LGBTQ+ Owned Restaurants & Cafés to Support in Toronto
Looking to support Toronto’s queer food scene? The city is home to a diverse mix of LGBTQ owned restaurants and cafés—each one offering more than just a good meal. From laid-back brunch spots to cocktail-forward bars, these places create space for connection, creativity, and community. Whether it’s your first visit or a local favorite, here are 18 LGBTQ owned spots in Toronto worth checking out.
LGBTQ+ Owned Restaurants & Cafés to Support in Toronto
1. The Federal
This Dundas West staple is one of the standout LGBTQ owned restaurants in Toronto, known for its comfort food and quality coffee. Popular picks include mushroom melt sandwiches, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, and a relaxed back patio perfect for unwinding.
- Website: The Fedral
- Location: 1438 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON
- Phone: (647) 352-9120
- Reservation: Walk-in only
2. Craig’s Cookies
More than a cookie shop, Craig’s is a love letter to childhood favorites. Owned by Craig Pike, who proudly represents the queer community, this cookie haven infuses fun, nostalgia, and inclusivity into every box—especially during Pride season with themed tins and flavors.
- Website: Craigs Cookies
- Location: Multiple (including 483 Church St, Toronto, ON)
- Phone: (416) 519-5523
- Reservation: Walk-in Only
3. Le Swan
Le Swan brings bistro vibes and diner roots together under one mood-lit roof. Run by queer-owned culinary group behind Dandylion, this Queen West gem offers steak frites, buttery wine pairings, and a red leather aesthetic that’s as stylish as it is intimate.
4. Poor Romeo
East end’s Poor Romeo blends dive bar energy with elevated eats. Burgers, tequila-forward cocktails, and queer-positive vibes make this a favorite for casual nights out. The venue frequently collaborates with LGBTQ+ events and drag nights that draw a loyal crowd.
- Website: Poor Romeo
- Location: 1029 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON
- Phone: (416) 551-7839
- Reservation: Walk-In Only
5. North of Brooklyn Pizzeria
Thin-crust pizza and LGBTQ+ allyship are the bread and butter of North of Brooklyn. With queer voices in leadership, the pizzeria serves slices and whole pies that rival any in the city, while supporting inclusive hiring practices and neighborhood-focused values.
- Website: North of Brooklyn
- Location: 650 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
- Phone: (647) 348-7666
- Reservation: Walk-In Only
6. Milky’s Coffee
Designed by queer architect Mo Baboufi, Milky’s is more than a café—it’s a sensory experience. Between the tile-forward interior and ethically sourced beans, every visit feels curated. It’s a minimalist space where design meets espresso with intentional queer influence.
- Website: Milky’s
- Location: 760 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON
- Phone: (647) 424-2069
- Reservation: Walk-In Only
7. Grape Witches
Owned by queer entrepreneurs Krysta Oben and Nicole Campbell, Grape Witches is a natural wine shop and bar with personality. Their bottle shop and back patio host events, tastings, and gatherings designed to welcome everyone—from curious drinkers to seasoned oenophiles.
- Website: Grape Witches
- Location: 1247 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON
- Phone: (416) 546-2151
- Reservation: Walk-In only
8. The Baby G
Part bar, part live music venue, The Baby G is a queer-owned cultural space that hosts emerging artists and DJs, with casual eats and a full bar. It’s a safe haven for nightlife and community, often spotlighting LGBTQ+ performers and art-driven events.
- Website: The Baby G
- Location: 1608 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON
- Phone: (416) 546-8840
- Reservation: The Baby G
9. Bonjour Brioche
Bonjour Brioche brings French charm to Riverside, and has been a queer-owned staple for decades. Known for its fresh-baked pastries and buttery quiches, it offers a cozy breakfast or brunch that’s worth the early wake-up and the (usually long) weekend lines.
- Website: Bonjour Brioche
- Location: 812 Queen St E, Toronto, ON
- Phone: (416) 406-1250
- Reservation: Walk-ins only
10. Ruru Baked
Small-batch ice cream meets bold, Asian-inspired flavors at Ruru Baked. Created by queer chef Leanne, this Lansdowne spot handcrafts flavors like matcha yuzu and toasted rice. The branding is playful and nostalgic, with a strong community focus and loyal following.
