Fairmount Bagel Bakery produces iconic Montreal-style bagels through a traditional wood-fired oven process that ensures a distinctively crisp exterior and a dense, chewy interior. Each bagel is hand-rolled and boiled in honey-infused water before being baked on wooden planks to achieve a signature golden hue. The menu centers on these hand-crafted rings, which are available in classic varieties like sesame, poppy seed, and everything. Patrons often pair these fresh creations with high-quality cream cheese, smoked salmon, or capers available for purchase. The bakery functions as an essential purveyor of local culinary heritage, maintaining long-standing techniques that define the regional bagel profile. By focusing strictly on artisanal baking methods, the establishment remains a cornerstone for those seeking authentic, high-quality products that prioritize texture and flavor above all else.
Fairmount Bagel Bakery is widely celebrated as an iconic Montreal destination, cherished for its authentic, wood-fired bagels that offer a signature chewy texture and a subtle, satisfying sweetness. Many visitors describe the experience as a must-try highlight, noting that enjoying a bagel warm and fresh directly from the oven is a truly magical experience. The shop is praised for its historical character and the wide variety of flavors available, ranging from classic sesame to adventurous options like blueberry or pina colada. While the space is compact and primarily designed for quick service rather than dine-in, guests frequently highlight the efficiency of the staff and the joy of grabbing a fresh, delicious treat to enjoy while exploring the neighborhood.
I've heard about Montreal bagels for years &, finally visiting Montreal, made sure to stop off at Fairmount Bagel - one of the longstanding original bagel shops in the city. They offer a large variety of types of bagels (some, quite unusual), so you probably want to take a look at the menu before stopping by. Went by on a Wednesday morning about 10:30 & there was virtually no line. (They can get very busy). The bagels were warm, soft & outstanding. We got a couple dozen (they provide plastic bags for each set of 6). It is not a restaurant & there is no dining. They do sell a wide variety of spreads, lox, etc to take out. There is metered street parking, but make sure that you don't park on a block that is for residents only (you'll get an expensive ticket).
Met an ol fella from Montreal shortly before my trip & he made it very clear this was a must. We made sure this was our last stop before making the trek back to NB, as we wanted fresh bagels for home.
I grabbed a bag of'yesterdays bagels', seemingly the best option if you want a large variety. I believe we got 18 bagels & a very nice assortment. My favorite was the blueberry vanilla.
While inside a customer who could clearly tell we were tourists leaned in & told me to order a fresh sesame seed bagel out of the oven with butter, & im so glad he did. Aside from cosmos this was one of the best things I had the chance to try while in Montreal.
I even brought back half a dozen bagels for the ol fella that suggested I go there.
Nothing beats a Fairmount bagel (or two!) in the park!
Service was quick in the early morning, we took half a dozen poppy-seed bagels to go & had fun with our cream cheese spread 🥯🌿
I've been coming to Fairmount since I moved to the Plateau about twelve years ago, & it never gets old. Stopped in a few days ago on a Sunday morning & the wood-fired oven was going full tilt, filling the whole sidewalk with that smell before I even pushed open the door. Grabbed a dozen sesame bagels fresh off the line & they were still warm by the time I walked home. There's nowhere else in the city that comes close, & I say that as someone who has tried them all.
What a gem in Montreal! We had delicious breakfast at the cafe & bought dozens of bagels to bring home. The best bagels I have ever had. Very friendly personnel!
⭐ 5/5 - A Classic Montreal Experience!
Went to Fairmount Bagel & loved every bit of the experience! There was a line, which is always a good sign 😄. I went for the standard - half a dozen sesame bagels - & it was perfect for my first visit.
The staff is super nice & friendly, & I ate two bagels while walking - they were the warmth I needed on the spot. Next time, I'll go a little crazy with my order, but this was exactly what I wanted for a first taste. Highly recommend!
