6 LGBTQ+ Owned Restaurants To Visit During Toronto's Pride Week

Toronto’s vibrant dining scene includes a number of outstanding establishments owned and operated by members of the LGBTQ+ community. The following are some of the best LGBTQ+ owned restaurants across the city, spanning casual cafes to fine-dining bistros. Each entry lists the restaurant’s name, location, cuisine/style, average review rating, signature dishes, and notes from recent reviews. Each restaurant on this list has its own unique reasons to consider when eating out during Toronto’s Pride Week.

Bacan at Roncesvalles

Location: 369 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto.
Cuisine & Style: Casual Argentinian/Venezuelan eatery. Bacan is known as “our favourite spot for empanadas in the city”, run by a lesbian couple, serving Latin comfort food (arepas, empanadas, cachapas, ceviche, etc.) in a laid-back cafe setting.
Avg. Rating: About 4.7 stars (Google).
Signature Dishes: Venezuelan–Argentinian arepas and empanadas (e.g. Reina Pepiada arepa, cheese empanadas), guacamole, yuca fries. Bacan’s menu highlights corn-and-cheese arepas and crispy beef empanadas, which guests cite as major draws.
Recent Reviews: Diners praise Bacan’s authentic Latin flavors and friendly service. (One review notes it “specializes in arepas and empanadas”.) The atmosphere is casual and fun, often with upbeat music and a lively weekend brunch crowd. Reviewers frequently comment on the freshness of ingredients (e.g. vinegary ceviche, tender pork) and the vibrant “sangria-like” drinks.

Lox + Schmear at St. Clair West

Location: 1030 St. Clair Ave W, Toronto (West End).
Cuisine & Style: Montreal-style bagel shop and smokehouse, casual deli. Lox + Schmear is a small-batch cafe specializing in hand-rolled bagels and house-smoked fish spreads. It’s well-known for its crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bagels and fresh Atlantic salmon lox (all responsibly farmed). Seating is limited (first-come), with a bright counter-service interior.
Avg. Rating: ~4.8 stars (Google).
Signature Dishes: Smoked salmon (lox) with cream cheese on a warm bagel, served open-faced. Other favorites include smoked whitefish salad, herb-infused schmears (chive, sundried tomato), and French toast bagels. According to YOHO, “their specialty is lox and cream cheese” on freshly baked Montreal bagels.
Recent Reviews: Patrons consistently praise the high quality of the bagels and smoked fish. Reviews emphasize that Lox + Schmear has “some of the best Montreal bagels in Toronto”. Many note the friendly staff and the shop’s clean, cheerful vibe. Weekend wait lines are common. (One review quipped, “The line moves fast and the coffee is good while you wait!”.) Diners often mention that even a plain lox bagel with dill schmear is “perfection.”

Café Neon at West Queen West

Location: 394 Queen St W, Toronto (West Queen West).
Cuisine & Style: Casual Greek-inspired café/diner. Café Neon is known for its hearty all-day breakfast and brunch, with a Greek flavor profile. Typical dishes include saganaki (flaming cheese), Greek omelettes, spanakopita, and flaky pastries, along with coffee and smoothies. The vibe is friendly and down-to-earth, with late mornings crowds and sidewalk patio seating in summer.
Avg. Rating: ~4.3 stars (Google).
Signature Dishes: Greek breakfast plates – for example, a traditional saganaki plate (fried cheese), eggs with feta and oregano, Greek salad, plus house-made bagels. Diners often mention the “Calgary” (egg, sausage, cheese) sandwich and the flavorful egg & spinach omelettes.
Recent Reviews: Café Neon garners praise for its warm service and generous portions. Reviewers frequently comment on the “friendly staff” and “hearty brunches”. One local review notes that Neon’s omelettes and baked feta are “top notch,” and that daily specials (e.g. Greek-style hot chicken) keep regulars coming back. The decor, with bright greens and a relaxed patio, is noted as cozy. The café has a reputation as a reliable spot for a filling, homey breakfast.

