The BEST episodes of Next Level Chef season 5

Every episode of Next Level Chef season 5, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Next Level Chef season 5!

The next evolution in cooking competitions, as Gordon Ramsay has designed a one-of-a-kind culinary gauntlet, set on an iconic stage over three stories high, each floor contains a stunningly different kitchen. From the glistening top floor to the challenging bottom of the basement, the ingredients match the environment, because Ramsay believes the true test of great chefs is not only what they can do in the best of circumstances, but what kind of magic they can create in the worst!

Last Updated: 5/6/2026Network: FOXStatus: Continuing
Mini Gordon
star
8.00
18 votes

#1 - Mini Gordon

Season 5 - Episode 8 - Aired 3/19/2026

Much to the chefs' surprise, when Ramsay welcomes them back, it is Oscar, not Gordon, and this week's challenge is revealed as reimagining kids' classic dishes! The chefs must take these nostalgic flavors and elevate them into culinary masterpieces. It might sound simple, but it's not child's play as one more chef leaves the competition.

Watch Now:Amazon
The Draft/Taco Party
star
7.83
41 votes

#2 - The Draft/Taco Party

Season 5 - Episode 4 - Aired 2/19/2026

It's the Draft! Gordon has a clear vision for his team, Nyesha has been keeping notes and Richard is determined to hang on to his crown this season, but will he draft the winner?

Auditions - Pro Chefs
star
7.78
58 votes

#3 - Auditions - Pro Chefs

Season 5 - Episode 1 - Aired 1/29/2026

The competition kicks off with eight pristine pro chefs who use their fierce expertise to create dishes that will impress the judges in the audition round and secure them a spot in the competition.

Bowl in One
star
7.72
36 votes

#4 - Bowl in One

Season 5 - Episode 6 - Aired 3/5/2026

Protein bowls have taken the world by storm and this week the chefs are tasked with creating a show-stopping bowl with color, flavor and texture. But to add to the chaos, the platform moves faster than ever before and does not stop! With ingredients missed, tempers rise and tears fall, and one more chef leaves the competition for good.

Watch Now:Amazon
Auditions - Social Media Chefs
star
7.72
50 votes

#5 - Auditions - Social Media Chefs

Season 5 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/5/2026

Eight social media chefs level up corner store staples and try to cook their way to the top kitchen.

A Toast to America’s 250th
star
7.64
14 votes

#6 - A Toast to America’s 250th

Season 5 - Episode 13 - Aired 4/30/2026

The chefs cook for a star-spangled cocktail party in celebration of America’s 250th, where they craft a showstopping cocktail and appetizer.

Auditions - Home Chefs
star
7.62
50 votes

#7 - Auditions - Home Chefs

Season 5 - Episode 3 - Aired 2/12/2026

The auditions come to a close as eight amateur home cooks prove their worth in the kitchen by transforming ordinary ingredients into standout dishes, with love. The home chefs must elevate their culinary skills to impress the judges and earn their chef whites.

Service, Please!
star
7.59
17 votes

#8 - Service, Please!

Season 5 - Episode 7 - Aired 3/12/2026

For the first time ever, the Great Room is transformed into a beautiful restaurant packed with hungry diners and 3 Michelin-starred VIP guests! Gordon, Nyesha and Richard lead their teams, grabbing, cooking and plating, and each team must create one course in a frenetic 40-minute cook. The team with the weakest course will cook against each other in the elimination, where, for one chef, their Next Level journey ends.

Use Your Noodle
star
7.55
11 votes

#9 - Use Your Noodle

Season 5 - Episode 12 - Aired 4/23/2026

With only seven talented cooks remaining, the chefs must make a next level noodle dish that honors tradition while elevating this ingredient that is loved all over the world. The chefs are not only cooking to stay in the competition but also to win that priceless Time Token! One more chef leaves the competition.

Ale's Well That Ends Well
star
7.30
20 votes

#10 - Ale's Well That Ends Well

Season 5 - Episode 9 - Aired 4/2/2026

For the first time ever, the platform becomes a pub complete with beer taps! Proteins must be paired with perfectly poured beer to create delicious dishes. With a classic game of beer-pong in order to win more ingredients, whose dishes will be brew-tiful and whose will fall flat and send them home.

Sea Monsters
star
7.19
37 votes

#11 - Sea Monsters

Season 5 - Episode 5 - Aired 2/26/2026

Three enormous fish descend on the platform and the chefs must work together slicing and filleting their catch of the day. But with the pressure on, this is a true test of technique. Who will rise to the top and save their team, and who will face each other in the dreaded elimination?

Watch Now:Apple TV
The In-Season Tournament
star
6.88
16 votes

#12 - The In-Season Tournament

Season 5 - Episode 11 - Aired 4/16/2026

The stakes are higher than ever, because for the first time this season, the chefs are no longer competing on their teams. It's each person for themselves as they fight for their place on the top level. If they fail to cook the best dish in the top kitchen, they compete again in the middle kitchen. Fail there and it's down to the basement to cook one last meal that will make or break their place in the competition. Without a team to save them, who will make it through?

Cowboy Cooking
star
6.79
14 votes

#13 - Cowboy Cooking

Season 5 - Episode 10 - Aired 4/9/2026

The chefs take rustic ranch cooking to the next level.