Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Restaurant list

Explore the Best Women-Led Restaurants in Canada for 2019

A photo of Red logo
by The OpenTable Team
Updated February 03, 2023
If you follow Canada's culinary scene, you're probably familiar with Chef Alida Solomon, Toronto restaurateur Jen Agg, and television star Ivana Raca. There are many more women in Canada's restaurant scene who are true culinary stars, and their fierce spirit and dedication to hospitality deserve recognition. In honor of International Women’s Day, OpenTable is celebrating the talented women on the front lines of the food scene. From Montreal to Toronto to Calgary, Canada's women deserve to take center stage. Diners are welcome to book a seat and experience for themselves why these female chefs, owners, and operators are rocking Canadian kitchens.
Tutti Matti
4.8 (1365)
CAN$51 and over
Italian
Entertainment District
Traditional Tuscan cuisine is at the heart of Adelaide Street's Tutti Matti, where Chef Alida Solomon has been at the helm for over 17 years. Early in her career, Chef Solomon studied in Italy as a young apprentice who intended to only stay for six months, but instead remained for six and a half years. The Tuscan approach to food — local, seasonal, and screamingly fresh — was the inspiration for Tutti Matti's menu. House-made pastas and breads, and proteins like wild boar and rabbit are utilized when in season. Chef Solomon's approach to food at Tutti Matti is the same as what she witnessed in Tuscany: eat fresh, eat seasonally, and eat local not because it's trendy, but because that's what tastes best.
Top review
Matthew
Dined 6 days ago
Simply the best. Closest we get to dining in Italy in Canada!
Traditional Tuscan cuisine is at the heart of Adelaide Street's Tutti Matti, where Chef Alida Solomon has been at the helm for over 17 years. Early in her career, Chef Solomon studied in Italy as a young apprentice who intended to only stay for six months, but instead remained for six and a half years. The Tuscan approach to food — local, seasonal, and screamingly fresh — was the inspiration for Tutti Matti's menu. House-made pastas and breads, and proteins like wild boar and rabbit are utilized when in season. Chef Solomon's approach to food at Tutti Matti is the same as what she witnessed in Tuscany: eat fresh, eat seasonally, and eat local not because it's trendy, but because that's what tastes best.
Top review
Matthew
Dined 6 days ago
Simply the best. Closest we get to dining in Italy in Canada!
Grey Gardens
4.9 (1402)
CAN$51 and over
Contemporary American
Chinatown / Kensington Market
Eclectic and funky Kensington Market is home to a variety of specialty grocery stores and vintage clothing shops all with an urban edge. Toronto restaurateur Jen Agg, whose other ventures notably include the Black Hoof, Cocktail Bar, and Rhum Corner, opened Grey Gardens in Kensington in 2017 after noticing a void in the city's dining scene: a wine bar with outstanding food. Agg carefully chose the interior decor to have stark contrasts between vintage and modern, and comfort and elegance, much like the dichotomy of the neighborhood itself. She has also entered the literary world with her novel, I Hear She's a Real Bitch, which tackles misogyny and sexism in the restaurant world.
Top review
William
Dined 2 days ago
My third time going back and bringing a different friend each time, everyone has loved it!very cool spot and the food is fantastic!!!
Eclectic and funky Kensington Market is home to a variety of specialty grocery stores and vintage clothing shops all with an urban edge. Toronto restaurateur Jen Agg, whose other ventures notably include the Black Hoof, Cocktail Bar, and Rhum Corner, opened Grey Gardens in Kensington in 2017 after noticing a void in the city's dining scene: a wine bar with outstanding food. Agg carefully chose the interior decor to have stark contrasts between vintage and modern, and comfort and elegance, much like the dichotomy of the neighborhood itself. She has also entered the literary world with her novel, I Hear She's a Real Bitch, which tackles misogyny and sexism in the restaurant world.
Top review
William
Dined 2 days ago
My third time going back and bringing a different friend each time, everyone has loved it!very cool spot and the food is fantastic!!!
Discover more
A photo of Gnocchi of a restaurant
Popular dish
Gnocchi
Graziella Restaurant
4.7 (1312)
CAN$51 and over
Italian
Old Montreal
Chef Graziella Battista of eponymous restaurant Graziella credits her mother as the inspiration behind her restaurant. She recalls seeing her mother feed large groups of people, and the sense of gratitude and satisfaction of the people on the receiving end of her meals. The open kitchen at Graziella allows Chef Battista to experience the same view of her patrons as they enjoy what she's created. Dishes such as grilled octopus and squid ink brioche, lemon-basil ricotta gnocchi, and braised milk-fed veal shank highlight the chef's love of classic Italian cuisine while also showing a deft hand in the kitchen.
