Melbourne’s Bagel Identity: Chewy, Toasted & Unapologetically Iconic
If Melbourne has mastered anything beyond caffeine (and yes, I have three coffees a day), it’s the art of turning simple foods into identity statements. Bagels are no exception. They’re no longer just something you grab between meetings — they’ve become little flavour markers: chewy vs. fluffy, New York–style vs. Montreal-style, salmon vs. chicken.
When I first stepped into Melbourne’s bagel scene, I didn’t expect it to become a full personality era — but here we are. My loyalty sits firmly with Hank’s, but this guide pulls from my own experiences, my ordering history and my ever-growing list of “urgent bagel errands.”
Melbourne’s bagel culture grew alongside the city’s brunch and artisan baking movement. As cafés elevated pastries, sourdough and specialty coffee, the humble bagel naturally followed — hand-rolled, boiled, baked fresh daily and crafted with the same care you’d find in a high-end kitchen.
Unlike the chaotic competitiveness of croissant culture, bagels have a calm confidence. They don’t need to flake dramatically or crumble all over your lap. They’re solid. Reliable. Comfort food with character.
The 7 Best Bagel Shops in Melbourne (Including My All-Time Favourite)
1. Hank’s Bagelry — My Ride-or-Die Favourite
Let’s begin with honesty: Hank’s is my favourite bagel shop in Melbourne. If you see someone power-walking out the door with two coffees and a paper bag stamped “Hank’s”… it’s probably me.
Hank’s nails the perfect sweet spot — chewy enough to feel authentic, soft enough that you don’t walk away with jaw fatigue. Their Poached Chicken bagel is the kind of thing that makes you stop, pause and reassess your life trajectory in the best way.
Why You’ll Love Hank’s:
- Fresh, modern flavours
- Extremely consistent bake
- Perfect chew-to-softness ratio
- Excellent coffee pairings (a danger for someone with my caffeine habits)
Locations:
13 Beatty Avenue, Armadale VIC 3143
1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone VIC 3148
Website: https://www.hanksbagelry.com.au/
Instagram: @hanksbagelry
2. Mile End Bagels — The Montreal-Style Master
If you crave that chewy-sweet, wood-fired bagel experience, Mile End is your place. Their dough is hand-rolled, boiled in honey water and baked in a traditional wood-fire oven. The result? A glossy, golden crust with deep malty sweetness and an iconic Montreal-style chew.
My go-to is the poppy seed bagel with avocado, chive cream cheese, tomato, chilli oil & pink salt — simple, elite, unbeatable.
What Stands Out:
- Authentic Montreal technique
- Wood-fired depth of flavour
- Dense, satisfying chew
Locations:
115 Burnley Street, Richmond VIC 3121
Rear/694 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
14 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Website: https://mile-end.com.au/
Instagram: @mile_end_bagels
3. Whiplash — The Bold, New-School Bagel Innovator
Whiplash is where bold flavours meet serious bagel craftsmanship. Everything here leans a little louder — the fillings, the seasoning, the energy. It’s confident without being chaotic, creative without being overwhelming. Their Chilli Chorizo bagel is the standout: crunchy, saucy and engineered for maximum satisfaction.
Why It Works:
- Strong, punchy flavours
- Crisp, well-executed fillings
- Modern, industrial café vibes with personality
- Great options if you like a heartier, loaded bagel
Address: 226 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
Website: https://www.whiplashcafe.com/
Instagram: @whiplashhawthorn
4. Bissel B. Bagels — The NYC-Style Classic
If Mile End is Montreal, Bissel is pure Manhattan energy. Big, glossy, unapologetically chewy. These bagels have that classic New York spring, plus a dough-to-filling ratio that never overwhelms.
If you love a good breakfast bagel, their bacon, egg & cheese will ruin every other morning sandwich for you. No regrets.
