Who Won ‘Yes, Chef!’ Season 1? Find Out Who Took Home the Title

After weeks of culinary chaos, growth, and redemption, NBC‘s “Yes, Chef!” Season 1 has reached a fiery conclusion.

Hosted by lifestyle icon Martha Stewart and legendary chef José Andrés, the series brought together twelve talented but troubled chefs from across the country—each nominated by someone who believed in their untapped potential.

Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers from the “Yes, Chef!” Season 1 finale.

The Winner Revealed

And the winner is …

Chef Emily!

Ultimately, it was Chef Emily who impressed the judges most—earning the “Yes, Chef!” Season 1 title and walking away with the $250,000 grand prize, all while managing high-stress moments and intense kitchen dynamics.

What Happened on The ‘Yes, Chef!’ Season Finale?

The episode began with the final three chefs—Emily Brubaker of Carlsbad, CA; Lee Frank of South Berwick, ME; and Zain Ismail of Los Angeles, CA—returning to the kitchen for one last chance to impress the judges.

For their final challenge, the top three chefs were asked to take full creative control of a three-course dinner service—crafting dishes that reflected not only their technical expertise but also their personal stories and emotional growth.

The twist? This wasn’t just a meal for Martha Stewart and José Andrés—each finalist had to impress a full dining room of 25 guests, plus a panel of culinary stars that included Marcus Samuelsson, Andrew Zimmern, and Top Chef judge Gail Simmons.

In a touching turn of events, each chef was joined in the kitchen by the person who originally nominated them for the competition. Emily was paired with her chef husband, whose presence led to some tension and clashing in the heat of service. Meanwhile, Zain and Lee worked alongside their more even-tempered colleagues, creating a different dynamic on the line.

While Chef Emily may have claimed the top prize, all three finalists delivered standout moments that showcased their unique strengths. Chef Zain wowed with her sauce work during the appetizer round, despite a last-minute plating issue that left two dishes without protein. Emily’s second course featured a flawlessly executed potato that drew praise across the board. Lee closed strong, serving a pork loin that reflected his creative voice and personal evolution.

As the finale unfolded, emotions ran high, mentors weighed in, and fans were reminded of just how much these chefs had evolved since stepping into the “Yes, Chef!” kitchen for the first time.