Gay restaurants in Paris: the best places to eat and LGBT-friendly restaurants

In this article:

• Where to dine in the Marais, Paris’s gay neighbourhood?
• Must-visit nightspots and dinner-and-show venues
• Inclusive terraces, open-air cafés and third places across Greater Paris
• Extend the evening: from the table to the best gay bars and clubs
• Our list of queer restaurants, bars and third places in Paris and the Greater Paris area
• Frequently asked questions

🎯 Where to dine in the Marais, Paris’s gay district?

The historic heart of Parisian LGBTQIA+ life, the Marais is home to numerous gourmet spots that proudly fly the rainbow flags. With its historic alleyways and lively terraces, it’s the ideal place to start your evening.

• Au Bourguignon du Marais: a long-standing favourite on Rue François Miron (4th arrondissement). This traditional restaurant serves comforting Burgundian cuisine and boasts an exceptional wine list, all in a warm and friendly atmosphere
• Benedict: tucked away on Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie (4th arrondissement), in the heart of the city’s quintessential gay street, this modern bistro is famous for its original takes on eggs Benedict and its ultra-stylish décor
• Jaja: tucked away at the end of a peaceful alleyway on Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie (4th arrondissement), Jaja offers a true haven of peace. Here you can enjoy inventive seasonal cuisine and organic wines in a stunning inner courtyard
• Sacré Frenchy!: situated on Boulevard de Sébastopol (3rd arrondissement), this large brasserie and rotisserie reinvents the classics of French cuisine using fresh produce, all in a festive and inclusive atmosphere
• La Perle: on the corner of Rue Vieille du Temple (3rd arrondissement), this former betting shop turned legendary bar-bistro attracts a cosmopolitan and trendy crowd – the perfect spot for a drink and a platter of nibbles on the terrace
• Café Charlot: opposite the Marché des Enfants Rouges (3rd arrondissement), this former bakery converted into a Parisian bistro offers vintage décor and a must-visit terrace from which to watch the neighbourhood come to life

🎯 Must-visit venues for a night out and dinner-and-a-show experiences

For those looking to combine fine dining with entertainment, the capital boasts several venues where a meal is transformed into a true artistic celebration.

• L’Artishow: located in the 11th arrondissement, this renowned transformist cabaret combines an exquisite dinner with a breathtaking show. Transformists, actors and dancers take turns delivering laughter, emotion and visual performances
• Alcazar: On the Left Bank, in the legendary Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood (6th arrondissement), this chic, contemporary brasserie beneath a glass roof offers refined cuisine that comes alive to the sound of electro DJ sets in the evening
• Au Diable des Lombards: near Châtelet (1st arrondissement), this former warehouse with a New York loft-style interior serves gourmet American cuisine (burgers, ribs, salads) in a relaxed and decidedly gay-friendly atmosphere

🎯 Terraces, open-air cafés and inclusive third places in Greater Paris

Beyond the historic centre, Parisian queer culture is flourishing in alternative venues, waterside open-air cafés and eco-friendly spaces.

• Rosa Bonheur – Buttes Chaumont: nestled in the heart of Buttes-Chaumont Park (19th arrondissement), this lively open-air café is a major Sunday meeting place for the community. Here, you can share tapas, jugs of rosé and a dance on the terrace
• Rosa Bonheur sur Seine: moored at the Port des Invalides (7th arrondissement), this floating open-air café offers breathtaking views of the Grand Palais. It’s the perfect spot for a lunch by the water or a festive aperitif at sunset
• La REcyclerie: housed in the former Ornano station on the Petite Ceinture (18th arrondissement), this eco-friendly canteen serves homemade, seasonal dishes as part of a zero-waste initiative, whilst regularly hosting socially conscious events and drag bingos
• Chez Olympe: in Pantin, this restored country house offers a welcoming, socially conscious dining experience on the outskirts of Paris, showcasing local produce and an inclusive cultural programme
• La Bellevilloise and 88 Ménilmontant: in the 20th arrondissement, these two cultural and culinary venues offer brunch, green terraces and concerts in a decidedly open and artistic atmosphere

🎯 Extend the evening: from the table to the best gay bars and clubs

After dinner, Parisian nightlife takes over with a wide variety of venues to have a drink or dance the night away:

• Banana Café: situated on Rue de la Ferronnerie (1st arrondissement), this legendary Châtelet bar-club is a must-visit for a cocktail on the terrace or a dance on the basement dancefloor
• The bars of the Marais: around Rue des Archives, Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie and Rue Vieille du Temple, there are plenty of venues (Le Cox, FREEDOM Café, Raidd Bar…) where you can continue the evening
• Chez Moune: formerly a historic lesbian cabaret in Pigalle (9th arrondissement), this legendary club is now a hotspot for festive and inclusive Parisian nightlife

🎯 Summary of venues by neighbourhood

© PARISLGBT.com

more ideas

Gay-friendly hotels in Paris: the best gay-friendly places to stay

LGBTQI+Types of accommodation

Hotels, B&Bs, youth hostels… suggestions for gay-friendly places to stay in Paris

Le Marais, Paris’s gay district

WalkLGBTQI+

Straddling the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, the Marais is Paris’s quintessential gay neighbourhood. The beating heart of the LGBTQIA+ scene since the 1980s, this historic district embodies openness, inclusion and diversity

Where to see drag in Paris

Extravaganza! Drag is more popular than ever and drag shows are popping up all over Greater Paris. Glamour, colour, and over-the-top performances ... Discover the best places to see drag shows!

The best open-air venues in Paris

PartyOutdoors

Top addresses for partying outdoors in Paris!