Chef's Table (2015–2019) User Reviews

Where the art of film meets the art of cooking

[dennisvis · 10/10 · 7 May 2015]

Netflix continues it's quest to fill their service with quality content. And again, they succeed. This time not with a drama series or movie, but a documentary series. All based around the same main theme; the best restaurants in the world and the great minds that created them.

The stories of the origins of these restaurants, and especially the chef's who created them, are moving and inspiring. The series successfully puts a human face on these places, which would otherwise be regarded as extravagant and out of reach by most. The passion and drive of the chef's, as well as the struggles they had to undergo to be where they are today, makes you feel glad for their success.

Never before have I seen a documentary with such vivid cinematography. The kitchen time-lapses, the environmental shots and the close-ups of the dishes are all phenomenal. Combine this with an excellent classical score, which fits the images perfectly, and you are left with near perfection.

This series is a must-see for cooking and food enthusiasts and I cannot recommend it more to anyone who is looking for an inspirational story or simply a quality documentary.

What ANYONE truly creative has the power to teach us

[soochef · 10/10 · 13 June 2015]

Is a mere recipe really worth risking 'failure in life' over? Is food really something that can be meaningful and life-affirming?

I love the process of creating and serving food and people who devote themselves to making the world a better place one serving at a time. And as I watched the first episode of Netflix's production called Chef's Table featuring Massimo Bottura, I have never felt so utterly moved by a chef's ideas and philosophy about life.

I don't care whether Massimo Bottura's restaurant 'Osteria Francescana' has the envious rep of being the world's third best restaurant in the world as much as the man himself and what and how he thinks, because after all, history is littered with the corpses of people who never made it, despite being mindblowingly original and creative and bold and 'I'm gonna go out there and make a dent in the universe' attitude - qualities that I worship.

Yes, worship.

No, what takes me by the neck and inspires me to raise my own consciousness is Mr. Bottura's passion for life and being original while living it each day. What gives me goosebumps is his way of taking a failure and throwing it back on the wall and turning it into a metaphorical fresco when lesser people would have just slumped down and given up.

Steven Soderbergh, while accepting his Oscar for directing 'Erin Brockovich', dedicated his prize to "anyone who has ever created something - i don't care whether its a book or music or whatever".

I too reserve the greatest respect for anyone who has ever dared to create something that moves this world forward in ANY sense against the forces of disorder and apathy and emotional and physical entropy and brings order and energy back into our lives.

I will definitely be watching more of Chef's Table's episodes, and I hope you would too and spread the word. In this mostly sad, pathetic, morose, inert, world we need all the inspiration we can get. I know I do.

What IS an "auteur"?

[linkogecko · 10/10 · 16 May 2015]

"Chef's Table", created by David Gelb (of "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" fame) might at first glance seem to be yet another show celebrating food but in retrospect its title makes it clear that its main theme is the chefs themselves. It certainly celebrates food in the way that no movie or show about an artist can't help but to celebrate their work (and does so magnificently with some of the sexiest "food porn" ever shot) but "Chef's Table" is almost entirely about the creators. What makes their creativity tick? Where do they come from? How does their personal past and present influence their work? How do they live? What does their artistic "voice" say about what food could and SHOULD be?

From an attempt to challenge the ultra-traditional notions of cooking in Italy to trying to find an identity for a still-being-defined Australian cuisine. From the oddly modern and crucial-for-the-future appreciation of the old ways of farming and foraging (which still can't help but be influenced by current advances in technology) to the almost unavoidable requirement of having at least some traditional studies in France or under French chefs (like at least half of the 6 chefs featured so far in this series have). From the importance of rigor and effort to achieve perfection to the importance of experimentation and relaxation to achieve, well... perfection; "Chef's Table" shows us the many challenges, contradictions and impulses that these chefs have had to face in order to be recognized amongst the best in the world, but most importantly, to have a voice of their own.

