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.
A staff member at the bagel-only shop across the street told me I could bring the bagels to the café & they would make them into sandwiches, so I bought four bagels.
However, when I went to the café, they said they couldn't do that & that I would need to order again if I wanted a sandwich.
If the staff member wasn't sure, they should have said so instead of giving incorrect information.
The café did offer to cut the bagels in half, but without toasting or cream cheese, it was very difficult to eat.
If you want a sandwich, just order directly at the café. Overall, my first experience was disappointing.
A Montreal staple. It's hard to resist chowing down on a bagel when Fairmount is open all night. I got the all dressed, & it was the perfect representation of an authentic Montreal bagel. Dense & chewy with a hint of sweetness. It was crusty but not hard. Don't miss trying!
I drive from Toronto to Montreal for any reason, but first I go to Fairmont Montreal bagel shop fill two pockets of bagels. Start eating them hot. Then go there every day to get the hot & fresh bagels. When I leave Montreal my ritual is to go there again. Stay in the line up with all excited individuals. Get so many bagels as their varieties are amazing for my family & my relatives & friends in Toronto. That is my beloved bagel place! Thank you for being so good for all these years.
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!
On n'y va pas pour l'ambiance mais pour leurs bagels. J'ai grandi avec des bagels pour déjeuner, dîner, souper & les fins de soirée bien arrosées. Bien avant que les Bagels de Montréal deviennent populaire. Sésame ou Pumpernickel (quand on est chanceux) à vous le choix. Même aux oignons. Avec ou sans fromage à la crème. Avec ou sans saumon fumé. Avec ou sans capres. Avec ou sans oignon frais. Délicieux à tous moment de la journée. Même nature, tout frais, tout chaud sorti du four à bois. Avec ou sa s beurre. À vous de les personnaliser. :-)
Mar 21, 2026
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Google takes you to the bulk bagel location. The cafe is directly across the street. I enjoyed the firm outside & soft inside. I might not be a bagel connoisseur, but they were excellent bagels.
Bagels were FAB. Great experience for other tourists looking to engage in the Montreal culture. Didn't know that you had to apply the cream cheese to one's own bagel, however, it ended up being OK. We got a bonut (with the cream cheese on top in the pic). you can only use cash or debit cards if you're from the US.
A classic bagel spot if you want those authentic Montreal style bagels, but they also have some unique flavors that you won't find elsewhere. The staff are really friendly & helpful so I highly recommend it!
Le bagel was nothing to write home about, if I'm being honest. I may be spoiled having lived my whole life next to Manhattan. Their bagels are really small & I was surprised when I asked for a bagel with butter & I was handed a bagel & a mini plastic tub of butter. I won't deduct a star because I guess that's just the Montreal style of bagel. The lady behind the counter was really nice & when you walk in you can tell why the joint has been around for so long, just like that Wilensky's place. It was a good experience, though. Just not my style of 🥯
