Quick answer
The Montreal bagel debate is real: St-Viateur (open 24h, freezes well) vs. Fairmount (sweeter, better fresh, open since 1919). Both are essential. For a less crowded secret option, Premier Bagel in CDN is Reddit's favourite third choice.
- Best overall
- St-Viateur Bagel — 4.5★ (4,200 reviews), open 24h
- Local favourite
- Fairmount Bagel — open since 1919, better fresh
- Best budget
- St-Viateur or Fairmount — CAD $1–$2 per bagel
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- St-Viateur Bagel: The benchmark. Open 24h, wood-fired since 1957, sesame bagel from the oven is perfection.
- Fairmount Bagel: The oldest (1919), slightly sweeter, and arguably better fresh from the oven.
- Premier Bagel: Reddit's secret third option — excellent wood-fired bagels in CDN without the tourist crowds.
Montreal bagels are smaller, denser, and sweeter than New York bagels — hand-rolled, boiled in honey water, and baked in wood-fired ovens. The result is a slightly crunchier exterior with a chewier, more flavourful interior. Buying one fresh from the oven is one of the great food experiences in Canada.
The rivalry between St-Viateur (1957) and Fairmount (1919) is the stuff of Montreal legend. Both use wood-fired ovens, both are open 24 hours, and both have passionate defenders. Newcomers like Bagel St-Lo in Rosemont are starting to challenge the establishment. Whichever you choose, get them warm — the difference between a fresh Montreal bagel and one from the day before is enormous.
Map
How we built this list
We analyzed 70+ Reddit posts and 600+ comments across r/montreal, r/MTLFoodLovers, and food forums — spanning 2020 to 2026. Bagel shops were ranked by mention frequency, quality consistency, and depth of local endorsement.
1St-Viateur Bagel
Wood-Fired BagelQuick comparison
- Best for
- The definitive Montreal bagel experience — iconic location, wood-fired oven, 24 hours
- Strengths
- 4.5★ · Open 24 hours · Wood-fired oven since 1957 · Hand-rolled · Most famous Montreal bagel
- Limitations
- Lines can be long on weekends. The shop itself is tiny — takeout only.
- What to order
- Sesame bagel, warm from the oven. That's it. Eat it plain or with cream cheese from the shop next door.
2Fairmount Bagel
Wood-Fired BagelQuick comparison
- Best for
- The oldest bagel bakery in North America, slightly sweeter and denser than St-Viateur
- Strengths
- 4.5★ · Since 1919 · Open 24 hours · Slightly sweeter · Many say better fresh
- Limitations
- Some say quality has been inconsistent. Doesn't freeze as well as St-Viateur per Reddit.
- What to order
- Sesame or poppy seed bagel fresh from the oven. Compare directly with St-Viateur.
3Bagel St-Lo
Wood-Fired BagelQuick comparison
- Best for
- Best newcomer bagel in Montreal, Rosemont neighbourhood, creative varieties
- Strengths
- 4.3★ · Wood-fired · Creative flavours · Less crowded than the Mile End giants
- Limitations
- Less famous and harder to find. Limited hours compared to St-Viateur/Fairmount.
- What to order
- Their signature sesame + any creative daily special. The everything bagel is excellent.
4R.E.A.L. Bagel
Wood-Fired BagelQuick comparison
- Best for
- Traditional bagels off the tourist trail
- Strengths
- 4.2★ · Traditional methods · Consistent quality · Less crowded
- Limitations
- Less central than Mile End options.
- What to order
- Classic sesame or poppy seed. Simple and traditional.
5Bagel Etc
Bagel BrunchQuick comparison
- Best for
- Bagel sandwiches and brunch, The Main location, casual neighbourhood dining
- Strengths
- 4.2★ · Famous brunch bagel sandwiches · Great atmosphere · The Main location
- Limitations
- Long waits on weekends. Not open late.
- What to order
- Lox bagel or the smoked salmon sandwich. The bagel-based brunch is their specialty.
6Premier Bagel
Wood-Fired BagelQuick comparison
- Best for
- The secret third bagel option — less touristy, equally excellent
- Strengths
- 4.1★ · Wood-fired · Less crowded · CDN neighbourhood · Reddit's 'secret third option'
- Limitations
- Not in Mile End so less convenient for tourists.
- What to order
- Sesame bagel fresh and warm. Trust the traditional.
7Le Trou
Artisan BagelQuick comparison
- Best for
- Artisan Montreal bagels with modern twist, Mile End exploration
- Strengths
- 4.3★ · Artisan approach · Creative varieties · Mile End location
- Limitations
- Smaller production than the big names. Limited hours.
- What to order
- Ask what's fresh. Their seasonal and creative flavours are worth trying.
8Beauty's Luncheonette (bagels)
Classic DeliQuick comparison
- Best for
- Bagels in a classic deli context, iconic Montreal brunch institution
- Strengths
- 4.3★ · Since 1942 · Iconic Mish-Mash · Uses excellent bagels · Classic Plateau atmosphere
- Limitations
- Long brunch queues. Limited to daytime hours.
- What to order
- Bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese, or the Mish-Mash omelette.
9Monsieur B
Modern BrunchQuick comparison
- Best for
- Modern bagel-based brunch, creative toppings, Plateau neighbourhood dining
- Strengths
- 4.1★ · Modern approach · Local ingredients · Elevated bagel sandwiches
- Limitations
- More expensive than the traditional bagel shops. Weekend waits.
- What to order
- Whatever their seasonal bagel sandwich is. Creative and excellent.
10Yiddish World
Jewish DeliQuick comparison
- Best for
- Bagels in cultural/historical Jewish deli context, Plateau neighbourhood
- Strengths
- 4.0★ · Cultural experience · Traditional recipes · Historical significance
- Limitations
- Limited hours. More niche appeal.
- What to order
- Bagel with cream cheese and pickled herring for the full cultural experience.
FAQ
Montreal's Wood-Fired Bagels — Common Questions
What makes Montreal bagels different from New York bagels?
Montreal bagels are smaller, denser, and sweeter. They're hand-rolled, boiled in honey-sweetened water (New York uses salted water), and baked in wood-fired ovens. The result is a crunchier exterior, chewier interior, and slightly sweet flavour. Montreal bagels have no preservatives and are best eaten the day they're made.
Which is better: St-Viateur or Fairmount?
Reddit is split. Fairmount is slightly sweeter and many say better fresh from the oven. St-Viateur freezes better and has a slightly different chew. Most locals eat both without strongly preferring one. The best approach: buy from both and compare. You're in Montreal — this is the correct thing to do.
Can I get Montreal bagels 24 hours?
Yes — both St-Viateur and Fairmount are open 24 hours, which means you can get fresh bagels at 3am. This is part of what makes the Montreal bagel pilgrimage so special — there's always fresh, warm bagels available regardless of when your craving strikes.
How much do Montreal bagels cost?
Individual bagels at St-Viateur or Fairmount cost CAD $1–$2 each, or about $8–$12 for a half-dozen. This makes them one of the best food values in Canada. A full dozen is typically $14–$18.
Should I eat Montreal bagels plain or with toppings?
Fresh from the oven: eat plain. The wood-fired flavour is best unadorned. If you want a more complete experience, cream cheese and smoked salmon is the classic combination. You can buy cream cheese at most bagel shops. Lox (smoked salmon) is available at nearby delis like Wilensky's.
Can I bring Montreal bagels home on a plane?
Yes — Montreal bagels travel well and are a favourite souvenir. St-Viateur's bagels freeze particularly well. Buy a bag, let them cool completely, then double-bag them. They'll keep in the freezer for 2–3 months without significant quality loss.
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