While shows like Anthony Bourdain's tell us the wonders of food by means of traveling externally and seeing the infinite possibilities found around the world, "Chef's Table" shows us the wonders of traveling inwards, of finding infinite possibilities in one's own memories, origins and desires. The defining elements that tie all of these chefs together is that they all needed cuisine as a way to express themselves and that they've had to carve niches of their own to be able to feel comfortable and satisfied in being themselves, in saying what they WANT to say. Much like when one first knows of the existence of "film language" and in doing so begins understanding and appreciating the art form far more than before, "Chef's Table" is a series that makes one understand "food language" in the best way possible: directly from 6 of its most honestly individual voices, from 6 of its own "auteurs".

Simply the best

[wendi-spraker · 10/10 · 10 February 2016]

I am almost finished watching the first season and I am feeling a little panicked that it will be over soon. I never watch TV because I am simply too busy. That said, I am a food enthusiast (food blogger, home cook, food photographer) and I simply can not resist a well done food show.

That said, we booted the cable and I was worried about losing my beloved food TV shows via that network.

Chef's Table is far and away superior to any other food related show I have ever seen - including full length movies. I LOVED the photography, the music, the way the stories are told and the voice given to the chefs.

I was hoping to discover if another season would be forthcoming by logging on here. Please tell me that it is, because this show is Simply the best.

Thank you, Wendi

Much more than simply a food review show, or even a show at all.

[fernandomariosa · 10/10 · 10 December 2015]

When Netflix began releasing titles I never expected them to turn to the streets for commercial venue. By the streets, I mean, are those which we come by naturally, on our everyday lives. Hotels, restaurants, plazas, touristic organizations represent some examples.

As it resonated with my cuisine interests, Chef's Table caught my eye as a way to kill an hour and a half.

Never have I experienced such emotional development or communicated elation through watching a food review show. It really becomes something much more than simply a show; instead, a reality one can fully connect with, as the people depicted are not actors, but unmasked human beings.

Feed my soul

[leebythesea-20080 · 10/10 · 8 February 2016]

This is the first review of a show I have ever done. I randomly found the Chefs Table searching through Netfix. This just might become a need instead of a want. Humanity, inspiration, beauty, passion, diversity all served artfully. I feel as if I have found home. As if I have been hydrated after a long summer. I fear that I have tasted and it may be taken away. May it not be a one night stand? Where is the next place, the next one, A film for TV? The food makes my mouth water, the stories cause me grow spiritually, the people challenge my purpose. To be so brave and live as they do. To sit at the chefs table again. I need. My soul thanks you ... bravo.

Best thing Netflix's ever done

[bachi_2805 · 10/10 · 3 February 2019]

I don't even want to describe it (so I don't spoil it). I saw every episode (including the french season) and even rewatched some. I'd rewatch it all many more times.

Astonishing shots that softly, tastefully and masterfully serve the purpose of cutting into the body and heart of the artist in the kitchen.

In every one of them, every different (very different) chef is analized and is given the chance to speak through words and actions and the soul filling works of art and science and alchemy that we call 'dishes'.

This is a show in which each piece does its part in the fashion of a ballet rehearsed till exhaustion. A documentary where the person behind the camera stretches their open hand and is then greeted with the exquisit fruit of the sweat and tears and blood and fire and brains and faith of the simple person that, day after day, peels potatoes and slices onions and then lets go of their ephimerous creations, entrusting them on the hands of waiters, resting assured that their masterpieces are off to the sea of tables and will burn in the mouths of the people and lie to rest deep within the waves of our unconscious. One may come to realize chefs are the most political artists to ever step on this little grape we call Earth.

An Interesting View Into the Lives of World Renowned Chefs!

[henryshear · 8/10 · 26 November 2018]

I am not your typical person who loves to watch documentaries, least of all on food. However, there is something truly unique about Chef's Table. Each episode stands on its own and it is amazing to see the different processes of different chefs. The show does such a great job of showing the true personalities of chefs that the audience is able to make comparisons and differences with each passing episode.

All of the chefs that are talked to have many common traits and it is so fascinating to see. All have a certain feverishness for cooking, an amazing work ethic, and have traveled abroad to expand their knowledge in hopes of becoming a food auteur.

