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Guest Judges are a recurring element in Hell's Kitchen.

Overview[]

Beginning with Season 3, Ramsay would bring in special guests to help him judge a challenge. These are primarily experts in the culinary industry or relative to the theme of the challenge.

List of Guest and Recurring Judges[]

Here is a list of all the judges that appeared in Hell's Kitchen, in chronological order. This does not include family members or previous contestants invited to help Ramsay.

Season 3[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Sean Griffin Chef De Cuisine of Caesars Palace Episode 310 - 2 Chefs Compete Final Signature Dish Challenge
Gerald Chin Executive Chef at the MGM Grand
Anthony Carron Cooperate Executive Chef of the Michael Mina Group
Robin Leach TV Star and host of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
Chris Fearnow General Manager of the Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa
Bob Finch Executive Chef of the Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa

Season 4[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Mark Sargeant Executive Chef at Claridge's Episode 414 - 2 Chefs Compete Final Signature Dish Challenge
Angela Hartnett Executive Chef at Cielo
Stuart Gillies Executive Chef at Boxwood Cafe
Simone Zanoni Executive Chef at the Trianon Palace
Josh Emett Executive Chef at the London West Hollywood

Season 5[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Tanya Steel Epicurious editor-in-chief Episode 505 - 12 Chefs Compete Asian Fusion Challenge
Michael Shulson Executive Chef at Izakaya Episode 514 - 2 Chefs Compete Final Menu Challenge
Geoffrey Zakarian Executive Chef at The Water Club
Larry Mullin President and Chief Operating Officer of the Borgata

Season 6[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Sasha Cohen Olympic Medalist Episode 610 - 7 Chefs Compete Fifteen Canadian Ingredients Challenge
Johnny Moseley
Barbara Fairchild Editor-In-Chief of Bon Appétit Episode 612 - 5 Chefs Compete Presentation Challenge
Eddie Wong Executive Chef of Mr. Chow Episode 614 - 3 Chefs Compete International Cuisine Challenge
Thomas Ortega Executive Chef at Ortega 120
Vikas Khanna Executive Chef of V.K. Hospitality Group
Alain Gayot Owner of Gayot Publications Episode 615 - Winner Announced Final Signature Dish Challenge
Jamie Maw International Food Critic
Tanya Steel Epicurious Editor-in-Chief
Warren Geraghty Executive Chef of the West Restaurant
Colman Andrews Gourmet Magazine's editor

Season 7[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Michael Cimarusti Chef at Providence Episode 710 - 7 Chefs Compete 10-Pound Lobster Challenge
Josiah Citrin Chef at Mélisse
David LeFevre Chef at Water Grill
Tanya Steel Epicurious Editor-in-Chief Episode 711 - 6 Chefs Compete Presentation Challenge
Joaquim Splichal Owner of The Patina Group Episode 712 - 5 Chefs Compete Budget Challenge
Dana Bowen Editor of Saveur Magazine
Vern Lakusta Manager of Gordon Ramsay at the London
James Durrant Executive Chef at Maze Episode 715 - 2 Chefs Compete Final Menu Challenge
Diego Cardoso Executive Chef at Murano
Clare Smyth Executive Chef at Royal Hospital Road
Steve Allen Executive Chef at Claridge's
Stuart Gillies Executive Chef at Savoy Grill

Season 8[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Sarah Tenaglia Senior Food Editor of Bon Appétit Episode 806 - 10 Chefs Compete Salad Challenge
Mark Peel Owner and Chef at Campanile Episode 808 - 9 Chefs Compete Part 2 Budget Challenge
Libby Rego Yelp Reviewer
Justin Wyborn General Manager at Nobu
Sophie Gayot Food Critic
Michael Cimarusti Chef and Co-Owner at Providence Episode 811 - 6 Chefs Compete Presentation Challenge
Karen Hatfield Owners of Hatfields
Quinn Hatfield
Ludo Lefebvre Chef and Owner at LudoBites
Suzanne Tracht Chef and Owner at Jar
Helene An Executive Chef at Crustacean Episode 814 - 4 Chefs Compete Again Fusion Cuisine Challenge
Philip Dubose Executive Chef at Asia De Cuba
Lee Hfter Executive Chef at Spago
Tim Leiweke President and CEO of A.E.G. Episode 815 - 2 Chefs Compete Final Menu Challenge
Joachim Spilichal Executive Chef of the Patina Group
David Myers Executive Chef and Owner of Sona
David LeFevre Executive Chef of the Water Crest
Kerry Simon Owner of LA Market

