A local’s guide to the best bagels in London, from Brick Lane’s old bakeries to New York style bagels, and Rinkoffs Bakery for traditional beigels!
New day, new London travel guide and today, we’re talking about the best bagels in London!
Whether you’re looking for New York style bagels in London or the traditional Jewish beigels, you’ll find the crème de la cream cheese in this guide.
London’s Best Bagels: 10 Bakeries from NY Style to Beigels
You can find some really amazing Jewish and New York bagels all around London, from Brick Lane to Finsbury Park.
I really wish we had many more of these succulent bagel shops, if I’m being honest.
This is one of the best cheap eats in London, and a perfect way to taste culture through food.
But what, really, is the difference between a bagel and a beigel?
Basically, the Jewish beigel is traditionally sweeter, while the New York bagel is more savory.
In terms of texture, the bagels in London are also harder, denser in texture.
Best New York Bagels in London: The Happening Bagel Bakery, Finsbury Park
One of my favorite bagel shops in London is the Happening Bagel Bakery in Finsbury Park.
Paying it a visit is actually something I’ve mentioned in my guide to nontouristy things to do in London!
When I used to live in Seven Sisters, I would often walk to Finsbury Park and grab a bite at the Happening Bagel Bakery.
The classic cream cheese and salmon bagel is outstanding there, as is the traditional salt beef bagel.
One of the best bagels in London overall, filling, satisfying and oh-so-chewy.
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Best Bagels in London: Beigel Shop Brick Lane, East London
One of the two institutions of bagel shops in Brick Lane is Beigel Shop Brick Lane, which I’ve reviewed here for you a few months ago.
Absolutely beautiful texture and mix of flavors with the mustard, pickles and salt beef – my go-to when visiting the Brick Lane shop.
Usually, I’ll get a salt beef bagel at Beigel Shop that I’ll eat while walking around and finding new street art in Brick Lane.
Some of the best markets in Shoreditch are located on Brick Lane, so for any type of broccoli art or vintage shops, you’re at the right place.
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Best New York Bagels in London: Beigel Bake Brick Lane, East London
Beigel Bake is Beigel Shop’s twin on Brick Lane; they’re literally two doors apart.
The recipes are quite similar, too, so if you like the quality of one, you’ll like the other.
The only difference between the two, really, is the organization of the shop – I feel more comfortable ordering at Beigel Bake as it’s a tad bigger.
Other than that, for those looking for the best Jewish beigels in London, those two spots are fabulous.
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Best Bagels in London: Papo’s Bagels
Now for those who would rather find the best New York bagels in London, you have Papo’s Bagels.
The small takeaway joint, located in Dalston close to some of the best charity shops in London, offers some delicious smoked salmon bagels.
You will find everything there from classic combos to DIY bagels; best believe that New Yorkers craving their usuals will be more than satisfied at Papo’s Bagels.
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Best New York Bagels in London: B Bagel, Soho
B Bagel Bakery on Wardour Street is another one of the best spots to visit for the best bagels in London, and two steps away from Chinatown and Oxford Street.
This could mean you go shopping on Oxford Street and come to B Bagel Bakery to relax and devour scrumptious, fresh bagels.
Baked in store, this might be one of the most trustworthy bagel companies there is in London.
And if you crave dessert, two steps away from B Bagel Bakery, you’ll find Criss Cross – they offer some of the best croissants in London, multicolor and decadent.
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Best Bagels in London: Rinkoff Bakery, East London
Rinkoff Bakery is one of the cutest bakeries in London; the Stepney Green joint takes you back in time as soon as you pass the threshold.
And when you try their crodoughs (also called cronuts in other bakeries and pastry shops), tell me these aren’t the best cakes in London!
At Rinkoff, bagel making is a virtue – the Jewish bakery offers the tastiest cream cheese and salmon bagel there is.
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Best New York Bagels in London: The Bagel Guys
Another good spot for New York bagels in London is The Bagel Guys, nestled in Netil Market, one of the most secret food markets in London.
You’re two steps away from London Fields, one of the prettiest neighborhoods in London, and served proper New York style bagels for lunch.
One of The Bagel Guys’ founders actually originally comes from Long Island, and that’s where you know your bagel will be satisfying AF.
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Best Bagels in London: It’s Bagels
With immaculate flavors, It’s Bagels, who until now was serving their bagels at Caravan Coffee Roasters, will be opening their shop in September 2023.
It’s another good spot to find New York style bagels in London; decadent ones at that.
In terms of texture, It’s Bagels dedicates itself to New Yorkers’ favorite textures and tastes.
The joint will be located in Primrose Hill, near the park where you can see beautiful sunsets in London when the sky is clear.
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Best New York Bagels in London: Daniels Bagel Bakery, Finchley Road
Daniels is located on Finchley Road, not too far from West Hampstead, where I used to live, and you’ll also find there kosher, Jewish bagels.
The highlight of these stunning bagels is their texture – the perfect amount of chewiness.
The salt beef bagels at Daniels are definitely something to try at least once in your life; if you’re traveling to London for the first time, it’s a great way to discover a part of London culture.
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Best Bagels in London: Good Things Deli
Schnitzel, salt beef, squash and mozzarella – the bagels from Good Thing Deli, owned by The Good Egg, somehow make it hard to try another place once you’ve tasted them.
If you’re looking for ways to eat in London on a budget, Good Thing Deli won’t set you back too much.
For less than £10, you can have a really complete meals with one of the best bagels in London overall.
As for the texture, we’re basically halfway between a Jewish beigel and a New York style bagel – something worth trying!
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London’s Best Bagels: 10 Bakeries from NY Style to Beigels
There you have them, all the spots to get the best bagels in London!
My favorites are Beigel Shop Brick Lane and the Happening Bagel Bakery, which both have sentimental value for me as well as being delicious.
Stay tuned, soon, we’ll be talking about some of the best cookies in London, ice cream, cakes, cheesecakes and much more!