Celebrate International Women’s Month In Boston

Boston’s hospitality scene is thriving, and at the heart of its culinary and beverage renaissance are the women shaping its future. From James Beard Award winners and farm-to-table advocates to sake experts and natural wine champions, these women-owned and women-led establishments are setting new standards for culinary creativity, sustainability, and community-driven dining. As we spotlight the powerhouse women behind some of Boston’s most exciting restaurants, bars, and hotels, we celebrate not only their talent but their impact on the city’s ever-evolving hospitality landscape.

Photo Credit: Resy

Beacon Hill

Scampo at The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston – Lydia Shire
Lydia Shire is a true pioneer in the culinary world. As the first female chef to win a James Beard Award and the first woman to helm a Four Seasons kitchen, her influence is undeniable. Shire’s career began with a bold move—selling her engagement ring to attend Le Cordon Bleu in London—before returning to Boston to revolutionize the city’s restaurant scene. With a career spanning decades, she has worked alongside legends like Julia Child and Wolfgang Puck, and she even acquired the historic Locke-Ober restaurant—once inaccessible to her as a child. Today, at 76, Shire continues to run Scampo, where her culinary artistry remains as vibrant as ever.

215 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114

Photo Credit: Scampo

Back Bay

Saltie Girl and Stephanie’s on Newbury – Kathy Sidell
Kathy Sidell grew up around Boston’s top restaurateurs but didn’t enter the industry herself until she was 47. After two decades in film, she launched The Met Club, which evolved into multiple locations. She later took over her sister’s restaurant, Stephanie’s on Newbury, and transformed Saltie Girl into a nationally acclaimed seafood destination. With locations in both Boston and Los Angeles, Saltie Girl has earned a reputation for its innovative seafood offerings and commitment to sustainability. Sidell’s journey proves that it’s never too late to follow a passion, and her impact on the industry continues to grow.

279 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

190 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

Photo Credit: Stephanie’s on Newbury

Cambridge & Somerville

Oleana – Ana Sortun
A true pioneer in Boston’s culinary scene, Ana Sortun is renowned for her masterful use of Middle Eastern spices and her commitment to locally sourced ingredients. After training at La Varenne in France, she developed a deep appreciation for Mediterranean cuisine, which inspired her to open Oleana in 2001. Her inventive approach to dishes like Sultan’s Delight, Whipped Feta, and Baked Alaska has earned her a James Beard Award and national recognition. Sortun also co-owns Sofra Bakery & Café and Sarma, further cementing her influence on the city’s dining landscape.

134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Photo Credit: Oleana

Dear Annie – Sara Markey & Lauren Friel
A cozy and innovative wine bar with a strong focus on sustainability, Dear Annie is the brainchild of Sara Markey and Lauren Friel, two hospitality veterans dedicated to ethical sourcing and community-driven dining. Friel, a celebrated sommelier, is also the visionary behind Rebel Rebel, another standout natural wine bar in Somerville. At Dear Annie, the duo pairs a thoughtful wine program with pescatarian-friendly small plates that highlight New England’s local bounty, all served in an intimate, welcoming setting.

1741 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140 

Rebel Rebel – Lauren Friel
More than just a wine bar, Rebel Rebel is a movement. Founded by Lauren Friel, a passionate advocate for inclusivity and education in the wine world, this Somerville hotspot at Bow Market is dedicated to showcasing natural and low-intervention wines from around the world. Friel’s mission is to make wine culture more accessible, fun, and socially conscious. With a lively, unpretentious vibe, Rebel Rebel has become a beloved space for both casual drinkers and serious wine aficionados.

1741 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

Field & Vine – Sara Markey
A cozy, farm-to-table gem in Cambridge, Field & Vine is the passion project of Sara Markey, a chef dedicated to seasonal cooking and sustainable sourcing. The menu shifts regularly to highlight New England’s best produce, meats, and seafood, creating comforting yet refined dishes that celebrate simplicity and freshness. With an ever-evolving menu and a warm, community-focused atmosphere, Field & Vine embodies Markey’s deep commitment to responsible dining.

9 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143

Celeste – Maria Rondeau
A celebration of contemporary Peruvian cuisine, Celeste is co-owned by architect and filmmaker Maria Rondeau, who brings a unique perspective to restaurant design and hospitality. Her vision has helped create a dining experience that is as visually striking as it is delicious. With a small but dynamic menu featuring standout dishes like fresh ceviche and lomo saltado, Celeste has been praised for its ability to transport diners straight to Lima.

21 Bow St, Somerville, MA 02143

Photo Credit: Sarma

Sarma – Cassie Piuma
As the executive chef and co-owner of Sarma, Cassie Piuma has perfected the art of meze-style dining. Her menu is a celebration of Turkish and Mediterranean flavors, featuring inventive, shareable dishes that highlight bold spices and seasonal ingredients. From her signature lamb kofte to crispy Brussels sprouts bravas, Piuma’s playful take on Eastern Mediterranean cuisine keeps diners coming back for more.