Season 9[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Jen Garcia People magazine Editor Episode 904 - 14 Chefs Compete Chicken Creation Challenge
Dave Karger Entertainment Weekly magazine Editor
Ben Roche Chefs at Moto Episode 905 - 13 Chefs Compete Fire and Water Challenge
Homaro Cantu
Hallie Beaune Beer Sommeliers Episode 907 - 11 Chefs Compete Creative Beer Challenge
Christina Perozzi
Wolfgang Puck Owner of Spago, Caesars Palace Episode 908 - 10 Chefs Compete American Classics Challenge
Jordan Kahn Chef and Owner of Red Medicine Episode 909 - 9 Chefs Compete Desserts Challenge
Waylynn Lucas Chef and Owner of fonuts
Lesley Bargar Suter Dine Editor at L.A. Magazine Episode 913 - 5 Chefs Compete Presentation Challenge
Susie Heller Cookbook Author
Valerie Aikman Smith Food Stylist
Deborah Jones Food Photographer
Eric Greenspan Executive Chef and Owner at The Foundry on Melrose
Justin Wyborn General Manager at Nobu Episode 914 - 5 Chefs Compete Again Alaskan Salmon Profit Challenge
Donato Poto Co-Owner and General Manager at Providence
Chris Denton Maître D' at Mr. Chow
Victor Albisu Executive Chef at BLT Steak Washington D.C. Episode 916 - 2 Chefs Compete Final Menu Challenge
Brian Moyers Executive Chef at BLT Steak Los Angeles
Johan Svensson Executive Chef at BLT Steak Honolulu
Cliff Crooks Executive Chef at BLT Steak New York
Keith Treyball BLT Steak President

Season 10[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
John Rivera Sedlar Executive Chef at Rivera & Playa Episode 1005 - 14 Chefs Compete Creative Mexican Challenge
Thomas Ortega Executive Chef at Ortega 120
Anita Lo Executive Chef at Annisa Episode 1008 - 12 Chefs Compete Dome Challenge
Douglas Keane Executive Chef at Cyrus
Michael Cimarusti Executive Chef at Providence
Tanya Steel Epicurious editor-in-chief Episode 1014 - 8 Chefs Compete Southern Cuisine Challenge
David LeFevre Executive Chef and Owner of Manhattan Beach Post Episode 1018 - 4 Chefs Compete Budget Challenge
Hugh Garvey West Coast Editor of Bon Appétit
Christian Philippo General Manager at Patina
Francois Payard Owner of Payard, Caesars Palace Episode 1019 - 2 Chefs Compete Final Menu Challenge
Michel Richard Owner of Central Michel Richard
Julian Serrano Owner of Julian Serrano, Aria & Picasso, Bellagio
Stuart Gilles Owner of Gordon Ramsay Steak, Paris
Wolfgang Puck Owner of Spago, Caesars Palace

Season 11[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Martin Yan Chef and Owner of Yan Can Restaurants and cookbook author Episode 1107 - 15 Chefs Compete Chinese Cuisine Challenge
Jon Shook Head Chef at Shook Episode 1108 - 14 Chefs Compete Barn Animal Challenge
Jennifer Garcia People magazine Editor Episode 1111 - 10 Chefs Compete Presentation Challenge
Dana Bowen Editor of Every Day with Rachael Ray Episode 1113 - 8 Chefs Compete International Cuisine Challenge
Nancy Silverton Chef and Partner at Osteria Mozza Episode 1117 - 5 Chefs Compete Part 1 Pressure Cooker Challenge
Lesley Bargar Suter Dine Editor at Los Angeles Magazine
Sang Yoon Chef at Lukshon Episode 1121 - 2 Chefs Compete Final Menu Challenge
Homaru Cantu Chef at Moto
David Lefevre Chef at M.B. Post
Douglas Keane Chef at Cyrus
Jeffery Frederick V.P. of Food & Beverage at Caesars Entertainment

