Chicago has long been known for its rich and diverse culinary scene, and in recent years, women-owned and led restaurants are on the rise. A growing number of female chefs and entrepreneurs are making their mark on Chicago’s food landscape from neighborhood eateries to high-end fine dining establishments. These women have created innovative menus, fostered inclusive workplaces, and contributed to the vibrant culture of Chicago’s dining scene. Below is a list of just a few of the amazing women-owned and women-led restaurants in Chicago. Meanwhile, don’t forget to check out our list of the most unique women-owned businesses in Chicago also!

Esmé

2200 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Leading Women: Owner/Partner Katrina Bravo 

In Lincoln Park, the Michelin-starred Esmé is operated and owned by husband-and-wife duo, Chef Jenner Tomaska and Katrina Bravo. As Creative Director and Proprietor of the Michelin-starred restaurant, Katrina works closely with her husband to bring their shared vision for the restaurant to life by reimagining the fine dining model with art and philanthropy fundamental to the restaurant experience.

In her role, Bravo draws upon her multidimensional background that spans the hospitality and marketing industries, as well as her deep passion for the creative arts. She is also responsible for helping Esmé donate over 200K to various charities and philanthropic organizations. 

The Dearborn

145 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60602

Leading Women: Owners Amy and Clodagh Lawless

Centrally located in the Loop, The Dearborn is owned by sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless. The Dearborn is the first joint venture of Amy and Clodagh Lawless, uniting their passion for heart-felt service, a welcoming ambiance and classically rooted food that isn’t afraid to take culinary risks. Supporting women in hospitality is something that has remained apparent at The Dearborn since its inception.

Both Lawless sisters are proud to have such influential women be a part of their leadership team, with a notable beverage director, Sarah Clark, known for elevated cocktail creations and Head Pastry Chef, Julianna Westgor, the master of all things sweet treats creating timeless desserts for all diners, The Dearborn celebrates influential women in the industry and encourages others to do the same.

Soul & Smoke

916 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Leading Women: Owned/Operated by Heather Bublick

Despite opening a restaurant during a difficult time, Bublick’s innovative approach to management and high standard of service resulted in Soul & Smoke’s takeoff in the barbecue space, both locally and nationally. With co-owner and partner, Chef D’Andre Carter, Soul & Smoke has successfully opened three locations since the pandemic, and with their first full restaurant opening this spring. As Soul & Smoke evolves, Bublick’s hospitality and commitment to high-quality food is the constant driving force.

Bublick thrives on taking risks, never compromising her high standard for exceptional food and service, which enables her to serve her community. Bublick has made it her mission to give back to the Chicagoland community, as a member of World Central Kitchen’s Chef Corps, Bublick and the Soul & Smoke team have provided over 200,000 meals to struggling families throughout Chicago.

Bambola

1402 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Leading Women: Chef Shannah Primano, Head Baker Maria Alabau, Managing Director Meghan Vietti Perdue

Opened in the Fall of 2022, Bambola is a 175-seat restaurant from Bonhomme Hospitality and Managing Director Meghan Vietti Perdue. A women-led kitchen by Chef Shannah Primiano and Head Baker Maria Alabau, Bambola is inspired by the rich traditions, ancestral techniques, exciting products and flavorsome spices widely exchanged by Eastern and Western cultures since the 13th century and how that multicultural heritage influences us in the world and other places.

Chef Alisha creates thoughtful, inspired, flavorful dishes with European and Asian influences, pushing the boundaries of creativity and expectation. The energy of the restaurant stems and radiates from the kitchen team itself. Chef Alisha creates and lives the change that she wants to see in the industry – a respectful team with positive camaraderie creating delicious food. As such, Bambola is an exciting place to be. Not to mention, the restaurant’s design is one to be rivaled in the city. 

CBR

505 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Leading Women: General Manager, Amy Ruffner, and Executive Chef/Food & Bev Director, Jennifer Zambrano

CBR is an intimate cocktail bar rooted in whiskey culture located in the heart of Chicago’s River North. Spearheaded by General Manager Amy Ruffner and Executive Chef/Food & Beverage Director, Jennifer Zambrano, these two ladies and their team are putting CBR on the map for pre- and post-dinner sipping and light noshing. Nestled in the Royal Sonesta Hotel, CBR stands for “corn, barley, and rye,” specializing in elevated whiskey libations along with crafted, classics complimented by a Modern American Brasserie-style menu featuring a variety of light and hearty bites. Stop by for happy hour, weekend brunch or evening cocktails at this beautiful space on the corner of State and Hubbard.

J9 Wine Bar

1961 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Leading Women: 

Located in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, J9 Wine Bar is truly a hidden gem. Spearheaded by a fierce female duo, J9 is the largest traditional wine bar in the city boasting a constant rotation of carefully selected, unique wines in a warm, intimate setting.

Named after her late sister Jeanine, Sonya Mlodzek founded J9 Wine Bar in October 2016 to create a space for conversation and distinctive wine. Inspired by Houston’s fabulous scene of wine bars, Sonya set out to create a similar concept for Chicago where wine was the main focus. With Johnna Battaglia, Wine, and Spirits Director, these ladies have led J9 Wine Bar to become a premier destination to enjoy quality and unique wines in Chicago.