Top review
JeffreyGold
Dined 5 days ago
We had a most delicious dinner! I had fallen prior to arrival and they got me ice and a chair to elevate my ankle-so kind!! We shared the Burrata-it was outstanding! We shared two kinds of pasta : Veal ravioli-amazing! Fettuccine with pistachio pesto-magnificent!! Both pastas were the best we’d ever had! The service was excellent-they were very busy! But our server stayed in touch with us throughout! Highly recommend!!
Chef Graziella Battista of eponymous restaurant Graziella credits her mother as the inspiration behind her restaurant. She recalls seeing her mother feed large groups of people, and the sense of gratitude and satisfaction of the people on the receiving end of her meals. The open kitchen at Graziella allows Chef Battista to experience the same view of her patrons as they enjoy what she's created. Dishes such as grilled octopus and squid ink brioche, lemon-basil ricotta gnocchi, and braised milk-fed veal shank highlight the chef's love of classic Italian cuisine while also showing a deft hand in the kitchen.
Top review
JeffreyGold
Dined 5 days ago
We had a most delicious dinner! I had fallen prior to arrival and they got me ice and a chair to elevate my ankle-so kind!! We shared the Burrata-it was outstanding! We shared two kinds of pasta : Veal ravioli-amazing! Fettuccine with pistachio pesto-magnificent!! Both pastas were the best we’d ever had! The service was excellent-they were very busy! But our server stayed in touch with us throughout! Highly recommend!!
Discover more
A photo of Gnocchi of a restaurant
Popular dish
Gnocchi
Helena
4.8 (2086)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Portuguese
Old Montreal
Montreal's Old Neighborhood houses Helena, a love letter to the cuisine of Portugal. Chef and owner Helena Loureiro pays homage to her Portuguese upbringing with the restaurant that bears her name. A bright celebration of wines, small plates, meats, soups, and salads, Helena invites guests to share plates, conversation, and laughs. This aligns with Chef Helena's philosophy of food bringing people together in a warm environment. Priding herself on fresh ingredients, Chef Helena features daily catches from Portugal, as well as local meats such as a grilled Quebec rack of lamb.
Top review
Melissa Gwen
Dined on May 21, 2026
Exceptional in all levels. Cannot remember our servers name 😐 he had worked at the Banff Springs hotel. 5 thumbs up for sure.
Montreal's Old Neighborhood houses Helena, a love letter to the cuisine of Portugal. Chef and owner Helena Loureiro pays homage to her Portuguese upbringing with the restaurant that bears her name. A bright celebration of wines, small plates, meats, soups, and salads, Helena invites guests to share plates, conversation, and laughs. This aligns with Chef Helena's philosophy of food bringing people together in a warm environment. Priding herself on fresh ingredients, Chef Helena features daily catches from Portugal, as well as local meats such as a grilled Quebec rack of lamb.
Top review
Melissa Gwen
Dined on May 21, 2026
Exceptional in all levels. Cannot remember our servers name 😐 he had worked at the Banff Springs hotel. 5 thumbs up for sure.
Île Flottante
4.8 (2115)
CAN$51 and over
International
Mile End
The remodeled Ille Flottante, formerly Les Deux Singes de Montarvie, is one of the most prestigious and highly regarded restaurants in Montreal. This is thanks to chef and owner Nada Abou Younes' desire to put her own finishing touches on both the decor and the menu of the restaurant that she took over. The result? Ille Flottante, a restaurant with a three-, five-, or seven-course tasting menu complete with an expert wine pairing. The restaurant represents a dream come true for Chef Younes, whose strict father discouraged her foray into a professional kitchen. Young Younes began cooking at Les Deux, and when the opportunity arose, she was able to purchase the restaurant and change its name — with the help of her father, now her biggest supporter.
Top review
Xiomara
Dined 5 days ago
A must try while visiting Montreal. I first had dinner at this restaurant 2 years ago and I loved it. Two years later it is as good as ever, if not better. Excellent service, great ambiance, and extraordinary food. I will comeback again, and again!
