Gordon Ramsay isn’t someone you shouldn’t know if you like food. He’s arguably the most popular British chef and has come to be known across the globe for being a television personality and food critics who will never sugar-coat the truth.
This, to a great extent, saw to the birth of Kitchen Nightmares, an American reality series that revolves around the chef visiting failing restaurants and doing what he can to get them back to good business.
The show was adapted from a British version titled Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares and has been able to pull a decent number of dedicated followers since it premiered on the 19th of September 2007.
The following are the best Kitchen Nightmares episodes, check them out.
Best Kitchen Nightmares Episodes to Watch
1. Amy’s Baking Company (Season 6, Episode 16)
- Director: Jay Hunter
- Host: Gordon Ramsay
- Voice: Arthur Smith
- Cast: Amy Bouzagolo, Samy Bouzagolo, Katy Cipriano, and Mirando Winant
- IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
This Kitchen Nightmare episode sees Gordon Ramsay pitted against a delusional, stubborn, and egotistical couple who are owners of a failing establishment called Amy’s Baking Couple in Scottsdale, Arizona.
They refuse to take Ramsay’s advice and even end up threatening him and their customers. This turned into an only known restaurant to threaten both Ramsay and customers.
Things get so heated that Ramsay quits, claiming the restaurant is a lost cause. It is packed full of drama, hilarious moments, and delightful entertainment.
Spin-A-Yarn Steakhouse (Season 5, Episode 13)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzGolfY-5bM
- Director: Jay Hunter
- Host: Gordon Ramsay
- Voice: Gordon Kennedy and Arthur Smith
- Cast: Jennifer, Mikayla, and Saki
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
The restaurant at the centre of this episode is over half a century old and full of rich history. Back in the days, it used to be one of the most treasured hideaway spots in Fremont, California.
However, it has been on the decline for many years due to its bland menu, antiquated decor, poor services, unprofessional staff, and mismanagement by the founders.
The owners want to believe that saving their restaurant would breathe life back into their failing marriage, and they’re counting on Ramsay to work his magic.
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3. Burger Kitchen (Season 5, Episode 6 & 7)
This two-part episode is proof that Ramsay can only do so much as sometimes the business is simply beyond saving. The owners—Alan and Jen—started the burger joint with their son’s inheritance which his grandfather left him, causing a never-ending dispute within the family.
They also had this crazy conspiracy theory that Yelp was actively working to ruin the reputation of their establishment.
There was a full-blown war between the owners and the staff which ended in the head chef getting fired on air. The episode is a spectacle you can’t look away from.
4. Oceana (Season 4, Episode 14)
As far as the best Kitchen Nightmares episodes go, it’s hard to match the intensity and absolute hilarity of Oceana.
For starters, the owners thought that Ramsay couldn’t speak or understand English because he was British. Imagine that. This sizzling finale sees the world-renowned chef take on a failing establishment and rehabilitate it into the thriving New Orleans eatery it is today.
5. Dillon’s (Season 1, Episode 2)
Dillon’s is one of the earliest episodes in the reality TV series, but it still holds up today. As usual, it features Ramsay who is on a quest to make this little Indian restaurant one of the finest dining places in New York City.
The problems he has to face are numerous: unhygienic environment, awful and inedible food, miscommunication issues, and not one, but three managers who were constantly at each other’s throats. You can actually feel the stress radiating off Ramsay as he struggles to save the place from total collapse.
6. Mill Street Bistro (Season 6, Episode 11 & 12)
Pretentious fine dining, stale food, and an owner who thinks the sun rises and sets on him are just some of the things that makes this one of the best Kitchen Nightmares episodes.
The drama was so intense and entertaining that it took two episodes to cover it all. Even if you don’t watt to watch another episode of Kitchen Nightmares, This episode will make you have a change of heart.
If you also love watching Ramsay go berserk with rage, then don’t even think of missing this episode.
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7. Sebastian’s (Season 1, Episode 6)
The owner of this California pizzeria is one of the most tyrannical bosses in the Kitchen Nightmares. He rules his establishment with pettiness, childish tantrums, mean behaviour, and a big, fat ego.
He doesn’t believe in taking corrections from anyone, even Ramsay. On top of it all, the restaurant’s menu is so bizarre that customers have to take a walkthrough course every time they order. Who will win this battle of wills—Ramsay or the power-drunk owner?
8. Mojito (Season 3, Episode 4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsGoVKK5sOw
If there’s anything that Kitchen Nightmares has taught us over the years, it’s that family-owned establishments come with way too baggage, and Mojito is no exception.
The Cuban fast-food style cafeteria is owned by an ex-married couple who find it impossible to agree on anything. Their arguments are the lifeblood of this episode.
Zeke’s (Season 4, Episode 13)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To1919Dhk28
The experience and unshakable delusion of the owners of New Orleans was the problem of the establishment.
Therefore, all Orleans needed was a change of management. They were constantly treating the staff poorly and making terrible decisions about everything. Only Ramsay’s iron will could force them into making improvements
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10. Momma Cherri’s Soul Food Shack (Season 7, Episode 9)
Momma Cherri’s food was good that Ramsay fell in love with it. Her meat was apparently his favourite.
Before the episode was out, Ramsay discovered what would probably change Momma Cherri’s life. He found out that she had a great meal but needed push and promotion.
Also, Momma Cherri’s Soul Food Shack was really in need of better management.
