Show Your Pride At These Nine LGBTQ Owned Restaurants

By Jessica Rodrigues

Supporting local eateries means supporting your neighbours and diversity through food. June is pride month and we have rounded up our favourite queer-owned or operated restaurants and cafes that offer delicious take-out options and contribute to community growth.  Whether you are looking to take-out some decadent baked goods, a rich cup of coffee or a full family feast, these spots are perfect to celebrate your pride this June and, of course, all year-round.

This local hotspot smokes their salmon in-house and only hand-slices their fish – fresh (their lox is never frozen!). Using St. Urbain Montreal-style bagels, this eatery offers traditional sandwiches such as “The Easy” with cream cheese, house lox and fresh dill as well as more unique creations such as the “Lev’s Bagel” with pickled red onion and jalapenos topped with dill pickle potato chips for a fun crunch. You can also order take-out packs of their unique lox (original, lemon pepper or pastrami), cream cheeses, bagels, and their pickled goods. There are vegan and gluten free options at this small batch fish smoke house, so there is something for everyone. Your weekend take-out bagel spread needs Lox + Schmear.

Address: 1030 St Clair Ave W, Toronto | IG: @loxandschmearto

 

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This family run restaurant brings authentic Argentine and Venezuelan cuisine to the Roncesvalles neighbourhood and across Toronto. The carefully curated menu reflects their commitment to culinary excellence and features traditional dishes such as empanadas, costillitas, yuca fries and tequeños. The stand-out section is their house-made arepas. Naturally gluten free, these cornmeal cakes are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, stuffed with super tasty ingredients such as shredded slow-cooked beef, black beans, sweet plantain, fresco cheese or chorizo. Vegan, vegetarian or meat-lovers, these loaded arepas are a must try. For your next take-out dinner, order a South American feast from Bacan.

Address: 369 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto | IG: @bacantoronto

 

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This premier LBT2Q+ lounge is playful and fun with a delicious menu. The globally inspired offerings feature flavourful dishes like Dan Dan Noodles with chili, crimini, peanut, and sesame seed, Japanese Carbonara with cultivated mushroom, miso, parmesan, dashi, furikake and bonito           or Cambodian Roasted Salmon with citrus, forbidden rice, fresh herbs and semi-dried tomatoes. This is a perfect place for unique take-out options and exciting dine-in entertainment.

Address:  315 Lawrence Ave, Kelowna, BC | IG:@fodkelowna

 

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Banu serves the very best Persian cuisine with a unique menu of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. Appetizers range from the roasted eggplant with fried mint, caramelized onions, turmeric and whey to braised cow tongue with cinnamon, star anise, cardamom and lavash bread. Mains include hearty stews, kabobs, grilled rack of lamb, grilled shrimp and their Banu burger. Banu’s offerings are all made from scratch using quality seasonal ingredients and available for take-out.

Address:  777 Queen St W, Toronto, ON | IG:@banutoronto

 

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Elbo Patties offers mouth-watering Jamaican patties, coco bread, chutneys and sauces all hand-made, with love. These distinctive and bold patties come in classic flavours like spicy beef or jerk chicken or with a fun twist like the wild mushrooms and caramelized onions, gently simmered with harissa, and garlic or the cauliflower, sweetcorn, melody of bell peppers, onion, and kidney beans, with a touch of chili. These delicious patties can be ordered fresh or frozen for easy take-out.

Address: 1370 east Georgia St. Vancouver, BC | IG: @elbo_patties

 

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Take-out taco night gets a plant-based twist with La Bartola. This downtown Toronto Mexican eatery offers authentic flavours using simple, fresh, and high-quality local & Mexican ingredients. Every dish offers a burst of colour, texture, and aroma like with their corn tortilla tacos featuring braised hibiscus flowers, wild mushrooms, caramelized onions and salsa matcha. Other fan-favourite tacos include the jackfruit and mushroom al pastor with fresh pineapple and salsa roja or the green ‘chorizo’ and cuctus taco with sauteed buckwheat and crimini marinated with mole verde sauce. The restaurant is also commited to sustainability with a root-to-stalk approach to minimizing food waste and eco-focussed waste management. You can feel good while eating a great tasting meal!

Address: 588 College St, Toronto, ON | IG:@labartola.ca

 

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Coffee is all about the beans. Bean Around The World opened up their very own roastery to ensure consistency and rich flavours across their BC locations. From speciality coffees to drip, the cafes can create your preferred brew. Each location offers an array of freshly baked goods as well as canned drinks such as cold brew and teas. Beyond the variety of take-out options, you can also sign up for their coffee subscription program, getting beans delivered right to your door.

Address: Multiple locations | IG: @batwcoffee

 

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Le Saloon is an institution in Montreal’s gay village and a cross between bar, supper-club and restaurant. While patrons enjoy their extensive cocktail list and entertainment well into the evening, their bistro-style cuisine featuring local and international specialties is not to be missed. Available for take-out, the globally-inspired menu offers dishes such as the Saku tuna tartar with avocado, Lebanese cucumber, sesame seeds, potato strings and Asian vinaigrette or the butter chicken served over basmati rice with sautéed vegetables, cilantro and naan. From classic to contemporary, you can find a dish that suits any palate.

Address: 1333 Rue Ste-Catherine E., Montreal, QC | IG: @saloonbistrobar

 

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Craving something sweet? Planning an event that requires a delicious dessert platter? Take-out from Craig’s cookies is your go-to for decadent, gooey and unique cookies. With over 100 flavours in their roster, there is always something new to try. Cookie options include classics like chocolate chip or popular candy bars like Kinder Bueno, Mars Bar, Skor, Ferrero Rocher, M&M, Snickers, Toblerone and Twix. There are seasonally inspired recipes such as Mini Eggs, gingerbread with white chocolate or apple pie. Whatever your preference, there is a cookie freshly baked for you.

Address: 483 Church St, Toronto |@craigscookies

 

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