After taking viewers north to Canada for a culinary adventure in season 22, “Top Chef” is officially coming back to the U.S.—and this time, the competition is heading south. Bravo has confirmed that season 23 of the Emmy-winning culinary competition will spotlight the rich culinary scenes of the Carolinas, as indicated in an Instagram post that highlights the location using traditional Southern foods like barbecue and boiled peanuts.
‘Top Chef’ Is Headed to the Carolinas for Season 23
“Top Chef” season 23 will be based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with select episodes filmed in Greenville, South Carolina. In a press release to People, Bravo described Charlotte as an “emerging and diverse culinary hub,” while praising the Carolinas’ “deep-rooted agricultural heritage” and “strong regional identity.”
In a statement, Heath Dillard, CEO and President of VisitGreenvilleSC, said, “We’ve long known that Greenville’s food scene could hold its own on a national stage. Hosting ‘Top Chef’ here is both validation and a celebration. We’re thrilled to see our culinary community in the spotlight.”
Charlotte leaders echoed that excitement. Steve Bagwell, CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, added, “Our city’s rapidly evolving culinary landscape blends global influences, Southern heritage, and a rich agricultural legacy to craft something truly worth experiencing. Hosting ‘Top Chef’ presents an inspiring stage to spotlight the talent, authenticity, and creativity that has made the Queen City one of the nation’s fastest-growing destinations.”
Kristen Kish will return as host, with Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons back as judges, the series is setting the table for another unforgettable season.
Emmy Nominations and 2 Culinary Hotspots
The announcement comes just one week after “Top Chef” earned another round of Emmy nominations, marking the show’s nineteenth consecutive year being recognized by the Television Academy. Season 22 received nods for Outstanding Reality or Competition Series, Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program (Kish), and Outstanding Directing for a Structured Reality or Competition Program.
And it’s no wonder “Top Chef” chose the Carolinas. Greenville has quietly become a foodie paradise, boasting James Beard-nominated chefs, nationally ranked restaurants, and a downtown that has garnered attention from publications such as Southern Living and Bon Appétit. Charlotte, meanwhile, has seen a boom in innovative kitchens blending Southern tradition with global influence—making it the perfect setting for culinary competition and creativity.
“When we go to a new city on ‘Top Chef’ — it becomes the backdrop of the season, inspiring our challenges and motivating the chefs to spotlight local ingredients,” Kish says. “I can’t wait to explore all that the Carolinas have to offer.”
Season 23 of “Top Chef” is expected to premiere in 2026.
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Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ Season 23 Locations Revealed