From chefs to sommeliers, here are the female-led restaurants to support.
London’s dining scene is one of the most exciting in the world. It’s home to women, local and international, who have made their mark on the city. These female pioneers span general managers, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and chefs behind Michelin-starred restaurants – there’s even one behind a three-starred one, no less. We’re used to seeing male chefs shout and storm out of kitchens on television, yet we rarely see women’s success. And, with International Women's Day taking place on 8 March, here are businesses you can support. Come hungry and leave inspired. Here are the top female-led restaurants in London right now.
Apricity
For Chef Chantelle Nicholson, it’s easy being green. She is the driving force behind Apricity, which is one of the most inspiring female-led restaurants in London. Located in Mayfair, the restaurant focuses on sustainable fine dining in London. She was among the first chefs in the country to receive a Michelin Green Star. Sustainability informs every aspect of the restaurant, from ingredient sourcing to kitchen practices. The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal availability, and the kitchen adopts a low-waste philosophy. Choose from a five- or seven-course tasting menu and experience Nicholson’s thoughtful approach to modern dining.
GO: Visit www.apricityrestaurant.com for more information.
Brindisa
If you’re a fan of Spanish food in London, you may well have Monika Linton to thank. She has helped put Spanish cuisine on the map in the capital. She travelled across Spain sourcing authentic ingredients and bringing them back to the city. Brindisa opened in 1988, and today, it can be found across the city, but the Soho location remains one of the liveliest. The concept shines a spotlight on traditional Spanish dishes, from charcuterie and cheeses to seafood and seasonal vegetables.
GO: Visit www.brindisatapas.com for more information.
Cavita
Chef Adriana Cavita has helped change perceptions of Mexican cuisine in London. Originally from Mexico, she began her culinary career at just 17 before working at some of the world’s most famous restaurants, including El Bulli, Lalo! and Pujol. She is behind Cavita in Marylebone, a restaurant that prides itself on fresh and sustainable food. Seafood features prominently on the menu, while street-food classics are elevated with refined technique. Baja Fish Tacos, anyone? Proving that she is multi-talented, she's also an author, salsa producer and event organiser. She has even managed to have time to create an event to celebrate fellow female chefs.
GO: Visit www.cavitarestaurant.com for more information.
CERU
CERU was co-founded by Patricia Hilton – no relation to the famous hospitality family. After travelling across the Mediterranean, she was inspired to bring those flavours back to London. Today, CERU has venues across the capital, from Farringdon to South Kensington. The concept focuses on sharing plates inspired by the cuisines of Israel, Lebanon and Turkey. Bring a group, as the menu is designed for communal dining, with dishes ranging from grilled meats to vibrant salads.
GO: Visit www.cerurestaurants.com for more information.
Chishuru
Chef Adejoké Bakare is a true trailblazer. She made culinary history when she became the first Black woman in the United Kingdom to receive a Michelin Star for their restaurant. She later went on to win a FACT Dining Award in London and is behind one of the top female-led restaurants. Born in Nigeria, Bakare moved to London and originally launched Chishuru as a supper club. The concept quickly gained a devoted following in Brixton before opening a permanent home in Fitzrovia in 2023. The menu showcases modern West African cuisine, combining traditional flavours with contemporary techniques. Enjoy bold spices, rich sauces and an unforgettable dining experience.
GO: Visit www.chishuru.com for more information.
Core by Clare Smyth
Chef Clare Smyth has achieved remarkable success with quiet confidence. She is the chef behind Core by Clare Smyth and became the first British female chef to be behind a restaurant that won three Michelin Stars. Located in Notting Hill, the menu offers a refined take on modern British cuisine. One of the standout dishes is Potato and Roe, which elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Smyth also cooked for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. When she appeared on Meghan’s Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, she spoke about how her kitchen is always calm, and if it isn’t, it means there’s something wrong. Wise words.
GO: Visit www.corebyclaresmyth.com for more information.
Darjeeling Express
Asma Khan has transformed the idea of a female-led restaurant in London. She went from working as a lawyer to hosting supper clubs and eventually becoming an award-winning chef. Located in Carnaby, Darjeeling Express specialises in home-style Indian cooking inspired by family recipes passed down through generations. Popular dishes include Paneer Korma and Prawn Malaikari. She is passionate about empowering women in hospitality, so much so that her restaurant team is made up entirely of women. She has also appeared on Netflix’s Chef’s Table and has even fed King Charles.
GO: Visit www.darjeeling-express.com for more information.
