Nestled in the heart of Auckland Central, New Zealand, Best Ugly Bagels offers a deliciously unique Montreal-style bagel experience that has captivated locals and visitors alike. Known for its crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior, each bagel is toasted with fragrant spices like sesame seeds, creating an irresistible aroma and flavor that make breakfast here unforgettable.
At Best Ugly Bagels, the buzz isn’t just about the food – it’s about the whole vibe. The cozy atmosphere, complete with a warm fireplace, provides the perfect retreat from chilly Auckland weather. Watching skilled bakers handcraft and fire-toast the bagels adds a special interactive touch to your visit. The menu offers creative and mouthwatering options like the King Salmon and Mean Joe Green bagels, celebrated for their fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Friendly staff and quick service make it a great spot for both a relaxed breakfast or a quick grab-and-go.
Best Ugly Bagels caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. Popular favorite bagels include the salmon and tuna melt, praised for their generous fillings and fresh flavors. For those requiring gluten-free choices, they offer gluten-free bagels on request, though it is important to note that cross-contamination may be possible as everything is prepared in the same kitchen. Coffee lovers are also well served with fresh brews to complement their bagel orders.
Visitors can enjoy a range of convenient services including dine-in with a cozy atmosphere, takeaway options, and delivery services to suit busy schedules. The bakery accepts credit and debit cards and embraces modern payment methods like NFC, ensuring smooth transactions. Free parking is available, making it easy for customers to visit without hassle. Some locations offer outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying Auckland’s fresh air on sunnier days.
- Do you offer gluten-free bagels? Yes, gluten-free bagels are available upon request. However, they are prepared in the same kitchen as regular bagels, so cross-contamination may occur.
- What are your operating hours? Operating hours vary by location. For example, the City Works Depot location is open daily from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- Do you accept credit cards? Yes, credit cards are accepted.
- Is there outdoor seating available? Yes, some locations offer outdoor seating.
- Do you offer takeaway services? Yes, takeaway options are available.
Positive community feedback highlights Best Ugly Bagels as a beloved spot for its unique Montreal-style bagels, friendly service, and inviting atmosphere. While prices can be a bit higher, especially at airport locations, the quality and experience make it a worthwhile treat. Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a traveler seeking authentic flavors in Auckland, Best Ugly Bagels promises a satisfying and flavorful bagel adventure.
Nestled in the vibrant Auckland Central, Best Ugly Bagels has carved a distinctive niche since its inception in 2013. Founded by Al Brown, whose culinary journey was profoundly influenced by his two-year sojourn in Montreal during the 1980s, the bakery brings authentic, hand-made, wood-fired bagels to New Zealand. Inspired by traditional Montreal bagels, Al and his dedicated team honed their craft under the tutelage of Saint Viateur, a legendary Montreal bagel shop known for its artisanal excellence.
The name 'Best Ugly' is a playful nod to the bagels' unique, slightly misshapen appearance — an honest celebration of flavor over flawless aesthetics. This authenticity resonates with locals and visitors alike, positioning the bakery as a beloved staple in Auckland's food scene. Since opening its doors, the bakery has witnessed significant milestones:
- 2013: Best Ugly Bagels was established in Auckland, New Zealand.
- 2014: Opened the City Works Depot location, enhancing its reach within Auckland's bustling culinary landscape.
- 2015: Expanded to Auckland Airport's International Terminal, welcoming travelers with a taste of homegrown artisanal bagels.
- 2016: Introduced gluten-free bagels, broadening their inclusive menu and catering to diverse dietary needs.
Beyond its rich history, the bakery is renowned for its distinctive bagels that are crispy on the outside and remarkably soft inside, often topped with sesame or aromatic spices toasted over an open flame for that extra fragrant touch. The lively atmosphere, where patrons can observe the bakers skillfully preparing and baking bagels, adds an experiential charm that complements the flavors. Whether you choose to dine in at their cozy spot on Wellesley Street West or grab a quick bite at the airport location, Best Ugly Bagels continues to be a cherished destination for breakfast lovers and foodies in Auckland.
