9 LGBTQ+-friendly bars and restaurants in Singapore for an inclusive and judgement-free night out

At the heart of it, the F&B industry has always been about more than what’s on the table — it’s about creating a space for genuine human connection.

Whether it’s sharing a roast dinner with family or letting your hair down on a night out with friends, your favourite bars and restaurants are vital “third spaces” where you can gather, relax, and just simply be. 

As Pink Dot approaches, we spotlight just some of the venues where the hospitality is truly inclusive, and our LGBTQ+ friends can feel right at home without the weight of judgment.

FURA

The acclaimed cocktail bar, by real-life partners Sasha Wijidessa and Christina Rasmussen, has quietly been a safe space, especially for women, since it opened in 2023. “We were a women-only team for the first 15 months, and it’s really rare to find a women-run bar,” shares co-owner Rasmussen.

“So, I believe it resonated with a lot of women, regardless of their orientation or identity. It’s just nice to go out and not have to worry or be constantly on guard.” 

She underscores the sanctuary queer-owned or -operated spaces offer, particularly for travellers in a new country. “It’s a small relief, knowing we’re surrounded by acceptance and understanding.” 

To Rasmussen, LGBTQ+-friendly spaces are essential because “there’s still plenty of oppression, so it’s imperative to show there’s strength and freedom in community, in your chosen family”.

In support of Pride month, they regularly donate FURA vouchers as raffle prizes. This year, they contributed to the main prize of the Pink Dot fundraiser hosted at Wildcard’s third anniversary fete on June 14.

APT

Styled as a tasteful apartment, the LGBTQ+-owned coffee and cocktail bar on Tanjong Pagar Road opened in 2025. Founder Shayne Chng, who identifies as gay, wanted to create a place that was welcoming and judgment-free.

“Spaces like APT offer more than just a drink; they offer safety, visibility, and community. In a country where Section 377A was only repealed recently, physical venues where LGBTQ+ people can exist openly without explanation are still rare and vital. It’s about letting people know: you belong here, exactly as you are.”

For Pride month, APT is serving two special cocktails created in collaboration with Artisan Beverages. “The first is called Coming Out — unassuming and strong (there’s a metaphor in there somewhere). The second is Out & Proud — a breath of fresh air, because that’s honestly what it feels like.”

On June 28, there will also be a cocktail workshop, where guests can learn to make both drinks. “It’ll be fun, hands-on, and very low-judgment, whether you’re a seasoned home bartender or just someone who wants to learn how to shake a tin without spraying the kitchen.”

Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore

True luxury is no longer about exclusivity; it’s about creating spaces that are inherently inclusive. “Hospitality and F&B have always been about connection. LGBTQ+ spaces play an important role because they provide environments where people can gather, express themselves freely and build community without feeling the need to explain or justify who they are,” shares Klaus Christandl, general manager of Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore. 

For the luxury hospitality veteran who identifies as heterosexual, representation and allyship are key responsibilities for anyone in a leadership position. “That applies equally to our guests, colleagues and the wider community,” he says. 

The luxury hotel is launching its Pride Month celebration, “Love in Every Drop”, taking place on June 24. Through live performances by local artist Lennard Lim and drag performers JoJo Sam Clair and DeEnormouS, the event is designed to bring people together in a spirit of authenticity, self-expression and connection.

Slippery Slope

Founded in 2023 by five queer friends, the vibrant venue on Keong Saik Road was created as a chill, conversation-friendly alternative to Singapore’s high-tempo gay bars. A space by the community, for the community, co-founder Cheng Fuchen sees Slippery Slope as building on the legacy left by predecessors like the now-defunct DYMK and Taboo.

“You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation. That is exactly how I feel about these rooms. We do not own them. We are keeping them for whoever comes next.” There’s a host of special events for Pride month and beyond, says programme manager Yeo Sam Jo, who also performs as a drag queen JoJo Sam Clair.

A fundraiser for The Greenhouse, a substance use recovery centre for marginalised and vulnerable communities, especially women, LGBTQ+, racial minorities or those living with HIV, is happening on June 25, with proceeds from the night going to the charity. Look out for regular health talks, speed-dating nights and bartender guest shifts, too.

Summer Hill

For the French restaurant’s chef-owner, Anthony Yeoh, true inclusivity is about balancing visibility with universal welcome. LGBTQ+-friendly spaces should be the norm rather than the exception; no one should have to intentionally seek them out, he says. “It’s my philosophy of hospitality,” he shares.

