Charbel Hayek
Lebanese chef
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Charbel Hayek is a Lebanese chef based in Los Angeles, known for his appearances on the television series Top Chef. His cooking features Lebanese, Levantine, and Eastern Mediterranean influences, often with a California twist.[1][2]
Charbel Hayek | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Education | French School of Excellence |
| Culinary career | |
| Cooking style | Lebanese, Levantine, and Eastern Mediterranean |
Early life and education
Career
Hayek worked under Chef Josiah Citrin at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Mélisse in Los Angeles, for nearly three years.[1]
In 2021 and at the age of 24, he won the Season 5 of the Arabic version of Top Chef.[6][5]
After winning his season of the Arabic-language edition of the cooking series, Hayek was chosen to compete in Top Chef: World All-Stars, making him the youngest and least experienced chef among the contestants.[7] However, he won the season's first Elimination Challenge.[7] Although he was eventually eliminated, he had few setbacks throughout the competition.[7]
He later relocated to Florida to work as a private chef, eventually making his way back to LA.[8]
Hayek opened his first restaurant,[9] Ladyhawk, a name inspired by his mother.[8]
His second restaurant in Los Angeles, Laya, combines farmers market ingredients with California, Lebanese, and other Levantine flavors.[3] In 2025, a branch of Laya Restaurant was opened in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.[1]
In 2025, Hayek opened BarVera on Bedford Street in Stamford, Connecticut.[10][11]
Restaurants
- BarVera in Stamford, Connecticut
- Ladyhawk in West Hollywood, California
- Laya in Hollywood and San Diego, California