Season 12[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Wolfgang Puck Owner of over 100 Resturaunts Episode 1207 - 14 Chefs Compete Creative Pizza Challenge
Michael Cimarusti Chef and Owner of Providence Episode 1209 - 12 Chefs Compete Dome Challenge
Krista Simmons Editor of LAist Episode 1215 - 7 Chefs Compete Budget Challenge
Anita Lau Master Yelper
Brent Berkowitz I.D.G. Director of Development
Laurie Buckle Better Homes and Garden's Food Editor Episode 1218 - 5 Chefs Compete Leftovers Challenge
Michael Voltaggio Head Chef and Owner of Ink Episode 1220 - Winner Chosen Final Menu Challenge
Ben Ford Owner of Ford's Filling Station
Neal Fraser Head Chef and Owner of B.L.D.
Quinn Hatfield Owner of Hatfield's
David Myers Executive Chef of Comme Ça

Season 13[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Jon Shook Chef and Owners of Animal Episode 1306 - 13 Chefs Compete Farm Animal Challenge
Vinny Dotolo
Celestino Drago Owner and Chef of Drago Central Episode 1307 - 12 Chefs Compete Italian Cuisine Challenge
Douglas Keane Chef and Member of the Green Dog Rescue Project Episode 1308 - 11 Chefs Compete Part 1 Dog Show Tasting Challenge
Neal Fraser Chef and Owner of Fritzi Dog
Sachin Chopra Executive Chef and Owner of All Spice Episode 1310 - 9 Chefs Compete Indian Cuisine Challenge
Tanya Steel Epicurious Editor-in-Chief Episode 1312 - 7 Chefs Compete Amuse Bouche Challenge
Bruce Simon Co-Owners of Omaha Steaks Episode 1313 - 6 Chefs Compete Presentation Challenge
Todd Simon
Randy Lutz Executive Chef at A.M.E. Episode 1316 - Winner Chosen Final Menu Challenge
Josiah Citrin Chef and Owner of Mélisse
Matthew Kirkley Executive Chef at L20
Dominique Crenn Chef and Owner of Atelier Crenn
David LeFevre Chef and Owner of M.B. Post

Season 14[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Michael Cimarusti Chef and Partner of Connie and Ted's restaurant Episode 1403 - 16 Chefs Compete Alaskan Fish Challenge
Suzanne Goin Chef and Co-Owner of Lucques & A.O.C. Episode 1404 - 15 Chefs Compete American Classics Challenge
David Burke Chef and Owner of David Burke Prime
Michael Psilakis Chef and Owner of Kefi Episode 1407 - 12 Chefs Compete Greek Cuisine Challenge
John Ratzenberger Actor of Cheers Episode 1408 - 11 Chefs Compete Alcohol Challenge
Jon Shook Chef and Owners of Animal Episode 1409 - 9 Chefs Compete Exotic Meat Challenge
Vinny Dotolo
Anna Kelly Head Chef at London House Episode 1416 - Winner Chosen Final Menu Challenge
Hubert Keller Executive Chef at Fleur De Lys
Nancy Silverton Chef at Osteria Mozza
Nancy Oakes Owner of Boulevard
Wolfgang Puck Owner of over 100 Restaurants

Season 15[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Josiah Citrin Chef and Owner of Mélisse Episode 1504 - 15 Chefs Compete Duck Challenge
Linda Fears Editor-In-Chief at Family Circle Episode 1505 - 14 Chefs Compete Holiday Platter Challenge
Suzanne Tracht Executive Chef and Owner of Jar Episode 1510 - 9 Chefs Compete Breakfast Challenge
David LeFevre Executive Chef and Owner of M.B. Post
Ari Rosenson Executive Chef at Cut Episode 1515 - 3 Chefs Compete BLT Bone-In Steak Challenge
Clifford Crooks Executive Chef at ESquared Hospitality Episode 1516 - Winner Chosen Final Menu Challenge
Chris Macchia Executive Chef at The Florentin
Manuel Trevino Executive Chef at ESquared Hospitality
David Craine Executive Chef at BLT Bar and Grill New York
Keith Treyball President of the ESquared Hospitality Group

