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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 (1327)
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
JasonVIP
Dined on Feb 14, 2025
Exceptional as always. Wild boar pici and a brunello transports me back to montalcino
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
JasonVIP
Dined on Feb 14, 2025
Exceptional as always. Wild boar pici and a brunello transports me back to montalcino
Grey Gardens
4.8 (1248)
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
AnthonyRVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Great food and staff. Rarely leave a review. But had a wonderful time.
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
AnthonyRVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Great food and staff. Rarely leave a review. But had a wonderful time.
Graziella Restaurant
4.9 (1261)
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
Gary
Dined 4 days ago
An overall nice dining experience. The reinterpreted Ossobuco was a delight.
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
Gary
Dined 4 days ago
An overall nice dining experience. The reinterpreted Ossobuco was a delight.
Helena
4.8 (1940)
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
HowardMVIP
Dined 5 days ago
I would visit Montreal just for the exp of eating at Helene
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
HowardMVIP
Dined 5 days ago
I would visit Montreal just for the exp of eating at Helene
Île Flottante
4.7 (2036)
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
LittlewaveVIP
Dined 5 days ago
An unforgettable Culinary Journey I had the pleasure of finally dining at Restaurant Ile Flottante, and it was nothing short of a beautiful culinary experience. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance set the tone for what would be an unforgettable meal. The dishes were not only incredibly flavorful but also visually stunning. Each plate was like a work of art, bursting with color and creativity. You could tell that the chef put immense thought and passion into his creations. Speaking of the chef, we had the opportunity to meet him, and I was so impressed by his humility and kindness. It was clear that he truly care about his craft and the experience of his guests. Our waiter, Jeremie was exceptional. With every dish, he provided thoughtful and detailed explanations that made the experience feel even more personal. It was as if the journey had already begun with his words. His warmth and enthusiasm made the evening even more enjoyable. If you're looking for not just a meal, but an experience that delights all the senses, I recommend everyone l'Ile Flottante and i would definitely put this restaurant on the Michelin list.
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
LittlewaveVIP
Dined 5 days ago
An unforgettable Culinary Journey I had the pleasure of finally dining at Restaurant Ile Flottante, and it was nothing short of a beautiful culinary experience. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance set the tone for what would be an unforgettable meal. The dishes were not only incredibly flavorful but also visually stunning. Each plate was like a work of art, bursting with color and creativity. You could tell that the chef put immense thought and passion into his creations. Speaking of the chef, we had the opportunity to meet him, and I was so impressed by his humility and kindness. It was clear that he truly care about his craft and the experience of his guests. Our waiter, Jeremie was exceptional. With every dish, he provided thoughtful and detailed explanations that made the experience feel even more personal. It was as if the journey had already begun with his words. His warmth and enthusiasm made the evening even more enjoyable. If you're looking for not just a meal, but an experience that delights all the senses, I recommend everyone l'Ile Flottante and i would definitely put this restaurant on the Michelin list.
CHARCUT
4.4 (4311)
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
KenVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Charcut came to us as a local favorite while visiting in Calgary. It completely lived up to expectations. The ambience is warm and contemporary, and the food is excellent, with a focus on local meats and produce. The wine list is terrific, especially on Wednesdays when it is 50% off. Especially high marks for the service team: fun, friendly, and excellent advisors on the menu.
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
KenVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Charcut came to us as a local favorite while visiting in Calgary. It completely lived up to expectations. The ambience is warm and contemporary, and the food is excellent, with a focus on local meats and produce. The wine list is terrific, especially on Wednesdays when it is 50% off. Especially high marks for the service team: fun, friendly, and excellent advisors on the menu.
Donna Mac
4.5 (566)
CAN$30 and under
Contemporary Canadian
Calgary
Donna Mac's co-owner Amy Turner has been churning out grandma-style classic dishes with modern touches at the Beltline restaurant in Calgary. The name of the restaurant comes from Turner's grandmother, a resourceful mother of six who knew how to hunt, kept a garden, and was able to make masterful meals out of limited means. Turner's goal for the restaurant is for diners to have a new appreciation for all parts of animals, fruits, and vegetables, even the bits and scraps that one often overlooks.
Top review
AaronVIP
Dined on Feb 15, 2025
Another fantastic dinner for V-day, thank you for everything!
Donna Mac's co-owner Amy Turner has been churning out grandma-style classic dishes with modern touches at the Beltline restaurant in Calgary. The name of the restaurant comes from Turner's grandmother, a resourceful mother of six who knew how to hunt, kept a garden, and was able to make masterful meals out of limited means. Turner's goal for the restaurant is for diners to have a new appreciation for all parts of animals, fruits, and vegetables, even the bits and scraps that one often overlooks.
Top review
AaronVIP
Dined on Feb 15, 2025
Another fantastic dinner for V-day, thank you for everything!
Ten Foot Henry
4.8 (6398)
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
Jessica
Dined 1 day ago
So good very delicious. Great service definitely will be going back.
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
Jessica
Dined 1 day ago
So good very delicious. Great service definitely will be going back.
Yuwa Japanese Cuisine (fka Zest Restaurant)
4.9 (1306)
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
AndyVIP
Dined on Feb 22, 2025
A hidden gem, presentatation quality and taste profile of every dish was superb.
~ 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
AndyVIP
Dined on Feb 22, 2025
A hidden gem, presentatation quality and taste profile of every dish was superb.
Deane House
4.7 (1984)
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 dinner and weekend brunch in Inglewood, 5 minutes from Calgary's city centre.
Top review
HannaVIP
Dined today
Enjoyed a lovely dinner celebrating my husbands birthday.
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 dinner and weekend brunch in Inglewood, 5 minutes from Calgary's city centre.
Top review
HannaVIP
Dined today
Enjoyed a lovely dinner celebrating my husbands birthday.
River Café
4.7 (4885)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Canadian
Calgary
An extraordinary dining experience is to embark on a journey. We have created a beautiful place in an extraordinary setting and have tended to the details that make you feel at home: staff who care, chefs who are passionate about quality and the regional seasonal ingredients that bring to your palate a taste of place.

Getting to River Cafe is just a walk in the park.

Access River Café on Prince's Island Park from:
1. North side crossing the Bow River and Memorial Drive at the Calgary Curling Club.
2. South East end of the island at the 2nd street SW bridge, directly East of Eau Claire Market.
3. South West end of the island at 6th Street SW and Eau Claire Way near the Peace Bridge.
Eau Claire Plaza is currently closed for construction.
Please note, only our Afternoon Menu is served daily from 4:00pm-5:00pm.

Thank you for choosing to dine with us, we look forward to serving you!
Top review
CodyVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Great all around! Everything we tried was delicious.
An extraordinary dining experience is to embark on a journey. We have created a beautiful place in an extraordinary setting and have tended to the details that make you feel at home: staff who care, chefs who are passionate about quality and the regional seasonal ingredients that bring to your palate a taste of place.

Getting to River Cafe is just a walk in the park.

Access River Café on Prince's Island Park from:
1. North side crossing the Bow River and Memorial Drive at the Calgary Curling Club.
2. South East end of the island at the 2nd street SW bridge, directly East of Eau Claire Market.
3. South West end of the island at 6th Street SW and Eau Claire Way near the Peace Bridge.
Eau Claire Plaza is currently closed for construction.
Please note, only our Afternoon Menu is served daily from 4:00pm-5:00pm.

Thank you for choosing to dine with us, we look forward to serving you!
Top review
CodyVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Great all around! Everything we tried was delicious.
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