Fairmount Bagel

74 Av. Fairmount O, Montréal, QC H2T 2M2, Canada

Montreal

Open

Visit Website +1 514-272-0667

Cuisines

Jewish Canadian

Influencer Reviews1

Luke Martin

7/13/2025

View Profile

About

Fairmount Bagel has been a Montreal institution since 1950, renowned for its traditional Montreal-style bagels baked fresh in a wood-fired oven. The shop is family-run and stands as one of the city’s two most famous bagel bakeries, alongside St. Viateur, drawing locals and tourists alike.

The Visit

Fairmount Bagel offers a quintessential Montreal bagel experience, with fresh, hot bagels straight from the wood-fired oven. The reviewer compares them directly to St. Viateur, noting the strong sesame flavor and pretzel-like exterior. The experience is all about simplicity—no cream cheese, just the bagel’s pure flavor. The reviewer is impressed by the freshness and the institution’s legendary status, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to taste the city’s best bagels.

What They Ate

Sesame seed bagel

Poppy seed bagel

Quotes

"These guys, Fairmont Bagel, have been around since 1950."

"Either St. Viator or Fairmont, doesn't matter, Montreal bagels are the best in the world. I love them."

"Super poppy on the inside, and it's sort of got like a pretzel-y exterior with lots of sesame seeds. This one has a really strong sesame flavor."

"When I posted about St. Viator, everybody was like, you gotta try Fairmont, you gotta try Fairmont. These are pretty damn good, so I don't know. I'm gonna leave you guys in suspense. Try both."

Our Reflection

Fairmount Bagel stands as a symbol of Montreal’s rich culinary heritage. The reviewer’s excitement is evident as they compare the legendary bagel to its rival, St. Viateur. The focus on freshness, the wood-fired baking process, and the bagel’s unique texture and flavor all contribute to its status as a must-try. The absence of cream cheese allows the bagel’s quality to shine. This experience captures the joy of discovering local traditions and the friendly rivalry that keeps Montreal’s bagel scene vibrant.

This review includes brief, attributed excerpts of copyrighted material used for the purposes of commentary, criticism, and education. Such use is permitted under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. All rights to the original works remain with their respective creators and copyright holders. Our intent is to highlight, celebrate, and help audiences discover these creators by directing attention to their original content.

Explore Related Content

Explore more in Montreal More bagels in Montreal More jewish spots in Montreal More places featured by Luke Martin

Google Reviews

0.0

(0 reviews)

Recent Reviews in Montreal

Discover more restaurant recommendations in Montreal

4.8

Kouing Amann Bakery

Montreal

French

Luke Martin

"Café Kouing Amann is a hidden gem on a bustling pedestrian street in Le Plateau. The reviewer praises the bakery’s kouign-amann for its rich, buttery layers and perfect balance of sweetness and salt. The pastry’s texture, from its crispy caramelized exterior to its pillowy, moist interior, leaves a lasting impression. The bakery’s early closing time adds to its allure, making it a coveted morning destination for pastry enthusiasts."

4.6

Crêperie du Marché

Montreal

French

Luke Martin

"Crêperie du Marché offers a true French experience in the heart of Montreal’s Jean Talon Market. The reviewer tried their classic savory galette with ham, sunny-side-up egg, spinach, and cheese, noting the crispy buckwheat exterior and runny yolk. The creperie also serves sweet crepes, but the focus here was on the galette’s texture and flavor. The setting is lively, surrounded by the market’s fresh produce and vibrant atmosphere."

4.6

Ma Poule Mouillée

Montreal

PortugueseFrenchCanadianFusion / contemporary

Luke Martin

"Ma Poule Mouillée stands out as a must-visit in Montreal, drawing crowds even before opening. The reviewer highlights the lively atmosphere and the restaurant’s reputation for serving top-notch Portuguese fare. From the famous poutine with chicken to the delicate pastel de nata, every bite impresses. The experience is marked by a bustling setting, quick service, and a sense of excitement as diners enjoy both traditional and inventive dishes."

4.6

Pasticceria Alati-Caserta

Montreal

Italian

Luke Martin

"Pasticceria Alati-Caserta offers a taste of Italy in the heart of Montreal. The reviewer highlights the authenticity of the pastries, noting their perfect sweetness and how they pair well with hot coffee. The experience is casual, with no indoor seating, encouraging customers to enjoy their treats outside while soaking in the lively Montreal atmosphere. The bakery stands out for its classic approach and the joy of people-watching on a beautiful day."

4.6

St-Viateur Bagel

Montreal

JewishCanadian

Luke Martin

"St. Viateur Bagel delivers a classic Montreal bagel experience, with bagels baked fresh in a traditional wood-fire oven. The reviewer highlights the variety of bagels available, especially the sesame seed, and notes the bagels’ freshness and heat straight from the oven. The experience is simple and authentic, focusing on the bagel’s flavor and texture without any toppings. St. Viateur is presented as an essential stop for anyone exploring Montreal’s food scene."

4.5

Drogheria Fine

Montreal

Italian

Luke Martin

"Drogheria Fine is a small but immensely popular spot in Montreal, specializing in just one dish: gnocchi. The reviewer highlights the unbeatable value, with a generous box of gnocchi and rich tomato sauce for only five Canadian dollars. The experience is casual, with locals and tourists lining up for this simple, flavorful meal. The gnocchi’s texture and the creamy, tangy sauce stand out, making it a must-try for anyone seeking authentic, budget-friendly Italian food in the city."