Do you find yourself wondering how you can support more women-led spaces in the restaurant industry? You’re in the right place. In honor of International Women’s Month, we’re kicking off our series, Braisin’ Ladies, a curated list of our favorite restaurants cheffed, led, and owned by women.
We’ll update it every month so you can get out and support the boss ladies running restaurants in your community! In the meantime, for a searchable list of women-led restaurants nation-wide, head to RestaurantHER.
What are some of your favorite women-led spots? Shoot us an email – we’d love to feature them.
THE SPOTS:
Boston
Barbara Lynch
Menton – 354 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
Since opening in 2010, Menton has received numerous accolades, including a 4 star review from The Boston Globe, recognition as one of Bon Appétit and Esquire magazines’ best new restaurants in 2010 and a 2011 James Beard Foundation Award nomination for Best New Restaurant. The Zagat Boston Restaurant Guide gave it Best Newcomer, Best French and Best Service distinctions in 2011-2012. It is also Boston’s only Relais & Châteaux and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star property. Chef Lynch is currently the only female in the United States to hold the distinguished title of Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux. She currently owns seven food and beverage properties in Boston and is a catalyst for growing top female chef talent in Boston.
Chicago
Mariya Russell
Kikko – 630 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
An intimate, candle-lit bar with just 10 seats, dining at Kikko is a warm and interactive experience, in true omakase fashion. It was recently awarded one Michelin Star, making its chef de cuisine, Mariya Russell, the first black woman to head a Michelin-starred restaurant. Kiiiind of a big deal.
Dallas
Misti Norris
Petra & the Beast – 601 N Haskell Ave, Dallas, TX 75246
Petra and the Beast focuses on farming, foraging, fermentation and fire. Chef Misti Norris, the James Beard nominated chef and owner of this spot is one of the most innovative chefs on the Dallas scene right now. She does nose-to-tail butchering and experiments with dishes like chicken hearts, pig tails and pork tongue ragu.
Los Angeles
Jessica Koslow
Sqirl – 720 N Virgil Ave, Ste 4, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Sqirl really changed the breakfast culture in LA, with a globally inspired menu, homemade pastries and homemade jams. There’s always a line around the corner for the Crispy Rice Salad and Avocado Toast from this 2019 James Beard Award nominee.
New York City
Allison Kave & Keavy Landreth
Butter & Scotch – 818 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
This women-owned and run bakery-bar is smashing the patriarchy one boozy cake shake at a time. Since opening in 2015, its become a feminist and queer hub for Crown Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods. The bar’s adjoining kitchen churns out freshly baked cakes, cookies and pies every day. We recommend a big ol’ slice of the “Hotline Bling” chocolate cake.
Philadelphia
Jezabel Careaga
Jezabel’s Argentine Cafe and Bakery – 206 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Chef Jezabel Careaga’s restaurant did more than just introduced authentic Northwestern Argentine cuisine to the West Philly community, it redefined the neighborhood cafe.
Portland
Naomi Pomeroy
Beast – 5425 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211
Chef Naomi Pomeroy’s James Beard award-winning produce-driven fine dining restaurant keeps it fresh by offering a six-course pre fixe tasting menu that changes every two weeks. The communal seating-style spot has been acknowledged as Portland’s best restaurant since opening in 2007 and has won countless awards along the way.
San Francisco
Sher Rogat & Margherita Stewart Sagan
Piccino Cafe – 1001 Minnesota St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Local, farm-to-table fare with Jewish-Italian roots hidden away in one of San Francisco’s most charming neighborhoods, the Dogpatch. The menu changes seasonally, but don’t leave without ordering the Focaccia and at least one dessert.
Savannah
Mashama Bailey
The Grey – 109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401
Built in an old Greyhound bus station, The Grey focuses on Southern food with Italian and African influences and a European wine list. Inspired by the cooking of Edna Lewis, Bailey has wowed locals and critics alike with her impressive and award winning, yet not extravagant ability to combine global flavors in a cohesive way, comfortable way. The space is stunning with an Art Deco, Mid-Century style and has also won awards.
Tampa
Melissa Deming
Ella’s Folk Art Cafe – 5119 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33603
Melissa Deming is the owner and art curator of this eclectic cafe and bar in Seminole Heights, Florida. Serving up soul food and live music. The restaurant is fully decorated with locally created art creating a unique and vibrant vibe. Definitely check out the Chicken & Biscuit Pot Pie. It’s “fagettaboutit” good.
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