Their souls are put into each meal that they make for their customers and they view the process of cooking as a beautiful art. Each chef is currently questioning the food landscape around them in hopes of changing the views of people and the way they see food.

My only complaint of the show is that it can be a little artsy, but it is amazing and I thoroughly enjoy the show. That is my only warning going in. Please watch the show, it is amazing!!!

Beautiful cinematography, fascinating content

[rivermerchant · 10/10 · 19 January 2018]

I normally watch comedy on Netflix but I decided to give this show a try and I fell in love with the stories of these incredibly passionate chefs. The cinematography is breath taking. I feel like I'm watching a nature documentary. The food is beautiful and if it weren't for this show I would never see it because these restaurants are waaaaay outside my price range.

Good recipe.

[paulcreeden · 8/10 · 29 May 2015]

I liked the format and production values of this Netflix series. Each episode is like getting to know a new friend, who happens to be a culinary genius. The span across the planet is a good idea. It keeps it from feeling too formulaic. The cinematography is excellent and adds a travelogue quality. And, I even liked most of the subjects.

Like the overpriced eating experiences in these restaurants, the series felt like a guilty pleasure. As long as I focused on the artistic aspect of the episodes, I could forget about the insanity of gourmet meals on an ecologically challenged and overpopulated planet where only 10% of the population can afford to eat like this. Niki Nakayama is my favorite chef of the bunch. Ben Shewry's restaurant was my favorite setting. Magnus Nilsson gets my award for the most personable chef.

I hope Netflix has the wisdom to continue this series. Moving away from Michelin and more toward sustainable food genius would be a plus in my book.

Farmer's Field

[freshtownfarm · 10/10 · 22 February 2019]

There should be a show that is done of equal quality about farmers. We are inventive, artistic and equally important. Without the farmers no one would eat and chefs would not have a medium for their art.

Season 1-4 gets a 9

[kristofferdelgado · 7/10 · 28 February 2019]

Season 1-4 plus the French episodes are amazing and truly inspirational! One of the best things Netflix have put out.

I understand there's only a handful of extraordinary chefs, but there's gotta be some more interesting chefs than those they've included in the last two seasons. At least put more focus on the food rather than dragging it out. I used to turn on chefs table to be inspired, now I turn it on for sleep aid.

A creative curtail

[kegbusterz · 3/10 · 24 February 2019]

This show started with a bang throughout the first two seasons, maybe even three. Since it's moved along, the once creative gem displaying the results of artistic, emotional cooking from the kitchen and restaurant has gone sour and stale. It is now a "raw" attempt at cultural exposure through a biographical narrative and lacking any exposure to the actual creative work performed in the kitchen.

We want to know the details of how you developed such complex dishes, where the ingredients are harvested, how you bring them together. Yet all we get now is a short biography and then the name of the dish. Wow! Interesting! It's called "some supposed inspirational name". I guess we should deduce that name from the lengthy bio we just watched. We can reduce the show time by 30 minutes, let's just post the menus or names of the dishes.

Great find!

[liz-lindaur · 10/10 · 12 October 2015]

My mom and I found this in one of those I-have-no-idea-what-I-want-to- watch-lets-wander-Netflix evenings. We were halfway through the first episode when my husband came in and he was so fascinated he asked if we could start over. The three of us binge watched all of the first season in a couple of days. I love how passionate and creative these chefs are. It makes you really think about your food. Where it comes from, how its grown and raised. It makes you want to cook something as beautiful as these chefs. It also made me go to the web to look up some of the restaurants and chefs to find out where they're located and how expensive it would be to dine in the 3rd best restaurant in the world. We cannot wait for another season!

Television Art

[josef-bulalaque · 10/10 · 3 April 2019]

I just finished the first episode of the third season and this docu-series just keeps on getting better. I grapple for words to describe just how much of an impact this is having on me. This is not a cooking show although this is about food. This is all about the artists behind the art of cooking. The motivations, pain, philosophy, culture, and events that spun the wheel of creativity of these geniuses and propelled them to greatness.

The show in itself is art. It begins with a fresh outlook, a unique personality changing the landscape of the culinary arts. Then it crescendoes into the journey, the history, and finally an understanding of the beauty of their creations.

