London Gay Cafés & Restaurants

Paladar is a gay-owned, award-winning creative Latin American cuisine in the heart of the SE1 district between Waterloo and Elephant & Castle, London.

There is a cute and romantic courtyard garden to the rear; a unique all-Latin American wine list and the bar staff shake up super Latin cocktails. A great addition to the London culinary scene and well worth a visit!

Balans has been part of Old Compton Street since 1987 and remains one of Soho’s longest-running LGBTQ+ hangouts. The No.60 site is the main event: a big, lively restaurant that opens early for breakfast and stays busy late into the night, serving everything from eggs Benedict in the morning to Porn Star Martinis for Soho’s late crowd.

The menu leans modern British with international touches, running from brunch classics and the famous Balans burger to steaks, crab linguine and a strong cocktail list. The dining room rarely has a quiet moment, and the pavement tables on Old Compton Street are among the best seats in London for watching Soho life unfold.

Balans isn’t trying to be a hidden gem. It’s a Soho institution, and it’s earned that reputation.

For years, Cafe Nero (corner of Old Compton Street and Frith Street) has been the hangout café of choice for many gay Londoners.

Perfectly located in the heart of Soho, its a place to meet up or a place to sit and just watch the world go past.

Strategically located in the heart of Soho’s gay village, BALANS Soho Café sits directly opposite Caffè Nero and remains one of the most popular LGBTQ+ hangouts on Old Compton Street.

The café-bar serves food and drinks throughout the day, from breakfast dishes and coffee to burgers, fish & chips and cocktails in the evening. During warmer months, tables spill out onto the street, making it a great spot for people-watching in the centre of London’s gay scene.

This is the original BALANS Soho Café on Old Compton Street, a smaller and more casual spot than the larger BALANS Soho restaurant further down the street.

BISTROTHEQUE is a light and airy warehouse dining space that sets the perfect scene for brunches, dinners and cocktails. The downstairs dining room offers live entertainment for diners, including cabaret starring the best local drag stars.

Started by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi, both gay men, the Ottolenghi restaurants and delis across London are some of the best-loved food spots in the city.

While each branch has a unique flair, the Ottolenghi menu boasts of bold flavours. The menu also changes through the seasons, but the signature dishes remain. 

In London, they have the branches Rovi, Nopi and Spitalfields plus smaller delis.

100% Gourmet Regal Arabica coffee or haircut, or both? Fresh juice and tea shots also available at BLADE. The seats are equipped with iPad with internet access.

This gay-popular bar, café & salon is located next door to KU Soho bar.

Fink's Salt & Sweet is a takeaway cafe and deli that makes everything from scratch. Whether you want a salad or sandwich, they'll make it for you here.

They also serve coffee and offer an array of pastries and sweet treats created by head pastry chef Adrian Ramirez. Oh, and over half of the staff belong in the LGBTQ+ community!

TOAD Bakery is a queer-owned business that, according to BBC Good Food, is "famed for its divine pastries." 

This Peckham Road bakery offers a seasonal menu, but you can be sure their mouthwatering croissants and cinnamon buns are always available. The shop also aims for inclusivity, sourcing only the best ingredients from queer suppliers and producers.

Established in 2024, BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! Gallery Cafe is a new inclusive venue to check out in London. Located on Warren Street, this gallery and cafe features photography and art focusing on the male body. You can enjoy tea, coffee or wine while admiring the stunning photographs and artwork displayed on the wall.