Aliu IsaIf there’s one carb I could never give up, it’s bagels. Fluffy or chewy, toasted or not, slathered in cream cheese or piled high with smoked salmon—I’m here for all of it.
And luckily for me, Toronto is an absolute bagel wonderland, from Montreal-style wood-fired beauties to thick, doughy New York classics. We even have Jewish bakeries, hipster cafes, old-school delis, and Korean and Filipino fusion joints!
So, if you’re ready to carb-load, here are the best bagel shops in Toronto that are worth asking Siri to set an alarm for.
College Street Bagels
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Website: https://collegestreetbagels.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegestreetbagels/
Address: 697 College St
Hours: Mon – Sun: 7 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (416) 537-2569
Must-Order: Lox and Cream Cheese Bagel Sandwich
Fair warning, College Street Bagels does not offer classic Montreal-style bagels, so if that’s your thing, this might not hit the same. But for those who love a pillowy bite with a perfectly golden crust, this place is for you (and me).
Their lineup of flavors is solid: poppyseed, sesame, plain, cinnamon, pumpernickel, and whole wheat—nothing too wild. My favorite is the Lox and Cream Cheese Bagel Sandwich with top-shelf salmon, cream cheese, tomato, onions, and capers!
Prices are pretty reasonable too—$1.25 for a single bagel or 6 for $6, which is basically a steal these days. They even do day-olds for 50% off, so you can stock up without breaking the bank.
Speaking of stocking up, you can stash a few in the freezer for later, and they somehow stay just as soft and tasty after a quick toast…sorcery!
Pro Tip:
I love their low-key, pet-friendly patio out front. You can bring your pup, grab a coffee, and do some people-watching while you munch on your delicious bagel.
Gryfe’s Bagel Bakery
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Website: https://www.gryfes.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gryfesbagels/
Address: 3421 Bathurst St, North York
Hours:
- Tue – Fri: 6:30 AM – 5 PM
- Sat – Sun: 5:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Contact: (416) 783-1552
Must-Order: Poppy Bagel
Gryfe’s Bagel Bakery is a Toronto legend; they’ve been baking fresh, fluffy bagels since 1915! Not Montreal-style and not NY-style either—they have their own vibe: light, airy, with just the right thin, crispy crust.
Every single bagel is made fresh that day, and TBH, I can taste the love in every bite. Their bakers are up at the crack of dawn, making a whole lineup of goodies like sesame, whole wheat, cinnamon-sugar, and even those flat bagel thingies.
My fave is their Poppy Bagel—so addictingly soft and flavorful, I don’t even need to toast it—I just slather some cream cheese on top. They also crank out classic baked treats like blueberry buns, chocolate chip cookies (love these), and pizza bagels!
Just a heads-up, they’re old school and cash-only, so come prepared.
Pro Tip:
Gryfe’s bagels freeze like a dream, and they’ll even hook you up with freezer bags if you ask. I always slice mine first, and they’re still amazing toasted weeks later!
Happy Bagel Bakery
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Website: https://www.yelp.ca/biz/happy-bagel-bakery-north-york
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happy-bagel/
Address: 4949 Bathurst St, North York
Hours:
- Mon – Sat: 6 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 7 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 733-2936
Must-Order: Tuna Bagel Sandwich
Tucked at the corner of Bathurst and Finch, Happy Bagel Bakery is a go-to mom-and-pop spot. I like swinging by here early in the morning because that’s when you catch the bagels coming out hot and fresh off the conveyor belt.
I love the variety here too—plain, sesame, multigrain, and more—but my absolute favorite is their Tuna Bagel Sandwich. You get a generous scoop of tuna salad on your bagel of choice, with the option to toast it.
Now, if you want to grab breakfast (which they serve until noon), you can grab a fresh bagel with cheese or egg and a coffee for under $5. In a city where breakfast can easily set you back $15, this is definitely wallet-friendly.
Grab a dozen bagels to take home—Happy Bagel’s bagels reheat beautifully. Also, make sure to have some cream cheese on standby; you won’t regret it!
