Food and drink fads come and go at an alarming rate. A couple of summers back everyone was sipping an Aperol spritz and, during the lockdowns, newly-converted home bakers were eagerly swapping sourdough recipes.
Now I like the bitter-sweet tang of Aperol as much as the next girl and have just fed my sourdough ‘mother’, but what I’m really excited about is the current foodie trend for all things bagel.
In case you haven’t noticed, the humble bagel is definitely having its moment.
Whether it’s a trendy breakfast option at a hipster cafe or a fully-loaded lunchtime take away, bagels are suddenly everywhere.
Of course, Melbourne has always had a handful of traditional bagel producers. However, there’s a new batch of dedicated bagel bakers cropping up across the city, turning out both classic flavour combinations and totally original ones.
So where should you go to get your bagel fix?
Well, here’s our guide to the best bagels in Melbourne. Whether you like a dense, chewy, old school boiled bagel or a lighter, more modern version, read on. We’ve got the lowdown on where to go for whatever type of bagel you’re craving.
Mile End Bagels
Locations: 14-16 Johnston St, Fitzroy, VIC 3055 Ph: (03) 9419 0780 & 1 Wilkinson St, Brunswick, VIC 3056 Ph: (03) 7014 8698 & 115 Burnley St, Richmond, VIC 3121 Ph: (03) 9973 3695 & Rear/694 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn, VIC 3122 Ph: (03) 8596 3390
You know the bagels are good when punters are queuing around the corner of the shop on a Sunday morning. And that’s what we found when we headed down to the Mile End Bagels outpost in Richmond.
The Richmond bagel shop itself it minimal in the extreme. Plain walls and a simple board detailing “Sandwiches” (that’s bagels) and a selection of hot and cold beverages. A long, uncluttered counter top and a large high table for those either waiting to collect their orders or who decide to hop up on a stool and eat-in.
For a dedicated review of Mile End Bagels, see here.
Yep. At Mile End it’s all about the bagels. Chewy, crunchy, wood-fired bagels with a variety of toppings and a mouth-watering array of fillings.
Here, the almost-a-Reuben ($15) is a fabulously stacked Brisket Pastrami, Hot ‘n’ Sweet Mustard, Cream Cheese & Pickles. It’s a sublime balance of salty, sweet, rich, juicy and crunchy. Similarly outstanding is the Chicken Salad ($16) , Avocado, BBQ Sauce, Tomato, Onion, Rocket & Tasty Cheese.
And though I’m generally not a sweet bagel fan, the Crunchy Peanut Butter & Raspberry Jam ($8) looked so tempting, it almost made it on to my order.
Try a bagel from Mile End and you’ll understand the line of people snaking out the door. They have a cult following for a reason and are currently baking some of the best bagels in Melbourne.
Editor’s Update: Clearly, Melbourne foodies can’t get enough of Mile End Bagels as the crew have now added Hawthorn store to their armoury. Actually, a food truck, you’ll find it at the back of the car park on the Swinburne Uni side of Glenferrie Road.
Want to sample the Best Sandwiches in Melbourne? Here are our recommendations
Bowery To Williamsburg
Locations: 16 Oliver Ln, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9077 0162
We’re moving on with our look at the top bagels in Melbourne with an eatery that channels all the best aspects of a New York diner. And that, of course, includes a great selection of Bagels.
The options here fall into 2 camps – Bagel + Schmear, or Bagel Sandwiches. If you go the Schmears, then there are 5 to choose from. We are partial to the Roasted Garlic & Chive, but has also been known to hit up the Dill one.
Struggling to cut a fresh bagel evenly? Then consider a bagel guillotine to slice it perfectly. They’re safe, inexpensive and they work.
As for the Bagel Sandwiches, there’s a Classic Lox ($18), and then things get a bit less traditional. If you prefer to avoid meat, then the Mushroom & Haloumi ($18) should quell your hunger. The filling is completed with a Basil Oil that really lefts the flavours. However, our favourite is the B.E.C. – Brisket, Egg & Cheese – ($18). With meltingly tender 14 hour slow roasted Beef Brisket, it’s perfect for a substantial breakfast.
Incidentally, Bowery to Williamsburg has far more on its menu than simply Bagels. Another excellent brunch idea is any of their 3 Shakshuka Baked Eggs ($29) variations. For us, it has to be with the Italian Meatball, Mozzarella, Basil & Salsa Verde, but the Hot Smoked Salmon one is also pretty fantastic.
