30 Amazing Women-Led Restaurants

When deciding where to dine, guests consider many factors —ambiance, price, and cuisine, to name a few. But for nearly a third of women (30%), supporting women-owned businesses is a priority, according to a 2024 study by Adobe.

Across the country, countless women-led restaurants deliver unforgettable dining experiences, from innovative dishes crafted by talented female chefs to thriving eateries managed by inspiring women entrepreneurs.

If you're looking to celebrate and support women in the restaurant industry, these 30 incredible women-led restaurants should be at the top of your list.

30 women-led restaurants 

Northeast

1. Fox & the Knife - Boston, MA

South Boston is filled with many restaurants, but Fox & the Knife continues to stand out. Fox & the Knife is a vibrant Enoteca & Restaurant by Chef Karen Akunowicz. Here, they offer traditional Italian food and drink with a modern sensibility, focusing on handmade pastas, bright antipasti dishes, and their Apertivi and Amaro programs. 

Chef Karen Akunowicz won the 2018 James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Northeast and is the 2020 James Beard Award finalist for Best New Restaurant in America. Fox & the Knife’s menu highlights Akunowicz’s flair for soul-satisfying and graceful Italian cuisine, perfected during her time in Italy as a pasta maker and Chef at L’Avian Blu Enoteca.

Today, Chef Akunowicz also owns Bar Volpe Ristorante, Fox Pasta Company, and Fox & Flight at Logan Airport.

2. Petula’s - South Boston, MA

Petula's, another South Boston gem, is an elegant spot ideal for enjoying brunch, lunch, or dinner while catching up with your best friends. The restaurant's name has a charming backstory—in an interview with South Boston Online, owner Rachel Clark explained, "My mom really loved Petula Clark. She would blast her music every morning to wake my siblings and me up. It put us in such a good mood." This childhood memory inspired the name of her restaurant at 81 L Street.

For visitors to Petula's, we highly recommend trying the whipped ricotta, vodka tomato pasta, and seasonal veggie pizza.

3. Sarma - Somerville, MA

Sarma, a vibrant restaurant and bar in Somerville, is the creative vision of Chef Cassie, who has crafted a unique dining experience centered around shared small plates. Drawing on Turkish meyhane traditions while infusing her own culinary perspective, Chef Cassie balances Mediterranean flavors with inspiration from her travels and encounters. Her distinctive approach creates dishes that feel both innovative and authentic—familiar yet exciting.

The warm atmosphere invites guests to gather around meze complemented by thoughtfully selected cocktails, craft beers, and wines. Under Chef Cassie's leadership, Sarma has become a celebration of communal dining where food, drink, and music harmoniously come together.

4. Celeste - Somerville, MA

Architect and producer Maria Rondeau co-founded Celeste in Union Square in Somerville. This restaurant features Peruvian staples, including ceviche and slow-cooked stews, causas, salads, and other daily specials that complement the path of this culinary route to the root of Andean food.

Check out Celeste in Union Square today!

5. Colada Shop - Washington, DC

Looking for a fun, bright restaurant for a quick bite? 

Daniella Senior Alvarez founded Colada Shop in 2016 with the goal of spreading Cuban coffee and tradition to the DC community. Colada has since expanded to multiple stores in the DMV area, serving as a gathering space for good food, coffee, cocktails, and conversation. The Colada Shop menu includes a diverse selection of Cuban offerings, from coffees and smoothies to cocktails, salads, and sandwiches.

6. Reyna - New York, NY

Reyna is a stunning New York City-based Mediterranean restaurant owned by Nicki Laborie. Nicki first opened two Reyna locations in Toronto, followed by Reyna Union Square in November 2022. This location is run by an all-female management team from the creative director to the front-of-house manager and the head chef.

The name “Reyna” honors women, reflecting Nicki’s vision to create a restaurant with a feminine ambiance where women can relax and dine comfortably. Her concepts are feminine simply because the owner, Nicki, is feminine. This tapas-style establishment is known for its standout dishes, particularly the manchego cauliflower croquettes, which come highly recommended.