For me the most beautiful aspect of the show is how it just lets the chefs talk spontaneously and how they open up and reveal themselves in their happiest and most vulnerable. There is always a lesson to be learned from every chef featured on each episode. The philosophy ranges from the out of this world to the simplest and most basic and it will leave you in awe every time the closing credits roll.

Simply Beautiful

[bobserranout · 10/10 · 28 January 2021]

Breathtaking cinematography. Beautiful, moving narratives. The food is almost secondary. It's all about the personal journeys. What I love most about this series is the craftsmanship and care the producers applied in presenting these stories. Absolutely gorgeous.

The imperfection of perfection

[imdb-487-881561 · 25 October 2016]

The show deserves no more than a 7 but I cannot help but gift an extra point on account of its uniqueness.

The food is so well presented, contextualized, and explained. It takes us on a beautiful voyage. These dishes are pinnacles of gastronomic expression, nothing less than a consummate sensory blend of artistry. If you have been at such a table, you know what I mean. It is a painting and a sculpture and a literary journey and... a merging and submerging of taste, smell, texture, temperature, bliss.

And there is no small amount of genius than to showcase these culinary gems but on the gritty hands of the workers that mine them. Because, you see, almost without exception (although, there are exceptions), these chefs are conceited and self-important to the point of utter ridiculousness. The contrast is magnificent.

One could hope for a better lot of human beings, at least less vain, but the sprinkle of imperfection on perfection, the intimation that while we are so, so flawed, we are nonetheless capable of so much... it is inspiring.

There is a real need for more shows like this one.

what a descent documentary about culinary journey!

[s-parsi2005 · 10/10 · 17 May 2015]

I am just loving this. I always had a different perspective about those having top restaurants in the world. They do live in luxury and just enjoy opening their new branches around but my image was totally ridiculous after seeing this documentary it is not only about culinary journey it is about how determination and hard work produces sth extraordinary. Creation, invention and doing sth completely denovo every time a high degree of pressure and stress as well. I only was hoping to see also a very very short instruction of one of those remarkably astonishing foods at the end but anyway this is absolutely recommended to watch to all ages. I was crying my eyes out how we never realized we could look at messed up things in another way.

Cooks up a storm

[GeoffreyAustinNewland · 10/10 · 29 March 2018]

Inspirational stories applicable to any walk of life about having a vision / a dream and having the conviction and faith to pursue it, no matter the cost...most episodes bring me to tears and leave me feeling enthralled - truly exceptional and utterly compelling!

Inspiring, authentic, human

[big_marcelo · 10/10 · 8 June 2017]

I'm not a foodie, not a chef, and although I like cooking, I"m not in interested in cooking shows.

I started to watch the series as someone told me the images of the show were brilliant, 4k HDR and I was checking out how it would look on my new 4k HDR TV..... expecting to watch 5-10 minutes and that's it.... oh boy... was I in for a treat!

Seriously .... amazingly creative people, talented / extremely hard working, absolutely focused, to an extreme.... most if not all have a single passion for creativity, freedom, pursuit of excellent.... whatever drives them is completely unique to each Chef... and vastly different from one another....

The way its filmed, the music, the angles, the perspectives of what drives them and the sacrifices they had to make to get there, some selfishly others in pursuit only of their craft and nothing else... extremely interesting, touching, moving...

Every single episode I find myself in awe by the amazing creations, hoping one they I would have the chance (and the money) to experience and savor one of the restaurants/chefs. But above all, I'm moved but why its filmed, the aspect, the human in the story, the journey it takes us the viewer to discover the Chef, its life, what drives them, the people around them to support and give them the structure they need to achieve their vision....

If you go in expecting great images, like I did, you will certainly find the best of what is available right now in 4K HDR streaming.... but, hopefully, you will stick around, and discover so much more....

Amazing show.... give it a go....

A Wide View of the Great Chefs Today

[pichi-95 · 8/10 · 23 May 2020]

This doc follows the life of great Chefs worldwide. What I love about this show is the approach it uses to talk about a different chef in every episode. Some episodes are focused on the dishes, while some are focused on the chef's philosophy about food, and some are just about the life of the chef.

