Season 23 of Top Chef Set to Explore the Carolinas
Production for the next season of Top Chef is set to begin this summer, and it promises to be one of the most exciting yet. While the show recently crowned its season 22 winner, Tristen Epps, in late June, preparations are already underway for season 23. This time, the competition will take place across two states that are quickly becoming culinary powerhouses: the Carolinas.
Bravo has officially announced that season 23 will center around Charlotte, North Carolina, with additional episodes filmed in Greenville, South Carolina. The decision to bring the show to these cities highlights their growing reputation as vibrant food destinations. Host Kristen Kish, head judge Tom Colicchio, and judge Gail Simmons will all return for the new season, continuing their roles in guiding the chefs through intense challenges.
The season will showcase the unique blend of Southern hospitality, history, and agriculture that defines the region. Chefs will have the opportunity to work with local ingredients and create dishes that reflect the cultural and culinary diversity of the Carolinas. The show aims to highlight the area’s emerging food scene while providing a platform for the next generation of culinary talent.
Charlotte, in particular, has been recognized for its rapidly evolving culinary landscape. Steve Bagwell, CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, expressed enthusiasm about hosting Top Chef, stating that the city’s food culture combines global influences with Southern heritage and a strong agricultural foundation. He emphasized that the show offers an opportunity to spotlight the creativity and authenticity that make Charlotte a top destination.
Similarly, Heath Dillard, CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC, shared his excitement about the event. He noted that Greenville’s food scene has long been capable of holding its own on a national stage, and hosting Top Chef is both a validation and a celebration of the city’s culinary community.
What to Expect from Season 23
Like previous seasons, Top Chef will feature a mix of Quickfire and Elimination Challenges designed to test the chefs’ skills, creativity, and ability to work with local ingredients. Production crews are expected to begin filming this summer, with the season anticipated to premiere in 2026.
Ryan Flynn, senior vice president of Current Production at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, praised the Carolinas for their exceptional ingredients, bold flavors, and natural beauty. He described the region as a “perfect chefs’ playground” that embodies the warmth and generosity of Southern hospitality.
For fans eager to catch up before the new season premieres, re-watching the season 22 finale is highly recommended. The episode featured Hunter Lewis, editor-in-chief of Food & Wine, who praised Tristen Epps’ final dish. Lewis noted that Epps’ creation was a masterclass in technique, combining flavor, texture, and storytelling in a way that stood out even among other memorable dishes from the show’s history.
Epps’ dish, which featured oxtail and rice—symbolic of struggle and uplift—was a testament to his skill and dedication. It was a fitting conclusion to a season that highlighted the power of food to tell stories and connect people.
With its focus on the Carolinas, season 23 of Top Chef is poised to deliver another unforgettable chapter in the show’s legacy. Fans can look forward to a mix of competition, creativity, and culinary excellence as the chefs take on the challenges of the South.