Pro Tip:
In addition to bagels, you can also snag other freshly baked goodies at their bakery. A great complement to their bagels is their pecan tart—sweet, nutty, and scrumptious!
AM Bagel
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Website: https://ambagel.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambagelto
Address: 53 Roncesvalles Ave
Hours:
- Tue – Fri: 8 AM – 3 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 3 PM
Contact: (416) 792-1110
Must-Order: The Vegan Macca
AM Bagel is a cozy little cafe that serves killer bagels right in the middle of Roncesvalles Village. What makes them unique is that 50% of their menu is vegan (but don’t worry, they’re still oh-so-delicious).
People rave about their Lox Bagel, layered with silky smoked salmon, capers, red onions, and a generous spread of their house-made tofu cream cheese.
My personal fave, however, is The Vegan Macca (the Aussie term for McDonald’s). You’d get a juicy, house-made vegan burger patty, melty vegan cheddar, iceberg lettuce, white onions, and three pickles.
To round it out, grab one of their fresh juices; I recommend the Beet Apple Ginger—it’s earthy, a little spicy, and sweet thanks to Ontario McIntosh apples.
Pro Tip:
For spice-lovers, make sure to try their famous HAWT Sauce, which they sell by the jar. This mango-habanero concoction brings serious heat and flavor, so make sure you have your drink nearby.
St Urbain Bagel Bakery
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Website: http://sturbainbagel.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sturbainbagel/
Address: 895 Eglinton Ave W, York
Hours:
- Mon – Wed: 7 AM – 4 PM
- Thursday: 7 AM – 5 PM
- Friday: 7 AM – 6 PM
- Sat – Sun: 7 AM – 3 PM
Contact: (416) 787-6955
Must-Order: Bagel & Lox Sandwich
St. Urbain Bagel Bakery is known for authentic Montreal-style bagels, baked fresh in a brick oven. A descendant of the family who brought the sweeter, European-style bagel to Montreal opened Toronto’s first Montreal bagel shop, and it’s been a hit ever since.
My go-to here is the Bagel & Lox Sandwich—it’s stacked with smoked salmon, deli cream cheese, tomato, onion, cucumber, capers, and lettuce. Their bagel selection is pretty fun too: pretzel, chocolate chip, sesame, pumpernickel, and a bunch of others.
Don’t leave without snagging some of their deli whipped cream cheeses. You can’t go wrong with chive, smoked salmon, spinach & feta, or plain—but I always grab a tub of the jalapeno one.
As for dessert, pair your bagel with their Danish and cinnamon buns. They even carry craigals—a hybrid between a croissant and a bagel that’s flaky and chewy.
Pro Tip:
To wash down your bagel treat, hit St. Urbain’s freezer near the counter for a cold can of pop or a chilled glass of chocolate milk. Believe me, one gulp would hit the spot.
Bagels On Fire
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Website: https://www.bagelsonfire.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bagelsonfire
Address: 2248 Queen St E
Hours: Mon – Sun: 6 AM – 7 PM
Contact: (647) 343-8484
Must-Order: Montreal Smoked Meat Bagel Sandwich
Since 2013, Bagels On Fire has earned a loyal following in Toronto’s Beaches neighborhood. And with three locations across the city (Queen West, Queen East, and inside The Well at Wellington Market), it’s easy to snag one of their awesome bagels.
Their bagels are hand-rolled, boiled in honey water for sweetness, and then baked in custom wood-fired ovens. This process gives them that slightly crisp exterior and chewy, flavorful goodness inside.
My fave is their Montreal Smoked Meat Bagel Sandwich. It’s filled with smoky meat, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and mustard—all piled high on a warm, toasty bagel.
Another winner is their Breakfast Bagel, which is loaded with fluffy scrambled eggs, melted cheddar cheese, and your choice of bacon or ham. It’s a delicious, hearty sandwich that’s worth dragging yourself out of bed for.
Pro Tip:
Want something to sip on? You’re in luck—they have surprisingly great drink options like Masala Chai, Elderberry Hibiscus Herbal Tea, or Lemon Ginger Rooibos.
