Top Chef

10 Best Episodes of Top Chef - Season 4

An American reality competition show in which chefs compete against each other in culinary challenges and are judged by a panel of professional chefs and other notables from the food and wine industry with one or more contestants eliminated in each episode.

Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 06, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Top Chef - S4E7

#15 - Improv (Season 4 - Episode 7)

The chefs begin with a sugary challenge, and then move to the historic Second City Theatre where their improvisational skills will be tested by masters of the art – one of the resident troupes. Johnny Iuzzini from Jean Georges restaurant guest judges.

The episode was rated 7.12 from 34 votes.

Top Chef - S4E6

#14 - Tailgating (Season 4 - Episode 6)

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Simple pleasures is the theme for tonight's round as the chefs must create a dish that complements beer, and then throw a tailgate extravaganza for fans of the local team. Guest Judge: Paul Kahan – Elimination Challenge Guest Judge: Koren Grieveson – QuickFire Challenge QuickFire Challenge: Create a Dish that Pairs Perfectly with Beer Elimination Challenge: Cater a Tailgating Party for Chicago Bears Fans

The episode was rated 7.14 from 37 votes.

Top Chef - S4E15

#13 - Reunion (Season 4 - Episode 15)

Season four cast and judges gather to reminisce and learn the winner of the fan favorite contest.

The episode was rated 7.16 from 19 votes.

Top Chef - S4E10

#12 - Serve and Protect (Season 4 - Episode 10)

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Salad, one of the least respected dishes by chefs, takes center stage tonight as the contestants are challenged to reformulate it, then they continue with the healthy kick by trimming calories and all things bad from a classic entrée.

The episode was rated 7.19 from 37 votes.

Top Chef - S4E3

#11 - Block Party (Season 4 - Episode 3)

The contestants mix it up with Rick Bayless while creating a fiesta for a community.

The episode was rated 7.21 from 34 votes.

Top Chef - S4E8

#10 - Common Threads (Season 4 - Episode 8)

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The microwaves are back, and this time the contestants are to make a healthy meal using a single main ingredient. Chef Art Smith, owner of Table 52 in Chicago performs guest judge duties.

The episode was rated 7.24 from 38 votes.

Top Chef - S4E2

#9 - Zoo Food (Season 4 - Episode 2)

A farmers' market takes prominence in this week's QuickFire, and an exotic location is the setting for the Elimination round as the remaining chefs cook for guest judge Wylie Dufresne.

The episode was rated 7.26 from 35 votes.

Top Chef - S4E11

#8 - Restaurant Wars (Season 4 - Episode 11)

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It's all about service tonight as the chefs work the line during a breakfast rush at a diner, and then create their own restaurants from scratch. Washington, D.C. Chef and restaurant owner José Andrés guest judges. QuickFire Challenge: Work a Short Order Egg Station Elimination Challenge: Restaurant Wars Guest Head Judge: Anthony Bourdain

The episode was rated 7.26 from 38 votes.

Top Chef - S4E12

#7 - High Steaks (Season 4 - Episode 12)

The remaining chefs' butcher skills are tested, and then they must use the cut of meat they made. Guest judge Rick Tramonto, a Chicago chef and restaurant entrepreneur.

The episode was rated 7.28 from 32 votes.

Top Chef - S4E5

#6 - The Elements (Season 4 - Episode 5)

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The dreaded taste test is back, and even before the chefs recover from it they must cater a charity event. Ming Tsai Guest Judges this week.

The episode was rated 7.33 from 33 votes.

Top Chef - S4E1

#5 - Anything You Can Cook I Can Cook Better (Season 4 - Episode 1)

The 16 new contestants face their first QuickFire and Elimination rounds using themes from Chicago's regional cuisine.

The episode was rated 7.34 from 41 votes.

Top Chef - S4E4

#4 - Film Food (Season 4 - Episode 4)

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The remaining chefs demonstrate their aptitude with knives, and then help Richard Roeper throw a film-themed dinner. Daniel Boulud guest judges.

The episode was rated 7.44 from 34 votes.

Top Chef - S4E14

#3 - Finale (Season 4 - Episode 14)

The finalists cook "the most important meal of their lives" for the judges to determine which will be crowned Top Chef. Guest Judges/Sous Chefs: April Bloomfield of The Spotted Pig Dan Barber of Blue Hill and Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin Restaurant Special Guest Judges: Alfredo Ayala and Tim Zagat Final Challenge: Create a traditional four course tasting menu

The episode was rated 7.47 from 34 votes.

Top Chef - S4E9

#2 - Wedding Wars (Season 4 - Episode 9)

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The remaining chefs' knife skills are challenged again, followed by a wedding reception challenge which might bring the blades out for an entirely different purpose.

The episode was rated 7.47 from 34 votes.

Top Chef - S4E13

#1 - Puerto Rico (Season 4 - Episode 13)

There are four chefs and only three spots for the final round, and the contestants know it as they travel to Puerto Rico for the next two challenges. Guest Judge - Wilo Benet QuickFire Challenge: Make Two Frituras featuring Plantains Elimination Challenge: Use a Whole Pig to create Dishes for a Governor's Mansion Event

The episode was rated 7.58 from 38 votes.

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