And if you’re feeling naughty, you can wash everything down with a Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate ($6.5).
If you have a passion for all kinds of American food, see our take on the top Burger Restaurants in Melbourne
Glicks
Location: Glicks Balaclava, 330 Carlisle St, Balaclava, VIC 3183 Ph: (03) 9527 2198 Check website for further locations – Malvern, Caulfield South & Bentleigh
My first ever Melbourne bagel was a Glicks and I remember it with great fondness.
A friend took me to their Malvern store early one Saturday morning and I recall the old-style shop interior with its wooden fixtures and the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread. And, of course, bagels.
A mainstay of Melbourne’s Jewish community for upwards of 40 years, Glicks is an institution. Nothing much has changed over the years, which is a good thing if traditional bakes are your thing. Fortunately, their bagels are legendary. From Poppy Seed through to innovations like their Pizza Bagels, these delights fly out the door.
If you choose to eat in their cafe, you can get a bagel filled to order. My bagel of choice all those years ago? The ‘Everything’ – soft, Smoked Salmon, a rich wedge of Cream Cheese and salty Capers. Yum!
However, if you lean towards a Pastrami-stuffed Reuben or a modern Australian Chicken and Avo, then Glick’s isn’t the place for you. There is no meat on the premises.
Apart from making some of the best bagels in Melbourne, Glicks bake a fantastic array of breads – including Sourdough. This is also the place to come if you’re looking for Jewish delicacies like glossy, golden Challahs.
See our post on Bagel Toppings for ideas on breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas
3146 Bagels
Location: 1437-1439 Malvern Rd, Glen Iris, VIC 3146 Ph: 0431 256 387
Whilst many Bagel Shops are little more than a wee space with a Coffee machine, a service counter and a couple of stools for customers who wish to dine in, 3146 Bagels is much more of a suburban cafe that happens to focus on Bagels. And very good Bagels at that.
The kitchen does a number of classic combos, including their takes on a Reuben and a Fisherman (Salmon) Lox. However, it’s the more unusual pairings that we’re more excited about. For example, the CC (FRESH) contains Grilled Chicken, Curry, Mayo, Sambal, Cucumber and Coriander and sings with flavour. Similarly tasty is the Rosbifs, which features Rare Roast Beef, peppery Radish & Watercress, Sour Cream and Pickled Zucchini.
But it’s not all about the savouries. If you feel like a sweet treat, the Banofee is the one to order. With Banana, Caramel Cream and Chocolate Shavings, it’s all the best bits of the famous pie between 2 halves of a Bagel.
And for stunning Pies of a slightly different kind, see our review of Tarts Anon
Lawson’s Bagels South Yarra
Location: 51 Toorak Rd, South Yarra, VIC 3141 Ph: (03) 9820 1603
Editor’s Update: Sadly, the Hawthorn branch of Lawson’s Bagels is long gone. However, the South Yarra original is still going strong. What’s more, there’s another Bagel Shop in the same spot at 729 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn East – Circle Bagel & Cafe. We’ve yet to try t, but the online reviews are strong.
Lawson’s Bagels in South Yarra (also called Lawson’s Cafe South Yarra) has cast its net over to Hawthorn with a sleek, tiny outpost on Burwood Road.
Light and bright, this shrine to the bagel is knocking out a lighter style of baked good. If you want a dense, chewy texture, this possibly isn’t the bagelry for you – though that advice is admittedly based on only a couple of visits. At Lawson’s Bagels the circular rolls have a more open dough, making for an airier bagel.
That said, they are very generous with their delicious fillings. There’s a substantial Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, Cheese & Chipotle Mayo number that is a great take on brekky in a bun. If that doesn’t appeal, perhaps the colourful Herbed Feta, Avocado and Beetroot Relish is may to your tastes?
For an in-depth review of Lawson’s Bagels, click here.
When we visited, the communal table was packed with students from nearby Swinburne Uni wolfing down a quick lunch. They were washing their bagels down with Plant-Based Smoothies – which are the cafe’s other big attraction. The Tropical Detox – Pineapple, Mango, Banana, Turmeric & Coconut Water sounds particularly divine.