Beautifully crafted documentary series

[ElanaSz · 10/10 · 29 September 2020]

This documentary series opened my eyes and world to food and cooking. Each episode was inspiring not only from the stories of the chefs but from the food they cooked. I think the cinematography, editing and music really uplifted what a documentary about food could be and set new standards in the film industry to continue. Thank you to the directors and everyone who made this series the way it is. Great work!

A Great Documentary Show With a Definite Vision... That's Degraded

[frankelee · 7/10 · 19 July 2020]

This show does romanticize and aggrandize talented chefs and the food they make. That's the premise, if you don't like it, you won't enjoy the show. If you don't like science fiction, you won't enjoy Star Trek, if you hate organized crime movies, you'll never appreciate The Godfather. Same here.

The show beautifies the work and one might say genius of great chefs, it has very artistic cinematography and editing, moody classical scoring, and even pretentious captioning. It's great if you're a long time fan of food TV or probably just food in general.

Sadly the show really declined over the last couple seasons, as it seems the producers have gotten tired of the food. I know they got some pushback to feature more diverse chefs after the first season, which they did, but they've pushed it further with some episodes featuring a supposedly talented chef that barely touch on their food or their talent.

One chef was an illegal immigrant, they did quite a biography on her time growing up in Mexico, stretched it thin as humanly possible to cover as much running time as they could, and then when they were done, that was it, her food didn't much matter. Another chef owned a successful Indian restaurant in England, they discussed how she decided she wanted to cook her whole life and how eventually she did, and then that was the end of the episode her food or talent was nowhere to be found.

This was supposed to be "Chef's Table" about chefs and their food. If you want to make a show about the life struggles of various diverse women, then you are free to make that show, and maybe I'll watch it, but that isn't what they've chosen to do. They're supposed to make a show about chefs, but their culinary talent is beginning to be an afterthought that may barely even make it on the screen for a few seconds. How much do you respect them as a chef if you aren't willing to see them and appreciate them as a chef? Is that really respectful to them or their talents? Or did the producers select them with no consideration or belief in their abilities, but merely because they thought they'd make a good, politically appropriate story?

The last season featured a chef who owns a restaurant in Georgia, who was a black woman. The makers were so fascinated by this situation, by the opportunity to talk about race and racism, that they never got to her food beyond the widest of descriptors. Her training and backstory was worth telling, but the main gist of it is she's a hard worker, she studied in France, she studied under another talented chef upon returning to New York, and then you can get on to her work now, but they didn't. They took forever going through that backstory, intercutting it with their "social" dialogue. They feature a food critic praising her food and creativity in two five second segments, good to know! Apparently that stuff isn't worth focusing on and discussing though. Heaven forbid a viewer interested in food and the thinking of chefs want to find out about her food and how she thinks. It's just a real disappointment so often in the last two seasons.

Aggrandizing, pretentious and surprisingly joyless

[stevema73 · 3/10 · 30 September 2019]

The talent of these chefs and the material is undeniable. The show however takes an uncritical view of everything and everyone, choosing instead making an hour long paean to make viewers feel inspired and thankful to be on the same planet as these people plating meals you wouldn't want to pay for out of your own pocket. To quote Wayne and Garth, "We're not worthy."

The shift has gone from the food to the personas, and to its own overwrought production. I almost feel like the filmmakers want someone to make as loving and doting a show about them as they are with these chefs. Unfortunately they are not nearly as creative, but rather formulaic. The show seems to lack heart and humor, opting for self congratulatory and hearty handshakes, and the kind of faux intellectualism rightly looked down upon. The chefs and their work are already brilliant, they don't need any propping up.

An hour-long format is way too much for many of these episodes, perhaps if less than all of it was shown in slow motion, it could be condensed into half an hour.

Favorite show!

[thesims-38613 · 10/10 · 16 September 2020]

I absolutely love this show! The fact that they show behind the scenes, childhood tales and the struggles of these top chefs is just an amazing perspective - and makes them more human and approachable. Love this show!