Nestled in the heart of Auckland Central at 1/90 Wellesley Street West, Best Ugly Bagels is a beloved bakery and café that has garnered attention for its authentic Montreal-style bagels. Each bagel is freshly baked daily, boasting a distinctive crispy exterior and a delightfully soft interior, often enhanced with fragrant toppings like sesame seeds or special spices toasted over fire.
Best Ugly Bagels has captured a dedicated following thanks to its faithful rendition of Montreal-style bagels, which are uniquely hand-rolled and baked in wood-fired ovens. The bakery offers a variety of options including gluten-free bagels, catering to a wide range of dietary needs without compromising on taste. Visitors often praise the friendly and efficient service, which complements the cozy atmosphere — with some locations featuring inviting fireplaces that make it a perfect spot for breakfast or a comforting snack.
- Authentic Montreal-style bagels freshly baked every day to ensure quality and flavor.
- Gluten-free options available catering to those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
- Friendly and efficient service that creates a welcoming and warm environment for guests.
- Multiple convenient locations including central Auckland and the airport, making it easy to enjoy on the go.
While Best Ugly Bagels shines with its quality and service, visitors should be mindful of a few potential drawbacks. Some locations, particularly the airport outlet, tend to have higher prices compared to the central city store. Seating can be limited at certain sites, which might be challenging during peak hours. Those with gluten intolerance should also be cautious, as there have been concerns about cross-contamination despite the availability of gluten-free options.
- Potential cross-contamination for gluten-free items
- Higher prices at airport locations
- Limited seating at some locations
Best Ugly Bagels combines artisanal craftsmanship with a welcoming, lively atmosphere that makes it a must-visit for bagel enthusiasts in Auckland. Its authentic Montreal-style bagels and accommodating menu options attract a diverse crowd from locals to travelers seeking a hearty breakfast or snack. The occasional limitations in seating and premium pricing at certain locations are balanced by the quality of the food and service, making it a worthy destination to savor one of New Zealand's most talked-about bagel experiences.
Nestled in the heart of Auckland Central, Best Ugly Bagels offers a uniquely satisfying breakfast experience that has quickly become a local favorite and a must-visit for foodies and travelers alike. Located at 1/90 Wellesley Street West, this vibrant bakery and café is renowned for its artisanal bagels that boast a perfect crunch on the outside and a delectably soft interior. The secret lies in their signature method of toasting bagels with fire, enhancing the fragrance of the sesame and spice toppings to elevate every bite.
More than just a bakery, Best Ugly Bagels offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that invites you to relax, enjoy, and watch the magic happen as bakers prepare and handle fresh bagels right before your eyes. Whether you're seeking a sit-down breakfast or a quick takeaway option, their friendly and efficient service ensures a delightful visit. Known for pushing the boundaries with creative bagel sandwiches like the King Salmon and Mean Joe Green, this spot also caters to dietary preferences by offering gluten-free bagels upon request, ensuring everyone can indulge in their delicious creations.
- Gluten-Free Bagels – Savor a gluten-free option priced at 4.5 NZD, perfect for those with dietary restrictions who don’t want to miss out on the bagel goodness.
- Takeaway Convenience – In a rush? Grab your favorite bagel to go with zero extra cost, making it easy to enjoy a gourmet breakfast on the move.
Visitors consistently rave about the warm, inviting ambiance enhanced by a cozy fireplace, which is especially comforting during Auckland’s cooler months. The passion of the staff and bakers shines through, creating a vibrant atmosphere full of joy and culinary craftsmanship. Whether you're a local or a traveler, the friendly service combined with high-quality, flavorful bagels makes for an unforgettable breakfast spot that often becomes a daily habit during stays in the city.
- Dine-in available for those who want to soak up the lively café vibe.
- Coffee served to perfectly complement your bagel choice.
- Free parking lot nearby for easy access.
- Accepts multiple payment methods including NFC, credit, and debit cards for convenience.
Best Ugly Bagels at Auckland Central
is the ultimate destination for anyone craving expertly crafted, flavorful bagels paired with a vibrant and cozy café experience. Don't miss out on this iconic spot that perfectly blends traditional baking with modern tastes, making it a standout on Auckland's culinary map.
