17 queer-owned restaurants in Toronto
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Toronto is home to many a queer-owned and operated restaurants, so we rounded up the creme (fraiche) of the crop for you to support and chow down
There are more Queer-owned restaurants in the city than we have ever seen and tasted, and we're so happy to share the spots we know and love.
The last time we compiled this list it was during the pandemic to let folks know which queer spots to order takeout from. We are SO thrilled to present this freshly baked, updated list of restaurants you can order from, but also so inside and sit and enjoy. The world of eating-out is difficult and it's often not cheap, but these restauranteurs are putting their whole back into their businesses and if you ARE chosing to go out to eat, but these businesses at the top of your list.
Let us know if we’ve missed any, bon apétit!
Bacan
Our favourite spot for empanadas in the city is on Roncy, and it’s owned by lesbian couple Mina and Ale. They also make arepas, and have vegetarian options. We have a few faves, but we recommend just ordering an entire box and trying them all.
Bad Attitude Bakery
This west-end, plant-based bakery is run by baker Logan Dunn, and is currently operating out of their shop storefront at 816 Dundas St W. Their creations are delicious, creative and we love their ethos of "none of this "you wouldn't even know it's vegan!" it is vegan, and it tastes good because of it." Periodttt.
Banu
This Queen west spot serves “Persian cocktails, cuisine & culture,”…. and are some of the loveliest people you’ll ever meet. They're only open for the rest of this month, so be sure to go in and try it before they're gone! Banu is unique, delicious and everything they do is gorgeous.
Buvette Pacey
THE cutest, sweetest and yummiest queer-owned wine bar in the east end is officially Buvette Pacey. Named partly after the owner's dog, this queer-women-of-colour-run wine bar runs a sapphic wine night, have an impressive vine selection and a super fun cocktail menu. They do breakfast, and the and evening time nibble menu is perfect for snaking on, sipping and chilling with friends.. and their dogs. It's a dog friendly space, y'all!
Gateau Ghost
Located in the nether regions of College Street, Gateau Ghost was born out of the pandemic and started as an online madeline pop-up from chef Jayden Park. But GG is all grown up, and girl is delicious! Best known for this brunch (and that shrimp toast!...) GG have recently started serving dinner. As an added bonus, everyone who works there is stunning and friendly.
Bar Neon & Café Neon
Café Neon on Queen for brunch and lunch, Bar Neon on Bloor for Greek goodness and when the the season is right, one of the best patios in the city. These queer-owned spots are super friendly, delicious, fresh, always have cute specials and do dine-in and take out like pro's
The Diners Corner
Ackee and saltfish, jerk salmon and rasta pasta are all on menu at this Jamaican restaurant. A truly unique queer-owned west Indian spot open for weekend brunch, lunch and dinner.
La Bartola
We have a major crush on Ivan, owener of La Bartola, but this College street Mexican restaurant is much more than just his stunning smile. This is a plant-based resto recently received a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand! He uses Nixtamal Heirloom corn for their tortillas and the spot is inspired by him hometown of Mexico City, and his fave spot Oaxaca City. The dishes are beautiful, inspired and bursting with flavour.
Glad Day Bookshop
Drag Brunch at the world’s oldest queer bookstore is THE spot in the village for entertainment and eggs. There are two seatings, Saturday's 11am and 2pm.
Levant Pizza
Owners Nader Qawasmi and Tamer Agha bring us yummmmmmy Sicilian-Levantine style pizza. Their flavour combinations and originality are next level. "Ezzo’s Pep with Harissa Honey Butter Drizzle, The Shawarma, Upside Down “Maqluba”…. what?! This Bloocour village pizza joint lets you mix and match pizza types and love experimenting with ingredients. They also have homemade hummus and kunafa worth trying and offer halal pepperoni options.
Lao Lao Bar
This stunning spot is a celebration of contemporary expressions of Lao culture. This queer-owned spot has super fun cocktails, is open for lunch and dinner and is a great spot for a medium or large group of friends who want to share colourful, delicious plates.
Lox & Schmear
A small batch fish smokehouse?! YES PLEASE. The 1030 St. Clair Avenue West spot is queer owned and run, the bagels are from Montreal's St. Urbain (the Bathurst and Eglinton location) (glueten-free options also), seating is first-come, first-served, and their specialty is lox, and cream cheese (all fish is farmed Atlantic Salmon). We don't think we need to say more.
Old York Tavern
OK, this is one of the CUTEST spots in the city. A place to be stumbled upon. A place to sit in the window and watch the world (and all the cute dog walkers heading to the park) slowly move by. Tucked away from the bustle of king west is The Old York Tavern, a neighbourhood bistro offering lunch, brunch, dinner and open 7 days a week. A space to escape the daily grind have a glass of wine and some oysters with friends or a cozy little date. They have a great patio when weather permits and we'd say they're one of Toronto's best kept brunch secrets. Co-owner and front of house operator is queer.
Si Lom Thai Bistro
You’re damn right this Church street staple is co-owned by a queer-couple. Giving you Thai street food on a platter, this friendly colourful spot is vegan friendly and are always ready for takeout.
The Fallbright Tavern
One of Toronto Life's Best New Restaurant pics has sort of become an instant Bloor West favourite, and we're happy to see it. It's half-queer owned and operated (hi Joe!), and offer "elevated comfort food crafted from local and sustainable ingredients whenever possible." The salads, the scallops, the vibe. It's cozy, friendly and will have you feeling warm all over.
Not a restaurant, but still…
Anti Vice Juicery
A College street juice bar owned and run by Joe! Pop in and say hi to this cutie, get a smoothie for fun, for detox, for a hangover, or DM him for delivery. Joe also blends 1L bottles of pure juices, which we regularly order in LIME for our margaritas as home. They also offer a juice cleanse.
Lead photo for this blog post is from Gateau Ghost.
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