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The Diners Corner at Yonge & Dundas

Location: 678 Yonge St, Toronto (near Yonge/Dundas).
Cuisine & Style: All-day Jamaican diner. The Diners Corner offers West Indian comfort food in a retro diner setting. Menu items range from jerk chicken and curry goat to breakfast platters with saltfish (ackee) and callaloo. The interior has diner booths and stainless steel accents, but with reggae music and Caribbean artwork. It’s an informal spot (counter ordering) open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.
Avg. Rating: ~4.3 stars (Google).
Signature Dishes: Jerk chicken, oxtail stew, and ackee & saltfish for breakfast. Also popular are the spicy rasta pasta (Jamaican-style mac n’ cheese) and creamy coconut pies. According to YOHO, “Ackee and saltfish, jerk salmon and rasta pasta are on the menu”, reflecting its Jamaican roots.
Recent Reviews: Reviews celebrate the authentic flavors and friendly service. Diners often say the jerk chicken and curried goat are “just like home cooking.” A local review notes the food is “fast and delicious… flavors on point, staff friendly and positive”. Patrons also appreciate the long hours and classic diner touches (malt milkshakes, breakfast all day). The vibe is relaxed and a bit old-school; reviewers mention that despite its novelty as “Toronto’s only Jamaican diner,” the food really stands on its own.

The Old York Tavern at King West

Location: 167 Niagara St, Toronto (King West/Spadina).
Cuisine & Style: Cozy gastropub and bistro. The Old York Tavern serves elevated pub fare – think grilled burgers, fish & chips, oysters, and craft beer – in a warm, wood-accented setting. It’s open daily for lunch, brunch, dinner and drinks, with a popular outdoor patio. Decor is classic tavern style (dark wood, vintage photos). It’s a casual spot by day, and at night fills up with groups of friends enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
Avg. Rating: ~4.5 stars (Google).
Signature Dishes: Pub classics: beer-battered fish & chips, nachos with guac, charcuterie boards, and hearty sandwiches. For brunch, favorites include eggs Benedict and huge cinnamon buns. The Tavern is also known for seasonal salads and nightly specials (e.g. vegan chick’n parm, steak frites).
Recent Reviews: Customers rave about Old York’s ambiance and menu variety. YOHO describes it as “one of the cutest spots in the city” with a great patio and friendly vibe. Reviewers frequently commend the brunch (especially the cinnamon buns and eggs dishes) and note the efficient service. A recurring theme is its “neighborhood gem” feel – people mention it as a hidden King West favorite. Many reviewers appreciate the combination of solid pub food and laid-back vibe.

Si Lom Thai Bistro at Church & Wellesley

Location: 534 Church St, Toronto (Church-Wellesley Village).
Cuisine & Style: Thai street-food style bistro. Si Lom specializes in authentic Thai dishes (noodle soups, curries, stir-fries) served in a modern, casual space. Menu highlights include pad see ew, spicy green curry, Thai fried chicken with sticky rice, and vegetarian options. The bistro has a bright interior with pop-art decor, and also offers takeout/delivery. It’s co-owned by a married queer couple (the Sasitornurakarn sisters).
Avg. Rating: ~4.4 stars (Google).
Signature Dishes: Thai classics like khao soi (northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup), Pad Thai, Massaman curry, and Thai iced tea. Vegan and gluten-free options are plentiful. Diners especially praise the house beef noodle soup and the garlic pepper chicken wings.
Recent Reviews: Guests frequently call Si Lom “authentic” and “friendly.” One review site quotes customers saying “fast and delicious… flavors are on point”. The service is noted as warm and efficient. Critics mention the variety of vegetarian curries and the reasonable prices. Some reviewers say it’s a welcome new spot on Church St, with particular kudos for “perfect pad Thai” and “consistent quality” across dishes.

Conclusion

Toronto’s LGBTQ+ owned restaurants reflect the city’s rich diversity, culinary creativity, and inclusive spirit. From cozy bagel shops and plant-based Mexican gems to vibrant taverns and authentic Caribbean diners, these establishments go beyond just serving great food, they create welcoming spaces where community and culture intersect.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, supporting these queer-owned businesses not only offers a memorable dining experience but also helps sustain safe, affirming spaces for everyone. As Toronto continues to lead in culinary innovation and LGBTQ+ inclusion, these restaurants stand as proud symbols of both.

6 LGBTQ+ Owned Restaurants To Visit During Toronto's Pride Week

Bacan at Roncesvalles

Lox + Schmear at St. Clair West

Café Neon at West Queen West

The Diners Corner at Yonge & Dundas

The Old York Tavern at King West

Si Lom Thai Bistro at Church & Wellesley

Conclusion

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