New Orleans is known for its food culture and has some of the best restaurants in the world. While many of these restaurants are owned by male chefs, a growing number of women-owned restaurants are making a name for themselves in the industry. From soul food to seafood, these women-owned restaurants serve delicious food and build a name for themselves in the Big Easy.
First on the list is Dooky Chase, owned by the family of the late Leah Chase, a legendary chef, and civil rights activist. She has been in the industry for over 70 years and is known for her traditional Creole dishes that locals and tourists love. Her fried chicken and gumbo are some of the most popular dishes on the menu.
Another popular restaurant that is owned by a woman is Saba which is owned by Alon Shaya. This restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist and is known for its fresh, flavorful dishes. The hummus and falafel are must-try dishes for any first-time visitors.
Bywater American Bistro is another popular restaurant that is owned by Nina Compton, a well-known chef in the industry. The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Roasted duck and grilled swordfish are two of the most popular dishes on the menu.
There are also several woman-owned restaurants that serve their own unique spin on classic dishes. Willa Jean, owned by Kelly Fields, is a bakery and café that serves homemade pastries, sandwiches, and comfort food. The biscuits, gravy, and chicken sandwiches are some of the most popular items on the menu.
If you’re looking for a taste of Paris in New Orleans, look no further than Vyoone’s modern French restaurant. This beautiful French Quarter-style restaurant is a hidden gem in the Warehouse District. It offers a sophisticated ambiance with a menu crafted by the restaurant’s namesake, Vyoone, which features some of the best French cuisines in the city.
The Willie Mae Scotch House is a historic restaurant located in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana. The restaurant was founded by Willie Mae Seaton in the 1950s as a bar room that served po-boys and other Southern delicacies.
If you’re seeking local comfort food, check out Willie Mae Scotch House, a historic restaurant located in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana. The restaurant was founded by Willie Mae Seaton in the 1950s as a bar room that served po-boys and other Southern delicacies. Willie Mae Scotch House features a wide range of Southern and Creole dishes, including red beans and rice, jambalaya, gumbo, and po-boys. However, the standout dish is undoubtedly fried chicken, which is available in both dark and white meat and can be ordered as part of a meal or a la carte.
In addition to these restaurants, there are many other woman-owned restaurants that are worth exploring. From Mexican cuisine to pizza and sandwiches, there is something for everyone in New Orleans. These restaurants are making an impact in the industry and empowering women in the community.
New Orleans is a city known for its food culture, and the growing number of women-owned restaurants only adds to the city’s reputation. So whether you are a visitor or a local, be sure to visit these restaurants and experience the delicious food they offer.
Here are some woman-owned restaurants in New Orleans in no particular order:
- Dooky Chase – This famous restaurant serves traditional Creole dishes and is owned by Leah Chase, a legendary chef and civil rights activist.
- Compère Lapin – This restaurant is owned by Nina Compton and offers Caribbean-influenced cuisine focusing on fresh seafood.
- Saba – This restaurant is owned by Alon Shaya and features Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist.
- Willa Jean – This bakery and café is owned by Kelly Fields and serves homemade pastries, sandwiches, and comfort food.
- Bywater American Bistro – This restaurant is owned by Nina Compton and serves contemporary American cuisine focusing on seasonal ingredients.
- Carmo – This tropical restaurant is owned by Dana Honn and serves fresh, healthy food inspired by the Caribbean, South America, and West Africa.
- Marjie’s Grill – This Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant is owned by Caitlin Carney and Marcus Jacobs and serves creative and flavorful dishes.
- Coquette – This contemporary Southern restaurant is owned by chefs Kristen Essig and Michael Stoltzfus and offers upscale cuisine focusing on fresh, local ingredients.
- Turkey and the Wolf – Mason Hereford and Lauren Holton owns this popular sandwich shop and serves creative and delicious sandwiches.
- Willie Mae Scotch House is known for its warm and welcoming service. The restaurant has become a beloved institution in New Orleans and a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the flavors of the South.
- Bacchanal – This wine bar and music venue is owned by Joanne Clevenger and offers a range of delicious small plates and snacks to complement their extensive wine list.
- La Petite Grocery – This contemporary Southern bistro is owned by chef Justin Devillier and his wife Mia and serves a mix of classic and modern dishes using local and seasonal ingredients.
- The Franklin – This cozy corner spot is owned by Deanie Hickox and serves coffee, juices, pastries, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and salads.
- Brown Butter – This modern Creole restaurant is owned by Dayne and Christina Womax and offers an array of dishes, from rich gumbo to boudin balls and sandwiches.
- Saffron – This Indian restaurant is owned by Arvinder Vilkhu and offers dishes inspired by street food, tandooris, and biryanis from across India.
- Cafe Dauphine – This soul food restaurant is owned by Debbie Major and serves dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and fried catfish.
- Ma Momma’s House – This restaurant is owned by Lanette Griffin and serves home-style soul food, including ribs, fried chicken, and collard greens.
- Come Back Inn – This Italian restaurant is owned by Sharon Green and features classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and eggplant parmesan.
- The Ruby Slipper Cafe – This cafe and brunch spot is owned by Jennifer Weishaupt and serves breakfast classics with a unique twist, as well as sandwiches, salads, and drinks.
- The Munch Factory – This soul food restaurant is owned by Chef Jordan Ruiz and offers delicious dishes like black-eyed pea fritters, fried chicken, and gumbo.
- Neyow’s Creole Café – This Creole restaurant is owned by Terrell and Adrienne White and serves classic dishes like jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and red beans and rice.
- Blu D’Orleans – This seafood restaurant is owned by Chef Melissa Hinton and offers a variety of seafood dishes, including crawfish, shrimp, and crab.
- J’s Creole Wings – This restaurant is owned by Chef Jannifer Smith and offers a variety of flavors of chicken wings, po-boys, fries, and other Creole-inspired dishes.
- Lola’s – This Caribbean-inspired restaurant is owned by Chef Crystal Coleman and serves dishes like jerk chicken, curry shrimp, and plantains.