Ten Woman-Owned Restaurants + Cafes in Jersey City
With a diverse restaurant scene in Jersey City, several woman-owned and operated restaurants are among the favorites. Each has its own unique story that makes their restaurant an extraordinary experience. We have curated a list of ten woman-owned restaurants and cafes in Jersey City that you can enjoy celebrating Women’s History Month and beyond.
Babka Bail Out – 476 Central Ave
The story behind Babka Bail Out pulls at the heartstrings. At the height of the pandemic, when owner Michal found a fellow mom struggling, she quickly tried to figure out how she could support her. With her husband’s passion for baking during the quarantine, Michal realized she could bake more and sell the babkas to help her friend. With a location in the Heights of Jersey City, Babka Bail Out has become popular and can be found during Christmas markets in New York City!
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Busy Bee Organics – 451 Palisade Ave
At Busy Bee, they are dedicated to providing the community’s “busy bees” with health-supportive, flavorful grab-and-go foods for every lifestyle. The owner, Chef Michelle, has dedicated her career to helping others understand eating habits and providing education on how to nourish their bodies with each bite. She aims to give all “busy bees” meals with aesthetic appeal, complementing textures and flavors and a health-supportive promise with each flavorful addition. You’ll find an assortment of gluten-free baked goods and meals at this café!
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Cocoa Bakery – 475 Central Ave & 275 Grand St.
Chef Jessica Isaacs, owner of Cocoa Bakery Cafe in Jersey City, oversees all its operations. With over a decade of experience as executive pastry chef at renowned establishments like Nobu and Sushi Samba 7, she brings expertise honed at the Three-Michelin-starred Le Calandre. Trained at the Art Institute of New York and the Italian Culinary Institute, Jessica’s recipes have graced magazines and cookbooks. Both locations serve specialty cakes, coffees, and small bites.
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Dream Vista Café – 177 York St
Dream Vista is a charming, woman-owned cafe with a Mediterranean flair. It provides a cozy and welcoming indoor and outdoor atmosphere. It is inspired by European living and offers a unique coffee shop experience and healthy Mediterranean cuisine. Additionally, they offer a space for private events such as birthday parties, baby showers, candle-making classes, and cooking classes that you can enjoy with your BYOB drinks.
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El Gordo – 291 Central Ave
Owner Lizeth started the Peruvian restaurant located in the Heights of Jersey City. The journey began with her mother, a single parent who felt the need to branch off and start a new business. With her homemade recipes and ambitious attitude, she opened the first location in Passaic, New Jersey. The Jersey City location is their fourth El Gordo location, which Lizeth puts a lot of time and energy into. You can enjoy savory Peruvian dishes with vegetarian, meat, and seafood options!
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Harry’s Daughter – 339 Communipaw Ave
Ria Ramkissoon and Alasdair Cotter are the teams behind Harry’s Daughter. The gastropub was named after Ria’s father, who was inspired by her passion for food and the feeling of her childhood in Trinidad and Tobago. The food elevates the flavors of Caribbean home cooking in unique and thoughtful ways, and Alasdair’s drink program combines tropical flavors with the latest trends in cocktails. It is a perfect spot for a celebration!
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Korai Kitchen – 576 Summit Ave.
Korai Kitchen, Jersey City’s first Bangladeshi eatery, is owned and run by a mother-daughter team. The restaurant was born out of a mother’s love for cooking and her ambition to make her dreams a reality. Here, you’ll find slow food—homestyle, halal Bangladeshi dishes—all made with love by chef and owner Nur-E Gulshan Rahman. They offer buffets and weekly specials!
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Lil Dove Café – 589 Palisade Ave
Lil Dove Café is a favorite in the Heights of Jersey City. This café offers a relaxing environment for breakfast or lunch with your loved ones, ranging from popular sandwiches to espresso drinks. The owners of Lil Dove Café also own a popular restaurant and bar across the street, Fox and Crow. Both businesses are family-run, but what makes Lil Dove Café unique is that it is run by their daughters, who have put a lot of thought and creativity behind the café.
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Lokal Eatery & Bar – 2 2nd St
Located along the waterfront, owner Mona has designed the space to provide an upscale experience for Jersey City residents. The ambiance in this restaurant is perfect for a special night out. Their food menu highlights modern American favorites, infusing culturally diverse flavors. The restaurant has Happy Hour specials, where you can enjoy incredible New York City views.
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Subia’s Vegan Café – 506 Jersey Ave
Sisters Yvonne and Nilsa own Subia’s Vegan Café, a local favorite. The sisters know about integrative nutrition and the importance of a healthy lifestyle, which they incorporate into everything they make at the café. You can enjoy plant-based sandwiches, salads, and delicious smoothies here.
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What is your favorite woman-owned restaurant or café in Jersey City?
Author: Arati Patel
Arati is a professional immersed in the environmental and animal welfare field. In her free time, she enjoys walking and spending time with shelter dogs, exploring the outdoors, and always ready to find a new coffee shop. A born and raised Jersey City local, she considers herself a life-long learner who is ready to write and craft inspiring stories to share with everyone!
