These Are the Best Places to Eat in Greenville, South Carolina, According to 'Top Chef' Judges

"Collectively, the trio's résumés read like a culinary grand tour, with stops at storied dining rooms such as Le Cirque, Gramercy Tavern, and Stir. So when they recommend a restaurant, we listen. Season 23 of Top Chef premieres on March 9 on Bravo, but filming has already wrapped on the Carolina-set season. After revealing their favorite spots in Charlotte-home to part of the competition-the judges headed south to Greenville, South Carolina, for the remainder of the shoot. Once production wrapped (and the next Top Chef was crowned, though the winner stays under wraps until the series airs), the trio shared their Greenville standouts. Consider this your ultimate food lover's weekend itinerary."

"Since 2022, husband-and-wife duo JP and Ryland Rainsford have been turning out part-croissant, part-doughnut creations alongside classic yeast doughnuts and strong coffee at Scout's Doughnuts. Flavor options range from playful (sprinkled vanilla glaze, cinnamon sugar) to sophisticated (bourbon vanilla pecan, coffee buttercream made with beans from Greenville's own Bridge City Coffee). Kish's pick? The apple pie doughnut-she even rated the 100-layer beauty a "10/10" on Instagram. The shop's name nods to Scout, the young narrator of To Kill a Mockingbird-a reflection of the owners' goal to create a space where everyone feels welcome. "We hope that our business can also be a space where all are welcomed and seen for who they are," the Rainsfords explain."

Kristen Kish draws on more than two decades in professional kitchens and serves as a judge alongside Gail Simmons and Tom Colicchio on Top Chef. The judges' collective résumés include Le Cirque, Gramercy Tavern, and Stir. Season 23 of Top Chef was filmed in the Carolinas, with production starting in Charlotte and concluding in Greenville, South Carolina. After filming wrapped and a winner was crowned, the judges named Greenville restaurant standouts. Scout's Doughnuts offers part-croissant, part-doughnut creations and specialty flavors, while Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery sits just off the Swamp Rabbit Trail and functions as a community hub.

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