Inspired by visiting authentic Italian nonnas in the town of Lecce, Italy, judges Alex Guarnaschelli and Gabe Bertaccini ask the chefs to take on a three-dish pasta challenge, which proves disastrous for one team. Then, the competitors visit an authentic Italian bakery and are challenged to create a menu incorporating bread into every dish -- one team captain's leadership style aggravates their fellow chefs.

The remaining chefs travel to the port town of Otranto, Italy, where they purchase fresh seafood right from the docks as tensions grow. Then, judges Alex Guarnaschelli and Gabe Bertaccini make the captains choose one teammate to join them as they visit a generations-old Italian butcher shop that inspires a fiery grilling challenge.