Top Chef
Surprise...It's Restaurant Wars
Season 16, Episode 4 · Aired 2018-12-27

Synopsis
In a massive twist, Padma's favorite challenge Restaurant Wars comes early this year, but before the chefs gear up for battle, they must first duke it out in an amuse bouche-based Quickfire for Top Chef alum turned James Beard Award winning chefs: Karen Akunowicz and Nina Compton. Then, the gauntlet has been thrown and with twelve chefs remaining, three restaurants will be battling for victory. James Beard Award winning restaurateur Caroline Styne joins as the guest judge along with Nilou Motamed. And if this unexpected chaos isn't enough, Tom leaves the Chefs breathless with an announcement that will change the course of the competition.
In the series
This episode is part of Top Chef (2006–present) on Bravo.
Pack your knives — culinary competition as prestige unscripted.
Key cast
- Padma Lakshmi as Host
- Tom Colicchio as Judge
- Gail Simmons as Judge