Are you ready to embark on a blissful bagel journey? Then you’re in luck because Toronto has some of the best bagel shops around! From perfectly chewy and crisp exteriors to deliciously soft and doughy centers, the city’s bagels are sure to satisfy your bagel cravings.
Our expert guide takes you through the city’s top 5 bagel shops. We’ve done the legwork for you and uncovered the most delicious and unique bagel spots that Toronto has to offer. So get ready to sink your teeth into some serious bagel goodness!
Table of Contents
What Makes a Great Bagel?
When it comes to bagels, there are a few key factors that separate the good from the great. Here are some elements to look out for:
- Texture: A great bagel should have a chewy, slightly dense texture on the outside, with a soft, airy interior. It’s all about achieving the perfect balance of crunch and fluffiness.
- Flavor: Another essential element of a great bagel is the flavor. Whether you prefer a classic plain bagel or something more adventurous like everything bagel seasoning, the taste should be rich, and satisfying, and leave you craving more.
- Freshness: It should be fresh and made with high-quality ingredients, ensuring that every bite is a delicious and satisfying experience.
- Shape and Size: A classic round shape with a small hole in the center is the typical shape of a bagel. It should also have a substantial size, not too small or too big.
- Versatility: Finally, a great bagel should be versatile enough to pair with various toppings and spreads. From cream cheese to lox, a great bagel can be enjoyed in many different ways.
With these factors in mind, we’ve come up with our top 5 places to get delicious bagels in Toronto.
| Best Bagels in Toronto | Google Rating | Google Reviews |
| Happy Bagel Bakery | 4.6 | 588 |
| Bagels On Fire | 4.6 | 513 |
| Purple Penguin Cafe | 4.6 | 402 |
| Bubby’s New York Bagels & Soho Sushi | 4.5 | 305 |
| AM Bagel | 4.8 | 230 |
Where to find the Best Bagels in Toronto
Google My Maps Link:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1sy87GaDT5NGPAAgLAvN7E-_L5qADYm8&usp=sharing
Here are our top 5 picks for the Best bagels in Toronto.
Happy Bagel Bakery
“Happiness in every bite”
Visit Happy Bagel Bakery for a bagel experience like no other. (Image source: Google business photo, John Morgan)
If you’re a fan of freshly made bagels with a chewy texture and a variety of toppings to choose from, then Happy Bagel Bakery is the perfect spot for you. This charming bakery specializes in homestyle bagels, along with a range of other delicious options like paninis, croissants, sandwiches, and a vast selection of pastries.
Say hello to Happy Bagel Bakery’s delicious bagels and a perfect cup of espresso. (Image source: Google business photo, Howard Arfin)
Happy smiles greet you once you enter their shop, and the dine-in option makes for a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Don’t forget to try their great espresso and house-made cream cheese. You’ll love it paired with a warm, toasty bagel. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Happy Bagel Bakery is one of Toronto’s top places to get your bagels.
Pricing: starts at $1.60
Pros
- Interesting selection of pastries
- Freshly made bagels daily
- Variety of toppings available for bagels
Cons
- A few complaints about the service.
Location: 4949 Bathurst St, North York, ON M2R 1Y1
Google Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 (588 reviews)
Bagels On Fire
“Freshly baked bagels straight from the wood-fired oven”
Authentic brick oven bagels made the traditional way at Bagels On Fire. (Image source: Bagels On Fire Instagram)
The next on our list to check out is Bagels On Fire. This bakery serves some of the freshest and most delicious bagels around. Not only are the bagels fresh and tasty, but they are also reasonably priced. It’s a great spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
Experience the taste of brick-oven-made bagels at Bagels On Fire. (Image source: Bagels On Fire Instagram)
One of the highlights of Bagels On Fire is their Montreal-style bagels. These bagels are made in a traditional way in a brick oven using wood, resulting in a unique and delicious flavor. You can also try their bagel sandwiches, which have a perfect balance of ingredients and will leave you feeling satiated. The customer service is friendly and fast, and there is always a warm welcome waiting for you.
Pricing: Starts at $1.05
Pros
- Montreal-style bagels are available.
- Friendly and fast customer service.
- Bagels are baked in a traditional way in a brick oven using wood.
Cons
- Limited seating, only two tables for seating four people.
