As a food lover in California, I have been to hundreds of restaurants, however, a few have kept my eye. There’s nothing better than a delicious meal made by such wonderful chefs that cook with so much heart. As a female entrepreneur myself, I love supporting other females in leadership roles paving the way in their line of work. Continue reading below to see my list of The Best Female Chefs to Support in California.

Alice Waters

Alice Louise Waters is an American chef, restaurateur, activist, and author. She is the owner of Chez Panisse, a delicious restaurant that is located in Berkeley, California. The restaurant famous for creating the farm-to-table movement and for pioneering California cuisine, which she opened in 1971. It is truly exceptional cuisine that you must try in the Northern California area.

Crista Luedtke

If you are a Foodie in California then you know Chef Crista Luedtke. She is not only a Chef but has also starred on the Food Network. I had the pleasure of interviewing the chef of the restaurants Boon Eat + Drink, Brot Modern, and Boon Hotel & Spa. Read more about Crista in My Interview with Chef Crista Luedtke.

Domenica Catelli

Domenica Catelli, a trailblazer in California’s culinary scene, steers the iconic Catelli’s in Sonoma County with a blend of innovation and tradition. As executive chef and co-owner, her leadership transforms locally sourced, organic ingredients into unforgettable dishes, like the signature handmade ravioli and the inventive “Pasta of the Moment.” Domenica’s dedication to excellence and her role as a prominent female chef make her a standout figure, ensuring Catelli’s remains a must-visit for those championing influential women in the culinary world.

Dominique Crenn

Dominique Crenn opened Atelier Crenn in January 2011 to express her passion and her heritage as she is a French Chef. In November 2018, Crenn beat her own record and became the first female chef in the US to receive three Michelin Stars. Check out the Atelier Crenn website here to make a reservation at this fabulous restaurant.

Dominique Crenn is also the owner of the added Bar Crenn which I loved when I visited. Check out my blog post of The Beautiful Wine Bar Crenn.

Duskie Estes

Duskie Estes is known for her dedication to ethical sourcing and advocacy for small farmers in her farm-to-table restaurant. Estes’s career not only includes being a restaurateur and chef, but also television appearances on Food Network and PBS.

Joanne Weir

Chef Joanne Weir of Sausalito’s Copita Restaurant is an award-winning cookbook author, food writer, cooking teacher, & professional chef living in San Francisco, California. Check out my Interview with Chef Joanne Weir on my blog here. She has recently published a fabulous cookbook, Kitchen Gypsy. Just looking at the pictures and the recipes makes me hungry!

If you love cookbooks, check out my post on The Best Cookbooks From Chefs I Adore.

Lisa Lu

If you’re looking for anything sweet, Lisa Lu is the expert at it. She is truly one of the best pastry chefs around. I’ve been lucky enough to have tried her delicious desserts at both The Matheson Healdsburg and Valette. Read more about Lisa Lu at The Incredible Matheson Healdsburg and at The Amazing Valette Restaurant.

Liza Hinman

Liza Hinman stands out as a beacon of innovation and flavor in the vibrant tapestry of Sonoma County’s culinary scene. As the mastermind behind The Spinster Sisters, she’s not just a chef but a trailblazer who’s been enriching our palates since 2004. Liza’s culinary journey began with summer jobs during college, lighting the spark for a passion that would define her career. At The Spinster Sisters, every dish tells a story of creativity, dedication, and a deep love for the art of cooking.

Melissa Perello

Melissa Perello is an American chef best known for holding a Michelin star at her restaurants Octavia & Frances. Melissa has has won awards from both Chronicles and Food & Wine magazines, where they highlight her amazing talent. To learn more about Melissa Perello, check out my Interview with Chef Melissa Perello here.

You’re definitely going to want to stop by her new restaurant Octavia to try her fabulous food. Check out My Amazing Visit to Award-Winning Octavia.

Melissa Yanc

One of my favorite duos includes Melissa Yanc along her partner Sean McGaughey. These chefs are quite popular in the Healdsburg area with their restaurants Quail and Condor and Troubadour Bistro. Anything Melissa does, you know it’s going to be an amazing culinary experience.

Check out The Amazing Quail and Condor and Tasty Troubadour Bistro on my blog here.

Nancy Oakes

Nancy Oakes is the brilliant chef of Boulevard restaurant in San Francisco. After winning several awards as outstanding restaurant in the San Francisco area, Nancy Oakes has created a remarkable reputation in the area. Read more about Nancy Oakes and about the Boulevard Restaurant here.

Nicole Krasinski

Nicole Krasinski is the pastry chef/co-owner of The Progress and State Bird Provisions. While working at the legendary Tapawingo, she developed her own unique style of cooking, blending simplicity with seasonal and local foods. Her pastries are delicious and you must try them for yourself. 

Nite Yun

Nite Yun is the chef and owner of restaurant Nyum Bai, a spot that has become the talk of California. Yun’s California restaurant features Cambodian cuisine that allows her and others to reconnect with Cambodian culture. Truly a delicious and nostalgic spot, check out the Nyum Bai website here.

Pim Techamuanvivit

Pim Techamuanvivit is a Thai chef and the owner of Nari, Kamin and Michelin-starred Kin Khao restaurant in San Francisco. She is truly a brilliant chef that has achieved her fair share of accomplishments over the years.

Sarah Rich

Sarah Rich is the chef/co-owner of Rich Table. Sarah and her husband Evan Rich has also published a great cookbook you can see on The Best CookBooks I Adore and Use Often. In 2013, she was named StarChefs Rising Star Chef Award. Check out my Interview with Sarah and Evan Rich on my blog here.

Sharon Nahm

Born in Korea and raised in California, Sharon brings a unique and fresh taste to the kitchen with her fabulous recipes. Sharon’s strong association with her cultural roots, and her professional experience create a dynamic cooking style that you have to try! Check out her restaurant’s E&O Kitchen and Bar’s website here.

Suzette Gresham

Suzette Gresham, also known as Suzette Gresham-Tognetti, is an American chef who holds two Michelin stars at her restaurant Acquerello in San Francisco, California. She was the first female Chef’s Apprentice to accompany the U.S. Culinary Olympic Team to Frankfurt, Germany in 1980. Check out the Acquerello website here.

Tanya Holland

 Tanya Holland is acclaimed for her inventive take on modern soul food, as well as comfort classics. She is the Executive Chef/Owner of the internationally beloved Brown Sugar Kitchen restaurant in Oakland, California. You may have even seen her recently on HBO Max with the famous Selena Gomez on Selena+ the Chef.