Matthew Stowe

It all comes down to this. In the Season 12 finale, the final two Chefs face off in the final challenge, and for the first time ever in a Top Chef finale... Restaurant Wars! Each will unveil a bold, fully realized dining experience that showcases their culinary vision, voice, and identity. With the title on the line, only one will rise to claim the title of Canada’s Top Chef.

In a Top Chef Canada first, the Judges – Mark McEwan, David Zilber, Janet Zuccarini and Mijune Pak step out from behind the table to become sous-chefs, for a very special Quickfire Challenge. Then, in a high-stakes Elimination Challenge, the final four must make a critical choice: cook with humble ingredients and have time on their side- or splurge on premium ingredients with the clock working against them.

In a snack-sized Quickfire, the Chefs must create the ultimate energy-boosting bite and pair it with a protein shake. Then, for one of the most heartfelt challenges of the season, they cook dishes inspired by cherished family traditions - only to be met with an emotional surprise that brings their stories even closer to home.

In the Season 12 premiere, 10 new Chefs are introduced at Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence Market. Right away, they’re tasked with working together for a collaborative dinner, each dish inspired by their unique culinary origin story. The winning Chef earns the chance to pull one of three immunity knives - including the coveted Golden Knife.

In a playful Quickfire Challenge, Chefs flip expectations by transforming sweet ingredients into savoury dishes. For the Elimination Challenge, they must create a fully immersive dining experience - serving dishes inspired by elemental worlds like a lava flow, glacier cave, outer space, rainforest, and the deep sea.

Inspired by Eden’s cookbook Tahini Baby, the Chefs craft dishes for their own fantasy cookbook cover. Then, they channel the spirit of celebration and self-expression at a Top Chef Canada Pride party at The 519 community centre, serving head-to-head hors d’oeuvres to a vibrant crowd.