Top 10 Best Bagels Los Angeles
Exploring Los Angeles Food Scene
Tasty Adventures Await
Los Angeles is a food lover’s paradise, and every time I dive into its culinary scene, I get a thrill. The city is a melting pot of flavors, thanks to its diverse cultural roots. From street tacos to high-end sushi, there’s something for everyone. One of my personal favorites? Hunting down the best bagels in Los Angeles. Each bagel spot has its own twist, making every bite a new experience.
The variety here means you can find something delicious any time of day. Whether you’re after the best breakfast or on the lookout for the best lunch spots, LA has you covered. Here’s a quick peek at some popular food categories:
| Food Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Bagels, Breakfast burritos |
| Lunch | Sandwiches, Tacos |
| Dinner | BBQ, Korean BBQ |
| Desserts | Ice cream, Donuts |
| International Cuisine | Mexican, Italian, Indian |
Lively Food Culture
The food culture in Los Angeles is buzzing. Food trucks are everywhere, serving up quick, flavorful bites. Farmers’ markets are packed with fresh produce that inspires both chefs and home cooks. I love hitting up local spots where chefs bring their cultural heritage to life in every dish.
Bagel shops are a big part of this scene. They’re more than just places to grab a bite; they’re community hangouts where you can enjoy a warm bagel, a rich spread, and maybe the best coffee in Los Angeles. The vibe is always upbeat, and I leave with a happy heart and a full stomach.
As I explore more of the bagel scene, I can’t wait to share my finds on the best bagels in Los Angeles and how they add to the city’s vibrant food culture. Whether it’s classic flavors or creative twists, each bagel shop has a story to tell. If you’re curious about more of LA’s food scene, check out the best food in Los Angeles here.
Best Bagels in Los Angeles
If you’re craving the best bagels in Los Angeles, you’re in for a tasty adventure. Here are some of my top picks that you absolutely have to try!
Courage Bagels
Tucked away in Virgil Village, Courage Bagels has earned a reputation with its wild-yeasted, Montreal-style bagels that even the New York Times raves about. These bagels are slightly charred, giving them a chewy texture that’s just irresistible. They pair perfectly with fresh farmers’ market veggies or lox. Be ready for long waits, especially on weekends, but trust me, it’s worth it! For more about the bagel scene, check out best food Los Angeles.
| Bagel Type | Texture | Flavor Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal-style | Chewy and thin | Lox or veggies |
Belle’s Bagels
Next up is Belle’s Bagels in Highland Park. This gem offers signature, double-fermented bagels in classic flavors like everything, onion, and plain. But what really sets them apart are their unique options, such as the cacio e pepe bagel. They also serve high-quality cream cheese in various flavors and delicious bagel sandwiches with spicy tomato jam. You won’t regret a visit here!
| Signature Flavors | Unique Feature |
|---|---|
| Everything, Onion, Plain | Cacio e Pepe bagels |
Layla Bagels
Layla Bagels, located in Santa Monica’s Ocean Park neighborhood, is another fantastic spot for Montreal-style bagels. They offer a delightful mix of savory and sweet options, with the popular Pre-Jam bagel being a must-try. Just a heads up, expect lines and a wait time of at least half an hour, but the taste will make it all worthwhile!
| Popular Item | Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Pre-Jam Bagel | Approximately 30 minutes |
Western Bagel
Lastly, we have Western Bagel, a beloved bagel mini-chain in L.A. since 1958. Known for its soft and light bagels, Western Bagel offers a wide variety, including low-carb and sprouted wheat options. Their lunch menu features Boar’s Head cold cuts and in-store roasted turkey breasts, making it a go-to for a hearty meal.
| Bagel Type | Special Options |
|---|---|
| Soft and Light | Low-carb, Sprouted Wheat |
These bagel spots are just the beginning of my journey through L.A.’s food scene. If you’re looking for more tasty options, don’t miss out on the best breakfast Los Angeles or best brunch Los Angeles!
