Explore the Best Women-Led Restaurants in Portland for 2019

March 8th is International Women’s Day. In celebration, we created a list featuring some of the most exceptional women in Portland’s culinary scene. The ever-quirky City of Roses loves to celebrate and reimagine the classics—from bicycles and bridges to beer gardens and tea gardens—so rest-assured donuts aren’t the only scrumptious food you’ll think they’ve done voodoo to. 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

Kachka

$$$$

Eastern European

Southeast Portland

4.9

1673 reviews

Growing up in Chicago as the daughter of Belarusian immigrants was the inspiration for Bonnie Morales, the chef and co-owner of Kachka and Kachinka, both located in SE Portland, when she takes Russian cuisine to new heights in the United States. After studying at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America and doing time in various kitchens in both the Big Apple and Chi-town, she’s now created nothing less than a Portland culinary sensation. She’s been recently tapped by the James Beard Foundation as a nominee for Best Chef: Northwest. Topping best restaurant in Portland lists in many different publications, the restaurant is a unique blend of old and new with Russian specialties like rabbit in a clay pot with porcini, sour cherries, and garlic and a horseradish-infused vodka made in house.

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Nostrana

$$$$

Italian

Southeast Portland

4.6

4534 reviews

Chef/owner Cathy Whims opened this SE Portland institution after studying with prominent Italian chefs in their homes in Italy. She’s driven several top Portland dining establishments for years, and has been nominated for the Best Chef: Northwest six times and counting by the James Beard Foundation. Considered one of the most authentic Italian eateries in town, Nostrana (which means "ours" in Italian), draws upon a network of local Oregon and Washington State farmers to supply the ingredients for the daily changing lunch and dinner menus. From the Formaggi cheese plates, served with wildflower honey and fig/walnut salumi, to pastas dishes like the pork and beef meatball fettuccine. Everything you find at Nostrana is also designed to pair perfectly with the hand-curated selection of Oregon and Italian wines.

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