Cosy, charming, elegant and chic – these women helmed restaurants in the capital have something for everyone.
London’s culinary scene is renowned worldwide for its diversity, creativity and exceptional quality. While the city’s top kitchens have historically been dominated by male chefs, a new generation of talented women are making their mark by helming some of London’s most innovative and acclaimed restaurants. In the spirit of celebrating and paying homage to the beautiful women in our lives during Women’s History Month, we have compiled a list of these female helmed restaurants.
After all, what is more celebratory than incredible food?
Apricity by Chantelle Nicholson
Apricity, a Michelin Green Star restaurant located in the upscale Mayfair neighborhood of London, has garnered acclaim for its unwavering commitment to sustainability, regeneration, and the celebration of British produce. Helmed by chef-owner Chantelle Nicholson, the restaurant is renowned for its zero-waste approach to cooking, a philosophy that has previously earned Nicholson prestigious accolades, including a coveted Green Michelin Star.
Cavita by Adriana Cavita
Cavita is a celebrated modern Mexican restaurant helmed by Chef Adriana Cavita, whose rich culinary background includes stints at acclaimed establishments like Pujol in Mexico City and El Bulli in Spain. The restaurant’s chic ambiance, featuring earthy terracotta walls, tropical fronds, and handmade Oaxacan lanterns, sets the stage for a journey through Mexico’s vibrant flavors, colors, and UNESCO-recognized culinary traditions. Cavita’s menu showcases the chef’s passion for sustainable and authentic Mexican cuisine, offering creative dishes like silky tuna tostadas, wood-fired chicken with green mole, and tempura-crusted hake tacos, while highlights include the renowned quesabirrias – slow-cooked beef-shin tacos that encapsulate the richness of Mexican culinary heritage.
Wild by Tart by Jemima Jones and Lucy Carr-Ellison
Wild by Tart is a unique, multifaceted venue located in Belgravia, London that offers more than just a dining experience. Housed in a former power station and coal store, this 9,000 sq. ft space encompasses a MICHELIN Guide-featured restaurant, bar, retail store, events space, and photography studio. Founded by the successful duo Jemima Jones and Lucy Carr-Ellison behind Tart London, Wild by Tart brings their vision to life with a warm, inviting atmosphere despite its industrial setting. The restaurant emphasizes nourishing, delicious, and micro-seasonal fare, offering an assortment of shareable small plates made with produce, including meat and vegetables, sourced from Jemima’s family farm in Northumberland.
The Pen by Sally Abé
The Pem, located near iconic Westminster in London, is an award-winning restaurant celebrated for its exceptional dining experience that expertly blends the essence of historic British cuisine with modern innovation. Recognized in The 2023 National Restaurant Awards and The Square Meal Top 100, The Pem pays homage to beloved British flavors and ingredients through innovative culinary techniques under the skilled leadership of acclaimed Chef Sally Abé, one of London’s most celebrated young chefs. Abé’s focus on hearty, flavor-forward dishes that capture the essence of nostalgic British classics with a subtle contemporary twist has earned her accolades like being named “Chef to Watch” and a GQ Chef of the Year nomination.
Murano by Angela Hartnett
Murano is a distinguished Michelin-starred restaurant in London’s Mayfair district, celebrated for its refined Italian and European cuisine. Opened in 2008 by acclaimed chef Angela Hartnett, known for her tenure with Gordon Ramsay, Murano has been a fixture on the city’s dining scene, drawing both locals and visitors with Hartnett’s passion for elevating classic Italian dishes using modern techniques and the highest quality ingredients. Murano’s elegant yet warm ambiance, featuring soft furnishings and personal touches, provides the perfect setting for a special yet welcoming meal.