7. Lido - New York, NY

Lido, nestled in Harlem’s Restaurant Row, offers a refreshing escape from the city's fast pace. Known for its seasonal and simple menu, the restaurant features daily specials alongside brunch, lunch, and dinner offerings.

Lido is owned by Susannah Koteen, with Serena Bass as the executive chef. In addition to leading Lido’s kitchen, Serena consults on weddings, charitable events, and new restaurant openings—developing menus, training staff, and ensuring top-quality food and style.

8. Barbuzzo Restaurant - Philadelphia, PA

Barbuzzo is a Mediterranean restaurant known for its farm-fresh ingredients and shareable small plates. Helmed by Head Chef Marcie Turney, a Wisconsin native, Barbuzzo is one of several restaurants she runs in the Philadelphia area.

9. Kalaya - Philadelphia, PA

Kalaya is an authentic Southern Thai restaurant led by Chef Nok Suntaranon, winner of the 2023 James Beard Award for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic. Named after her mother, whom she calls her hero, Kalaya pays homage to the woman who single-handedly supported their family with her curry paste business in Trang, Thailand. It was in that market where Chef Nok first discovered her love for flavor, food, and cooking.

Chef Nok’s debut cookbook, Kalaya’s Southern Thai Kitchen, is out now!

10. Otway - Brooklyn, NY

Located in Clinton Hill in Brooklyn, NY, this women-owned restaurant is a neighborhood favorite. With pastries, natural wine, and delicious entrees such as roasted cod, this is a comforting spot for locals to enjoy.

Owners Claire Welle and Samantha Safer told Forbes they aim to, “make people happy, serve great food, and drink wine with great people”. The owners focus on quality, and their menu is ever-changing. If you’re ever in the neighborhood and looking for a friendly neighborhood eatery, Otway is the spot.

Southeast

11. Chauhan Ale & Masala House - Nashville, TN

Executive Chef and Co-owner Maneet Chauhan combines her Indian roots, zest for travel, and affection for Southern cuisine to create a distinctive menu of globally inspired Indian dishes. This menu highlights culinary influences beyond Mumbai and New Delhi, embracing Nashville’s food traditions to perfectly combine Indian fare with traditional Southern dishes.

12. The Mockingbird - Nashville, TN

Maneet Chauhan, from above, is also the founding partner of Morph Hospitality Group in Nashville, Tennessee, which includes restaurants Chauhan Ale & Masala House, Tànsuǒ, Chaatable, and The Mockingbird.

The Mockingbird is a modern diner that serves global fare. Guests come here to enjoy comfort food favorites influenced by the many global elements that make up American culture and cuisine.

Midwest

13. Nobody’s Darling - Chicago, IL

Nobody’s Darling opened in 2021, redefining the landscape of LGBTQ bars in Chicago. Just a year later, it was named a James Beard Award finalist. Co-owners Renauda Riddle and Angela Barnes created an inclusive space led by queer women, where guests can enjoy classic yet elevated cocktails alongside events like mixers, DJ sets, and more.

14. Parachute HiFi - Chicago, IL

Chef Beverly Kim, a James Beard Award winner for Best Chef Great Lakes in 2019, is the chef and owner of Parachute HiFi and Anelya, alongside her partner, Johnny Clark. Her latest focus? Bringing some fun to Elston Avenue.

Parachute HiFi opened in September 2024 in the former Parachute restaurant space at 3500 N. Elston Avenue. This walk-in-only spot is all about DJs, Korean-American bar food, and unconventional cocktails—perfect for a lively night out.

15. Anelya - Chicago, IL

As previously mentioned, Anelya, co-owned by Chef Beverly Kim and her husband and partner, Chef Johnny Clark, is a tribute to heritage, nostalgia, and modern cooking. What began as a pop-up to provide humanitarian aid has evolved into a restaurant dedicated to preserving the owners’ cultural roots.

The menu is filled with comforting, old-world-inspired favorites. Guests can start with orange wine or craft cocktails alongside fan-favorite smoked carrot pâté or sunflower seed hummus. From there, they can savor layered pasta, fluffy Ukrainian garlic bread, and finish with Metric coffee and a flaky pastry—like the signature Napoleon with black tea pastry cream.

