, customs and food of Nordic countries, this books recounts over 700 recipes collected by chef Magnus Nilsson (of the now-closed Fäviken in Sweden) while travelling through the whole Nordic region of Europe. Enriched with culinary history and information about traditional techniques such as smoking and home preserving, this is as comprehensive an introduction as you can find.
COCKTAIL BOOKS
25. “The NoMad Cocktail Book” by Leo Robitschek ($15.52, amazon.com)
This manual seeks to outline the art of drink making according to world-renowned New York bar The NoMad, with over 300 cocktail recipes written by its head bartender, Leo Robitschek. You will find everything here, from perennial classics to unique recipes designed specifically for that rare bottle in your cellar.
Leo Robitschek at The NoMad
26. “The Japanese Art of the Cocktail” by Masahiro Urushido ($27.44, amazon.com)
The creator of New York bar Katana Kitten, Masahiro Urushido shares in this book his expansive knowledge and understanding of the Japanese approach to cocktails. Through 80 recipes, he outlines Japan’s contribution to the global cocktail scene and sets out a clear philosophy for his mixology.
27. “Batched & Bottled: Cocktails to Make Ahead” by Max and Noel Venning ($11.20, amazon.com)
The brothers behind Three Sheets bar in London are to thank for this guide to the perfect home party – one where you don’t spend all your time shaking while others are having fun. With 50 recipes that can be pre-made, served straight or left to age, it provides plenty of inspiration for anyone with an interest in the craft.
28. “The Dead Rabbit Drinks Manual” by Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry ($16.31, amazon.com)
This book delivers exactly what its tagline promises: “secret recipes and bar room tales from two Belfast boys who conquered the cocktail world”. With plenty of recipes and the historical inspiration behind them, it’s a fantastic peek into the classic world of The Dead Rabbit in New York, a former World’s Best Bar.
Inside The Dead Rabbit
29. “The Modern Cocktail: Innovation + Flavour” by Matt Whiley ($11.95, amazon.com)
Written by the bartender behind Scout in London, this guide to cocktail making at home is divided by spirit, with more than 60 recipes taking in everything from gin to bourbon. Including advice about glassware and equipment, it’s a perfect manual for anyone trying to make cocktails from scratch.
30. “Good Things to Drink with Mr Lyan and Friends” by Ryan Chetiyawardana ($21.65, amazon.com)
Written by the man behind former World’s Best Bar Dandelyan – now Lyaness – as well as White Lyan, Super Lyan and Silver Lyan, this book aims to make cocktails a part of your everyday life. With inspiration for anything from sunny day drinks to winter warmers, the 60 recipes in the guide offer something for anyone.
Chetiyawardana's Cavendish Americano
31. “Shaken: Drinking with James Bond and Ian Fleming” by Ian Fleming ($19.72, amazon.com)
Riffing off James Bond’s famous drink, Ian Fleming explores the cocktails enjoyed by 007 in this tome. With recipes developed by the team at London bar Swift, this is a great immersion in both literature and mixology.
32. “The PDT Cocktail Book: The Complete Bartender's Guide from the Celebrated Speakeasy” by Jim Meehan ($2.99, amazon.com)
Published at the height of PDT’s fame, this has become the go-to book for professional and amateur bartenders alike. In it, founder Jim Meehan shares the 300+ cocktail recipes that led PDT to be named The World’s Best Bar in 2011. With insight into the bar’s design, tools and even equipment, it’s a comprehensive guide for anyone with a passion for cocktails.
33. “The Savoy Cocktail Book” by Harry Craddock ($13.49, amazon.com)
This seminal book was first printed in 1930 and it is still as relevant today as it was then. Drafted by arguably the world’s most legendary bartender Harry Craddock – he who manned the bar at The Savoy in London for 20 years – it features the recipes and stories behind the drinks that now populate the ‘classics’ list at nearly every bar in the world.
34. “The Complete Home Bartender's Guide: Tools, Ingredients, Techniques and Recipes for the Perfect Drink” by Salvatore Calabrese ($14.14, amazon.com)
The best-selling cocktail book of all time by ‘The Maestro’ Salvatore Calabrese – the man behind London’s The Donovan Bar – has over 780 recipes for home mixology. It is written in an easy-to-understand manner with full explanations of the kit required to produce each well-structured and perfectly composed drink.
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