Highlights:
- Authentic New York–style bite
- Affordable combo deals
- Great breakfast menu
- Fast, friendly service
Locations:
111 Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
312/314 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick VIC 3185
Website: https://www.bisselbbagels.com.au/
Instagram: @bisselb_bagels
5. Schmucks — Melbourne’s Comedy Bagel (…But Actually Great)
Schmucks leans into personality and playfulness: oversized bagels, cheeky names, unforgettable fillings. But behind the humour is seriously good food. If you want something fun, social and slightly chaotic — this is your spot.
Standouts:
- Strong vegan options
- Huge portion sizes
- Fun, upbeat atmosphere
- Bagels with attitude
Locations:
Tenancy 9/567 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Guests Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Website: https://schmucksbagels.com.au/
Instagram: @schmucksbagels
6. Glick’s — The OG Melbourne Bagel Institution
A list of the best bagels Melbourne has to include Glick’s. This Jewish bakery has been a local staple for decades. If you grew up in Melbourne, you’ve eaten a Glick’s bagel during at least one milestone moment.
Their bagels are soft, doughy and deeply nostalgic — the comfort food equivalent of a warm hug.
What Makes Them Iconic:
- Long-standing community favourite
- Light, fluffy texture
- Generous selection of spreads and fillings
- A true Melbourne institution
Locations:
153 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern VIC 3143
330 Carlisle St, Balaclava VIC 3183
447 Hawthorn Rd, Caulfield South VIC 3162
Website: https://www.glicks.com.au/
Instagram: @glickscakesandbagels
7. Brick Lane Bagels — The East London–Inspired Neighbourhood Favourite
Brick Lane Bagels brings that unmistakable London-style bagel energy to Melbourne — warm, comforting, perfectly filled and genuinely irresistible. It’s the kind of place where you pop in for “just one” and walk out emotionally attached. Their salt beef bagel is a must-try: rich, tender and ridiculously satisfying.
Strengths:
- Traditional London-style texture
- Well-stacked fillings
- Welcoming, local-neighbourhood feel
- Perfect for classic bagel cravings
Locations:
116 Greville St, Prahran VIC 3181
224 Clarendon St, South Melbourne VIC 3052
Instagram: @bricklane.bagels
How to Choose the Right Bagel (According to Someone Who Eats Too Many)
If decision paralysis hits you at the counter (relatable), here’s the cheat sheet I actually use:
- Best all-rounder: Hank’s
- Smoky, wood-fired chew:Mile End
- Bold, flavour-packed creation: Whiplash
- True NYC style: Bissel
- Fun + personality: Schmucks
- Nostalgia: Glick’s
- London-style classic:Brick Lane
A Bagel-Shaped Wrap-Up
Melbourne’s bagel scene is as diverse, comforting and joy-filled as the people who swear by it. Whether you’re ride-or-die loyal to Hank’s (like me), chasing Montreal-style bite at Mile End or discovering a new favourite at Whiplash, Bissel or Brick Lane Bagels, this city proves that a bagel is never just something to eat — it’s craft, community and character.
Consider this your invitation to eat your way through the seven stops on this list. I’ll probably see you there — three coffees in, debating whether it’s socially acceptable to have a second bagel before noon. (Spoiler: it absolutely is.)
Melbourne Bagels FAQs
What are the top bagel spots in Melbourne?
Hank’s, Mile End, Whiplash, Bissel B., Schmucks, Glick’s and Brick Lane Bagels are the seven standouts for quality, craft and local reputation.
Which Melbourne bagel shop is most authentic?
New York–style: Bissel
Montreal-style: Mile End
London-style: Brick Lane Bagels
Where can I find a great smoked salmon bagel in Melbourne?
Hank’s serves a standout version, while Mile End offers a delicious Montreal-style take.
Are there vegan bagel options in Melbourne?
Yes — Schmucks and Whiplash both have excellent vegan-friendly options.
Which bagel place is ideal for breakfast?
Bissel’s bacon, egg & cheese is a consistently popular choice for morning bagel lovers.