The remodeled Ille Flottante, formerly Les Deux Singes de Montarvie, is one of the most prestigious and highly regarded restaurants in Montreal. This is thanks to chef and owner Nada Abou Younes' desire to put her own finishing touches on both the decor and the menu of the restaurant that she took over. The result? Ille Flottante, a restaurant with a three-, five-, or seven-course tasting menu complete with an expert wine pairing. The restaurant represents a dream come true for Chef Younes, whose strict father discouraged her foray into a professional kitchen. Young Younes began cooking at Les Deux, and when the opportunity arose, she was able to purchase the restaurant and change its name — with the help of her father, now her biggest supporter.
Top review
Xiomara
Dined 5 days ago
A must try while visiting Montreal. I first had dinner at this restaurant 2 years ago and I loved it. Two years later it is as good as ever, if not better. Excellent service, great ambiance, and extraordinary food. I will comeback again, and again!
CHARCUT
4.4 (4164)
CAN$30 and under
Contemporary Canadian
Downtown
Chef and owner of Charcut, Connie DeSousa, was a contestant on Season One of Top Chef Canada, as well as Top Chef All-Stars. Her dedication to the precision and artistry of dance at a young age follows her in the kitchen, where her butchery skills are at the core of Charcut's meat-centric menu. Dubbed "the primal ballerina," Chef DeSousa was able to work under Alice Waters at Berkeley's Chez Panisse, which also influenced her style of cuisine. On the menu at Charcut, diners will find house-made sausages, poultry, and beef roasted in the restaurant's custom-built rotisserie, and a handcrafted charcuterie eating bar.
Top review
Gregory
Dined 5 days ago
We loved the cocktails and apps. Got full on apps so can’t comment on entrees. Trevor was a great waiter. We went to the one by the needle
Chef and owner of Charcut, Connie DeSousa, was a contestant on Season One of Top Chef Canada, as well as Top Chef All-Stars. Her dedication to the precision and artistry of dance at a young age follows her in the kitchen, where her butchery skills are at the core of Charcut's meat-centric menu. Dubbed "the primal ballerina," Chef DeSousa was able to work under Alice Waters at Berkeley's Chez Panisse, which also influenced her style of cuisine. On the menu at Charcut, diners will find house-made sausages, poultry, and beef roasted in the restaurant's custom-built rotisserie, and a handcrafted charcuterie eating bar.
Top review
Gregory
Dined 5 days ago
We loved the cocktails and apps. Got full on apps so can’t comment on entrees. Trevor was a great waiter. We went to the one by the needle
Ten Foot Henry
4.9 (7121)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Contemporary Canadian
Calgary
One of Calgary's most popular casual eateries, Ten Foot Henry was launched by co-owners Aja Lapointe and Stephen Smee. A true neighborhood restaurant that is open all day, Lapointe wanted to create a space that was vegetable-heavy in a city that's surrounded by cattle country. The balance that was created by Lapoint and her chef-husband Smee is a menu that has dishes that are not only healthy, but also leave diners coming back for more. Chargrilled carrots with salsa verde and jerk spice cauliflower are a few of the options that Lapointe serves to Calgary guests to balance out the meat-centered offerings found across the city.
Top review
Nick
Dined on May 27, 2026
Excellent experience at this restaurant. Food was very good especially the goblins pasta. Our server Kayla was very attentive and helpful and confirmed the food choices we made. Highly recommend.
One of Calgary's most popular casual eateries, Ten Foot Henry was launched by co-owners Aja Lapointe and Stephen Smee. A true neighborhood restaurant that is open all day, Lapointe wanted to create a space that was vegetable-heavy in a city that's surrounded by cattle country. The balance that was created by Lapoint and her chef-husband Smee is a menu that has dishes that are not only healthy, but also leave diners coming back for more. Chargrilled carrots with salsa verde and jerk spice cauliflower are a few of the options that Lapointe serves to Calgary guests to balance out the meat-centered offerings found across the city.
Top review
Nick
Dined on May 27, 2026
Excellent experience at this restaurant. Food was very good especially the goblins pasta. Our server Kayla was very attentive and helpful and confirmed the food choices we made. Highly recommend.
Yuwa Japanese Cuisine (fka Zest Restaurant)
4.9 (1354)
CAN$51 and over
Japanese
Kitsilano
~ STORY OF YUWA JAPANESE CUISINE ~

Chef Masahiro Omori is the Executive Chef / Co-owner of Yuwa Japanese Cuisine who was born and raised in Chiba, Japan. His grandmother "YUWA" passionately owned a fish market in Chiba, Japan for over 50 years. Yuwa's dedication to her craft deeply touched Chef Omori and he lovingly brings her spirit forward with his professional experience at a well-known long-established Kaiseki restaurant in Tokyo, Japan.