“A restaurant is a place for people to come and be restored. That’s the origin of the word — to rest, to relax. That’s the idea of the ‘third space’.” He’s careful not to be inadvertently exclusionary. “It doesn’t need to fit into a particular ‘scene’,” he explains.

Instead, he believes inclusivity belongs in ordinary, everyday spaces. “We’re all human beings; we’re all people. We all need places to have a regular lunch and gather with friends and family. I’m not only gathering with my LGBTQ+ friends; I’m gathering with my straight friends, with my family as well.”

smol cafe & salad bar

Purveyor of healthy grain bowls and salads, smol cafe & salad bar has consistently shown public support for the LGBTQ+ community by displaying a Pride flag year-round. Founder Charmaine Low, who identifies as bisexual, believes in creating safe spaces because LGBTQ+ individuals “continue to live in environments that may not be psychologically or physically safe for them”. 

She also strives to make smol an inclusive workplace. “Inclusion is intersectional and intentional. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond sexual orientation and gender identity — we actively support seniors, ex-offenders, sex workers, persons with disabilities, and anyone else facing barriers to employment.”

Despite the challenges of vandalism, verbal abuse, and lost opportunities, Low remains unwavering in her support. “We’ve worked with a different LGBTQ+ non-profit organisation every year to raise awareness and funds, including The T Project, Oogachaga, TransBefrienders, and The Greenhouse. This year, we’re partnering with Pink Dot to create the Pink & Proud Picnic Basket, with $30 from every basket sold going directly to them. We are also a proud Fuchsia-level sponsor this year, contributing $10,000 towards the movement.”

Chip Bee Bistro

At the modern Australian restaurant Chip Bee Bistro, support for the LGBTQ+ community is genuine, understated, and behind the scenes. “Our approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion is not centred on formal Pride programming, imagery, or activations,” explains co-founder Edward Lee.

“Instead, our focus has been on building the kind of everyday culture we believe hospitality should stand for: warm, open, respectful, and welcoming to all. In practice, that means being mindful of how we hire, host, communicate, and make people feel when they walk through the door. Inclusion is not only about visible gestures. It is also about whether people feel safe, respected, and able to be themselves in a space.”

That support extends to community-led initiatives, including Proud Spaces, a non-profit LGBTQ+ community centre.

HighHouse and NOVA

Premium nightlife destinations HighHouse and NOVA have supported Singapore’s LGBTQ+ community since opening in 2023, shares Audrey Choy, senior marketing manager of OUE Restaurants. They continue their partnership with party promoter HYPER with this year’s Pink Ball, a large-scale Pink Dot celebration taking over both venues on June 27.

“We admire Pink Dot SG for the way it brings people together and strengthens awareness and support for Singapore’s LGBTQ+ community. Its annual event gathers people from different backgrounds in a shared celebration, while also encouraging ongoing conversations around diversity.” 

Pink Ball will span three distinct experiences: the open-air Hypernova Pink Techno Roof on NOVA’s Level 63 rooftop; the high-energy, performance-driven Hyperise Pink Circuit Main Hall on HighHouse Level 62; and the eclectic, crowd-favourite Hyperpop Pink Open Format Lounge on HighHouse Level 61.

Mondrian Singapore Duxton

The luxury hotel in Duxton Hill has been a steadfast supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, partnering with Pink Dot for the past three years on drag brunches, pool parties, and live performances. This commitment is driven by Mondrian’s philosophy of fostering community and celebrating individuality.

“I have often described hospitality as being similar to a mother’s womb, a place that is safe, nurturing, protective and accepting,” shares Damien Marchenay, general manager of Mondrian Singapore Duxton. 

“The best LGBTQ+-friendly spaces embody exactly that feeling. They allow people to arrive as they are, without judgment, and leave feeling more connected than when they entered.” Marchenay, who is straight, began his hospitality career at a gay nightclub more than 25 years ago.

“It was one of the most progressive, creative and welcoming environments I had ever experienced,” he says. He also learned the harsh realities of discrimination that his colleagues and guests faced in their daily lives. 

Today, he’s using his platform as the general manager of a five-star hotel to move the needle. “Prior to joining Mondrian Singapore, I was leading Mondrian Seoul Itaewon. In Seoul, we became one of the first and only five-star hotels in Korea to openly celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community through dedicated events, festivals, and cultural programming.”

This year’s Pink Dot celebrations at Mondrian Singapore Duxton promise to be the biggest yet, including Trivia Night hosted by Preetipls and the Hyper Pink Splash pool party.