Bagels, those iconic circular bread rolls, have certainly made a mark in the food world, and it’s not hard to see why. There’s an undeniable joy in indulging in a fresh, warm bagel, during breakfast…actually, during any time of the day.
If, like me, you have a soft spot for bagels, you’re in for a real treat! We’ve rounded up the top seven bagel shops you absolutely must explore in Vancouver.
What makes bagel a popular food?
Bagels’ popularity stems from their texture, versatility, and rich history. What makes them universally appealing is the perfect balance of a chewy interior and a crispy, golden exterior.
The beauty of bagels lies in their ability to transform, offering a canvas for a variety of delicious toppings and fillings, whether your cravings lean towards sweet breakfast treats or savory lunch options.
But beyond being a food trend; bagels are a taste of tradition and culture. Their immigrant origins and deep-rooted significance make them a symbol of heritage and community, adding an extra layer of meaning to each bite.
Does Vancouver have good bagels?
Vancouver has a number of great bagel shops, perfect for a convenient breakfast, lunch, or a quick on-the-go snack.
You can indulge in Montreal-style bagels, known for their handmade, less salty, and fire-baked character. Or New York-style ones that are larger and chewier with a glossy crust. Some bagels also delve into other heritages like Japanese, resulting in unique flavors.
You can also explore Turkish bagels, offering a unique twist with sesame-studded circular bagels, or go traditional with Jewish bagels, known for their boiled-then-baked technique, resulting in that perfect, distinct texture.
If you’re on a quest to sample each of these varieties, you should swing by each of these seven fantastic bagel shops in Vancouver on our list!
Where to Grab Good Bagels in Vancouver
Siegel’s Bagels
Address: 1883 Cornwall Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1C7
Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, 8 AM – 11 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday, 24 Hours
Phone: +1 (604) 737 8151 (Cornwall)
Website
Siegel’s Bagels is a highly recommended spot, both online and among locals. They’re known for their freshly fire-baked bagels with incredible flavors, and their excellent reputation contrasts with the store’s unassuming and cozy ambiance.
The store owes its success to its owner’s experience in Montreal,a city synonymous with a distinctive type of bagel.
You can try their poppy seed and rosemary rock salt bagels or try their Montreal smoked meat sandwich, made with meat sourced directly from the city itself.
Pro tip: If you’re on a food tour, be sure to check out their branch at Granville Island Public Market. You can grab half or a dozen of your favorite bagels while you’re there.
Solly’s Bagelry
Address: 368 West 7th Avenue., Vancouver, BC, Canada, British Columbia
Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, 8 AM – 11 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday, 24 Hours
Phone: +1 (604) 675 9770
Website
Solly’s is a family-owned store that’s been serving the community for nearly three decades.
Their traditional Jewish bagels and deli offerings are prepared following authentic recipes, available at budget-friendly prices, and they infuse Main Street with a delightful and enticing aroma.
Some of the must-try items at Solly’s include their delectable cinnamon buns and the Salmon Shmear on a Bagel, featuring a spread made from cream cheese and bits of wild West Coast lox.
When it comes to customer service and dealings with employees and delivery drivers, the store has been getting mixed reviews over the years. We still think their bagels deserve a shout-out, so you can drop by the store to judge their service.
Pro tip: If you’re getting ready for Passover, Solly’s can be your one-stop shop for all your needs, including items like Matzah, Charoset, Matzah Balls, Komissbroit, and more.
Rosemary Rocksalt
Address: 1350 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC V5L 3X6
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7 AM – 7 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 254 7202
Website
You probably already have a good idea of what to order at our next stop…
Rosemary Rocksalt specializes in Montreal-style bagels, and their rosemary rocksalt bagel deserves signage with its name up on the streets. Chewy, freshly baked, just the right amount of salt on the exterior…
What’s intriguing about this store is its expansion from North Vancouver to Richmond, and they’ve given their offerings names that reflect various neighborhoods.
Take Yaletown (CAD 8.95) which has egg, cheddar, and tomato, and Kitsilano (CAD 14.95) which features Montreal smoked meat, turkey, lettuce, and more.
Pro tip: If you have the opportunity, it’s worth grabbing a table at their Commercial Drive location. The store is easy to find and the love for the community is beautifully reflected in the artwork on the walls.
The Bagel Stop
Address: 595 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 683 5222
Website
So you can savor all the different kinds of bagels in Vancouver, don’t forget to make a stop at The Bagel Stop. They specialize in affordable New York-style bagels that won’t break the bank.
Situated in a tucked-away spot at the Bentall Centre beneath the SkyTrain station, The Bagel Stop may require a bit of effort to find. But their bagels, with generous cream cheese choices, are so worth the trip.
Service is also very friendly here. The welcoming staff and the delicious bagels create just the right combination that everyone’s looking for.
Pro tip: The Bagel Stop offers a good variety to choose from. But if you’re in the mood for a breakfast spot, their Breakfast Bagel Sandwich with bacon and egg can give you the ideal start to your day.
Simit Bakery
Address: 191 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V5Y 1P4
Hours: Sunday to Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 568 1373
Website
A Turkish bagel is known as a Simit. It’s adorned with sesame seeds on the outside, has a light and fluffy interior, and tastes delicious when toasted.
Sounds familiar? Of course, because that’s how we want our bagels to be, with the main difference being that Simit is twisted into a circle, which adds a fun element to it.
Give their Cappadocia Simit Sandwich a try – it has that perfect nuttiness and bite, especially with a few slices of Montreal smoked meat. Their Spinach and Feta Bourek is another must-try.
Pro tip: If you haven’t had the chance to experience Turkish coffee, this shop is a great place to try it. They also offer a variety of Turkish pastries, making it feel like a mini trip to Turkey.
Mount Royal Bagel Factory
Address: 701 Queensbury Avenue, North Vancouver
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 904 1116
Website
A ferry ride away from downtown Vancouver, you’ll discover one of Greater Vancouver’s finest bagel shops. Their everything bagel, basil & garlic cream cheese, and rosemary rocksalt creations are worth making the trip across the water.
What sets them apart is their homemade cream cheeses. They’re perfectly tangy and feature a really delightful texture that takes the bagel experience to the next level.
The bagels? Warm, chewy crust, with a soft, doughy centre – just the way we all love them!
Pro tip: Early mornings are your best bet. Some days, their bagels fly off the shelves quickly, so arriving around noon might mean missing out on these treats.
WA-Bagel by Aburi
Address: B09-666 Burrard St.Vancouver, BC V6C 2X8
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 3 PM
Website
From the team behind Miku, Minami, and Aburi Hana comes a new addition to Vancouver’s bagel scene – Wa-Bagel.
While Aburi Restaurants are known for introducing sushi to the city, what Wa-Bagel inherits is their signature creativity and commitment to high quality.
The head baker, Yukiko Iikura, has established Kepo Bagels in Japan. In Vancouver, her Japanese-style bagels are making waves with their smaller size and interesting flavors like red bean paste, sweet potato, and matcha.
Pro tip: We’ve yet to find out what it is about the SkyTrain Station along Burrard, but it’s also where Wa-Bagel is tucked away. They offer public seating outside the shop on the bottom level of Park Place, if you want a cozy spot to eat your bagels.