If there's one food you absolutely must have on your list when visiting Montreal, it's the bagel. This delicious specialty, a true emblem of the city, can be found on every street corner, in lively neighborhoods as well as quiet ones.
Like New York, Montreal is famous for its bagels. However, the two cities offer very different products. The distinctive feature of Montreal bagels is that they are boiled in honey-sweetened water before being baked in a wood-fired oven. This gives them a dense, chewy texture, a crunchy crust and that little touch of sweetness that makes you want to take another bite.
Whether torn by hand, sliced in half, topped with the classic smoked salmon and cream cheese, or transformed into a breakfast sandwich, there are a multitude of ways to enjoy an authentic Montreal bagel. The selection is just as varied: sesame bagels, beer and parmesan bagels, strawberry bagels... there's something for everyone.
Discover our selection of favorite addresses across the city below.
Multiple locations
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It's impossible to miss the legendary St-Viateur Bagel, a true Mile End institution. The line of people stretching out in front of the store, their noses in the air to inhale the tantalizing aroma of the bagels being baked, testifies to the popularity of this place. Pumpernickel, sesame, apple and cinnamon, or all-topped... all hand-rolled, fresh from the oven, irresistible and absolutely delicious. So it's no surprise that this establishment has been a staple since the'50s. You can enjoy these iconic bagels in one of their three other locations, or even have them delivered hot to your door!
74 Avenue Fairmount O, Montréal, H2T 2M2
Bagels in space, you say? A funny fact, but one that bears witness to the international renown of Fairmount Bagel, a true Montreal bagel monument. Open since 1919, this bakery is the first of its kind in Canada. Operating 24 hours a day, it offers a wide variety of bagels, with flavours ranging from poppy, onion or chocolate, to more daring options such as mueslix and cumin. Here, bagels come in a variety of formats: miniatures, chips, Matzoh bread, New York-style pretzels and Bozo (three bagels twisted into one). An offer as original as it is tasty!
5411 Rue de Verdun, Montréal, H4H 1K6
Established in the heart of Verdun since 2014, Bagel St-Lo is the fruit of the dream of two passionate friends who were able to create a place as warm as it is tasty. Today, the workshop runs 7 days a week to offer you fresh bagels, prepared with care every day. Lunch is served until 3 p.m., while dinner is available at any time. Sweet or savoury, there's something for everyone! Bagel St-Lo is a young, dynamic business that's a must-see, for the quality of its artisan bagels, homemade spreads, comforting meals and always-smiling welcome.
682 Boulevard Arthur-Sauvé, Saint-Eustache, J7R 5A8
Bagel St-Eustache is the Laurentian benchmark for authentic bagel lovers! Prepared in the traditional wood-fired oven, these bagels are incredibly moist and flavorful. Not to be missed: their homemade cream cheese, a delight that enhances every bite! Whether you want to start the day or enjoy a lunch, their bagel sandwiches are a real temptation. What's more, a children's menu is available for the little ones. What really sets Bagel St-Eustache apart is the warm, attentive welcome from the staff and owners. Their friendly service makes every visit a pleasant and memorable one.
828 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, H2S 1S9
Less well known than others, Beaubien Bagel is a hidden gem near the Beaubien metro station that's well worth a visit. Here, bagels are baked the traditional way in a wood-fired oven, giving them that typical, irresistible Montreal bagel flavor. In addition to being one of the few places to offer a variety of vegan bagels, their bagels are slightly larger than average, guaranteeing an even more gourmet experience with every bite. Whether you eat them on their own or as part of a sandwich, you'll be won over. And for those who prefer a smaller portion, smaller sizes are available on request.
196 Boulevard Sainte-Rose, Laval, H7L 1L4
Visiting Laval's charming Vieux-Ste-Rose district? Don't miss Bagel Ste-Rose, a true benchmark since 1996! Renowned for its warm ambience and generous plates, the place is famous for its artisanal bagels, which delight regulars... and even celebrities! Céline Dion is a particular fan, and it's easy to see why. Available in mouth-watering flavors such as poppy, cinnamon-raisin, chocolate and cranberry, these exceptional bagels are a real treat. Every morning, they're carefully baked to deliver remarkable freshness and taste.
1845 Rue William, Montréal, H3J 0A5
Have you ever tried the Griffintown bagel? Created by Le Trou bagelerie, this bagel pays tribute to the neighborhood's roots. Hand-rolled and baked on site, it features a unique beer and parmesan recipe. A real treat not to be missed! In addition to the Griffintown, Le Trou offers a range of classic bagels such as poppy and sesame, as well as a vast selection of other delicious products. For an even more gourmet experience, let yourself be tempted by their creative sandwiches, such as the burgel or the cheesecake, prepared with their homemade bagels.
286 Rue Gladstone, Greenfield Park, J4K 2Y6
When you walk into Brossard Bagel, you're immediately drawn in by the irresistible smell of bagels baking in the wood-fired oven. Their bagels, whether eaten on their own, in a sandwich, or generously buttered with one of their homemade spreads, are a real treat. The sesame classics are the most popular, but you'll also find many other flavors. In addition to bagels, you can enjoy fruit turnovers or Jamaican pies, perfect for a variety of tastes. With convenient parking and a summer terrace, Brossard Bagel is the ideal place for a gourmet break at any time of day.
5452 Avenue Westminster, Montréal, H4X 2A5
For over 20 years, Glen Spence has been perfecting the art of the bagel in the vibrant Côte-St-Luc neighborhood. His bagels, fresh from the oven, are golden, moist and irresistibly tasty, true to Montreal tradition. At M.T.L Bagel you'll be spoilt for choice from a selection of classic and daring recipes. Why not try a cranberry-coconut bagel, or a delicious banana-chocolate chip mix? Once you've chosen your bagel, all you have to do is decide what you're going to put inside! Two menus are available: one for breakfast and one for lunch.
Multiple locations
With seven locations across Montreal, La Fabrique de Bagel never disappoints. No matter where you are in the city, the enticing aroma of freshly baked bagels is sure to draw you to one of their boutiques. With up to 18 bagel flavors, from classic to poppy, rosemary or even strawberry, you'll be spoilt for choice. Don't worry, you'll easily find an original flavor to try! In addition to their bagels, La Fabrique offers a dozen varieties of sandwiches and numerous homemade spreads to complete your experience. Looking for choice? You've come to the right place!
945 Avenue Mont-Royal E, Montréal, H2J 1X3
Newcomer to the bagel scene, BBagel has nothing to envy the giants of the genre. With their plump bagels, they promise a gourmet experience that will make you stammer with delight. Their slogan, "rip and dip", invites you to enjoy their bagels in an original way: tear the bagel open and dip it in their creative schmears (spreads), including three vegan options. In addition to the fun aspect, BBagel boasts bagels twice the size of traditional ones, giving you more for your money... and your stomach!
In short, the Montreal bagel isn't just a snack: it's a gastronomic emblem firmly rooted in the daily lives of Montrealers. Whether you live here or are just visiting, let our selection of top spots guide you on your way to discovering the best bagels in town!
Take your pick... but be warned: one may not be enough!
Want even more suggestions? Here's our complete list of delicious bagel places in Montreal.