249 Pearl St, Somerville, MA 02145

Photo Credit: Boston Chefs

Urban Hearth – Erin Miller
At Urban Hearth, Erin Miller brings her fine-dining background and deep respect for New England’s agricultural heritage into a warm, intimate space. A former pastry chef turned executive chef and owner, Miller crafts seasonal tasting menus that highlight local farms and producers. Her storytelling approach to food ensures that every dish not only tastes incredible but also connects diners to the land and the people behind the ingredients.

2263 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

Greater Boston

The Inn at Hastings Park – Trisha Pérez Kennealy
Owner Trisha Pérez Kennealy of The Inn at Hastings Park is both a savvy entrepreneur and a skilled chef, blending business acumen with culinary expertise. She holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and earned her Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie from Le Cordon Bleu in London. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Trisha spent her childhood surrounded by family, savoring great food and sharing stories—an experience that shaped her deep appreciation for hospitality. Her family later moved to Lexington, MA, a town she and her husband, Mike, ultimately chose to raise their three children. Drawn by its strong sense of community, historical significance, and cultural diversity, Lexington felt like home. Through The Inn at Hastings Park, Trisha shares her love for Lexington and her passion for exceptional cuisine and warm hospitality, welcoming travelers from around the world. Notably, The Inn at Hastings Park is an all-women-owned and -operated property. Women lead every department—including the Owner, General Manager, Executive Chef, Director of Sales & Marketing, and Food & Beverage Director. Additionally, both the Inn’s PR agency and marketing company are women-owned and run, further reinforcing its commitment to female leadership in hospitality.

“I am inspired as a female entrepreneur by seeing my vision of owning a small hotel and restaurant come to life while also being a role model for other women in this industry,” said Kennealy. “Developing and maintaining a platform to deliver what we describe at the Inn at Hastings Park as Revolutionary Hospitality is an ongoing job but one that I thoroughly enjoy doing along with my very talented and hardworking female management team.”

2027 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02421

Photo Credit: The Inn at Hastings Park

Woods Hill Table – Kristin Canty
Kristin Canty is redefining farm-to-table dining by raising her own food for her restaurants. As the owner of Woods Hill Table, Woods Hill Pier 4, Adelita, and The Farm at Woods Hill, she ensures every dish is free of processed ingredients, prioritizing gut health and sustainability. Beyond her restaurants, Canty is a nationally recognized filmmaker and activist. Her documentary Farmageddon – The Unseen War on American Family Farms shed light on challenges facing small farmers. Her restaurant, Woods Hill Table, has even been named one of the Top 20 most sustainable restaurants in the world.

24 Commonwealth Ave, Concord, MA 01742

24 Commonwealth Ave, Concord, MA 01742

300 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston, MA 02210

1200 Main St, Concord, MA 01742 

Photo Credit: Nightshade Noodle Bar

Nightshade Noodle Bar – Rachel Miller
Rachel Miller has redefined the noodle bar experience with her French-Vietnamese-inspired tasting menu at Nightshade Noodle Bar. A James Beard Award semifinalist, Miller blends her fine-dining expertise with her love of bold, Southeast Asian flavors, resulting in an adventurous yet refined menu. Guests flock to Nightshade for her signature seafood dishes, house-made noodles, and unexpected flavor pairings, making it one of the most exciting dining destinations in Greater Boston.

73 Exchange St, Lynn, MA 01901

South Boston

Fox & The Knife and Bar Volpe– Karen Akunowicz
A James Beard Award-winning chef and former “Top Chef” contestant, Karen Akunowicz has brought the flavors of Modena, Italy, to Boston with Fox & The Knife. Known for her handmade pastas and bold, comforting flavors, she creates dishes that feel both nostalgic and modern. With an inviting atmosphere and an energetic open kitchen, Fox & The Knife has become one of the city’s top destinations for Italian cuisine. Travelers can also taste Fox & The Knife dishes in her sister restaurant, Fox & Flight located in Terminal A at Boston Logan International Aiport. Fliers can enjoy signature dishes such as the crave-worthy rigatoni Bolognese paired with a refreshing Campari margarita.

Following the success of Fox & The Knife, Karen Akunowicz expanded her vision with Bar Volpe, a restaurant focused on Southern Italian cuisine. Here, she highlights regional specialties like handmade ricotta-stuffed pasta, grilled seafood, and house-cured meats, paired with an extensive Italian wine selection. The chic yet casual space reflects Akunowicz’s love for Italian hospitality and craftsmanship.

28 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127

170 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127

Photo Credit: Fox & The Knife

North End

TABLE – Jen Royle
A former sports journalist turned restaurateur, Jen Royle brings a unique, communal dining experience to the North End with TABLE. The restaurant’s family-style setup fosters conversation and connection over multi-course Italian feasts. Royle’s dedication to hospitality and her passion for authentic Italian flavors make TABLE one of the most memorable dining experiences in the neighborhood.

445 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

Photo Credit: Chris Christo/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images

Brookline

La Morra – Jen & Josh Ziskin
For over 20 years, Jen Ziskin and her husband, Chef Josh Ziskin, have brought the flavors of Northern Italy to Brookline with La Morra. As the co-owner and wine director, Jen curates a well-rounded selection of Italian wines that complement the restaurant’s housemade pastas and wood-grilled meats. Her expertise and warm hospitality have made La Morra a beloved neighborhood staple.

