Celebrate Women's History Month With San Diego's Women-Owned and Operated Eateries
San Diego is filled with some incredible eateries created and run by women; whether it be an innovative distillery, a totally Instagrammable tea house, or trendy restaurant, these women-owned and operated businesses are worth celebrating not just this month, but all year long.
Executive Chef Tara Monsod brings flavors of Southeast Asia – influenced by her Filipino-American upbringing – to San Diego’s beloved fine-dining restaurant, Animae.
Azúcar was founded by Vivian Hernandez-Jackson who combined her classical French training with her Cuban roots to create a unique selection of desserts and pastries.
Café 222 is founder, Terryl Gavre‘s dream come true and their Pumpkin Waffles, Corn Beef Hash, and Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast are every foodie’s dream come true!
Dubbed a guru of single vineyard Zinfandel, Carol Shelton and her husband create elegant, award-winning wines.
Claudia Sandoval, winner of Master Chef Season 6, author of Claudia’s Cocina, and long-time Friend of the Fest, founded Claudia’s Cocina – a modern Mexican pop-up bakery with pastries that are just as mouthwatering as they are eye-catching.
A quintessential North Park coffee shop, Communal Coffee is not only known for their delicious drinks but artistic and creative vibe curated by Jen Byard. Her mission? Creating a space to inspire others.
At Franco on 5th, Flor Franco creates food rich with tradition in a style of her own, based on her experience with cooks and chefs from around the world.
Geraldine Ridaura founded Holy Matcha after being inspired on a trip to Japan, where she first discovered matcha. Get a taste of this healthy green tea alternative in the North Park or East Village location.
Maya Madsen is one smart cookie and also the founder of “America’s #1 Black-Owned Gourmet Vegan Cookie Company.” This place is a ‘batch made in heaven’ for those who have a sweet tooth and prefer vegan eating options.
Carmen Favela and Esthela Davila opened Mujeres Brew House 2020 as San Diego’s first Latinx, women-owned and women-led brewery. Their mission is to “teach people about the world of craft beer, to educate and empower those who love the craft and the trade!”
Born-and-raised San Diegans, Jelynn Malone and Beverly Magtanong, wanted to build a business that could make a difference right here in San Diego and around the world. They serve delicious coffee made from high-quality beans sourced from the Philippines.
Little Italy’s Nolita Hall serves up immaculate vibes, fresh cocktails, and mouthwatering cuisine curated by Executive Chef Moira Hill. San Diego native, Chef Moira dubs her style of food as balanced with bold flavors and a slight surprise.
Founded by tea enthusiasts Amy Truong and Lani Gobaleza, Paru specializes in loose leaf teas, matcha and tisanes from around the world. Their goal is “to create and share moments of calm through tea.”
Provecho Grill
Chef Rosie O’Connor is an award winning Latina chef and the owner of Provecho Grill, where she taps in to her Mexican heritage and Southern California roots to create a mouthwatering menu.
Home to Chef Maeve Rochford, the California Restaurant Association’s 2019 Chef of the Year and Food Network Champion, Sugar & Scribe is a must-visit in La Jolla. Whether you come for the brunch, pastries, or coffee, Sugar and Scribe will always leave you wanting more.
At San Pasqual Winery, Linda McWilliams, her husband, and her team work hard to create wines that resonate with drinkers. Visit their locations in La Mesa and Seaport Village for a glass (or two)!
Owned by Elaine Ardizzone, Sweet Cheeks Baking Co. has just the treats to make life’s moments sweeter. An award-winning bakery in San Diego, Sweet Cheeks has been featured on TLC and Food Network – and won Food Network’s Cupcake Wars!
Tracy Borkum blends Italian and Californian flavors in deliciously-dynamic ways at Urban Kitchen Group, including beloved San Diego restaurants like Cucina Urbana, Cucina Sorella, and Cucina Enoteca.
University of San Diego alumnus, Laura Johnson was on the hunt for a job in spirits distilling when she decided, “What’s better than making my own business?” Thus, You & Yours Distilling Co. was born in 2017. Today, You & Yours Distilling Co. is a local favorite and has one of the most Instagram-worthy tasting rooms.
Crystal White honed in on her craft for 16 years before opening Wayfare, an artisan bread bakery that brings flaky croissants, cookies, cinnamon buns, and delicious thin-crust pizzas to La Jolla.
The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival (a fellow women-owned and operated business) celebrates all women, past and present, who are carving a path for the future!
