The Best Female-Owned Restaurants Across Tennessee You Need to Try

Tennessee has always been a state rich in culinary tradition, and today, some of its most exciting restaurants are led by talented female chefs and entrepreneurs.

These women bring creativity, passion, and bold flavors to every dish they serve, creating dining experiences that locals and visitors rave about. From innovative New American cuisine to authentic Ethiopian flavors, these female-owned spots prove that great food knows no boundaries.

Whether you’re planning a special night out or just want to explore something new, these five restaurants deserve a spot on your must-try list.

1. etch — Nashville

Chef Deb Paquette has turned etch into one of Nashville’s most celebrated dining destinations, earning praise from food critics and everyday diners alike. Her eclectic, globally inspired menu changes with the seasons, offering everything from perfectly seared scallops to inventive vegetarian dishes that surprise even the pickiest eaters.

What sets etch apart is Chef Deb’s fearless approach to flavor combinations. She draws inspiration from her travels around the world, blending Mediterranean, Asian, and Southern influences into dishes that feel both familiar and completely new.

Locals consistently rank etch among Nashville’s best restaurants, and it’s easy to see why when you taste the food. The wine list is thoughtfully curated to complement the adventurous menu, and the knowledgeable staff can guide you to perfect pairings. Whether you order the chef’s tasting menu or pick individual dishes, you’ll leave impressed by the creativity and skill on display.

This isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience that showcases what female-led culinary excellence looks like in Tennessee’s capital city.

2. Henrietta Red — Nashville

Oysters on ice glisten under soft lighting while guests clink glasses at Henrietta Red, a stunning oyster bar and restaurant that has become a Nashville institution. Chef Julia Sullivan created this Germantown gem to celebrate coastal flavors and seasonal ingredients, building a menu that changes regularly to highlight the freshest catches and local produce.

Brunch here has developed an almost cult-like following among locals who line up for fluffy biscuits, perfectly poached eggs, and creative cocktails. Dinner service shifts the focus to pristine seafood—the raw bar showcases oysters from different regions, each with its own unique flavor profile. The kitchen also excels at wood-fired dishes and vegetable preparations that prove sides can steal the show.

Critics have showered Henrietta Red with accolades, and it regularly appears on best-of lists celebrating women in the restaurant industry. So, whether you’re gathering with friends for weekend brunch or planning a romantic dinner, this female-owned restaurant delivers an experience that feels both refined and genuinely warm, capturing the welcoming spirit Tennessee is known for.

3. Cafe Roze — Nashville

Tucked into East Nashville’s vibrant neighborhood scene, Cafe Roze has won hearts with its unpretentious charm and seriously delicious food. The pink-hued exterior hints at the playful yet sophisticated vibe inside, where mismatched chairs and cozy corners create a space that feels like eating at a stylish friend’s house.

Owner and chef Julia Jaksic built this restaurant on the philosophy that fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared simply often taste the best. The menu leans toward New American with Mediterranean touches, featuring dishes that look as gorgeous as they taste. Generous portions mean you’ll definitely get your money’s worth, whether you order the popular grain bowls, perfectly roasted vegetables, or one of the creative pasta dishes.

The restaurant doesn’t take reservations for most tables, which means you might wait during peak times—but locals insist it’s absolutely worth it. Coffee drinks are excellent, and the natural wine selection shows the same thoughtful curation evident throughout the menu.

Cafe Roze proves that neighborhood restaurants can be both casual and exceptional, offering the kind of memorable meal that keeps people coming back week after week.

4. Street Injera Authentic East African Cuisine — Nashville

Walking into Street Injera feels like stepping into someone’s home in Addis Ababa, where the aroma of berbere spices and simmering stews fills the air. This female-owned Ethiopian restaurant has earned some of Nashville’s highest ratings for international cuisine, introducing diners to the complex, layered flavors of East African cooking. If you’ve never tried Ethiopian food before, this is the perfect place to start your delicious adventure.

The star of every meal is injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread that serves as both plate and utensil for scooping up various stews and vegetable dishes. Traditional platters arrive loaded with colorful portions of spicy lentils, tender braised meats, garlicky collard greens, and tangy salads. Eating with your hands using torn pieces of injera creates a fun, communal dining experience that breaks down barriers and gets everyone talking.

Vegetarians and vegans especially love Street Injera because Ethiopian cuisine naturally includes many plant-based dishes packed with protein and flavor. The owners take pride in using authentic recipes and spices, creating meals that taste like they came straight from their grandmother’s kitchen.

For anyone seeking bold, unique flavors and a genuine cultural experience, this Nashville treasure offers something truly special that you won’t find at typical chain restaurants.

5. Brunch Collective — Spring Hill

Just south of Nashville in the growing community of Spring Hill, Brunch Collective has become the weekend destination where families, friends, and couples gather for exceptional morning meals. This female-owned restaurant proves you don’t need to drive into the big city to find creative, high-quality brunch dishes that go way beyond basic pancakes and eggs.

The menu showcases breakfast classics reimagined with fresh twists and generous portions that justify the slightly longer drive. Think fluffy stuffed French toast, savory benedicts with house-made hollandaise, and creative scrambles packed with seasonal vegetables and quality meats. The coffee program takes morning beverages seriously, offering everything from perfectly pulled espresso drinks to specialty lattes that look almost too pretty to drink.

What really sets Brunch Collective apart is the attention to detail and the genuine hospitality that radiates from the staff. They’ve created a space where families with young kids feel welcome alongside couples enjoying a leisurely Saturday morning.

For Spring Hill residents and Nashville visitors willing to venture slightly off the beaten path, this female-owned gem delivers the kind of memorable brunch experience that starts your day off absolutely right.