The Best LGBTQ+ Cities for Food Lovers

June 15 2023

by Lachlan

Traveling for food can be a wonderful experience, from entrée to dessert! Trying new foods and exploring local cuisines can be a great way to learn about different cultures and ways of life. You can discover the history and traditions behind the food, and gain a deeper appreciation for the people who create it.

Food is also a universal language, and sharing a meal can be a great way to connect with LGBTQ+ locals and make new friends. You can chat with the chef, strike up a conversation with fellow diners, or take a cooking class with like-minded travelers. 

Fortunately there are loads of popular LGBTQ+ destinations across the globe which are not only renowned for their queer scenes, but also their kitchens! So grab a napkin, pour yourself a wine, and settle in for our degustation of top LGBTQ+ cities in the world for LGBTQ+ travelers.

 

It starts with empanadas and steak, in Buenos Aires

Sure many may argue that Lima holds the holy crown for the best steaks in South America, we have to say that Buenos Aires puts on a very decent fight. Over the years, the city has steadfastly built up a network of great restaurants serving everything from traditional Argentine parillas to innovative fusion cuisine - all paired with a glass of Malbec to wash everything down with! It also comes as no surprise that Buenos Aires is home to a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, meaning you'll feel right at home in no time.

Buenos Aires is famous for its steak, and some popular dishes include bife de chorizo (sirloin steak), asado (barbecue), and empanadas (pastry filled with meat or other ingredients).

But the dining experience doesn't stop there. After all, Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, and its cuisine reflects the region's unique culinary traditions. Argentine dishes often feature ingredients such as beef, chimichurri, and dulce de leche, and are known for their rich, hearty flavors - we'll meet you at the table.  

 

BOOK A STAY IN BUENOS AIRES

 

Tapas & sangria in Barcelona

While many may argue that San Sebastian holds the holy crown for the best tapas (locally referred to as pinxos) in Spain, we have to say that Barcelona puts on a very decent fight. Over the years, the city has steadfastly built up a network of great restaurants serving everything from tapas to larger-scale meals - all paired with a pitcher of sangria to wash everything down with! It also comes as no surprise that Barcelona is home to a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, meaning you'll feel right at home in no time. 

Barcelona is famous for its tapas, and some popular tapas dishes include patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy sauce), croquetas (fried balls of dough filled with meat or cheese), and tortilla española (a thick omelette made with potatoes and onions).

But the dinner meal doesn't stop there. After all, Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, and its cuisine reflects the region's unique culinary traditions. Catalan dishes often feature ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes, and are known for their hearty flavors - we'll meet you at the table. 

BOOK A STAY IN BARCELONA

 

Pizza & pastries in Rome

Rome is a great food destination for everyone, including LGBTQ+ travelers. The city has a rich culinary tradition and is famous for its pizza, pasta, gelato, and other delicious dishes. The scene is a reflection of the city's rich culinary heritage, and is characterized by simple, flavorful dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The city hosts an annual Rome Pride Parade and there are several LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhoods, such as Trastevere and Testaccio, that offer a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do, which means sticking to classic roman dishes that are unique to the Lazio region. Dig into some pizza al taglio, which is a type of rectangular pizza that is sold by weight. It has a thin, crispy crust and is often topped with simple ingredients like tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh herbs - the perfect on-the-go snack! 

The city is also renowned for its coffee, and you can grab a cappuccino each morning for a super cheap price if you're willing to stand at the bar. Pair it with a cornetti (a decadent pastry filled with cream or jam) and your Roman morning is complete - just be prepared for some level of chaos, as locals have the same idea each morning.  

BOOK A STAY IN ROME

 

Coffee & LGBTQ+ culture in Melbourne

Melbourne is known for its coffee culture and diverse food scene, which includes everything from Asian street food to modern Australian cuisine. The city has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and hosts an annual Midsumma Festival. And if you love a good cup of joe, you'll be spoilt for choice in Melbourne too!

The city is proud of its strong cafe culture, and you'll find an abundance of coffee shops and cafes on almost every street corner. Enjoy a range of food and drink options, from classic breakfast dishes to innovative brunch creations, including the iconic "avo on toast". Brunch is big in Melbourne, and is often the favored past time for catching up with friends or even dates, should you wish to connect with LGBTQ+ locals during your stay. 

Collingwood and Prahran are the city's most recognized LGBTQ+ hostpots, even if Melbourne as a whole is very LGBTQ+ friendly. In both areas, enjoy a range of different cuisines, all delivered to perfection. Melbourne has a number of award-winning restaurants, many of which feature innovative and creative cuisine. These restaurants are often run by talented chefs who are passionate about food and dedicated to using high-quality ingredients.