Bagel Adventures in LA
When you’re on the hunt for the best bagels in Los Angeles, it’s not just about the bagels; it’s about the whole experience. Here are some of my top picks that take bagels to the next level in LA.
Smögen Appetizers
Tucked away in Studio City, Smögen Appetizers is a weekend-only brunch pop-up that brings a taste of traditional Jewish appetizing stores. Their naturally leavened sourdough bagels are topped with high-quality seafood like tuna poke and smoked salmon. If fish isn’t your thing, they’ve got you covered with options like avocado and heirloom tomato. This place is a must-visit for anyone craving a sophisticated bagel experience (Los Angeles Times).
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Sourdough Bagel with Tuna Poke | Fresh tuna poke on a chewy, delicious bagel. |
| Smoked Salmon Bagel | Rich, flavorful smoked salmon on top. |
| Avocado & Heirloom Tomato Bagel | A fresh, vibrant choice for non-seafood lovers. |
Hank’s Bagels
Since opening in 2019, Hank’s Bagels has quickly become a local favorite for their creative bagel sandwiches. One standout is their crispy fried egg sandwich, featuring maple-glazed bacon, sharp cheddar, tomato, and aioli. It’s a hearty and delicious option that’s perfect for breakfast or lunch. Bagel lovers, this one’s for you (Eater LA).
| Menu Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Fried Egg Sandwich | Crispy fried egg with maple-glazed bacon and sharp cheddar. |
| Classic Bagel with Lox | A traditional favorite done right. |
Uncle Stevey’s
New to the scene in 2023, Uncle Stevey’s is making waves with their unique bagel offerings. They specialize in small batches of mostly traditional flavors but also feature some original creations. One standout is the “black-and-white” bagel, covered in two-toned sesame seeds and drizzled with cheddar hot honey. This innovative twist makes Uncle Stevey’s a fun and exciting spot to grab a bite (Eater LA).
| Unique Offerings | Description |
|---|---|
| Black-and-White Bagel | A visually striking bagel with two-toned sesame seeds. |
| Cheddar Hot Honey Drizzle | A savory-sweet topping that elevates the flavor. |
Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams
While not a bagel shop, Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams offers a delightful pairing for your bagel experience. Located on West Third and in Culver City, they serve unique flavors like burnt sugar vanilla and the popular Girl Scout’s Thin Mint ice cream, which can be prepared with or without dairy (Eater LA). Their creative ice cream options make for a refreshing treat after a savory bagel.
| Ice Cream Flavors | Description |
|---|---|
| Burnt Sugar Vanilla | A rich and creamy classic. |
| Girl Scout’s Thin Mint | A refreshing minty treat with chocolatey goodness. |
Exploring these unique bagel spots in Los Angeles has been a tasty adventure. Each place offers its own twist on the classic bagel, making it easy to find something that satisfies both your cravings and curiosity. For more tasty discoveries, check out the best food in Los Angeles.
Bagel Trends Heating Up in L.A.
Los Angeles is buzzing with fresh bagel trends that are taking this breakfast favorite to new heights. From unique styles to wild flavors, there’s a lot to get excited about in the bagel world!
Montreal-Style Bagels
One hot trend is the rise of Montreal-style bagels in L.A. These bagels are smaller, denser, and have a chewy texture that sets them apart from the New York variety. I recently checked out Courage Bagels in Virgil Village, which has been making waves with its wild-yeasted, slightly burnt bagels. They pair perfectly with farmers’ market veggies or lox, making them a must-try. Another gem is Layla Bagels in Santa Monica, offering both savory and sweet options, including the crowd-favorite Pre-Jam bagel. Just be prepared to wait during peak times!
