The Best Bagels in Montreal: A Guide

In Montreal, bagels are an integral part of the city's culinary fabric. Known around the world for their unique flavor and texture, the best bagels in Montreal hold a special place in the hearts of locals. With a history dating back generations, these beloved baked goods are a symbol of tradition and community. From wood-fired ovens to hand-rolling techniques, every step of the process at the bakeries below reflect a commitment to quality and authenticity, and each one offers its own twist on this timeless classic. Whether you prefer yours plain or piled high with toppings, there's no denying the deliciousness of Montreal's finest bagels.

The Best Bagels in Montreal: A Guide
The Main

The Main

May 2, 2024

In Montreal, bagels are an integral part of the city's culinary fabric. Known around the world for their unique flavor and texture, the best bagels in Montreal hold a special place in the hearts of locals. With a history dating back generations, these beloved baked goods are a symbol of tradition and community. From wood-fired ovens to hand-rolling techniques, every step of the process at the bakeries below reflect a commitment to quality and authenticity, and each one offers its own twist on this timeless classic. Whether you prefer yours plain or piled high with toppings, there's no denying the deliciousness of Montreal's finest bagels.

Bagel Henri-Bourassa

Since 2016, Bagel Henri Bourassa has been a labor of love for its owners, Sam Indrabala and Maginy Sinathamby. With 17 years of bakery expertise, they've perfected the art of crafting hand-rolled bagels, naan, and samosas. Cooked daily in a wood stove using locally sourced ingredients, including milk, yogurt, and eggs, they've even adjusted their bagel recipe for those looking for untreated, unbleached flour. Their dedication to delivering unbeatable prices alongside top-notch products makes Bagel Henri Bourassa a cherished local gem.

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Bakery
Bagel Shop
Ahuntsic
Henri-Bourassa
Schnitzel & Cie par Bagel St-Henri

Bagel St-Henri stands out in Saint-Henri thanks to its unique twist with fatter, fluffier German-style bagels. While not a century-old bakery, its affordability and warm service make it a local favorite. The signature Schnitzel sandwich is a must-try, boasting a lot of flavors and generous portions at great prices. Despite its modest appearance, the cozy ambiance and cheerful service create a welcoming atmosphere.

Bakery
Bagel Shop
Saint-Henri
Place-Saint-Henri
R.E.A.L. Bagel Inc.

R.E.A.L. Bagel Décarie is Côte-des-Neiges' hidden gem for bagel aficionados. Beyond the classics, this bakery entices with twists to tradition and inventive flavors like Oreo and French Toast. With a wood-fired oven churning out fresh, handmade bagels daily, authenticity is evident in every bite. Their deli counter expands the experience, offering tantalizing options from chicken schnitzel to brisket sandwiches. Drawing folks in with the promise of award-worthy bagels, locals know that R.E.A.L. Bagel Décarie delivers on both novelty and quality, earning their admiration bite by bite.

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Bakery
Bagel Shop
Côte-Saint-Paul
Place-Saint-Henri
District Bagel - Av du Parc

Since 2008, District Bagel has been a staple in Mount Royal, offering a diverse menu with a kosher café vibe. It serves up classic sandwiches, soups, and an array of fresh bagels in 18 flavors, each boasting a unique, cakier texture. Beyond bagels, District Bagel excels in crafting blintzes and Danishes, all baked in their wood oven. It's a go-to spot that’s blending the legacy of traditional Montreal bagel baking with the expertise of a successful kosher catering business, Sandwich Plus.

Bakery
Bagel Shop
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Parc
Hansel & Bagel

Hansel & Bagel, a West Island staple since 1981, serves up Montreal's finest bagels with a familial touch. With over 20 delicious varieties, including the beloved "Josh Bagel," patrons enjoy options that span generations. Their bagels, made with untreated, unbleached flour, are crafted in a traditional wood oven, ensuring a perfect blend of crunch and chewiness. Beyond Montreal, their bagels travel worldwide, immortalized on an in-store map tracking customers' destinations. Recognized as the best bagels in the West Island, their legacy extends to airports, universities, and corporate clients.

Bakery
Bagel Shop
Dollard-Des Ormeaux
Côte-Vertu
Van Horne Bagel

For over eight decades, Van Horne Bagel has been offering a taste of tradition: Founded by Hyman Weiss, the bakery continues to honor its legacy, using the same artisanal methods and original recipe that’s been passed down through generations. Led by CEO Steve Lippman, who apprenticed under his grandfather Hyman, Van Horne Bagel is expanding its reach across North America, sharing its authentic flavors with new communities. With gratitude for decades of support, the Weiss family’s on the path to be synonymous the finest Jewish delicacies and baked goods.

Bakery
Bagel Shop
Outremont
Outremont
La Fabrique de Bagel Montreal

Unlike traditional bagel shops, La Fabrique de Bagel de Montreal’s modern approach welcomes clients to witness the fresh baking process: They've perfected an eco-friendly production method, ensuring each bagel maintains the chewy texture and honey-kissed flavor Montreal bagels are known for. Their long menu features creative cream cheese spreads and tons of sandwiches to pick from, making the most of their direct line on in-house bagels.

Bakery
Bagel Shop
Mile End
Laurier
M.T.L. Bagel

In Côte St. Luc, owner Glen Spence’s MTL Bagel is the culmination in an honed craft from Fairmount Bagel. Opened 2014, its distinct Montreal-style bagels come from the shop's recipe, meticulously crafted over years. From classic sesame to bold jalapeño pepper, MTL Bagel offers a diverse array of flavors, each lovingly prepared and baked in a wood-burning oven. With over two decades of history and a loyal following, this unassuming strip mall gem continues to serve the community with pride and passion.

