Explore the Best Women-Led Restaurants in Los Angeles for 2019

March 8th is International Women’s Day. In celebration, we created a list featuring some of the most exceptional women in Los Angeles’ culinary scene. As the long-standing mecca of sunny days, epic meals, and Hollywood heroines, it’s easy to see why it’s called the City of Angels. 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

Jar

$$$$

American

Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.

4.7

3052 reviews

The specialty of Jar, a Beverly Grove chophouse helmed by chef-owner Suzanne Tracht, is modernized versions of classic American comfort food, prepared with impeccable ingredients. Grilled, sauteed, and braised meat and fish entrees, which come with a choice of a host of sauces, dominate Jar's dinner menu. The signature dish, pot roast, was highlighted by celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito on Food Network's Best Thing I Ever Ate, and it's been a firm favorite of Jar regulars since its 2001 opening. Other substantial entree options include a dry-aged Kansas City steak, a Japanese wagyu skirt steak, and a pan-roasted king salmon. The desserts lean retro too, among them a butterscotch pudding and banana cream pie. \n Jar is Suzanne Tracht's second solo restaurant venture, launched following the success of her first, Jozu. Before Tracht ran her own kitchens, she apprenticed at the Arizona Biltmore Resort, worked at the Hotel Bel Air, and was chef de cuisine at Nancy Silverton and Mark Peel's former Los Angeles institution, Campanile. In 2002, one year after opening Jar, Food & Wine magazine named Tracht one of its Best New Chefs. She was also honored at the 2009 Women in Food James Beard Foundation Awards gala, and appeared on season one of Top Chef Masters.

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Republique

$$$$

French

Hollywood

4.6

4423 reviews

In opening Republique, Margarita Manzke and her husband Walter Manzke took over the West Hollywood space of the legendary former Campanile, meaning expectations were high. Republique restaurant retained the airy feel of its predecessor, taking full advantage of the atrium setting with its soaring marble arches and marble bar looking into an open kitchen. The French-leaning food — for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with menus changing daily — immediately proved worthy of critical acclaim and the high praise of diners. \n Margarita Manzke, who was recently nominated by the James Beard Foundation for Outstanding Pastry Chef, oversees the bakery section of Republique. Born and raised in the Philippines, Manzke’s global training includes graduating from both the Cordon Bleu in London and the Culinary Institute of America in New York City. Her impressive resume also includes stints at Spago and as sous chef at Melisse.

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AOC - Brentwood

$$$$

Californian

Brentwood

4.5

3016 reviews

Tavern is the second restaurant by acclaimed Lucques owners Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, the winners of four James Beard Foundation Awards between them. Food & Wine magazine named Goin one of its Best New Chefs in 1999; she runs the kitchen at Tavern while Goin serves as wine director. The moody, leather-and-wood adorned Brentwood restaurant, like Lucques, features menus driven by the freshest seasonal farmers market produce. Breakfast is served on weekdays, with a popular brunch on weekends. The dinner menu is divided into small, medium, and large plates, plus shareable sides, that encourage sharing. A highlight, when featured, is the critics' favorite short rub with sunchoke puree. Attached to Tavern is The Larder, which offers a more casual array of organic, farm-driven cuisine and hosts regular events like winemaker Wednesdays and grilled cheese Fridays. Tavern's Blue Room bar hosts happy hour daily.

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Osteria Mozza

$$$$

Italian

Hollywood

4.8

6204 reviews

Chef Nancy Silverton has created a Los Angeles restaurant empire, and Osteria Mozza is the crown jewel. Get anything from the in-house mozzarella bar, and you can’t go wrong with any of the pastas. Just make sure to save room for dessert.

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Here's Looking At You

$$$$

Contemporary American

Koreatown

4.6

749 reviews

Farmers-market-driven New American cuisine with global influences, plus creative craft cocktails, characterize the offerings at Here's Looking at You, an eclectic space in Koreatown. General manager Lien Ta came to the restaurant business from a career as an entertainment editor covering Hollywood, transitioning via a stint as a food writer before taking on entry-level positions in Los Angeles restaurants. Partnering with chef Jonathan Whitener in opening Here's Looking at You in 2016 proved a savvy move, with the restaurant soon receiving high praise from the late, legendary L.A. food critic Jonathan Gold. In addition to crafting and serving delicious food, Ta also is also an alum of the James Beard Foundation's Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership in 2017. Regarding the menu at Here’s Looking at You, Ta stated that each dish is intended to represent L.A. on a plate. As such, the menu reveals diverse international influences, namely Mexican, Vietnamese, Indian, and Japanese.

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