- Website: Ruru Baked
- Location: 659 Lansdowne Ave, Toronto, ON
- Phone: (416) 516-0077
- Reservation: Walk-ins only
11. Isaan Der
Run by a queer couple from Thailand, Isaan Der offers authentic Northern Thai flavors with a side of karaoke and hospitality. The welcoming vibe, rich curries, and spicy larb make it one of the city’s hidden gems for flavor—and fun—especially on Friday nights.
- Website: Isaan Der
- Location: 2961 DUNDAS ST. WEST
- Phone: (416) 604-0062
- Reservation: Walk-ins only
12. Bar Piquette
Bar Piquette is a haven for wine lovers who crave something different. This Dundas West nook is known for its queer-friendly staff, tinned fish pairings, and a tight wine list that leans funky and low-intervention. It’s an easy place to stay longer than planned.
- Website: Bar Piquette
- Location: 1084 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
- Phone: (416) 533-7745
- Reservation: Bar Piquette
13. Beast Pizza
This LGBTQ+ Owned pizzeria run by Scott Vivian fuses neighborhood love with quality ingredients. Every pizza is handmade, topped with local produce and seasonal flavors. Their inclusive culture and regular community donations make each pie feel purposeful.
- Website: The Beast Pizza
- Location: 96 Tecumseth St, Toronto, ON
- Phone:(647) 352-6000
- Reservation: Walk-ins only
14. Little Sister
Little Sister is one of Toronto’s standout LGBTQ owned restaurants, offering Indonesian street food in a modern, inclusive setting. With smoky satays, tropical cocktails, and a team that reflects the city’s queer community, the restaurant delivers both bold flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Website: Little Sister
- Location: 2031 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, M4S 2A2
- Phone: (416) 488-2031
- Reservation: Little Sister
15. Coffee, Oysters & Champagne
At COC, indulgence comes standard. This queer-owned King West bar mixes Parisian glamour with downtown edge. Known for its towered oysters, moody lighting, and drag brunches, it’s part date-night destination, part late-night curiosity shop.
- Website: Coffee, Oysters & Champagne
- Location: 214 King St W, Toronto, ON
- Phone: (416) 408-4044
- Reservation: Coffee, Oysters & Champagne
16. Glad Day Bookshop
Glad Day Bookshop, located in Toronto’s Church and Wellesley neighborhood, is the world’s oldest LGBTQ bookstore, established in 1970. Beyond its extensive collection of queer literature, it operates as a café and bar, hosting events like drag brunches, author readings, and community gatherings. The space serves as a cultural hub for the LGBTQ+ community, offering a welcoming environment for all.
- Website: Glad Day Bookshop
- Location: 499 Church Street, Toronto, ON
- Phone: (416) 901-6600
- Reservation: Glad Day Bookshop
17. The Pilot
The Pilot is a historic bar and restaurant in Yorkville, established in 1944. Known for its rooftop patio, “The Flight Deck,” it offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music and a diverse menu. The establishment is proudly LGBTQ+ owned and has been a staple in Toronto’s dining scene for decades.
- Website: The Pilot
- Location: 22 Cumberland Street, Toronto, ON
- Phone: (416) 923-5716
- Reservation: The Pilot
18. Sweaty Betty’s
Sweaty Betty’s stands out among LGBTQ owned restaurants and bars in Toronto. Located on Queen Street West, it’s known for its eclectic décor, laid-back energy, and regular queer-friendly events like drag shows and themed nights that keep the community coming back.
- Website: Instagram
- Location: 13 Ossington Avenue, Toronto, ON
- Phone: (416) 535-6861
- Reservation: Walk-ins only
Whether you’re in the mood for brunch, natural wine, or something sweet, these LGBTQ owned restaurants help foster a more inclusive and connected Toronto. Supporting queer-owned spots means investing in the people and places that help shape the city’s culture. Keep the momentum going—follow these businesses online, join their events, and spread the word. And if you’re planning to dine beyond Toronto, don’t miss our guide to the Best Rooftop Restaurants in Hamilton Downtown for more great local picks.
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