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Bakery
Bagel Shop
Côte-des-Neiges
Côte-des-Neiges
Beaubien Bagel

Stepping into Beaubien Bagel on a brisk September day, one encounters a modest ambiance devoid of extravagance. While warmth might not be readily apparent, the meticulous attention behind the counter speaks volumes. Each bagel, slightly broader than the norm, undergoes careful selection, slicing, and coating with cream cheese. Upon biting into the warm, freshly prepared creation, its soft, yielding crumb reveals the hallmark of quality. Despite its unassuming nature, Beaubien Bagel delivers a gratifying experience. And although some may favor more renowned establishments, this unpretentious gem in Little Italy stands its ground with its aromatic, wood-fired offerings.

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Bakery
Bagel Shop
Rosemont
Beaubien
Oze Bagel Plus Inc

Located on the South Shore since 2010, this bakery offers a diverse array of options, from classic bagels with sesame, poppy seeds, and whole wheat to croissants, chocolate puffs, and homemade apple pie—there's something to satisfy every craving. Known for its exceptional quality and affordable prices, this bakery is a go-to for indulgence.

Bagels on Greene

Bagels on Greene, located on the edge of Westmount, offers a unique bagel experience with a family touch. Spanning over 4000 square feet, their Montreal-style bagels are a highlight, as is their diverse menu that goes beyond breakfast with sandwiches, salads, and options like Indian curries. Catering to locals throughout the day, it's a go-to spot for a quick lunch or a hearty breakfast. Bagels on Greene is a beloved neighborhood gem where quality and variety meet in every bite.

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Bakery
Bagel Shop
Westmount
Atwater
Dizz's Bagel & Deli

Established by Mike and Spenser Dizgun, Dizz's in Pointe-Claire is a family venture that brings three generations of bagel-making expertise to the table. Their bagels, baked in a natural gas oven with a hint of sweetness, stand out in a sea of options. Located in a century-old building in Pointe-Claire Village, Dizz's offers a cozy atmosphere to savor freshly made bagels and sandwiches. Despite the pandemic challenges, the community response has been overwhelming, making Dizz's a cherished addition to the neighborhood.

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Bakery
Bagel Shop
Côte-Saint-Paul
Plamondon
Brossard Bagel Inc

This local spot’s known for its bagels that rival even the tastiest on-island options. Offering flavors like banana chocolate chip and coconut with homemade pineapple cream cheese, it's living proof that while Montreal often steals the bagel spotlight, Brossard Bagel on the South Shore holds its own with a traditional approach and unbeatable taste. It's no wonder they've earned a reputation for serving some of the area's best bagels—some say this is where you’ll get the best on the South Shore.

Bagel St-Lo Verdun

Bagel St-Lo, an integral part of Verdun's fabric since 2014, embodies community spirit. Isa Lora Messier and Émilie Sirois, fueled by a passion for hospitality, created this inviting haven where locals gather over freshly baked bagels and comforting dishes. With a focus on local sourcing and a dedicated team, Bagel St-Lo radiates authenticity and warmth. Their menu features bagel benedicts alongside classic breakfast staples, all crafted with care and affordability. Beyond food, it serves as a hub for connection, offering a curated selection of wines and Quebec products. Whether indoors or on the sunny terrace, Bagel St-Lo welcomes all with open arms.

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Bakery
Bagel Shop
Verdun
De L'Église
Bagels Le Trou - Griffintown

Le Trou, a beloved spot in Griffintown, delivers an authentic Montreal bagel experience with a twist. Founded by Alexandra Grenier and Damien Cussac in 2019, this cozy bakery reflects their passion for bagels and community. Offering classics like sesame and poppy seed alongside inventive creations like the beer-infused Griffintown bagel, Le Trou is committed to quality that shines through in every bite, whether you're enjoying a bagel sandwich or sampling their bagel holes. With dedication to tradition with a modern flair, Le Trou has quickly become a cherished gem.

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Bakery
Bagel Shop
Griffintown
Bonaventure
Fairmount Bagel

Fairmount Bagel, a Mile End staple since 1949, is the forerunning cherished institution in Montreal's culinary landscape. For over a century, the Shlafman family has upheld the tradition of crafting exceptional bagels, just as Isadore Shlafman did when he arrived from Russia in 1919. Today, Irwin and Rhonda Shlafman carry on the legacy, preserving the authenticity and quality that define Fairmount Bagel. From the classic poppy seed to the beloved sesame, each hand-rolled bagel reflects a commitment to tradition and taste. Step into this historic bakery, where tradition meets heart, and savor a taste of Montreal's delicious heritage.

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Bakery
Bagel Shop
Mile End
Laurier
St-Viateur Bagel

St-Viateur Bagel, a cornerstone of Montreal's bagel culture, boasts a rich heritage spanning generations. With a wood-fired oven dating back to 1957, it's more than a bakery. From the original owners to the Morena family, continuity and quality define its essence. Each bagel, hand-rolled with care, reflects a legacy of craftsmanship. The aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, inviting locals and tourists alike to indulge. Amidst the bustling ovens, warmth permeates every corner. St-Viateur Bagel isn't just a bakery; it's a testament to Montreal's enduring love affair with its iconic food.

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Bakery
Bagel Shop
Mile End
Laurier
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