There is no such thing as a “gay” restaurant, any more so than “straight” ones. Sexuality is not really an issue when it comes to eating. There are gay-owned, gay-run or gay-friendly places to eat – no restaurant wants to alienate half its clientele! But to make sure you’re guaranteed an open mind, we suggest you visit one of these gay-friendly restaurants. Here’s a list of some of the best places to go for a romantic meal, your first date, or a pre-club party…
Cafe Goya, London
Gay-owned and run by New Zealander Dennis, Cafe Goya has two West Indian chefs and a menu best described as cosmopolitan. This laid-back, no-attitude bar and grill has a moody vibe with cool, contemporary jazz at night. It is ideal for a romantic dinner, a meeting with friends for a cocktail or a brunch on the weekend while you recover from a hangover. Cafe Goya has three floors, with the restaurant located on the ground floor and basement, while the upper floor is reserved for private events. Expect interesting meals with a slightly spicy twist. The best seller is the house steak #12.95. The first and third Wednesday of every month they play host to a very popular 30+ lesbian night, so call and check for table availability.
Wilde About Oscar at The Philbeach Hotel, London
This place is smart. Denim and/or spandex are not the right style. “Smart-casual is the dress code, although we’re not stuffy,” says manager Ian Reynolds. Expect the best French cuisine in the lavish garden-themed restaurant overlooking the adjoining hotel’s garden. The menu changes every three months and a 3 course meal for two will set you back between €60 and €70! Definitely one for a special occasion, Wilde on Oscar is “probably the best gay restaurant in town” according to Time Out magazine. Transvestites must visit “Lipstick”, a weekly eating club on Mondays. It’s a good idea to phone and make a reservation.
Cloak Soho, London
Part of the successful group that helped put Manchester’s Canal Street on the map, Mantle looks like a modern, high-tech bar from the outside. Head upstairs to the restaurant and enjoy one of Polly’s Lethal Margueritas while ordering from an extensive “global” menu. Pasta, salads, meat and fish come together to tempt your palate in a relaxed and relaxed atmosphere. Try the classic Caesar salad or the Thai fish – nothing on the menu will make you feel bloated. Manto has an hour long lunch menu at around $10.00 per head, while dinner will set you back #25 including drinks. The only complaint is that the tables are very close to each other, but on the plus side this means you can chat with other diners without too much trouble. Oh, and some of the bartenders are really cute…
The Tin Drum, Brighton
In the heart of Brighton’s ‘Gay Town’, The Tin Drum couldn’t help but be a very diverse place to eat. Open for breakfast through dinner, this bar/restaurant/cafe attracts a laid-back crowd throughout the day. The lunch menu features zakushki, Polish bar snacks traditionally eaten with vodka or beer. Choose from gravadlax (salmon), roasted mixed peppers, or delicious koftas (spicy ground beef with tomato relish and mustard seeds). The dinner menu includes the popular pork snitzel, sea bream fillets and delicious ricotta and blue cheese ravioli. They have fresh specials daily and do a great Sunday brunch.
Claremont Bar & Restaurant, Edinburgh
Popular gay-friendly sci-fi-themed restaurant. It serves excellent homemade dishes at incredibly reasonable prices. The menu is best described as eclectic, with everything from their famous curried meatloaf to liver and bacon. A starter and main course will only set you back around seven pounds! The restaurant is upstairs, open for business lunches and breakfasts throughout the day. The bar hosts a hugely popular pub quiz every Wednesday with “huge prizes” according to barman Kevin.
Lush, Manchester
It’s not really exuberant, it’s quite minimalist. Designed to hold exhibits and 200 diners, the specially designed chairs bear the name of the restaurant and have been sold at smart furniture outlets across the country. Julie, the manager, describes the cuisine as “New English Fusion”; her guess is as good as ours. Favorite dishes include the crispy duck pizza with plum and hoisin sauce and the hot chocolate fondue dessert. A fabulous Sunday lunch is available at #6.95 while dinner will set you back around #20 per head. Reservations are recommended as Lush gets very crowded.