The show’s judges have been able to judge everything from fast-paced challenges like Quick-Fire Challenges, to high-stakes elimination round such as Restaurant Wars. Top Chef It is important to eat healthy during filming. Most of the time. It’s not a good idea to serve ceviche in 90-degree weather. The crew isn’t on the set every day of the seven-week production.
You can also find out more about us on our website. Top Chef previously filmed in another Carolina city—Charleston back in 2014—this is the first time the globe-trotting culinary reality competition has landed in Charlotte, North Carolina. The arrival of the crew has been a source of energy, especially for Gail Simmons, a long-time food writer and judge.
“I had never been to Charlotte until we started filming here a few months ago,” Simmons said. Travel + Leisure Between quick-fire and elimination challenge on one day. “So I am not an expert. Of all of us, i’m the reporter. I had the research to do and lists to make. I love the fact that we can drop in on a new city and get to know it better. Live You can also find out more about the following: 7 Weeks.”
She is a regular in her local coffee shop, and she says that the opportunity to “dig deeper” into the culinary scene of the Carolinas makes her grateful. A recent Instagram post Asking for recommendations on dining prompted hundreds passionate comments.
Chef and host Kristen Kish author of Accidentally on purposeThe’s came also prepared. When the news of this broke, I was ready. Top Chef As soon as she knew that she would be filming Charlotte, her Instagram DMs flooded with local recommendations. This included several of the judges current favorites. She saved the most interesting recommendations in a document so she wouldn’t go hungry during the long filming days.
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The same as previous seasons, this season will be set in food-loving locations like HoustonMilwaukee TorontoSeason 23 is a celebration of Carolina cuisine. A portion of this season will be filmed also in Greenville South Carolina.
The season 23 premiere is scheduled for spring 2026. Until then, we’re taking notes—and planning our own trip to follow in the judges’ footsteps. Here are their top Charlotte restaurants.
Lang Van
You’ll understand Kish when she hesitates to name a Charlotte must-see attraction. If you have ever had trouble choosing a favorite flavor of ice cream, you will be able to relate. She admitted that she hasn’t visited many places yet, citing her busy filming schedule and Emmy awards. She was nominated as Outstanding Host for a Reality Or Reality Competition program.
She doesn’t hesitate to answer:Lang Van It is my favourite. It has A good way to start is by contacting us. It’s good food. “I’ve eaten there twice and it was so good.”
Tom Colicchio, the head judge of the show, usually follows Simmons in each new city. He told T+L that “Gail does the research and I follow along.” Lang Van was on Simmons list and Colicchio joined her to share a table. Both were raving about the vibrant, fresh flavors of Dan Nguyen’s Vietnamese restaurant.
You can’t go far wrong, say the judges. Redditors say that the best move is to allow the owner to choose: “She knows exactly what you want and always gets it right.” It’s like a Matrix puzzle.”
Supperland
Colicchio has some suggestions if you’ve got a little more time. SupperlandOne of the most popular restaurants in the city. Formerly a church, the space is now “Southern-style steakhouse with church potluck.”
Supperland’s not just for dinner. The brunch buffet is available or you can reserve a table in the speakeasy to enjoy a four-course food and cocktail pairing. Share spatchcocked branzino, miso mac and cheese, or other standouts in the elegant dining room, at the bar, or on the patio—and don’t forget to save room for dessert.
Locals love Supperland and its sister restaurants. Haberdish, Ever Andalo, Growlers Pourhouse, Reigning Doughnuts. Leluia HallAll are owned by the husband-wife team of Jeff Tonidandel & Jamie Brown.
Kindred
Colicchio & Simmons back Kish’s selection: Kindred. Kish stated that the meal was “outstanding”. Simmons calls her meal in the James Beard nominated restaurant “a real highlight,” and notes that “the food was exceptionally beautiful. I loved being outside.” It was a wonderful experience.
Owned by Joe and Katy Kindred, this gem is known for its legendary milk bread—so much so that it was recently featured in Food & Wine‘s Guide to America’s Next Great Food City. Order the warm, buttery toast to go with the pickle-brined chicken or fried oysters served with dill yogurt. You may want to visit their other restaurant if you get hooked. Albertine.
Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge
Charlotte is home to a number of excellent barbecue restaurants. Simmons has been impressed by one of the many options available in Charlotte. Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge.
The family-owned business has recently been recognized as a top establishment. Southern Living‘s must-visit Carolina BBQ list has grown. Simmons and her son enjoyed a plate of hush puppies and red slaw, with a sweet sauce based on ketchup.
Simmons, after a brief review of the differences between Eastern North Carolina’s whole hog focus and Western Carolina style pork shoulder, said:[I feel] I am confident that I can identify and understand different styles. I don’t mean to offend anyone, but the Eastern style seems more appealing. It’s less sweet and has more vinegar. I prefer a creamier coleslaw to the Western-style ketchup version. Red Bridges, however, is very Western. It was great!”
Botiwallah
After a trip to SubstrateSimmons stopped by a trendy winebar. BotiwallaIt is inspired by India’s late-night street food stalls, and Irani cafés. The Botiwalla chain has locations in Asheville West Asheville Atlanta and in this former textile mill. The restaurant offers a wide variety of food, including a variety that includes a rice-based bowl, a naan-based tikka curry, and a range of other snacks. chaat.
There are many more places in Charlotte that deserve to be praised. Simmons praises Charlotte’s other attractions. The Goodyear House (very pretty, and such a great vibe) and recommends CustomShop You can also go for a low-key, but very nice date night. Kish is also a big fan of a Southern icon: “No visit to the Carolinas will be complete without Bojangles.”
Top Chef contestants will soon be packing up to head for Greenville in South Carolina as they continue their competition for the title. The judges said they would follow up on their Greenville favorites.
