Women feed us. It’s an obvious fact. In Philly, women-run kitchens — and women-owned restaurants — make our culinary scene rich, nutritious and diverse.
Also of note: In 2023, the James Beard Foundation awarded its coveted “Restaurateur of the Year” award to Ellen Yin, owner of Fork and High Street Hospitality Group.
Here’s a list of some of our favorite women-run restaurants. 👩🍳
Women-owned restaurants in Philly to try right now
a. kitchen & a. bar (Rittenhouse)
Owner Ellen Yin’s first spot, Old City’s Fork, is not to be missed. But this outwardly simple, inwardly sophisticated, gently French Rittenhouse Square gem boasts deliciousness breakfast (cornmeal pancakes with lemon curd) through dinner (steak bavette) — plus a fully spectacular wine program. 18th and Walnut streets
BARBUZZO (Washington Square West)
Take home Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney’s Mediterranean dishes like whipped ricotta with Sicilian oregano and country bread, wood-fired pizzas, or their famous salted caramel budino. Keep your eye on their IG for frequent specials and deals. 110 S. 13th Street, Midtown Village, (215) 546-9300
SIDE NOTE: Safran and Turney also own other Midtown Village classic Italian joint Little Nonna’s and Midwest-inspired eatery Bud & Marilyn’s — both great spots for a night out for din-din.
BAR BOMBÓN (Rittenhouse)
Try owner Nicole Marquis’ Latin-inspired vegan dishes like the Philly “steak” empanadas, tostones, and the double “chorizo” burger. The whole menu is so jam-packed with flavor, you won’t even miss the meat. Happy hour specials Monday-Friday, 3-6pm. See up-to-date hours here. 133 S. 18th Street, Rittenhouse, (267) 606-6612
RELATED: Support these dozen-plus local businesses opened by local veterans after their military service
CAFÉ YNÉZ (Point Breeze)
Owner Jill Weber is offering Mexican specialties like tortas, fajitas and enchiladas. Order for pickup or delivery Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-9pm, and Friday-Saturday, 10am-10pm. 2025 Washington Avenue, Point Breeze, (215) 278-7579
SIDE NOTE: Weber also owns JET Wine Bar on South Street — a great place to try unique wines from all around the world, and Sor Ynéz, in Kensington.
EL MERKURY (Rittenhouse)
Sofia Deleon offers Central American street food like taquitos and pupusas and a dizzying selection of churros (mayan chocolate, Chinatown, tres leches… to name a few). You can also get sides and stewed meats by the pound, like hilacha chicken: slow braised white meat with tomatillo, achiote and ancho chile. Pick-up or get delivery, Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm. 2104 Chestnut Street, Rittenhouse, (267) 457-5952
SIDE NOTE: There’s also an El Merkury location in Reading Terminal.
HARDENA (South Philadelphia)
The ladies at Hardena are still serving up their comforting Indonesian dishes—like chicken satay, vegetable stew with lemongrass and goat curry. Check their IG for the most up-to-date menu. Open for pickup Wednesday-Monday, 12-8pm. 1754 S. Hicks Street, Newbold, (215) 271-9442
JEZABEL’S ARGENTINE BAKERY & BYO (West Philadelphia)
Get Argentine specialties like mafalda (crossaint sandwich with ham and cheese), alfajores and the empanadas Jezabel is known for—plus quiche, fresh salads and more. Pick-up or get delivery Thursday-Monday from 9am-4pm. 206 S. 45th Street, West Philly, (215) 554-7380
KALAYA (Fishtown)
Get traditional Thai dishes like kang pae (goat curry), som tum (green papaya salad), and kanom jeeb (shumai dumplings). Open for delivery or pick-up Monday-Friday, 5-9pm and Saturday-Sunday 4-9pm. 4 W. Palmer Street, Fishtown, (215) 545-2535
MACMART (Rittenhouse)
It’s the perfect comfort food — order the Rittenhouse for classic mac topped with creamy garlic sautéed spinach and artichoke dip, and potato chip panko crunch. Call for pick up or get delivery — check their social media for hours. 104 S. 18th Street, Rittenhouse, (215) 444-6144
RELATED: Live performances, ice skating, theater and more fun things happening this winter in Philadelphia
RENATA’S KITCHEN (West Philadelphia)
You can still get Renata’s Mediterranean dishes like chicken mohammara, fried halloumi, shakshuka and more, plus six-packs of beer. Text RENATA to 33733 to get priority order status and access to special menus. Pickup and delivery available Tuesday-Friday, 10am-11pm and Saturday-Sunday, 9am-11pm. 3940 Baltimore Avenue, West Philly, (267) 275-8254
SOY CAFE (Northern Liberties)
Avocado grapefruit salad, mushroom miso soup, hot ham-and-cheese toast, mango mama smoothie… get these—and more—vegan treats from Soy Cafe. Open for pickup or delivery Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm; Saturday 11am-9pm and Sunday 11am-6pm. 630 N. 2nd St., Northern Liberties, (215) 922-1003
WINNIE’S MANAYUNK
The all-day menu at Winnie’s includes a wide variety of dishes like paella, vegetarian enchiladas and rigatoni bolognese. Open Monday-Saturday, 11am-9pm and Sunday, 11am-4pm for pickup or delivery. 4266 Main Street, Manayunk, (215) 487-2663
RELATED
