Nyesha Arrington (Season 9)
Place: 11th
Restaurant: Leona
Visit her restaurant for: Dining on bulgogi-braised shortribs while watching the sunset.
Despite being in its umpteenth season, Top Chef still remains a Bravo TV favorite. From Quickfire to Elimination Challenges, obscure ingredients to ridiculous cooking conditions, a roster of chefs is whittled down to a winner, who then usually channels his or her stardom into a full-fledged restaurant—not that you have to win to be a successful restaurant owner. The following chefs have founded fantastic Italian and Mexican restaurants, kosher eateries and sandwich spots. They've come in 13th place, 1st and in-between, but they've all found success by opening some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles. Make your reservations now, and prepare to be starstruck.
Place: 11th
Restaurant: Leona
Visit her restaurant for: Dining on bulgogi-braised shortribs while watching the sunset.
Place: 9th
Restaurants: Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails (West Hollywood)
Visit his restaurant for: Seasonal American cuisine in a sexy lounge setting—plus fantastic cocktails.
Place: 7th
Restaurant: Grub (Hollywood)
Visit her restaurant for: Hearty comfort food and one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches in town.
Place: 6th (both seasons)
Restaurant: Girasol (Studio City)
Visit his restaurant for: Rustic California cuisine in the Valley.
Place: 4th
Restaurant: Black Market Liquor Bar (Studio City), Scopa Italian Roots (Venice)
Visit her restaurants for: A killer fried fluffernutter (Black Market), hearty Italian fare (Scopa) and excellent cocktails (both).
Place: 4th
Restaurant: Herringbone (West Hollywood & Santa Monica)
Visit his restaurant for: Super fresh seafood—and some solid steak options if you're more about the turf than surf.
Place: 7th
Restaurant: Ditmas (Pico-Robertson)
Visit his restaurant for: Kosher cuisine in a New York-inspired setting.
Place: Judge
Restaurant: Maude (Beverly Hills)
Visit his restaurant for: A multi-course meal centered around a single ingredient. Oh, and make a reservation at least one month in advance.
Place: 4th
Restaurant: Cafe Firenze (Moorpark)
Visit his restaurant for: Handmade pasta and a classy martini lounge.
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