Season 16[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
David McMillan Chefs and Co-Owners at Joe Beef Episode 1603 - The Yolks on Them Ostrich Meat Challenge
Frederic Morin
Chris Hastings Executive Chef at Hot and Hot Fish Club Episode 1607 - Don't Tell My Fiancé Southern Cuisine Challenge
Adam Fleischman Founder of the Unami Burger Episode 1610 - Dancing in the Grotto Creative Sliders Challenge
Sang Yoo Chef and Owner of Father's Office
Roy Yamaguchi Owner and Executive Chef at Roy's Episode 1612 - Fusion Confusion Fusion Cuisine Challenge
Jenn Louis Chef and Owner of Lincoln/Sunshine Tavern Episode 1614 - Playing Your Cards Right King of The Hill Challenge
Bruce Kalman Executive Chef and Owner of Union Episode 1615 - Tequila Shots? Tableside Challenge
Steve Samson Chef and Owner of Sotto
Mette Williams Executive Chef at Culina
Alessio Biagini Chef de Cuisine at Cecconi’s
Walter Manzke Chef and Owner at Republique Episode 1616 - Leaving It on the Line Final Menu Challenge
Michael Cimarusti Chef and Co-Owner at Providence
Susan Feniger Chef and Co-Owner at Border Grill
John Kunkel CEO and Founder of Yardbird

Season 17[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Ben Ford Chef and Owner of Ford's Filling Station Episode 1705 - Josh Josh Josh Wood Plank Cooking Challenge
Steve Samson Chef and Owner of Sotto Episode 1706 - A Little Slice of Hell Pizza Fusion Challenge
Jon Shook Chef and Owners of Animal Episode 1708 - Welcome to the Jungle Cave Meat Challenge
Vinny Dotolo
Michael Cimarusti Chef and Owner of Providence Episode 1709 - Catch of the Day Fishing Challenge
Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson Chef and Co-Owner of Frasca Food and Wine Episode 1711 - Trying to Pasta Test Budget Challenge
Bruce Kalman Chef and Owner of Union
Sean McBurney Caesars Entertainment General Manager Episode 1716 - All-Star Finale Final Menu Challenge
Cory Johnson Caesars Entertainment VP of Food & Beverage
Gary Selesner Caesars Entertainment President
Tom Jenkin Caesars Entertainment Global President
Mike Frissora CEO and President of the Caesers Entertainment Group

Season 18[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Traci Des Jardins James Beard Award Winner Episode 1804 - Hell Freezes Over Winter Soup Challenge
Brian Boitano Two-Time Figure Skating Champion
David LeFevre Michelin Star Chef Episode 1805 - Fish Out of Water Seven-Way Halibut Challenge
Richard Blais James Beard Nominated Cookbook Author Episode 1806 - Hot Potato Potato Challenge
Shirley Chung Owner of Steamers Company Episode 1809 - What Happens in Vegas Chinese Cuisine Challenge
Valerie Gordon Award Winning Chocolatier Episode 1811 - Devilish Desserts Creative Dessert Challenge
Ted Hopson Chef and Owner of The Bellwether Episode 1814 - What's Your Motto? Tableside Challenge
Geoff Baumberger Executive Chef of Ocean Prime
Michael Fiorelli Executive Chef of Love & Salt
Joel Miller Executive Chef of The Wallace
Mary Sue Milliken Co-Owner and Chef at Border Grill Episode 1815 - A Rollercoaster Ride Final Menu Challenge
Rick Moonen Owner of RM Seafood
Josiah Citrin Owner of Mélisse
Hubert Keller Michelin Star Chef
Michael Cimarusti Chef and Owner of Providence

Season 19[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Aarón Sánchez Chef and Owner of Johnny Sánchez Episode 1905 - Hell Starts Taking Its Toll Mexican Cuisine Challenge
Jon Shook Chef and Owners of Animal Episode 1906 - Metal & Marina Modern Italian Cuisine Challenge
Vinny Dotolo
Laurent Tourondel Owner of LT Burger Episode 1910 - There's Something About Marc Gourmet Burger Challenge
Michael Cimarusti Owner and Head Chef at Providence Episode 1913 - It's Time! Dome Challenge
Michelle Bernstein James Beard Award Winner, 2008 Episode 1915 - What Happens in Vegas... Final Menu Challenge
Tyson Cole Food & Wine’s Best Chef, 2005
Susan Feniger Chef and Co-Owner of Border Grill
Neal Fraser Owner of Redbird
Wolfgang Puck Owner of Over 100 Restaurants

