With national pride and the title of World All-Stars on the line, the chefs are at the top of their game as they compete on a global stage. They have access to the finest UK ingredients as they showcase their culinary skills, diverse roots and international influences in a series of high-pressure challenges. From prepping a picnic at Highclere Castle to going head-to-head at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the chefs will compete in iconic locations throughout London and the surrounding areas. These highly decorated chefs will put their spin on iconic British staples from Beef Wellington and biscuits to pub food and afternoon tea. 

This season’s Restaurant Wars also continues to up the ante when Michelin-starred Chef Clare Smyth hands over her restaurant and staff so that each team can deliver a meal worthy of a star.  The teams are in for a surprise, however, when they find out a secret critic will be joining the judging panel. To rise above the pack, the cheftestants will have to bring their A-game for the fastest Elimination Challenge in “Top Chef” history and hit all the right notes cooking Indian food for Padma and the judges. With the best of the best competing, the stakes are higher than ever before as they fight to cook in the finale in Paris to claim the ultimate title of Top Chef World All-Star.

Throughout the competition, Padma, Tom and Gail will be joined by distinguished judges from the international versions, including Aquiles Chavez (Judge, Top Chef Mexico), Hélène Darroze (Judge, Top Chef France), Lorna Maseko (Host, Top Chef South Africa), Martha Ortiz (Judge, Top Chef Mexico) and Dave Zilber (Judge, Top Chef Canada). The chefs must also strive to impress a rotation of esteemed global culinary experts, including Gaggan Anand, Sam Bompas, Tom Brown, Jeremy Chan, Brett Graham, Max Halley, Adam Handling, Angela Hartnett, Graham Hornigold, Judy Joo, Asma Khan, Santiago Lastra, Greg Marchand, Clare Smyth, Kirk Westaway, Andrew Wong and Paul A. Young. Tottenham legend Ledley King and Evening Standard restaurant critic Jimi Famurewa contribute to the table. Alain Ducasse also makes a rare appearance with the finalists in Paris. 

In the finale meal in Paris, the chefs must cook for guest judge Hélène Darroze, who has six Michelin stars across her three restaurants, as well as a daunting table of international juggernauts, including May Chow, Angel Leon, Hunter Lewis, Gwendal Poullennec, Simon Rogan, Marcus Samuelson, Clare Smyth and Daniela Soto-Innes.

The winning chef will be crowned “Top Chef” World All-Star, taking home the Grand Prize of $250,000 provided by the Saratoga® Brand, a feature in Food & Wine and an appearance at the 40th annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.