Knives are drawn and the display of extraordinary talent begins in the most ordinary of places – a grocery store where the chefs are met with the classic Quickfire "Aisle Trial" (Season 3, Top Chef). Master chefs Roy Yamaguchi (Roy's Restaurants), Art Smith (Table Fifty-Two), Michael Cimarusti (Providence) and Jonathan Waxman (Barbuto) pass the Quickfire round and are faced with a mystery box from which they must concoct their Elimination Challenge meals. One chef moves on to the Champions Round.

The top six chefs have advanced to the finals and now must face-off for the ultimate title of Top Chef Master. Each is asked to produce their signature dish, only to find they must then re-create their competitor's unique dish. One chef is eliminated, while the remaining five move to the next round of competition.

It's a battle of the burgers as the five remaining chefs strive to create an American classic. In the Elimination Challenge, the Masters must prepare the perfect meal for an exclusive celebrity lunch thrown by actress and singer-songwriter Zooey Deschanel. Morgan Spurlock also guest stars, and one chef is eliminated, while the remaining four move to the next round of competition.