Chef Ilan Hall
Ilan Hall’s passion for cooking was sparked at the age of five by a life-changing bite of fried calamari—and it’s been guiding his journey ever since. His pursuit of flavor and technique took him from the rolling hills of Tuscany, where he honed his craft, to the Culinary Institute of America, laying the foundation for a career defined by curiosity and creativity.
More than just a chef, Hall is a storyteller and innovator. He rose to national attention as the winner of Top Chef and went on to host and executive produce shows like Knife Fight and Food to Get You Laid, captivating audiences with his bold point of view and infectious energy. His culinary legacy lives on through his groundbreaking restaurants—The Gorbals in Los Angeles and Brooklyn, Esh, and Ramen Hood at LA’s Grand Central Market—each celebrated for pushing boundaries while fostering a deep sense of community.
Beyond the kitchen and the camera, Hall’s life is grounded in family. He shares it with his partner, Ayame Kawaguchi, and their son, Theo, weaving love, family, and food into a life lived in relentless pursuit of deliciousness.
