There are bagels, and then there are Montreal bagels. If you’ve never had one fresh out of a wood-fired oven, you’re missing out on one of the city’s proudest culinary traditions. Montreal is home to a rich tapestry of flavors, and when it comes to bagels, it’s a city obsessed. In this guide, we’ll uncover where to find the best bagels in Montreal, explore the stories behind legendary bakeries, and share insider tips to help you enjoy them like a local.
Unlike their New York cousins, Montreal bagels are smaller, denser, and slightly sweeter due to being boiled in honey-sweetened water before baking. They're hand-rolled and baked in wood-fired ovens, resulting in a crisp crust and chewy center. You can spot the difference at first bite.
While there's plenty of debate over who makes Montreal's best bagels, one thing is clear: these golden rings are a source of deep civic pride.
[Last Update: August 17, 2025]
No quest for the best bagels in Montreal is complete without a stop at Fairmount Bagel, the city’s oldest bagel shop, founded in 1919 in the heart of Mile End. Open 24/7, this spot is known for its tradition, family roots, and consistency.
📍74 fairmount, Montreal, Quebec H2T 2M2
Must-try: Sesame and poppy seed bagels warm from the oven.
Just a stone’s throw from Fairmount, St-Viateur Bagel has held its own since 1957. Many locals swear by its slightly sweeter and lighter bagels. Whether you choose the classic shop or one of their cafés, you’re in for a treat.
📍263 Saint Viateur St. West, Montreal, QC H2V 1Y1, Canada
Local tip: Grab a dozen still warm and eat as you walk.
Located in Verdun, Bagel St-Lo combines creativity with comfort. From cranberry-orange to multigrain sourdough bagels, they cater to both traditionalists and health-conscious foodies.
📍Bagel St-Lo Verdun, 5411 Rue de Verdun, Verdun, QC H4H 1K6, Canada
What makes it special: A cozy café vibe with unique flavors and vegan-friendly spreads.
Focusing on organic, locally sourced ingredients, R.E.A.L. Bagel delivers hand-crafted bagels with a modern twist. Their sourdough and specialty bialys are fan favorites.
📍4940 Queen Mary Rd, Montreal, Quebec H3W 1X2, Canada
Don’t miss: Their rosemary-sea salt bagel and seasonal varieties.
Though better known for its pastries, Hof Kelsten's bagels are a well-kept secret. Soft, flavorful, and often served alongside gourmet deli meats or house-made butter.
📍4524 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2T 1R4, Canada
Why go: For an upscale take on a Montreal classic.
In the heart of Rosemont, Beaubien Bagel is loved for its traditional methods and friendly service. It might not be as famous, but its quality rivals the big names.
📍828 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, QC H2S 1S9, Canada
Standout option: Everything bagel with herbed cream cheese.
Le Trou Bagel specializes in slow-fermented sourdough bagels baked in a wood-fired oven. Their chewy texture and tangy flavor have built a loyal following.
📍1845 William St, Montreal, Quebec H3J 0A7, Canada
Flavor to try: Black sesame with garlic cream cheese.
Located in the Ville-Émard neighborhood, this hidden gem specializes in hand-rolled, honey-boiled bagels baked in a traditional wood-fired oven. Ville Émard Bagels may not have the fame of Mile End icons, but their authenticity and loyal local fanbase say it all.
📍6556 boul. Monk, Montreal, Quebec H4E 3J1
Why visit: A warm, family-run atmosphere with bagels that balance softness and chew in every bite.
Why visit: A local secret loved by the suburban crowd for quality and consistency.
Situated in the upscale Westmount neighborhood, Bagels on Greene offers freshly baked bagels with a gourmet twist. Known for their slightly crispier texture and inventive toppings, this spot caters to foodies looking for something a little different.
📍4160 Saint-Catherine St, Westmount, Quebec H3Z 1P4, Canada
Why visit: A stylish setting with premium bagel sandwiches, perfect for brunch or lunch on-the-go.
What to try: Cinnamon raisin bagel with hazelnut spread and a latte.
Newer to the scene but quickly rising in popularity, Bagel MTL is located downtown and fuses Montreal’s classic bagel-making techniques with global flavors. Think curry spice bagels, jalapeño-cheddar twists, and even matcha-glazed options.