Chef Masahiro Omori brings specialized regional dishes from across Japan taking advantage of the highest quality, freshest local BC ingredients. These can all be paired with our specialized selection of wines and sake.
Top review
Eric
Dined 5 days ago
Try the Japanese wine! Subtle and delicious. Great service as always.
~ STORY OF YUWA JAPANESE CUISINE ~

Chef Masahiro Omori is the Executive Chef / Co-owner of Yuwa Japanese Cuisine who was born and raised in Chiba, Japan. His grandmother "YUWA" passionately owned a fish market in Chiba, Japan for over 50 years. Yuwa's dedication to her craft deeply touched Chef Omori and he lovingly brings her spirit forward with his professional experience at a well-known long-established Kaiseki restaurant in Tokyo, Japan.

Chef Masahiro Omori brings specialized regional dishes from across Japan taking advantage of the highest quality, freshest local BC ingredients. These can all be paired with our specialized selection of wines and sake.
Top review
Eric
Dined 5 days ago
Try the Japanese wine! Subtle and delicious. Great service as always.
Deane House
4.8 (2228)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Canadian
Inglewood
A collection of beautifully curated rooms, each with its own unique character, set the stage for a Canadian culinary journey at Deane House. In the dining room, library, bar and gardens, we guide guests on a seasonal, regional exploration. Enjoy modern Canadian cuisine, featuring reimagined classics - rich in storytelling and deeply connected to the history of this house, land and community. Chef Jessica Stapley and Pastry Chef Jaimie MacIsaac present lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and weekend brunch in Inglewood, five minutes from Calgary's downtown core. Multiple private dining rooms for hosting groups of any size.
Top review
Michael
Dined 2 days ago
Ambiance, location, food, servers top notch Will definitely be going again and telling about your fine dining
A collection of beautifully curated rooms, each with its own unique character, set the stage for a Canadian culinary journey at Deane House. In the dining room, library, bar and gardens, we guide guests on a seasonal, regional exploration. Enjoy modern Canadian cuisine, featuring reimagined classics - rich in storytelling and deeply connected to the history of this house, land and community. Chef Jessica Stapley and Pastry Chef Jaimie MacIsaac present lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and weekend brunch in Inglewood, five minutes from Calgary's downtown core. Multiple private dining rooms for hosting groups of any size.
Top review
Michael
Dined 2 days ago
Ambiance, location, food, servers top notch Will definitely be going again and telling about your fine dining
River Café
4.7 (5100)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Canadian
Calgary
An extraordinary dining experience is a journey - one of taste, place, and connection.
We've created a beautiful space in a remarkable setting, where every detail is designed to make you feel at home. Our passionate chefs craft menus rooted in regional, seasonal ingredients, offering a true taste of place, while our caring team ensures every moment feels special.
Open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, we are proud to be a regular on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list and Avenue Magazine Calgary's Best Restaurants list year after year.
Relax by our inviting stone fireplace or dine al fresco on our serene, lagoon-facing patio. Surrounded by lush gardens and open green space in Prince's Island Park, we also offer seasonal picnic baskets for those seeking a more leisurely experience.
Top review
SharonGold
Dined 3 days ago
Always a great experience and excellent food. We had a particularly great server as well (service is always great but she was outstanding)
An extraordinary dining experience is a journey - one of taste, place, and connection.
We've created a beautiful space in a remarkable setting, where every detail is designed to make you feel at home. Our passionate chefs craft menus rooted in regional, seasonal ingredients, offering a true taste of place, while our caring team ensures every moment feels special.
Open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, we are proud to be a regular on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list and Avenue Magazine Calgary's Best Restaurants list year after year.
Relax by our inviting stone fireplace or dine al fresco on our serene, lagoon-facing patio. Surrounded by lush gardens and open green space in Prince's Island Park, we also offer seasonal picnic baskets for those seeking a more leisurely experience.
Top review
SharonGold
Dined 3 days ago
Always a great experience and excellent food. We had a particularly great server as well (service is always great but she was outstanding)
Explore other cities and regions
A photo of Thailand
Thailand
Other ways to experience the world through dining
Must Try Korean Dishes Visiter ParisThe GreatsExplore Asian-Owned and -Operated RestaurantsExplore Award-Winning Restaurants on OpenTable The Best Bars on OpenTableTKTKThe Best Restaurants for Breakfast on OpenTableThe Best Brunch RestaurantsThe Best Burgers
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo