Charbel Hayek

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.

Early life and education Born in Beirut, Lebanon, After graduating from high school, he left Lebanon and moved to Paris to study at the French School of Excellence.

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. However, he won the season's first Elimination Challenge. Ladyhawk, a name inspired by his mother.

His second restaurant in Los Angeles, Laya, combines farmers market ingredients with California, Lebanese, and other Levantine flavors. In 2025, a branch of Laya Restaurant was opened in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.

Restaurants BarVera in Stamford, Connecticut Ladyhawk in West Hollywood, California Laya in Hollywood and San Diego, California