16. Kasama - Chicago, IL

Kasama, a Michelin-starred bakery and modern Filipino restaurant by chefs Genie Kwon and Timothy Flores, is a standout in Chicago’s East Ukrainian Village. Since opening in 2020, it has gained national attention—including a feature in season two of The Bear during Sydney's food tour of the city.

Pastry Chef and Partner Genie Kwon brings experience from some of the country’s most esteemed restaurants, including Eleven Madison Park in New York and Oriole in Chicago. Renowned for her innovative approach to desserts, she continues to push the boundaries of pastry and flavor.

17. Demera - Chicago, IL

Since 2007, Demera has been serving authentic Ethiopian cuisine to Chicago locals. Recognized in numerous publications, including OpenTable’s list of Chicago’s 20 Best Restaurants, Demera has also been a staple in the Michelin Guide Chicago since 2008.

Beyond the kitchen, Chef-Owner Tigist Reda channels her passion for culture and cuisine into meaningful impact. In 2021, she launched Hope 4 Tigray Women, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting a cause close to her heart.

18. Pizzeria Lola - Minneapolis, MN 

Ann Kim, chef and owner of Pizzeria Lola in Minneapolis, is a Korean immigrant whose love of food was inspired by her mother’s home cooking.

Pizzeria Lola operates as a no-tipping establishment, opting instead for a built-in surcharge to ensure fair wages and benefits for staff, reflecting their commitment to a stable and supportive work environment. Stop by to enjoy a Cubano pizza paired with their signature Lolita cocktail.

Fun fact: The restaurant is named after Ann’s dog, Lola!

19. Pochis Colombian Cafe - Grand Rapids, MI

Founded in 2020 by Latina entrepreneur Paola Andrea (Pochis) Carlson, Pochis Sweet Designs is a creative company specializing in chocolate-covered strawberries, personalized gift baskets, and its newest collection, Colombian Coffee Products.

Carlson’s success has only grown. In 2021, she won Start Garden's 5x5 in Spanish, and in 2022, she was nominated for a Brilliance Awards Brilliant Entrepreneur honor. That same year, she secured a deal with Meijer, placing five of her products in over 250 stores, creating jobs for more than 320 single mothers in her native Colombia. She also spearheaded the city’s first Colombian Festival, celebrating her culture and community.

Southwest

20. Border Grill - Las Vegas, NV

In 1985, Chef/Owners Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken opened the first Border Grill as a small, forty-seat “taco stand” on Melrose, born from their deep love and respect for Mexican cuisine. Combining their classical culinary training with thoughtfully sourced ingredients and regional recipes, from Oaxacan home cooks to street vendors in Tijuana and taco stands along the Yucatán and Baja coasts, the award-winning chefs continue to evolve their California-inflected Mexican-inspired dishes.

21. Dahl & DiLuca - Sedona, AZ

Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano is the most awarded fine dining restaurant in Sedona, Arizona. Chef Lisa Dahl has refined the art of delicate yet sophisticated dishes. Dahl is the executive chef and owner of six outstanding restaurants in Sedona. She believes in utilizing the highest quality purveyors, organically grown produce, and sourcing wild-caught seafood from areas practicing sustainability.

Chef Dahl’s signature interpretations of Italian classics are uniquely inspired by the culinary delights of various regions throughout Italy. In addition to the Italian fare here, guests can enjoy Dahl & Di Luca’s extensive wine selection, winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 18 consecutive years.

22. Sweetwater Harvest Kitchen - Santa Fe, NM

Co-founded by Fiona Wong and Soma Franks in 2012, Sweetwater Harvest Kitchen is now exclusively run by Soma Franks, who is committed to providing a healthy community-oriented restaurant for Santa Fe.

Sweetwater Harvest Kitchen is focused on sustainability practices such as composting, recycling, and local sourcing. This spot was named Santa Fe’s Best Vegetarian + Best Gluten-Free Restaurant 2024. Check them out for a clean, fresh menu.