But at the end of the day, it’s about the torus rolls. And we can confirm that Lawson’s should be on you list of the finest bagels in Melbourne.
Huff Bagelry
Location: 112 Koornang Rd, Carnegie, VIC 3163 Ph: (03) 9568 3866 & 13 Como Parade West, Mentone, VIC 3194 Ph: (03) 9585 4131 See Social Media For Further Locations
We’re back to New York vibes with Huff Bagelry, a family-run business with a couple of outlets currently open.
With no website and no posts on their Insta account, you can either order in advance via the Skip App or make the pilgrimage to one of their bagel shops in person. But we’re sure you won’t regret the trip. These folks make some of the best bagels in Melbourne.
Huff Bagelry has a pretty extensive range of delicious, freshly baked bagels to choose from. The Tuna Melt w. Tomato Relish ($13) really hits the spot whilst the Meatloaf, Cheese, Tomato Relish & Tomatoes is an unusual filling, but really tasty. As fans of a NY Lox in all it’s varied forms, we recommend the Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese and Capers on the Garlic Bagel. That little hint of garlic in the dough is an inspired touch.
Drinks-wise, there’s tea, coffee and iced beverages.
Our top tip, if you visit the Mentone Huff Bagelry, is to get your coffee and bagel to go and enjoy it walking along the seafront. Just watch out for seagulls. Bagels this good can’t have gone unnoticed by the local birdlife!
Just round the corner from Huff’s you’ll find Saul’s Sandwiches – check them out here.
Hank’s Cafe & Bagelry
Location: 13 Beatty Ave, Armadale, VIC 3143 Ph: (03) 9125 160
Editor’s Update: The team has expanded it’s operations with Hank’s Bagelry in the new Market Pavilion at Chadstone. Full details here:
Hank’s Bagelry
Location: Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone, VIC 3148
Although it may have taken a while, the lucky people of Armadale now have their own shiny, new temple to the bagel.
Sitting right across the road from Toorak Railway Station, Hank’s is knocking out a vibrant range of bagel-based sandwiches.
We’re big fans of the Poached Chicken, Mayo, Spring Onion, Tarragon, Celery & – get excited! – Fried Chicken Skin ($16). Whilst the Grilled Bacon, Folded Egg & Harissa Mayo ($15) is as good a breakfast on the go as you’re ever going to find.
For a full & detailed review of the OG Hank’s Cafe & Bagelry, click here
When we last visited, we went classic with Pastrami, Cream Cheese, Sauerkraut, Russian Dressing, Pickles & Swiss Cheese ($15) and it was definitely up to scratch. Even better, we enjoyed it with a portion of Cheesy Crinkle Cut Hot Chips ($6) on the side. How good it that?!
Get yourselves down to Hank’s and give their menu a whirl. They are making some of the finest bagels in Melbourne.
Incidentally, Hank’s Cafe & Bagelry is from the people behind Mammoth cafe, just up the road. For information on Mammoth and more of the Best Cafes in Melbourne, see here.
Masses Bagels
Location: 5 Smith St, Fitzroy, VIC 3065
What started as a pitch at Carlton Farmers Market has morphed into a a bakery/shop on the Collingwood/Fitzroy border.
At Masses Bagels, the secret to the texture and great flavour is wild fermented which takes 3 days to achieve. Then every Bagel is lovingly hand-rolled, boiled and baked. It really is a labour of love.
And then there’s the fillings. In our opinion, the Pickled Green Tomato Bagel is culinary magic. Those lush Tomatoes are beautifully matched with a Parmesan Cream, Pineapple Hot Honey & Mustard Leaves. Similarly exciting is the Persimmon. With Goat’s Feta, Green Onion, River Mint and more, it’s sweet, salty and fragrant, all at once.
Finally, we have to mention the brilliant Rip & Dip Bagel. Grab your Bagel, tear off a chunk and dunk it in a punchy blend of Confit Garlic, Horseradish & Chive Dip. 100% yum!
Masses Bagels may be comparatively new kids on the block, but they are undoubtedly making some of the best bagels in Melbourne.
If you love an Asian spin on your lunchtime sandwich, see our post on the Best Banh Mi in Melbourne
Jungle Juice Bar
Location: Centre House, Shop/20 Centre Pl, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9639 8779
With the exception of Glicks, most of the Bagel Shops on this list are comparatively recent venues. Well, not the Jungle Juice Bar.
