Explore the Best Women-Led Restaurants in Austin for 2019

March 8th is International Women’s Day. In celebration, we created a list featuring some of the most exceptional women in Austin’s culinary scene. As the capital of queso and keeping things weird, this BBQing, freewheeling, food-trucking city is all about innovation and experimentation. Next time you’re in town, we invite you to celebrate women (and eat something delicious) at one of these top spots.

The OpenTable Team

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Updated February 03, 2023

Arlo Grey by Kristen Kish

Price: Expensive

American

Downtown

4.6

1470 reviews

Self-taught chef Kristen Kish rose to fame after winning season 10 of Top Chef in 2012. However, she didn’t stop there. She traveled extensively for five years, before moving to Austin and diving into the world of the hotel restaurant. Kristen says cooking for others gives her confidence, and that confidence is certainly apparent in every aspect of Arlo Grey. Local Texan ingredients are elegantly and expertly fused into a French and Italian menu, including simple yet indulgent weekend brunch options. Add in the view over Lady Bird Lake for a restaurant that’s almost perfect in every way.

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Takeout available

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Chez Zee

Price: Moderate

American

Northwest

4.5

4194 reviews

Chez Zee has been an Austin favorite since 1989. Owner Sharon Watkins used to run an ad agency but decided to buy a little dive known as Chez Fred and make a go of it in the restaurant biz. She wanted to combine the sense of an old-world bakery with the simple and satisfying charm of an American bistro. Today, Chez Zee continues to delight diners with a range of dishes from fried pickles to flat iron steak. Board games and author-featured nights ensure guests are always entertained. Come and be enchanted by this fun and welcoming restaurant.

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El Alma Cafe y Cantina

Price: Moderate

Mexican

Downtown

4.7

867 reviews

Chef Alma Alcocer hails from Mexico City and honed her culinary skills at Jeffrey’s, an Austin fine-dining institution. She is now the executive chef for the entire El Chile restaurant group, and along with friend and restaurateur, Carlos Rivero, she has opened her own venture: El Alma. The vision was to meld Alma’s Mexican roots with her fine dining training. This has resulted in a unique menu that includes delights such as Huevos Franceses. The rooftop patio is a favorite spot for stunning views of Austin’s skyline.

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Uchiko Austin

Price: Very Expensive

Sushi

Central Austin

4.9

5814 reviews

Billed as the "child of Uchi," one of Austin’s finest and most popular restaurants, Uchiko is Japanese cuisine with a farm-to-table philosophy. Uchiko is famous for its divine private dining and immaculate events, and the woman behind the scenes is Camille Ross. Her position as events manager at Uchiko has transformed it into so much more than just a restaurant. Uchiko’s women continue with Angela Majko, expert sushi chef and veteran of Food Network’s Chopped. Majko is popular with regulars, often getting a personal mention in reviews. Sushi delights at Uchiko include boquerones with white anchovy and hotate with scallop and avocado.

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