23. Pub Dog - Colorado Springs, CO

Tara (the dog) and her mom, Cheyenne, opened Pub Dog after questioning why dogs couldn’t join their owners for dinner under the table. Pub Dog Colorado is the only restaurant in the state where it’s legal to dine indoors with your dog.

Cheyenne, who has spent her entire life surrounded by animals, especially during her time as a Veterinary Technician, finds Pub Dog to be a perfect blend of her passions. The restaurant has been a godsend, allowing her to combine her love for both business and dogs.

West 

24. Nostrana - Portland, OR

Nostrana is known for its wood-fired, hand-tossed pizzas, creative seasonal pastas, hearty meat and fish dishes, and an award-winning selection of wines from Italy and the Northwest. The restaurant emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, ensuring the freshest, most flavorful dishes.

Opened in 2005 by six-time James Beard Award finalist Cathy Whims and her husband, David West, Nostrana has earned recognition in numerous local and national publications, including Sunset, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Food and Wine, The New York Times Travel Magazine, Alaska Airlines Magazine, Gourmet, and Italian Cooking and Living

25. Jar - Los Angeles, CA

Jar, a modern chophouse in the heart of Los Angeles, captivates guests with Chef Suzanne Tracht’s take on retro American classics. Since opening in 2002, Jar has built a loyal following with signature dishes like pot roast, Kansas City steak, black mussels with lobster béarnaise and fennel salt, award-winning French fries, market-fresh sides, and perfectly crafted martinis.

Chef Suzanne Tracht has transformed Jar into one of Los Angeles’ most beloved and successful restaurants.

26. Frances - San Francisco, CA

Frances offers a weekly-changing menu that highlights the best local ingredients in an elevated, family-style format, all served in a casual, neighborhood setting. Chef and owner Melissa Perello opened Frances in 2009, naming it after her grandmother, who taught her how to cook.

Since its debut, Frances has earned widespread acclaim, with glowing reviews from both national and local outlets, including the James Beard Foundation, Bon Appétit, and Esquire, as well as a Michelin star.

27. The Dutchess - Ojai, CA

The Dutchess is an all-day restaurant, with pastry chef Kelsey Brito overseeing the bakery and Zoe Nathan managing the entire establishment. The majority of their ingredients are sourced from local farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and winemakers within a 50-mile radius, all dedicated to the health of the land and water.

Whether you're enjoying breakfast and coffee in the morning, a fresh salad in the afternoon, or specialty cocktails with dinner, The Dutchess offers the perfect setting for any meal of the day.

28. Kismet - Los Angeles, CA

At Kismet, chefs Sarah Hymanson and Sara Kramer bring a modern, global twist to Middle Eastern cuisine. From snacks like harissa olives to main dishes such as roasted maitake mushrooms, their menu is packed with bold flavors.

Named Eater's 2017 Chefs of the Year, Sarah Hymanson and Sara Kramer continue to make their mark in the competitive LA food scene.

29. Joule - Seattle, WA

Joule is a Korean-fusion steakhouse offering takeout, patio, and indoor dining. Co-owner and chef Rachel Yang can often be found cooking alongside her staff on the line.

The menu at Joule is packed with flavor, featuring dishes like smoked tofu, dan dan noodles, grass-fed ribeye, and more. A local favorite, Joule is a must-try spot in Seattle.

30. The Pink Door - Seattle, WA

At The Pink Door, owner Jackie Roberts offers a produce-driven menu alongside entertainment like trapeze, cabaret, music, and tarot. Since 1981, Jackie has been serving the people of Seattle fresh, seasonal Italian dishes.

Staying true to her own culinary roots, Jackie disregards trends and draws inspiration from her family’s recipes—many of which are influenced by weekly Sunday gatherings and time spent in her grandfather’s garden. Book a reservation at The Pink Door for a taste of delicious, authentic Italian dishes.

Eat with purpose, support women in food

By dining at one of these 30 establishments by women restaurateurs, you’re doing more than just enjoying a meal—you’re contributing to the growth and recognition of women in the culinary industry.

From local bistros to nationally recognized businesses, these restaurants represent the diversity and strength of women who lead with passion. Next time you're planning a meal, take the opportunity to support these incredible women and help amplify their voices in the culinary world.