BOOK A STAY IN MELBOURNE

 

Creole & Cajun in New Orleans

While your first thoughts of New Orleans might orient towards Jazz music, Southern Decadence Festival, and the city's iconic and LGBTQ+ French quarter, New Orleans is also a foodie hotbed, with an abundance of different options for food lovers. 

Creole and Cajun cuisine are a mix of French, African, and Native American flavors, and are the cornerstone of New Orleans cuisine. Dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée are all examples of this unique blend of flavors.

If you have a sweet tooth (don't we all!) you should absolutely try a beignet! Beignets are a New Orleans specialty, consisting of deep-fried dough sprinkled with powdered sugar. They are often served with café au lait and are a popular breakfast item. So after a night of partying with LGBTQ+ locals in the French quarter, be sure to kickstart your morning with this combo - it's a crowd pleaser! 

BOOK A STAY IN NEW ORLEANS

 

Boulangeries for days in Paris

Ooh la la, Paris, the City of Light - and the city of great food. France's capital is known for its vibrant food scene, with an abundance of restaurants, cafes, and markets to explore. There are several areas in Paris that are particularly popular with the LGBTQ+ community, such as the Marais and the Canal Saint-Martin, which offer a variety of dining options. 

 

Paris is a multicultural city, and this is reflected in its diverse food scene. You can find a wide range of international cuisine in Paris, including Moroccan, Lebanese, Vietnamese, and more.

And of course, let's not forget its iconic bakeries (locally referred to as boulangeries) which offer a range of pastries, breads, and other baked goods. These are perfect for a quick snack or a leisurely breakfast, and you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing one!  

BOOK A STAY IN PARIS

 

From sushi to street food in Tokyo

Tokyo has an incredible food scene, which is widely recognized as one of the best in the world. From Michelin-starred sushi to street food like ramen and takoyaki, the city caters to different palettes and budgets, meaning you're sure to find something that will tick all the boxes. On top of this, the city has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, with the annual Toyko Pride being one of the largest and most celebrated in Asia. 

Tokyo has a thriving street food scene, with many vendors offering delicious and affordable snacks and meals. Some popular street food items include takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and gyoza (dumplings).

Want to go fancier? Well the city is also home to plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants to treat yourself to, with a wide range of cuisines and dining options on offer. These restaurants serve world-class cuisine and service, but they are often quite expensive, so prepare for a potentially hefty bill. For us, we'll stick to a heartwarming bowl of ramen! 

BOOK A STAY IN TOKYO

 

Bagels on the go in NYC

New York City is one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the world, and its food scene reflects just that. From bagels and pizza to Chinese and Italian cuisine, there's something for everyone in the city. The LGBTQ+ community in New York is also one of the largest and most vibrant in the world, with a thriving nightlife scene in neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and Hell's Kitchen. And of course let's not forget its month-long annual NYC Pride which colors the city in rainbow. 

Bagels are an important part of New York's food culture, with many New Yorkers eating bagels for breakfast or brunch on weekends. Bagels are also a popular food to bring to work or social events, and they're often a staple at catered events like weddings and bar mitzvahs. The combination of a bagel with lox, cream cheese, capers, and red onion is an iconic New York breakfast dish. It's often served with a tomato, cucumber, and onion salad on the side. 

If you're looking to treat yourself like Carrie Bradshaw, you'll be pleased to know NYC is also home to many high-end restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments. These restaurants offer exquisite cuisine, often with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. So grab your best pair of heels (so to speak) and take a bite out of the Big Apple. 

BOOK A STAY IN NEW YORK CITY

 

Fresh out of water in Provincetown

Provincetown is a popular LGBTQ+ destination on Cape Cod and is known for its seafood restaurants and local oyster farms. The town has a rich LGBTQ+ history and hosts several LGBTQ+ friendly events throughout the year, such as the Provincetown Carnival and the Women's Week Festival. 

Located on the tip of Cape Cod and surrounded by water, Provincetown is an ideal spot for fresh seafood. The town has several seafood restaurants and local oyster farms, and lobster is a popular menu item. The city has a strong farm-to-table movement, with many restaurants using locally sourced ingredients in their dishes. This includes fresh produce, meats, and cheeses from nearby farms.

Thanks to Provincetown's diverse community with a mix of cultures, the food scene is refreshingly multicultural. Enjoy a wide range of international cuisine, from Thai and Japanese to Mexican and Italian, all delivered to perfection. 

BOOK A STAY IN PROVINCETOWN

 

Looking for a dose of extra LGBTQ+ culture? Check out our curation of iconic LGBTQ+ artists, and where to see their famed works.