The Next Level Chef Season 5 finalists are officially set. After an intense semifinal packed with pressure, mystery proteins, and a dramatic elimination cookoff, Darian Bryan, Cole Lawson, and Connor Caine secured their places in the FOX finale.
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The final three chefs earned their spots after Gabrielle Coniglio was eliminated during a tense veal challenge judged by Gordon Ramsay, Richard Blais, and Nyesha Arrington. Now, only one chef will walk away with the Next Level Chef title, $250,000, and a year-long mentorship.
The finale, titled “The Final Level,” airs Thursday, May 21, 2026, on FOX.
Who Are the Next Level Chef Season 5 Finalists?
The finalists represent three very different cooking identities:
- Darian Bryan — Caribbean fine-dining specialist with bold Jamaican flavors
- Cole Lawson — Strategic storyteller blending Creole roots with intentional cooking
- Connor Caine — Self-taught modern chef known for technical creativity under pressure
Each finalist also represents one mentor team:
- Darian → Richard Blais
- Cole → Gordon Ramsay
- Connor → Nyesha Arrington
That balanced mentor lineup makes the finale feel more unpredictable heading into the last challenge.
How the Semifinal Played Out
In the semifinal episode, “Building a Legacy,” the Top 4 chefs faced a signature dish challenge built around hidden mystery proteins.
Darian Bryan used his Time Token advantage for a quick head start during the ingredient grab and impressed judges with a standout filet dish. Cole Lawson also secured a direct path to the finale after delivering another composed performance.
That left Gabrielle Coniglio and Connor Caine battling in a 25-minute elimination cookoff centered around veal chops.
Gabrielle prepared a veal schnitzel, while Connor went with pan-roasted veal chops. Although both dishes earned praise, Richard Blais and Nyesha Arrington ultimately voted for Connor’s plate, sending Gabrielle home just before the finale.
One moment that sparked heavy online discussion involved Connor briefly dropping mushrooms and bacon during the cook before recovering and continuing service. The scene quickly became one of the episode’s biggest talking points among viewers.
Meet the Next Level Chef Season 5 Finalists
Darian Bryan
Darian Bryan is the founder and executive chef of The Plating Society and Bratts Hill by Chef Darian in Buffalo, New York.
Originally from Jamaica, Darian moved to the United States in 2012 and built a reputation for elevating Caribbean flavors into fine-dining experiences. His work has been featured across Food Network, CBS News, ESPN, and private events for Buffalo Bills players.
Throughout the season, Darian consistently impressed judges with strong protein execution and bold flavor combinations. Gordon Ramsay praised his semifinal dish by saying it was “something you would talk about for months after eating it.”
Darian enters the finale as one of the strongest all-around competitors remaining.
Cole Lawson
Cole Lawson brings one of the most unique backgrounds of the season.
Before becoming a private chef and culinary producer in Los Angeles, Cole worked as a clinical laboratory technician and also served in the U.S. Navy. Her cooking blends Creole influences with global flavors while emphasizing seasonality and intentional ingredient use.
Cole’s biggest strength throughout the competition has been discipline and thoughtful execution. Rather than relying purely on flashy presentation, she builds dishes around story, balance, and precision.
As Gordon Ramsay’s finalist, she may have the strongest strategic approach entering the finale.
Connor Caine
Connor Caine is the founder of Eats By Connor, a California-based private dining and catering brand launched in 2018.
Largely self-taught, Connor mixes modern techniques with artistic presentation inspired by Southern California cuisine. His journey in the competition has been defined by resilience.
After nearly being eliminated in the semifinals, Connor recovered under pressure and survived the cookoff to claim the final spot in the championship round.
That ability to rebound could become a major advantage in the chaos of the finale kitchen.
Who Was Eliminated Before the Finale?
Gabrielle Coniglio became the final chef eliminated before the Season 5 finale.
She lost the semifinal cookoff against Connor Caine after judges narrowly favored Connor’s veal dish over her schnitzel preparation.
Despite the elimination, Gabrielle remained one of the season’s strongest performers and narrowly missed the final three.
Who Has the Best Chance to Win?
Darian Bryan’s Winning Case
Darian has arguably been the most consistent chef all season. His Jamaican-fusion identity feels polished, memorable, and technically refined — exactly the type of chef this competition often rewards.
His confidence with proteins and strong semifinal performance make him the current frontrunner.
Cole Lawson’s Winning Case
Cole may be the most complete strategist in the competition. Her disciplined approach and ability to create thoughtful dishes under pressure give her a serious edge in a finale format that rewards composure.
If the judges prioritize storytelling and refinement, she could take the title.
Connor Caine’s Winning Case
Connor enters the finale with momentum after surviving elimination pressure. His adaptability and modern style make him dangerous in fast-moving challenges.
If the finale leans heavily into technical execution, Connor could surprise both Darian and Cole.
Why the Three-Tier Kitchen Matters More in the Finale
One overlooked part of Next Level Chef is how physically demanding the three-story kitchen format becomes late in the competition.
In the finale, chefs are not just battling recipes — they’re managing movement, timing, and pressure across multiple levels.
A few hidden factors viewers rarely consider:
- Every elevator trip costs valuable seconds
- Lower kitchens often force more improvisation
- Constant movement increases fatigue during long cooks
- Time Tokens become more valuable in multi-level rounds
At this stage, efficiency matters almost as much as cooking skill.
Myth vs. Reality About Next Level Chef
Many viewers assume the competition is purely about cooking talent, but the format adds several strategic layers.
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Signature style always wins | Adaptability matters more in later rounds |
| Kitchen mistakes guarantee elimination | Recovery under pressure can impress judges |
| All mystery proteins are equal | Some ingredients heavily favor experienced chefs |
| Mentors stay fully neutral | Weeks of guidance naturally influence finalists |
That mix of cooking ability, strategy, and composure is what makes the finale unpredictable.
Prediction: Who Will Win Next Level Chef Season 5?
Darian Bryan currently feels like the chef to beat.
His consistency, refined Caribbean identity, and strong judge reactions throughout the season give him the most complete winner profile heading into the finale.
Cole Lawson remains a close challenger because of her discipline and thoughtful cooking style, while Connor Caine’s resilience makes him the wildcard capable of pulling off an upset.
Still, if momentum matters, Darian appears to have the edge entering “The Final Level.”
When Is the Next Level Chef Season 5 Finale?
The Next Level Chef Season 5 finale airs Thursday, May 21, 2026, on FOX.
The episode is expected to feature the signature three-tier kitchen, high-pressure cooking rounds, and one final winner reveal between Darian Bryan, Cole Lawson, and Connor Caine.
Who are the finalists on Next Level Chef Season 5?
The finalists are Darian Bryan, Cole Lawson, and Connor Caine.
Who got eliminated before the finale?
Gabrielle Coniglio was eliminated in the semifinal cookoff against Connor Caine.
When is the Next Level Chef Season 5 finale?
The finale airs on Thursday, May 21, 2026, on FOX.
Who is favored to win Next Level Chef Season 5?
Darian Bryan is currently viewed by many fans as the frontrunner due to his consistency and strong semifinal performance.
What does the winner receive?
The winner receives $250,000, the Next Level Chef title, and a year-long mentorship opportunity with the judges.
