Boston’s food scene is teeming with talent, but a select group of powerhouse women has broken barriers, redefined fine dining, and set the standard for culinary excellence. From pioneering chefs to sustainability advocates, these women are leading the charge in the city’s hospitality industry. And to celebrate’s Women’s Month this March, we have rounded up some of our favorite chefs leading the way in Boston right now!

Lydia Shire: Boston’s Original Culinary Trailblazer

When it comes to legendary chefs in Boston, Lydia Shire is the undisputed queen. She became the first female chef in Boston to win a James Beard Award, paving the way for women in fine dining. At 76 years old, she’s still a force in the kitchen at Scampo, her beloved Italian restaurant inside the Liberty Hotel.

Shire’s journey is as bold as her flavors. She started at Maison Robert as a salad girl but was denied a cooking position because she lacked a culinary degree. Undeterred, she sold her engagement ring, moved to London, enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu, and returned to Boston to take her rightful place in the kitchen.

Over the years, Shire has helmed some of the most iconic restaurants, including Harvest, Seasons, and Locke-Ober (which she bought after being denied entry as a child). She’s worked alongside Julia Child, Wolfgang Puck, and Jasper White, building a reputation as one of the most formidable chefs in the country.

Today, she remains an inspiration, proving that age is just a number when passion is your driving force.

Kathy Sidell: The Visionary Behind Saltie Girl’s Success

Kathy Sidell didn’t take the traditional route into the restaurant business. Despite growing up with a father, Jack Sidell, who helped fund some of Boston’s most renowned chefs (including Todd English, Jasper White, and Lydia Shire), she spent her early career in film and media before diving into hospitality at age 47.

Sidell founded The Met Club in 2010, which later evolved into multiple locations. However, her biggest success came with Saltie Girl, Boston’s wildly popular seafood restaurant on Newbury Street, which has since expanded to Los Angeles. Known for its impeccably sourced seafood, caviar, and house-made tinned fish, Saltie Girl has become a national sensation, drawing food lovers and celebrities alike.

With a keen eye for reinvention, Sidell also took over Stephanie’s on Newbury, ensuring its legacy as a Boston institution. Now, she splits her time between Boston and LA, where her son’s dessert brand, SweetBoy, is also gaining traction.

A true innovator, Sidell’s ability to blend classic New England flavors with modern culinary trends has cemented her status as a power player in Boston’s restaurant scene.

Kristin Canty: The Sustainability Advocate Changing the Way Boston Eats

Kristin Canty is not just a restaurateur—she’s a farmer, filmmaker, and sustainability advocate on a mission to transform the food system. She owns Woods Hill Table, Woods Hill Pier 4, and Adelita, where every ingredient is sourced from her own farm or trusted purveyors.

Her passion for organic, sustainable, and nutrient-dense food stems from a personal journey. When her son suffered from severe food allergies, she began researching the connections between health, food, and the environment. This led to her documentary “Farmageddon”, a deep dive into the challenges facing small farmers in America.

At her restaurants, there are no processed or refined ingredients—only whole, responsibly sourced foods. This commitment has earned Woods Hill Table a spot on the Top 20 Most Sustainable Restaurants in the World list.

Canty’s approach is revolutionizing farm-to-table dining, proving that delicious food and responsible sourcing can go hand in hand.

Boston’s Culinary Women Are Leading the Way

These three remarkable women have shaped Boston’s dining scene in unique ways—Shire through her trailblazing spirit, Sidell through her ability to create must-visit destinations, and Canty through her sustainability-first approach. As the city’s food culture continues to evolve, it’s clear that these powerhouse women will remain at the forefront, inspiring the next generation of chefs and restaurateurs. And for more girl power, check out our roundup of female hospitality leaders all around the world at some of the top hotels!