Season 20[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Michael Cimarusti Owner and Head Chef at Providence Episode 2007 - Young Guns: If You Can't Stand the Heat... International Cuisine Challenge
Richard Blais Chef and Cookbook Author Episode 2011 - Young Guns: Swiping Right Protein Match App Challenge
Jason Shkorupa VP of Food and Beverages of Sunseekers Resorts Episode 2012 - Young Guns: All Hell Breaks Loose Black Jackets Challenge Part 1
Ludo Lefebvre Cookbook Author and awarded as Los Angeles' Best Chef Episode 2013 - Young Guns: Social Media in Hell Presentation Challenge
Ming Tsai Chef and Owner of Blue Dragon Episode 2015 - Young Guns: What the Hell Final Menu Challenge
Jennifer Jasinski Chef and Owner of Bistro Vendrome
Aarón Sanchez Chef and Owner of Johnny Sanchez
Roy Yamaguchi Owner of Roy's
Aaron Franklin Pitmaster and Owner of Franklin Barbecue

Season 21[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
David Myers Chef and Owner of Adrift Episode 2104 - Slipping Down to Hell Creative Sliders Challenge
Stephanie Izard Chef and Owner of Girl & The Goat Episode 2107 - Wok This Way Dome Challenge
Jon Shook Chef and Owners of Jon and Vinny's Episode 2108 - Game On! Game Meat Challenge
Vinny Dotolo
Danny Trejo Actor and Owner of Trejo's Tacos Episode 2110 - Everyone's Taco'ing About It Creative Taco Challenge
Michael Cimarusti Owner and Head Chef at Providence Episode 2113 - The Fab Five Take Flight King of The Hill Challenge
Gerrad Hall Entertainment Weekly Senior Editor Episode 2114 - Lights, Camera, Sabotage! Presentation Challenge
Mei Lin Chef and Owner of Nightshade Episode 2115 - A Finale for the Ages, Part 1 Final Menu Challenge
David Myers Chef and Owner of Adrift
Stephanie Izard Chef and Owner of Girl & The Goat
Nancy Silverton Chef and Owner of Osteria Mozza
Curtis Stone Chef and Owner of Gwen and Maude

Season 22[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Tony Messina Boston Magazine's "Best Outstanding Chef" Episode 2206 - Fusion Confusion Fusion Cuisine Challenge
Aaron Franklin Franklin's BBQ, Austin, TX Episode 2207 - All Up in Your Grills Grilling Challenge
Suzanne Goin Owner, a.o.c. Episode 2209 - More Bang For Your Buck Budget Challenge
Evan Funke Owner and Chef of Felix Trattoria Episode 2210 - The Pastabilities Are Endless Creative Pasta Challenge
Kevin Meehan Owner and Chef of Kali Restaurant Episode 2213 - HellishHangover Presentation Challenge
Giada De Laurentiis Chef and Owner of Giada and GDL Italian Episode 2215 - And Then There Were Two Final Menu Challenge
Brian Malarkey Chef and Owner of Animae and Herb and Wood
Nyesha Arrington Chef and Next Level Chef Mentor
Michael Cimarusti Chef and Owner of Providence
Curtis Stone Chef and Owner of Gwen and Maude

Season 23[]

Person Role Appearance Challenge
Dan Barber Michelin-Starred Chef Episode 2304 - In A Pickle Pickling Challenge
George Motz Owner of Hamburger America Episode 2305 - Homesick In Hell Seven Protein Burger Challenge
Angie Rito Chef and Owners of Don Angie Episode 2306 - Hell On Wheels Pasta Challenge
Scott Tacinelli
Vikas Khanna Michelin Starred Chef Episode 2311 - A Soap Opera In Hell International Cuisine Challenge


Gallery[]

Trivia[]

  • Seasons 1 and 2 are the only seasons not to feature a guest judge.
  • Michael Cimarusti has made 10 appearances in Hell’s Kitchen. The most out of all the guest judges that have appeared.
  • A running gag that has occurred was Wolfgang Puck’s entrance having heavenly music backed up.
  • Out of all the guest judges, Richard Blais, Wolfgang Puck, Aarón Sánchez, Ludo Lefebvre, and Michael Cimarusti are the only chefs to join Ramsay on MasterChef. Whereas Blais and Puck were part of the third judge rotation in Season 7, Sanchez joined Ramsay as a permanent judge come Season 8.
  • Season 21 is the only season to this date where a judge, or judges, appeared in more than one challenge.
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