Dream Xi’an
Born in Bohekou village near the Qin Mountains in Shaanxi province in northern China, Guirong Wei grew up surrounded by food. As a child, she helped her mother and grandmother gather wild herbs and vegetables, experiences that shaped her respect for ingredients and traditional cooking. In 2015, she opened Xi’an Impression opposite Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium with her husband, Song Yong, and restaurateur Chao Zhang. In 2026, she opened Dream Xi’an near Tower Bridge, her largest project to date. If you want to do your homework before your visit, watch her on Netflix’s Chef’s Table and learn about one of the top female-led restaurants in London.
GO: Visit https://dreamxian.co.uk for more information.
Firebird
Firebird has been created by not one, but two exceptional women. Anna Dolgushina and Madina Kazhimova joined forces to create Firebird in Soho, a restaurant that showcases contemporary Mediterranean cooking. At the heart of the concept is open-fire cooking, with a menu built around dishes prepared over flame. Highlights include Scallops with truffle mashed potatoes, and Tuna Tartare with ponzu and cured egg yolk. Plus, the wine list, curated by Anna, focuses on natural and biodynamic wines.
GO: Visit www.firebirdlondon.co.uk for more information.
Lady of the Grapes
Lady of the Grapes is a French wine bar and restaurant in Covent Garden founded by Parisian Carole Bryone. The concept champions female winemakers in an industry where women have historically been underrepresented. The wine list showcases bottles produced by women across France and beyond, with a focus on biodynamic and low-intervention wines. The food menu draws inspiration from classic French cuisine. We can raise an organic wine glass to that.
GO: Visit www.ladyofthegrapes.com for more information.
Legado
Chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho was born and raised in Bilbao, Spain. While most of us were learning to ride a bike as children. By the time she was seven years old, she was already preparing meals. She previously worked at Fino as both Sous Chef and Head Chef, and throughout her career, she has championed Spanish cuisine beyond traditional tapas. In 2014, she received a Michelin star for her work at Barrafina. She later earned another Michelin Star for Sabor in 2018 and, most recently, for Legado. The latest venture showcases contemporary Spanish cuisine.
GO: Visit https://www.legadorestaurants.com for more information.
Mallow
With more than 25 years of experience, Sarah Wasserman is one of the leading figures in London’s vegan dining scene. She previously helped build the success of Mildreds before launching Mallow. With locations in Borough Market and Canary Wharf, the restaurant has quickly become a favourite among plant-based diners. Expect vibrant dishes that combine colour, texture and fresh ingredients, alongside a thoughtful selection of alcohol-free drinks.
GO: Visit www.mallow.com for more information.
Myrtle
Located in Chelsea, Myrtle was created by Irish chef Anna Haugh. Her cooking blends modern European techniques with a deep appreciation for Irish ingredients. Haugh trained under Gordon Ramsay, Shane Osborne and Philip Howard before opening her own restaurant. The menu celebrates Ireland’s culinary heritage, with dishes inspired by regional ingredients. Signature plates include Beef Fillet sourced from the Burren and Waterford lemon posset.
GO: Visit www.myrtlerestaurant.com for more information.
Spring
Put a spring in your step and head to Spring. Located in Somerset House, this has been created by Chef Skye Gyngell. She was previously Head Chef at Petersham Nurseries before launching her own venture. Known for her commitment to sustainability, Gyngell has integrated environmentally conscious practices throughout the restaurant, from eliminating single-use plastics to sourcing responsibly produced ingredients. The Scratch Menu is particularly notable, transforming ingredients that might otherwise go to waste into thoughtful and elegant dishes.
GO: Visit www.springrestaurant.co.uk for more information.
The Pie Room
Located within Holborn Dining Room at Rosewood London, The Pie Room has elevated the humble pie into something extraordinary. Chef Nokx Majozi leads the kitchen, blending nostalgia with refined technique. Originally from South Africa, she mastered the art of traditional British pie-making after moving to London. The team definitely have their fingers in the pie. Each day, they produce more than 200 pies. Watch the process through glass windows overlooking the kitchen. We dare you not to be swayed.
GO: Visit www.holborndiningroom.com for more information.
Wild by Tart
Located in Eccleston Yards in Belgravia, Wild by Tart was created by Jemima Jones and Lucy Carr-Ellison. Set inside a former power station, the restaurant champions sustainability and seasonality while offering a relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere. Much of the inspiration comes from farms in Northumberland and Somerset, and brings farm chic to London. The menu focuses on charcoal grills and wood-fired ovens, with dishes ranging from Beetroot Hummus to Mussels with lemongrass, making it one of the most popular female-led restaurants in London,
GO: Visit www.wildbytart.com for more information.
