Explore the Best Women-Led Restaurants in Atlanta for 2019

March 8th is International Women’s Day. In celebration, we created a list featuring some of the most exceptional women in Atlanta’s culinary scene. As the birthplace of the civil rights movement, this historic Southern city has a penchant for progress and their Georgia peaches are no exception. Next time you’re in town, we invite you to celebrate women (and eat something delicious) at one of these top spots.

The OpenTable Team

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Updated February 03, 2023

Cibo E Beve

$$$$

Italian

Sandy Springs

4.7

1171 reviews

With more than three decades in the culinary world, Linda Harrell knows her way around the kitchen. She’s worked in several fine dining restaurants and has shared her culinary knowledge with everyone she’s worked with, inspiring them with her can-do attitude and love of community. Harrell opened Cibo e Beve in 2011 as both chef and co-owner. Each dish she creates features her loving expertise and attention to detail. In addition to features in periodicals and magazines, including Williamsburg Magazine’s “Top Ten Culinary Wizards,” Harrell received the 2014 Celebrate the Chef Award from Springer Mountain Farms. Cibo e Beve is an intimate, inviting space where Italian dishes feature the best local ingredients.

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Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft

$$$$

Thai

Brookwood Hills

4.6

2417 reviews

Chef DeeDee Niyomkul grew up around restaurants, learning her trade at an early age alongside her grandmother at home, as well as in her parents’ restaurant, Nan Thai Fine Dining. After taking on the role of Nan Thai Fine Dining executive chef in 2006, later in 2010, she ventured to become chef and owner of Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft. Niyomkul sought to bring authentic Bangkok street food to Atlanta, earning praise for her original creations and unique menu. In 2014, Travel + Leisure magazine called Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft one of the top Thai restaurants in the United States. Additionally, Atlanta Journal Constitution chose Tuk Tuk as one of the top 50 restaurants in the state. Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft, which includes an Atlanta skyline view, serves tapas-style dishes and a range of entrees showcasing bright colors and bold flavors.

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Nan Thai Fine Dining

$$$$

Thai

Midtown

4.8

3741 reviews

Nan Niyomkul first entered the restaurant industry at age 19, fine-tuning her craft in Manhattan, and later setting her sights on Atlanta. As chef and co-owner, Niyomkul first opened Nan Thai Fine Dining in 1997, with the support of her husband, son, and daughter, DeeDee. Niyomkul is passionate about introducing people to Thai cuisine, and over the years she’s cooked for several PGA Tour Championship, Master’s Championship, and FedExCup dinners. Nan Thai Fine Dining, the proud recipient of more than a dozen AAA Four Diamond ratings, is a mix of grand opulence, perfected Thai flavors, and authentic ingredients.

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Chai Yo Modern Thai

$$$$

Thai

Buckhead

4.8

908 reviews

Whereas her restaurant Tuk Tuk keeps things authentic with street-style food, DeeDee Niyomkul’s second restaurant, Chai Yo, combine modernity with innovation. Chef and owner Niyomkul opened Chai Yo in 2018 to introduce diners to Thai food’s hidden depths. Later that year, The Atlantan magazine included her in its “5 Top Chefs to Watch” list. Located in Buckhead, Chai Yo welcomes diners with its understated elegance and inventive, classically contemporary Thai dishes.

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Nakato 'Sushi Bar and Regular Dining' Japanese Restaurant

$$$$

Sushi

Morningside-Lenox Park

4.6

492 reviews

Original owner Tetsuko Nakato came to the United States and fell in love with Southern living, opening her Nakato steakhouse, tempura, and sushi bar restaurant in 1972. As the oldest Japanese restaurant in Atlanta, this place remains a family business with a history of women as managers. Sachiyo Nakato Takahara took over ownership in 2004, taking strides to maintain tradition while modernizing amenities. Hibachi and teppanyaki grills are displayed prominently in front of the restaurant, while the back rooms have authentic tatami mats across the floor. Nakato serves high-class Japanese cuisine and a selection of sake and wine.

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