The ever-charming and friendly folks at Jungle Juice have been knocking out stellar Bagels for more than 26 years now. And all from one of the tiniest sit-down dining joints in the CBD. Honestly, this place is so tight that the kitchen is little more that a chopping board and a set of knives. Yet they still manage to whip up their own Mayo.
Grungy in the best possible way, the walls of this bolt-hole are decorated with posters for various gigs across Melbourne, the menus are slipped inside ‘Little Golden’ children’s books and the playlist is Indie-heavy 80s and 90s.
And then there’s the excellent Bagels. These run from Brekky-leaning options like the McBagel – Crispy Bacon, Melted Tasty Cheese, Fried Egg, Mayo & HP Sauce – to the Lunch (and Vegetarian) friendly Halloumi – Pan-Fried Halloumi, Avo, Tomato, Rocket, Dukkah & Homemade Tzatziki. Alongside the usual selection, the team also find the time (and space) to conjure up a few specials as well. When we last visited there was a great Tuna Melt bagel – Tuna, Mayo, Red Onion, Dill, Capers – available.
Finally, as the name suggests, the Jungle Juice Bar also does a range of Fresh Juices.
Bissel B. – Bagels & Coffee
Location: 111 Bridge Rd, Richmond, VIC 3121 Ph: 0413 534 531 & 312/314 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick, VIC 3185 Ph: (03) 9523 0326
The Bissel B. bagel shop near the Epworth Richmond Private Hospital on Bridge Road is a beacon of hope at the (currently) rather quiet end of the street.
What’s more, if you love a ring-shaped roll, it 100% should be on your route for the top bagels in Melbourne.
Why? Because the crew a Bissel B. oversea one of the most comprehensive bagel menus in town.
For a more detailed review of Bissel B. , see here
If you feel like a spin on breakfast, try their Bodega ($15). With Fried Egg, Smashed Avocado, Bacon & American Cheese it’s a substantial sandwich. Prefer to go vegetarian, but want something with a kick? The Midtown ($14) has Chive Cream Cheese, Smashed Avo, Chilli Oil & Crispy Onions and packs a punch.
For those who appreciate the classics, the Brooklyn ($16.5) offers the bones of a Reuben, but with a different name. It’s a monster of a mouthful with Pastrami, Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut, Horseradish Mayo & Homemade Pickle. Similarly, the Lox & Schmear ($18) stays true to its root.
For the more adventurous, the Apple Crumble ($12.5) takes all the best bits of everyones’ favourite pudding and pops them between 2 halves of a bagel. Maybe it shouldn’t work, but it definitely does!
If you’re on the hunt for the Best Bakeries in Melbourne, we’ve got you covered
Finally, our new obsession is the Little Italy bagel ($17). This inspired sandwich contains Homemade Meatballs in Napoli Sauce, Bechamel Sauce, Buffalo Mozzarella & Fresh Basil. It’s a rich, saucy, gooey mess of deliciousness.
Schmucks Bagels
Location: The William, Guests Ln, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 8393 1948 & Tenancy 9/567 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: (03) 9614 3238
These much-loved purveyors of ‘Polski Bagels’ specialise in a lighter style of Bagel – thanks to their steaming method.
The menu is smartly divided into Schmucks Breakfast and All-Day Bagels. This really works for us as Schmucks have such an extensive range that it could be overwhelming without the gentle guidance.
For Breakfast, the Morning Sunshine with its Pastrami & Egg, Melted Cheese, Dijon Mustard & Chilli Mayo has just enough pep to wake anyone up. However, if you prefer a sweeter option, then the Nutty Monkey has your name on it. A brilliant combo of Blueberry Bagel, Banana Slices, Nutella Hazelnut & Almonds, it’s both healthy and indulgent at the same time.
Come Lunchtime, the Miso Schmick Tuna is a satisfying as any other sandwich in town. Featuring Miso Line Caught Tuna, Kewpie Mayo, Pickled Ginger, Pea-Shoots and Iceberg Lettuce, with the added crunch of Wasabi Peas, it’s the bomb. Alternatively, the Hippie Slicker – Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower, Watercress, Hummus, Tomato and Lemon is a planted-based dream.
So next time you’re in town, check out a Schmucks Bagel shop.
For an insight into the Best Asian Fusion Restaurants in Melbourne, see here.
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