Top Chef' Hosts Rave About Greenville, South Carolina

The show's team shares their favorite moments and local flavors from filming Season 23 in the Upstate.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 9:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The hosts and judges of the hit TV show 'Top Chef' recently spoke about their experiences filming Season 23 in Greenville, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. They praised the natural beauty, outdoor activities, and local food scene, highlighting their discoveries of ingredients like scuppernongs and the Carolina Reaper pepper. The team shared their most memorable moments, from riding NASCAR cars to finding new favorite dishes at spots like Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Scoundrel.

Why it matters

Greenville has been working to raise its national profile as a culinary and tourism destination, and having 'Top Chef' film in the area provides valuable exposure and endorsement from high-profile food personalities. The positive feedback from the show's team can help attract more visitors and diners to explore Greenville's growing food scene.

The details

During the interview, 'Top Chef' host Kristen Kish said she 'loved' Greenville, describing it as 'active, lush, and green.' Judge Gail Simmons praised the city's 'naturally beautiful' access to nature and outdoor activities like the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Fellow judge Tom Colicchio called Greenville a 'great, small Southern city' and highlighted spots like the Swamp Rabbit Cafe. The team also discussed discovering regional ingredients like scuppernongs and the Carolina Reaper pepper, which they incorporated into challenges. Overall, the 'Top Chef' crew seemed impressed by Greenville's culinary offerings and scenic backdrops.

  • The 'Top Chef' team filmed Season 23 in Charlotte, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina in 2026.

The players

Kristen Kish

The host of 'Top Chef' who praised Greenville's active, lush, and green environment.

Gail Simmons

A 'Top Chef' judge who was impressed by Greenville's natural beauty and outdoor recreation options like the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Tom Colicchio

A 'Top Chef' judge who enjoyed Greenville's small-town Southern charm, including spots like the Swamp Rabbit Cafe.

Scoundrel

A Greenville restaurant that earned a Michelin star after the 'Top Chef' team visited.

Swamp Rabbit Cafe

A Greenville eatery that impressed the 'Top Chef' judges, particularly for its breakfast pogacha dish.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I loved your city. Thank you for having us, and I hope we do you very, very proud.”

— Kristen Kish, Top Chef Host

“Naturally so beautiful — I loved the access to nature in Greenville. The parks, the bike trails, obviously the Swamp Rabbit Trail.”

— Gail Simmons, Top Chef Judge

“Great, small Southern City — I didn't know what to expect, but I loved Greenville. I loved Swamp Rabbit Cafe, right there on the water. Places like that are really great.”

— Tom Colicchio, Top Chef Judge

What’s next

The 'Top Chef' team is expected to return to Greenville for a special episode or event to further showcase the city's culinary scene to their national audience.

The takeaway

Greenville's growing reputation as a food and travel destination received a major boost from the positive feedback and exposure generated by the 'Top Chef' team's visit, which highlighted the city's natural beauty, outdoor activities, and thriving local food culture.