Twelve Food Network Star hopefuls arrive at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Los Angeles in search of their big break. Upon their arrival, Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay greet them with the troubling news that they must pass one more big audition before they will officially be considered finalists. On top of that, they learn there is one more person joining the competition: the winner of Food Network Star: Comeback Kitchen. Special guests Monti Carlo and Robert Irvine help Giada and Bobby decide who will be the first competitor sent home.

The ten remaining finalists divide into two teams, with each team creating a five-course menu for an experiential restaurant. Diners will experience a completely different environment for each course, such as an appetizer in the jungle and a main course in the desert. Each finalist must also make a video menu describing their dish for the diners, who will select which one they want to taste. Special guest Tyler Florence dines with Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay and helps decide which finalist is sent home.