Highlights
Top Chef

Top Chef - California (2015)

Audience Score
68

California Episodes

1. Stop the Presses

December 2nd, 201542 min

Top chefs arrive in Los Angeles in the opener of Season 13, which will feature the foodies competing in six cities across California. Here, they try to wow food critics and reporters under the Hollywood sign.

2. Pop Up Pandemonium

December 3rd, 201542 min

The foodies must open distinct pop-up restaurants in various Los Angeles neighborhoods. Appearing: chef and pop-up impresario Ludo Lefebvre.

3. Spines and Vines

December 10th, 201542 min

The chefs visit Santa Barbara, where they pick up fresh sea urchin for use in a challenge. Later, a surf-and-turf war erupts.

4. It's a Dry Heat

December 17th, 201542 min

Palm Springs, Cal., is the destination for culinary competition. Here, the chefs use solar-powered stoves in the desert, then prepare dishes on a famed golf course. Appearing: John Besh and Mary Sue Milliken.

5. Big Gay Wedding

January 7th, 201642 min

Top dishes for dates are served up by the chefs in Palm Springs, Cal. Later, they cater a wedding for 25 gay couples. Appearing: model Chrissy Teigen and foodie Art Smith.

6. Banannaise

January 14th, 201642 min

The chefs head to San Diego and cook up high-end fish tacos. Then, they prepare dishes to complement handcrafted microbrews. Appearing: chef Javier Plascenia.

7. Back in the Day

January 21st, 201642 min

The chefs return to Los Angeles to celebrate the series' 10th anniversary. A restrictive challenge limits them to 10 ingredients, then they walk down memory lane by creating a dish that represents who they were 10 years ago. Appearing: Michael Voltaggio; Antonia Lofaso; Mei Lin Hua; and Nancy Silverton.

8. Where's the Beef?

January 28th, 201642 min

The chefs participate in a plating challenge by preparing visually appealing dishes using only snack food. Then, they cook for diners at a black-tie, finger-food event called Beefsteak. Appearing: Colin Hanks; Max Silvestri; Matt Selman; Jacques La Merde; and Neal Fraser.

9. Restaurant Wars, Part 1

February 4th, 201642 min

The iconic "Restaurant Wars" challenge ensues, with the chefs opening eateries for both lunch and dinner services.

10. Restaurant Wars, Part 2

February 11th, 201642 min

The "Restaurant Wars" challenge progresses with the chefs serving up dinner, during which everything from concept and food to service and consistency will be appraised.

11. Hammer Time

February 18th, 201642 min

12. Wok This Way

February 25th, 201642 min

A showdown includes woks when the chefs visit San Francisco's Chinatown. Later, they must

13. Back Where It All Started

March 3rd, 201642 min

San Francisco is the setting when the competing foodies cook for chef Traci Des Jardins. Later, they try to wow master chef Hubert Keller, the judges and San Francisco culinary elite with cuisine inspired by the restaurant Fleur de Lys.

14. Magic Hour

March 10th, 201642 min

The chefs land in Las Vegas and participate in a high-stakes challenge of cards and cuisine. Later, they must conjure culinary magic for illusionist David Copperfield.

15. Finale

March 17th, 201642 min

The top chef is crowned in the Season 13 finale. Before that, the final two culinarians must prepare the meal of their lives for their mentors and fallen colleagues. Appearing: Emeril Lagasse; Dominique Crenn; Jonathan Benno; Hubert Keller; Charlie Palmer; and Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

All Seasons

Carolinas
Mar 9, 2026
Destination Canada
Mar 13, 2025
67
Wisconsin
Mar 20, 2024
69
World All-Stars
Mar 8, 2023
71
Houston
Mar 2, 2022
70
Season 18
Mar 30, 2021
All Stars L.A.
Mar 19, 2020
90
Season 16
Dec 4, 2018
Season 15
Dec 4, 2017
Charleston
Nov 30, 2016
California
Dec 1, 2015
Boston
Oct 14, 2014
New Orleans
Oct 1, 2013
74
Seattle
Nov 6, 2012
Texas
Nov 1, 2011
All-Stars
Nov 30, 2010
D.C.
Jun 15, 2010
Las Vegas
Aug 19, 2009
New York
Nov 12, 2008
Chicago
Mar 11, 2008
70
Miami
Jun 12, 2007
Los Angeles
Oct 17, 2006
San Francisco
Mar 8, 2006
60
Specials
Jun 6, 2007