Explore the Best Women-Led Restaurants in Philadelphia for 2019

March 8th is International Women’s Day. In celebration, we created a list featuring some of the most exceptional women in Philadelphia’s culinary scene. Home to the Liberty Bell and the Declaration of Independence, this City of Brotherly (and sisterly!) Love has always been a revolutionary place. 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

Bud & Marilyn's

$$$$

American

Center City

4.6

4658 reviews

Bud and Marilyn are Chef Marcie Turner’s grandparents, who ran their own restaurant for nearly 50 years. Marcie has infused Bud & Marilyn’s with their long-standing philosophy of serving all-American comfort food and knowing the first names of the guests. Along with partner Valerie Safran, Marcie has opened an astonishing nine restaurants and food boutiques along 13th Street. This has not only made her a huge name in the Philadelphia restaurant scene, but has brought new life to a previously run-down neighborhood. From weekend brunch to a nightly happy hour, Bud & Marilyn’s retro and relaxed vibe keeps diners coming back for more.

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The Love

$$$$

American

Rittenhouse Square

4.8

5605 reviews

Aimee Olexy is a key player in the burgeoning Philly food scene. She opened Talula’s Garden and Talula’s Daily, both farm-to-table eateries that consistently attract a lot of attention. She’s been a panel member and speaker at ThinkFest, Philadelphia’s week-long event designed to spark conversations about how the city is developing. Her latest venture, The Love, aims to support local farmers and producers while serving vibrant flavors with inspirations as far flung as Italy and Hungary. Forget trendy, oddball menus — Aimee says The Love is all about having a "nice dinner" in a comforting, inviting atmosphere.

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Takeout available

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Barbuzzo Restaurant

$$$$

Mediterranean

Center City

4.7

5823 reviews

Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran are often referred to as the Queens of Midtown Village, due to the sheer number of successful establishments they’ve opened up. Safran-Turney hospitality is the gift that just keeps giving, with their five restaurants and various boutiques always filled to the brim with satisfied foodies. Barbuzzo is a rare find; a restaurant that seems to have something for everyone. Small plates to share are popular, as is the pizza, but the dish to keep an eye out for is the coveted salted caramel taco — a truly life-affirming treat. This place is a booking essential!

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Trattoria Carina

$$$$

Italian

Center City

4.8

814 reviews

Chef Melissa McGrath (Culinary Director of Pub & Kitchen, Trattoria Carina and The Diving Horse) focused on providing delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere at a great value. Located on the corner of 22nd and Spruce, it's a charming and easygoing 32-seat trattoria, whose name means “Little Darling” in Italian. Come join us for Melissa's specialty gemelli pasta with pistachio pesto.

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Pub & Kitchen

$$$$

American

Center City

4.7

607 reviews

Chef Melissa McGrath leads the team at Pub & Kitchen - a neighborhood staple for over a decade. She serves a menu featuring elevated farm to table offerings, alongside an innovative bar program specializing in wine, local beers, and craft cocktails. Melissa's menu is constantly evolving, fluctuating with the seasons and availability of product.

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