Explore the Best Women-Led Restaurants in Chicago for 2019

March 8th is International Women’s Day. In celebration, we created a list featuring some of the most exceptional women in Chicago’s culinary scene. Chi-town is the windy city famous for its jazz history and chilly winters, but no matter how much it keeps evolving and improving—much like its beloved deep dish pizza—it’ll always be a classic. 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

Duck Duck Goat

$$$$

Chinese

West Loop

4.8

4573 reviews

Stephanie Izard was born in Chicago and, after attending Scottsdale Culinary Institute, returned in 2000 when she began her illustrious career working with chefs like Dale Levitski and Sean McLain. It was only four years before she decided to open her own restaurant. She now owns three busy restaurants and a successful event-catering business. Duck Duck Goat delivers high-end Chinese food in a modern space that still manages to retain that traditional Chinatown feel. The menu is a mix of creations, with unique twists such as goat belly lo mein and blueberry shrimp.

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Girl & the Goat

$$$$

Contemporary American

West Loop

4.8

12773 reviews

As well as being a top Chicago restaurateur, Stephanie Izard was also the first-ever female winner of the ever-popular Top Chef series. It was shortly after this that she started to form the concepts behind Girl and the Goat, which she eventually opened in the West Loop. Girl and the Goat won the coveted James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, and is widely regarded as one of the best BYOB restaurants in Chicago. The philosophy is "nose to tail," with signature dishes including Roasted Pig Face, served with egg, cilantro, and potato stix.

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Kinzie Chophouse

$$$$

Steakhouse

River North (Chicago)

4.1

2549 reviews

River North is host to a dazzling array of restaurants, but Kinzie Chophouse keeps it simple and satisfying with sizzling steaks, classic burgers and sandwiches, and homemade favorites like meatloaf. Owner Susan Frasca purchased the restaurant as a dingy dive in 1998 and completely transformed it into one of Chicago’s top eating spots. This is a true definition of a women-powered restaurant. In addition to owner Susan Fresca, you’ll also find Colleen Morris, general manager and wine director, helping create the magic. Liz Keaty is also a manager for the restaurant and looks after the beer, while Samantha Klotz tends sales and private events.

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Parachute

$$$$

Korean

Avondale / Irving Park

4.7

1524 reviews

A small restaurant with a big reputation, Parachute’s Korean-American cuisine continuously impresses Chicago’s diners. One of six Chicago chefs on the ninth series of Top Chef, Parachute’s Beverley Kim says she gets immense satisfaction from cooking beautiful food and taking care of her guests. She’s part of a husband-and-wife team along with Johnny Clark. This dynamic duo landed themselves a James Beard Award nomination for Best Chef: Great Lakes. Parachute encompasses an exciting atmosphere, which pairs perfectly with the delicious food served here.

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Saigon Sisters

$$$$

Vietnamese

West Loop

4.8

878 reviews

As the name suggests, this multiple award-winning Vietnamese restaurant is the brainchild of two sisters, Mary Nguyen Aregoni and Theresa Nguyen, along with their mother, Mama Suu. Their entrepreneurial adventure began with a stall in the Chicago French Market in 2009, where their Pho and spring rolls were so popular with the local lunch crowd they decided a restaurant was the next move. Today, Saigon Sisters is a modern and intimate restaurant offering fine Vietnamese fare with dishes like whole branzino and bun bo hue.

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Le Bouchon - Chicago

$$$$

French

Bucktown / Wicker Park

4.8

1529 reviews

Susanne Poilevey runs the French restaurants La Sardine and Le Bouchon, both creations of her late husband, Chef Jean-Claude Poilevey. Le Bouchon is widely renowned for introducing French home-style food to Chicago diners. Susanne has carried on this legacy, ensuring French cuisine is as relevant and fresh today as it was 25 years ago. Expect French classics such as succulent steak frites and aromatic bouillabaisse.

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Eden

$$$$

American

Avondale / Irving Park

4.7

990 reviews

You can’t get fresher than ‘just-picked’ ingredients. That’s the ethos at West Loop’s Eden, which has an on-site greenhouse where fruit, veggies, and herbs grow in a delightful urban garden. CEO and founder Jodi Fyfe has over two decades’ experience in the food industry, and is passionate about going above and beyond for her guests. She also runs a catering and events company, and is a passionate supporter of breast cancer charities. Eden caters to vegetarians and vegans — just ask a server for selections.

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Macello

$$$$

Italian

West Loop

4.8

1886 reviews

Macello invites you to "Step into the world of Italy." Angela (Angie) Padula is the mastermind behind the restaurant, and does everything from designing menus to managing the restaurant’s social media presence. Angie says she wants guests at Macello to feel like they’ve had an experience, not just a meal. With that in mind, look out for special events on their website such as comedy nights. You’re sure to enjoy an array of savory wood-cooked dishes like the lamb chop casserole — a hit with regulars.

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RL Restaurant

$$$$

American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4.9

6092 reviews

Ralph Lauren might be famous for fashion, but now the world-renowned clothing company has dipped their toe into the restaurant industry. The flagship restaurant stands proudly on East Chicago Avenue, right next to the Ralph Lauren store. The classic American restaurant is under the meticulous care of general manager Anna Finnegan, who through her passion for food and experience, has helped RL become one of the top 100 restaurants in the whole of America -- two years in a row!

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Le Colonial - Chicago

$$$$

Vietnamese

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4.8

6657 reviews

Le Colonial has the benefit of a 5 Star "starting point" simply because it is my wife's favorite restaurant in Chicago. To qualify this, my wife has excellent taste, so, you could argue that my 5 Star proclivity is warranted..... Beyond that though, the elegant environment with soft lighting, formal (but not stuffy) decor, and an overall soothing & seductive ambiance. The service is attentive & we have enjoyed exploring the menu which never fails to delight. Highly recommend!

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