📍5452 Av. Westminster, Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4X 1X2, Canada
Why visit: Perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try creative spins on traditional bagels.
Must-try: Their Montreal-style bagel sandwich with spicy tofu and pickled veggies.
To enjoy the best bagels in Montreal like a local, follow these simple guidelines:
“I grew up around the corner from Fairmount, and I swear by it. But my partner’s a St-Viateur loyalist, so we compromise by buying from both,” says Nadine, a lifelong resident.
Others speak of lining up in the cold for fresh bagels after a night out, or grabbing a dozen to bring to family across the country.
Some locals say bagel preferences even run in families. “My grandmother only bought from Beaubien,” says David from Rosemont. “It was a tradition passed down. Now I take my kids there.”
While Montreal bagels have earned cult status, many visitors naturally compare them to their New York counterparts. Here’s how they stack up:
| Feature | Montreal Bagels | New York Bagels |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller and thinner | Larger and fluffier |
| Texture | Chewy with a dense crumb | Soft interior with a chewy crust |
| Flavor | Slightly sweet (boiled in honeyed water) | More neutral or slightly salty |
| Baking Method | Wood-fired oven | Steam-baked in conventional ovens |
| Hole Size | Larger hole | Smaller or nearly closed |
| Toppings | Often sesame or poppy seeds | Wide variety (everything, onion, garlic, etc.) |
Montreal bagels are boiled in honey-sweetened water and then baked in a wood-fired oven, giving them a caramelized crust and subtle sweetness. They’re less doughy than New York bagels—perfect for those who love a toasty crunch.
🥯 Pro Tip: Many locals eat them plain or lightly toasted to preserve the crust’s crunch, often skipping spreads altogether.
🧠 Summary: Montreal bagels are more rustic, handmade, and slightly sweeter, while New York bagels are puffier and saltier, often with more elaborate toppings.
Montreal bagels are delicious straight from the oven, but if you’re looking to elevate your bagel experience, here are some pairing ideas locals and foodies swear by:
🔥 Warm Tip: Ask for your bagel to be “reheated” if you’re not getting it fresh from the oven. A quick toast restores the crisp crust and brings out its nutty, sweet flavor.
Montreal’s bagels aren’t just breakfast—they’re a proud symbol of the city’s culinary heritage. From the wood-fired ovens of St-Viateur and Fairmount to the modern twists at artisan bakeries, each bite tells a story of culture, craft, and community.
Whether you're a lifelong local or visiting for the first time, this guide offers a curated path through the city’s most beloved bagel spots. We’ve tasted, tested, and toasted them all—so you don’t have to wonder where to start.
Next time you follow that irresistible scent of sesame and sweet dough, trust your tastebuds—you’re likely just steps away from discovering Montreal’s next great bagel.
Bon appétit! And don’t forget to bookmark this page or share it with fellow food lovers exploring the city.
What makes Montreal bagels different from other bagels?
Montreal bagels are hand-rolled, boiled in honey-sweetened water, and baked in wood-fired ovens — giving them a slightly sweet taste, chewy texture, and a golden, blistered crust. They’re also smaller and denser than New York-style bagels.
Which is better: Fairmount or St-Viateur bagels?
Both Fairmount and St-Viateur are iconic Montreal bagel institutions, and the “better” choice depends on your taste. Fairmount is known for its slightly crispier texture and wider flavor variety, while St-Viateur is famous for its perfectly chewy sesame bagels, often praised for freshness straight from the oven.
Can I bring Montreal bagels back home or on a plane?
Yes! Montreal bagels travel well and are often vacuum-sealed for freshness. You can buy them by the dozen, and they’re allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. Pro tip: freeze any extras to preserve flavor — they toast up beautifully later.
Do Montreal bagel shops offer gluten-free or vegan options?
Traditional Montreal bagels are made with wheat flour and are not gluten-free. Vegan options are more common — many shops use dairy-free ingredients, but it's best to ask on-site. Some newer bakeries in Montreal are beginning to experiment with gluten-free recipes.
How long do Montreal bagels stay fresh?
Montreal bagels are best enjoyed within 24–48 hours of baking for peak freshness. If you’re not eating them right away, store them in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze them to preserve flavor and texture for several weeks.
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