Primrose Bagel Co
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Website: https://www.primrosebagel.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primrosebagel
Address: 317A Oakwood Ave, York
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 2:30 PM
Contact: (416) 546-9906
Must-Order: The Bodega
Primrose Bagel Co is one of the best spots in the city for fresh, hand-rolled bagels, as well as hearty sandwiches, smoked fish, soups, and salads.
My top pick is The Bodega on an onion bagel—it’s got egg, cheese, lettuce, pickles, garlic aioli, and a dash of Cholula hot sauce for the perfect kick. The onion bagel itself is interesting, dusted with super fine onion powder instead of the usual chunky flakes.
Another solid option is the Del Boca Vista—a bright combo of egg, avocado, and tomato on a soft poppy seed bagel. And for the kids? Definitely grab their pizza bagels—just pop them in the oven and throw some pepperonis on top.
They even sell pickle sparkling water, which is a bit weird but in the best way!
Pro Tip:
Primrose also does catering. So, if you’re hosting brunch, an office party, or just a chill hangout, call them up and customize one of their yummy bagel platters.
Bubby’s New York Bagels
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Website: https://www.bubbysbagels.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bubbysnybagels/
Address: 3035 Bathurst St, North York
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Friday: 6:30 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday: 7 AM – 4 PM
Contact: (416) 862-2435
Must-Order: De-Lox Club Sandwich
Bubby’s New York Bagels is a classic, no-frills Brooklyn-style bagel joint that landed in Toronto. They offer over 30 varieties of kettle-boiled, hand-rolled bagels, so you’re spoiled for choice.
We love that they’re certified kosher by the COR, and their offerings include Pas Yisroel, Yoshon, and Cholov Yisrael items. They also offer schmears, dips, and bagel chips.
My fave is the De-Lox Club Sandwich—this bagel treat has rich, smoked salmon, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion crunch, and your choice of fresh veggies. I recommend getting it on a toasted Sesame or an Everything bagel (and thank me later).
In addition to bagels, you could also snag wraps, salads, pastas, poutine, and even bialys, making it perfect as a breakfast or lunch spot.
Pro Tip:
Bubby’s New York Bagels offers a wide range of catering options—from quick grab-and-go platters to fully serviced events.
Kettlemans Bagel
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Website: https://www.kettlemansbagels.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kettlemans/
Address: 847 Browns Line, Etobicoke
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: (416) 519-4884
Must-Order: Kettlemans Special
Kettlemans Bagel brings that old-school Montreal bagel vibe to the 6ix, and I think they do it right. Since 1993, they’ve had one goal—to make the best bagels around.
My forever order here is the Kettlemans Special, which hits different, I swear—smoked salmon, deli cream cheese, tomato, red onion, and a few garlic olives on the side. Another delicious option is the Three Cheese Pizza Bagel.
It’s not just bagels 24/7 (although that wouldn’t be a bad thing). They also offer sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.
Just a heads-up, though, this place is popular. Peak breakfast and lunch hours can get packed, so time your visit if you don’t like long lines.
Pro Tip:
Sign up for their app, and you’ll score a dozen free bagels on your birthday! Basically, it’s twelve golden, wood-fired reasons to treat yourself on your special day, or share with others—maybe.
The Bagel House
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Website: https://www.thebagelhouse.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebagelhouse/
Address: 1722 Avenue Rd, North York
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: (416) 781-0032
Must-Order: Roast Beef Bagel Sandwich
The Bagel House has been fueling Torontonians with Montreal-style bagels since 1999. With multiple locations in the GTA, it’s easy to snag a bagel near you.
They have a regular lineup of sesame, poppy, and plain, but the real fun is in their special bagels. These include cinnamon raisin, pumpernickel, onion, flax, oat bran raisin, and more.
I highly recommend their Roast Beef Bagel Sandwich. It’s a deli dream come true, with thinly sliced roast beef layered with your pick of bagel (whole wheat for me), plus lettuce, tomato, and just the right smear of mustard or horseradish.
As for cream cheese flavors, definitely try their cilantro and chili options.
Pro Tip:
To complement your bagel shopping, grab some of their yummy pastries, too. They have apple strudels, knishes, mini cheese bagels, and more!