| Bagel Shop | Style | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Courage Bagels | Montreal-style | Wild-yeasted, chewy, slightly burnt |
| Layla Bagels | Montreal-style | Variety of flavors, popular Pre-Jam |
Funky Bagel Flavors
The flavor game is strong in L.A.’s bagel scene. Shops are getting creative with combinations that will make your taste buds dance. Bagel Broker offers flavors like jalapeño cheddar and cheese onion, which are always a hit. Over at Smögen Appetizers, you can find naturally leavened sourdough bagels topped with high-quality seafood like tuna poke and smoked salmon, as well as non-fish options like avocado and heirloom tomato.
| Bagel Shop | Unique Flavors | Toppings Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Bagel Broker | Jalapeño cheddar, cheese onion | Variety of cream cheeses, spreads |
| Smögen Appetizers | Naturally leavened sourdough | Tuna poke, smoked salmon, avocado |
Bagel Sandwiches with a Twist
Bagel sandwiches are getting a serious upgrade. Imagine fresh, flavorful ingredients packed inside a bagel—it’s a culinary adventure! Western Bagel, a long-standing mini-chain in L.A., offers a lunch menu featuring Boar’s Head cold cuts and in-store roasted turkey breasts, perfect for a hearty bagel sandwich.
| Bagel Shop | Sandwich Options | Signature Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Western Bagel | Cold cut sandwiches | Boar’s Head cold cuts, roasted turkey |
From Montreal-style bagels to funky flavors and exciting sandwich combos, L.A.’s bagel trends are shaking things up. These new twists show just how versatile bagels can be, adapting to modern tastes and preferences. If you’re on the hunt for the best bagels in Los Angeles, these trends are definitely worth checking out!
Bagel Shops in Los Angeles
When I’m hankering for a top-notch bagel in Los Angeles, I know just where to go. Here are a few of my favorite spots that really hit the mark.
Wanderlust Creamery
Wanderlust Creamery is a dream for ice cream lovers, but their bagel-inspired flavors are something else. With unique and seasonal offerings like ube malted crunch and pandan tres leches, their creativity is off the charts. They mix in international flavors, making every visit a mini adventure. Don’t miss their best ice cream options while you’re there!
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Ube Malted Crunch | Purple yam flavor with a crunchy twist |
| Pandan Tres Leches | Sweet, creamy blend of pandan and leche |
| Japanese Neapolitan | Matcha, sakura, and Hokkaido milk |
Scoops
Scoops is another gem with locations in Highland Park, Torrance, and Chinatown. Known for its wild flavors, there’s always something new to try. The Grapenut-infused brown bread and strawberry balsamic are my go-tos. They also have a great selection of non-dairy, oat milk-based options, so everyone can find something to love. For more on their incredible flavors, check out their best ice cream offerings.
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Grapenut Brown Bread | A unique twist on classic flavors |
| Strawberry Balsamic | Sweet and tangy, perfect for summer |
Mashti Malone Ice Cream
If you’re in the mood for something exotic, Mashti Malone’s Ice Cream is the place to be. As LA’s original Persian ice cream shop, they offer incredible rose-infused ice cream topped with a dash of sour cherry syrup. It’s a flavor experience you won’t forget. You can find their locations on La Brea, Griffith Park, and in Westwood. Explore more about their delicious offerings in the best ice cream guide.
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Rose-Infused | Delicate floral notes with rich creaminess |
| Sour Cherry Syrup | Adds a refreshing and tangy contrast |
Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co.
Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co. in Alhambra is a classic! This 105-year-old shop is all about nostalgia and joy, especially with their soda fountain offerings. Their coffee ice cream with Oreo cookies is heavenly. It’s the perfect spot to grab a sweet treat after enjoying some of the best bagels in Los Angeles. For more details, dive into their best ice cream selections.
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Ice Cream | Rich coffee flavor blended with Oreo crumbs |
| Malts and Floats | Classic soda fountain favorites |
Each of these bagel shops not only serves up delicious bagels but also pairs them with incredible ice cream options that will make your taste buds dance. If you’re on the hunt for the best food in Los Angeles, don’t miss these culinary delights!