48 Boylston St, Brookline, MA 02445

Brighton

The Koji Club – Alyssa Mikiko DiPasquale
A trailblazer in Boston’s beverage scene, Alyssa Mikiko DiPasquale, the founder of The Koji Club, has created the city’s first dedicated sake bar. With a mission to demystify sake culture and make it more approachable, DiPasquale offers curated tastings and Japanese-inspired small plates in a chic, intimate space. Her deep knowledge and infectious enthusiasm make The Koji Club a must-visit for sake lovers and newcomers alike.

425 Washington St, Brighton, MA 02135 

Photo Credit: The Koji Club

Seaport & Downtown

Trade – Jody Adams
A legend in Boston’s dining scene, Jody Adams is the visionary behind Trade, where Mediterranean flavors meet New England ingredients. Adams, a James Beard Award-winning chef, has been a driving force in the city’s culinary evolution for decades, championing fresh, globally inspired cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.

540 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02210

Fenway

Fool’s Errand – Tiffani Faison
A bold and creative force in Boston’s restaurant scene, Tiffani Faison has built a reputation for pushing culinary boundaries. Fool’s Errand, her standing-room-only snack bar, offers sophisticated small bites and a playful cocktail menu, delivering a unique, high-energy experience that showcases her fearless approach to food.

1377 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215

Events to Celebrate International Women’s Day

Matria Boston’s International Women’s Day Dinner
On Friday, March 7 at 7pm, Matria Boston will host a memorable evening celebrating women on the eve of International Women’s Day. Guests will indulge in a thoughtfully curated four-course menu crafted by InterContinental’s Executive Sous Chef, Katia Soujol. Enjoy dishes such as Manciata Burrata crostini con Jamon de Bosses with a medley of citrus and heirloom cherry tomatoes, hazelnut, and micro basil, Tajarin alla Carbonara con Tartufo Blanco with airy foam, crispy Guanciale, Parmigiano e Pecorino cheeses, short ribs e Carota Caramellata, Vialone Nano Risotto al Barolo, Torrone Coated con Nocciola, and Quenelle de Gelato al Pistachio. Each dish will be paired with wines carefully selected from Avaline Wines, a female-owned and operated organic wine brand that is vegan-friendly, free of added sugar or unwanted additives, and transparently produced. Founded by Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power, Avaline Wines embodies the spirit of thoughtful, clean winemaking.

Book via Resy

510 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02210

Photo Credit: Avaline Wines

Saltie Girl’s Chef’s Tasting Dinner with Female-Owned Tinned Fish Brands
In partnership with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Saltie Girl will host an exclusive Chef’s Tasting Dinner on March 17 from 6–8pm featuring a curated tasting experience featuring premium, responsibly sourced tinned seafood expertly paired with champagne, beer, and wine.The female-led seafood brands including Chef Charlotte Langley, founder of Nice Cans, a bold new line of delicious canned seafood known for its MSC-certified sustainable sourcing and Marissa Fellows, founder of Great Lakes Tinned Fish, which celebrates the rich fishing heritage of the Great Lakes with regionally inspired, high-quality tinned fish. Jacie Marks, Head of Marketing and Communications for MSC USA, will discuss the importance of choosing MSC-certified seafood and how sustainable practices are shaping the future of the seafood industry.

Book via Resy

279 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116

Photo Credit: Saltie Girl

Sonsie Presents “Women of Wine” Spring Dinner: A Night of Perfect Pairings
Celebrate women in the wine industry with an exquisite five-course wine pairing dinner at Sonsie on Wednesday, March 26 from 6–9 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm). This special evening highlights the craftsmanship of female winemakers while showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients. Savor five thoughtfully curated courses, each complemented by a carefully selected wine, as experts from Jackson Family Wines guide you through the pairings and share insights into the winemaking process. Dishes include a chilled asparagus tart paired with Matanzas Creek Chenin Blanc; butter-poached Gulf shrimp paired with Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay; truffled ricotta ravioli paired with Jackson Estate Santa Maria Chardonnay; and a duo of braised and roasted beef paired with Freemark Abbey & Stonestreet Cabernet. For dessert, enjoy a rhubarb streusel tart with a special cocktail pairing.

Limited seating available. Reserve via Eventbrite

327 Newbury Street, Boston, MA

Photo Credit: Winston Flowers

Winston Flowers
To honor International Women’s Day, a global celebration of women’s achievements on Saturday, March 8, Winston Flowers presents a limited-edition arrangement featuring the holiday’s official flower: the golden mimosa. Chosen in 1946 by Italian feminists as a symbol of strength, sensibility, and sensitivity, the mimosa has since become a cherished token of appreciation on Women’s Day. The ‘For Women Everywhere’ arrangement thoughtfully designed in a textured vase embodies the beauty and brilliance of inspiring women, showcasing cheerful ‘Clooney’ ranunculus, pale yellow ‘butterfly’ ranunculus, golden spray roses, double tulips, and radiant mimosa blooms.

131 Newbury St, 02116

160 Southampton St, 02118

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