WOMEN OWNED RESTAURANTS

I do not believe the quality of one’s work is influenced by gender. Similarly, a restaurant’s quality is certainly no better or worse by virtue of the owner’s gender. Yet I do believe that men’s and women’s perspectives are different, just as their manner of running restaurants may also differ.

I can safely say there are relatively few women owned restaurants here in New York City, whatever the reasons may be. In my opinion, this is not due to any unspoken conspiracy. The challenges and joys of running a restaurant are just as great for women as for men. That said, you must indeed be willing to work nights, weekends and holidays, making the job a difficult choice for women raising families.

I’ve created this page simply to offer my encouragement and support to other women restaurateurs. Brava ladies! I confess my selections below are personal, limited and very much a humble work in progress. I’ve divided entries in two categories: places I have been to and loved – and – places I am eager to try, arranged alphabetically by restaurant name.  As you can see, I’ve barely scratched the surface.  You will find much more thorough lists of women culinary professionals on the sites of excellent organizations such as Women Chefs & Restaurateurs.

I welcome your suggestions emailed to gfarkas@rotisserieg.com 

NYC Women Owned Restaurants I Love

Ardesia
Mandy Oser

Butter
Alexandra Guarnaschelli

King
Clare de Boer, Jess Shadbolt & Annie Shi

Kish-Kash & Taim Falafel
Einat Admony

Le Bernardin
Maguy Le Coze (with Eric Ripert)

Mary’s Fish Camp
Mary Redding

Thaimee Table
Hong Thaimee

Prune
Gabrielle Hamilton & Ashley Merriman

Shuka / Vic’s / Cookshop / Rosie’s
Victoria Freeman

Via Carota
Jody Williams and Rita Sodi

NYC Women Owned Restaurants I am Eager to Try

Beatrice Inn
Angie Mar

Lilia 
Missy Robbins

Loi Estatorio
Maria Loi

Pies ‘n Thighs
Sarah Sanneh & Carolyne Bane

Pig & Khao
Leah Cohen

Red Hook Lobster Pound
Susan Povitch