Whether it's for breakfast, lunch or even after "last call", come and have a bagel of your choice with or without cream cheese and/or smoked salmon, ready to take out.
Fairmount Bagel Bakery is described as an iconic Montreal staple, with wood fired ovens delivering warm, chewy bagels that are best enjoyed fresh and often taken to go. Reviews celebrate a broad lineup of flavors from sesame and everything to blueberry and sun dried tomato, with many calling the sesame bagel the standout and consistently excellent. Readers note the aroma and the hands on experience of watching dough being shaped and boiled in honey water before baking, which adds to the charm. The atmosphere varies in tone from warmly praised staff to occasional comments about slow or uneven service, and some notes about unfriendly moments. A common caveat is that the shop is cash or Canadian debit card only, with some posts noting no seating and lines that move slowly at peak times, but many still say the wait is worth it for the quality. Several reviewers declare it among the best bagels in Montreal if not the world, often preferring it to competitors and NYC comparisons, while a few say the quality can vary and freshness fades later in the day. Overall, the reviews paint a picture of a beloved institution where fresh, warm bagels, classic toppings, and a straightforward takeout experience define the visit, and where the ritual and taste keep locals and visitors returning.
We were excited to try the hype of the Montréal Bagel, but we were unfortunately disappointed. The atmosphere immediately seemed tired & unfriendly, especially towards tourists. We had the salmon bonut & poppy bagel with cream cheese. The texture was more dense & the flavour sweet, but we expected fresh hot bagels as we could see them being made. However ours was cold & chewy. The toppings were hrs to eat being placed directly on top. There was no pricing displayed or instructions on how to order so we were forced to ask questions which was annoying for them. It was okay, I think they would be better warmed up at home with your own toppings. Not a bagel sandwich shop. Cash only or 5% foreign card fee.
There was a long line up when I was there during lunch time on a Sunday but it was moving at a pretty decent pace. There are only a few options to choose from. The smoked salmon bagel had a generous amount of cream cheese & the bagel had a chewy texture. The sesame bagel with cream cheese was abit too salty. Overall it was nice but nothing memorable or fantastic. They only accept cash or debit.
I'm usually more of an all-dressed bagel enthusiast, but the sesame bagel really has the upper edge here. The all-dressed bagel is fairly strong in garlic & cumin, so I wouldn't suggest having it with a lighter topping like I did (salmon & cream cheese), but leave that to the sesame bagel instead.
I made the mistake of coming here straight after a run (with only my Revolut on my phone) - they don't accept Mastercard so I had to come back a second time.
Definitely worth trying while in Montreal!
I really liked the bagels, they are different from New York bagels & not really the same type of thing, but tasty nonetheless. However keep in mind there is no place to sit & you can't get them to put anything on the bagel, although they do have cream cheese & salmon for purchase.
May 2, 2025
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We waited in a short line this afternoon & left with 1/2 dozen bagels & smoked salmon. Good options to take away & make sandwiches. Bring Canadian cash (US-Canadian exchange is 1:1) or a Canadian debit card.
Fairmount Bagel truly lives up to its legendary status. The combination of perfectly made bagels, locally sourced cream cheese, & smoked salmon from Quebec made my delicious food creations shine. If you haven't tried them yet, it is a must-visit for anyone in Montreal - whether you're enjoying them traditionally or experimenting with new recipes!
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In depth review:
As a food blogger, I couldn't resist celebrating National Bagels & Lox Day with some of Montreal's best from Fairmount Bagel. Their bagels are iconic, chewy, & baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven, making them the perfect base for creative recipes. I made two unique bagel creations using their fresh, local ingredients:
1. Cranberry Delight Bagel
I started with their cranberry bagel for a subtle sweetness, paired with a creamy goat cheese spread, topped with smoked salmon, caramelized onions, & arugula. A drizzle of balsamic reduction added a perfect balance of sweet & savory. The fresh Quebec smoked salmon was the highlight, bringing everything together beautifully.
2. Lox Caprese Bagel
For something lighter & more colorful & fun, I used one of there limited edition Canada bagels, spread with Canadian cream cheese, & topped with smoked salmon, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, & a drizzle of olive oil. I finished it with salt, pepper, & fresh basil (or basil pesto for an extra kick). The result was a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired bite that was light & flavorful.
Fairmount Bagel delivers on all fronts. The bagels are simply some of the best you'll find in Montreal, & the ability to customize with local products like cream cheese & smoked salmon makes for a top-tier meal. Whether you're a local or a tourist, it's a must-visit for anyone wanting to try authentic Montreal bagels. The service is friendly, & the nostalgic atmosphere adds to the charm of the place.
24/7 producing traditional Montreal bagels for very fair prices. There are a large number of choices of flavours of both bagels & cream cheeses, smoked salmon & lox, making your one stop for an amazing breakfast! A must visit when in Montreal.
Sep 23, 2024
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2nd experience: got the sesame & all dressed, they were definitely better that store bought but could be chewier. The 40g smoked salmon wasn't great, didn't have much flavour aside from salt, it's not their house product so I don't blame them but do not waste on your money on it, the bigger packs are probably better since they're different brands. 1st experience: ordered 6 different bagels for the week, made the mistake of putting them in the fridge where the got tough as nails. The bagels that survived were good.
Before I left Montreal, I needed to try these. When I got there, the line wasn’t as long & it moved pretty quickly. I went in & got a dozen bagels (blueberry, sesame, whole wheat & all dressed). I was also recommended the cream cheese (original) with the salmon spread. As I got to the airbnb, I gave it a try. It’s soft & thin - nothing compared to American bagels. When it’s toasted even better. I sliced each one & frozen them up. I have a good amount in my freezer.