Location: 2248 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4E 3K2
Google Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 (513 reviews)
Purple Penguin Cafe
“Montreal-style bagels that melt in your mouth”
The bagels at Purple Penguin Cafe are big, bold, and bursting with flavor. (Image source: Purple Penguin Cafe Instagram)
Next, we have the Purple Penguin, a whimsical cafe that offers a wide selection of made-to-order apple fritters, coffee, and Montreal-style bagels. Vegetarian options are available, and breakfast is served all day.
Start your day off right with one of Purple Penguin Cafe’s delicious Montreal-style bagels. (Image source: Purple Penguin Cafe Instagram)
Purple Penguin Cafe’s bagels are huge and packed full of fresh fillings. You should try their best sellers, the twisted bagel and the delicious apple fritters. The decor inside the cafe is creative and adds to the overall ambiance. Friendly staff makes customers feel welcome and add to the local feel of this hidden gem. With a great selection of coffees, teas, and smoothies, Purple Penguin Cafe is the perfect spot for coffee lovers and breakfast enthusiasts alike.
Pricing: starts at $3.95
Pros
- The bagels are huge and delicious, packed full of fresh fillings.
- The twisted bagel is a personal favorite of some customers.
- The staff is nice and friendly, making customers feel welcome.
Cons
- A customer was upset that they were charged extra for bread instead of a bagel.
Location: 889 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1J4
Google Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 (402 reviews)
Bubby’s New York Bagels & Soho Sushi
“Freshly baked New York-style bagels”
Enjoy Bubby’s wide selection of plump and sweet bagels. (Image source: Bubby’s New York Bagels & Soho Sushi Instagram )
Bubby’s New York-style bagels are cold-proofed, kettle boiled, and baked on wooden burlap boards in their stone deck oven, ensuring a fantastic texture and fresh taste every time. With a large selection of bagels to choose from, you’ll have a ton of options.
Bite into a fresh and delicious bagel from Bubby’s! (Image source: Bubby’s New York Bagels & Soho Sushi Instagram )
Their breakfast and lunch menus are excellent, and the owner is responsive, punctual, and truly cares about the customer experience. With reasonable prices for a quality kosher establishment, Bubby’s is a clear winner among other legit bagel bakeries in Toronto. The staff is friendly and provides great service, making your visit even more enjoyable.
Pricing: Starts at $1.50
Pros
- Lots of bagel selections to choose from.
- Reasonable prices for a quality kosher establishment.
- Great service provided by friendly staff.
Cons
- Parking can be difficult and crowded.
Location: 3035 Bathurst St. North York, ON M6B 3B5
Google Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (305 reviews)
So if you’re in the mood for a plump, sweet, and fabulous bagel, head over to Bubby’s New York Bagels & Soho Sushi for an experience you won’t forget.
AM Bagel
“Perfect for a morning pick-me-up.”
The balance of flavors and textures in the bagel sandwiches is truly exceptional. (Image source: Google Business Photo )
AM Bagel serves up bagel sandwiches with just the right amount of everything. The bagels are perfectly toasted and offer unique and delicious sandwich options, including their Lieutenant sandwich, which is entirely vegan and made with a chickpea salad that is prepared from scratch in-house. Sprouts add some extra crunch and pepperiness to this fantastic sandwich.
The perfectly toasted bagels at AM Bagels have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. (Image source: Google business photo )
In addition to bagel sandwiches, AM Bagel also offers sweet treats, soup, fresh juices, smoothies, and coffee, making it the perfect spot for a quick bite or a leisurely breakfast or lunch. The cozy and homey atmosphere, combined with friendly and helpful customer service, make it a neighborhood favorite that fits perfectly into the community. With plant-based and vegan options available, AM Bagel provides a tasty and affordable option for everyone.
Pricing: Starts at $2.50
Pros
- Delicious and unique bagel sandwich options
- Perfect balance of flavors and textures in bagel sandwiches
- Plant-based and vegan options available
Cons
- Does not accept cash payments, which may be inconvenient for some customers
Location: 53 Roncesvalles Ave. Toronto, ON M6R 2K5
Google Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5 (230 reviews)
Start Your Day Right With the Best Bagels
You’ve made it to the end, and hopefully, your taste buds are craving a delicious, freshly baked bagel right now. Toronto is a city with a deep love for bagels, and we’ve explored some of the best bagel shops around, each with its own unique take on this beloved breakfast staple.
Whether you’re a local Torontonian or just visiting the city, there’s no better way to start your day than with a delicious, fresh bagel. So, grab a friend and hit up one of these incredible bagel shops for the ultimate bagel experience. Until next time, happy bagel hunting!