[1] Padma Lakshmi replaced Katie Lee Joel as the host, with Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons returning as judges.

Bravo cited negative viewer reaction to the Season 2 chefs' attitudes and overall behavior as the reason why no reunion episode was filmed.

^Note 2 : Otto voluntarily withdrew before Lakshmi eliminated anyone, deciding that his misconduct over the unpaid lychees contributed the most to his team's loss.

Elimination Challenge: The chefs were required to prepare a dish using the five ingredients provided in a mystery crate.

Each team had to prepare two dishes using the flavors of their assigned country to serve at a charity fundraiser for 1,000 people.

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs had to create an original ice cream flavor and serve it at the Redondo Beach Seaside Lagoon.

Elimination Challenge: The chefs had to create a dish updating a "childhood classic" to fit the menu of T.G.I.

Elimination Challenge: The 12 chefs were divided into four teams and were required to create a meal that did not exceed 500 calories (2,100 kJ) to serve at a camp for diabetic and overweight children.

Elimination Challenge: Working in teams of two, the chefs had to create a six-course lunch for Jennifer Coolidge and 60 of her guests using only the ingredients that were already available in the kitchen.

Elimination Challenge: The five chefs who did not win the Quickfire Challenge (Marcel, Elia, Michael, Betty, and Carlos) worked together to make a cutting edge Thanksgiving dinner for the judges, guest judge Anthony Bourdain, and the other Top Chef contestants, using the kitchens in the loft.

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs had to create an entrée using fresh ingredients from the Redondo Beach Farmers' Market without cooking of any kind.

In the challenge, the chefs cooked for surfers at dawn on the beach using only a fire pit and basic kitchen tools.

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs made a Bailey's Irish Cream mix drink and an accompanying dish.

Elimination Challenge: Working in two teams of four, the chefs catered the Los Angeles magazine holiday party at the Warner Bros. movie lot.

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs had 30 minutes to create snacks using three Kraft Foods products: mayonnaise, barbecue sauce or Italian dressing.

Elimination Challenge: The chefs worked together to create a romantic five-course menu for celebratory couples in Santa Barbara.

Previously eliminated contestants Sam, Elia, Michael, Betty, Mia, and Frank were asked to return as potential sous chefs for Ilan and Marcel.

Guest judging are Michelle Bernstein, Scott Conant, Wylie Dufresne, Hubert Keller, and Roy Yamaguchi.