Bagels, those delicious round rolls with holes, originated in the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe before becoming a staple of New York cuisine. Traditionally filled with smoked salmon, cream cheese and capers, they seduce with their unique texture: golden crust and soft center. In Brussels, more and more addresses are offering revisited or traditional versions of this breakfast or brunch classic. Bruxelles Secrète has tracked down the best places to enjoy them to the full!
Art’s & Bagels
In this café nestled in the heart of an art gallery, artisanal bagels take pride of place. They combine creativity with flavors worthy of New York. There’s a choice of vegetarian, vegan and carnivorous options, all equally delicious. Meat lovers will love “L’art’s & bagels” with its warm pastrami and melted cheddar, while vegetarians will delight in “L’impressionisme”, a bold combination of brie, apples and Liège syrup.
📍Address: Avenue d’Auderghem 3-5, 1040 Brussels
Jat’ Café
JAT’ Café, a Brussels staple, seduces with its generously garnished bagels and warm atmosphere. Whether for brunch or lunch on the go, their truffle chicken bagel is an option not to be missed. Or the classic smoked salmon bagel, of course. With vegetarian and vegan options, and an ideal location near the museums, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a bagel after a morning of culture!
📍Address: Rue de Namur 28, 1000 Brussels
Holy Bagels
Holy Bagels is the story of Mélodie, an American bagel enthusiast, and Jacques, a Cameroonian baker who grew up in the middle of coffee fields. The duo started out with a food bike touring Brussels offering homemade bagels and fresh coffee. Today, their charming café, a stone’s throw from Place du Châtelain, offers handmade bagels accompanied by freshly roasted coffee from WideAwakeCoffee. Environmentally conscious, they favor local ingredients and homemade family recipes, with gluten-free and vegan options. Among the must-tries, the “Alex” bagel with aioli, halloumi, roasted peppers and arugula is a delight not to be missed.
📍Address: 62 rue Armand Campenhout, 1050 Brussels
Wonderland
APDM (Au Pays Des Merveilles) is the place to go for the most generous bagels in Brussels. Founded in 2009 by Alice, a bagel and music lover, this bagel bar was the first to open its doors in the capital. Here, every recipe is creative, original and seasonal. Choose the decadent chicken cheddar bagel or the pastrami and pickle bagel with American mustard! Either way, a visit to APDM promises a unique gourmet experience. What’s more, it will be lulled to sleep by a selection of music carefully chosen by the founder herself.
📍Address: Av. Jean Volders 42, 1060 Saint-Gilles
Bagel Corner
Bagel Corner was born in 2010, after a trip to Hungary with friends, when Michael and Rachid fell in love with the bagel concept and decided to bring it to France. Their success is based on a generous offer. In fact, their bagels are 30% heartier than the national average! They also pay particular attention to innovation and bread quality. For a unique experience, try the “Raclette” bagel, topped with bresaola, raclette cheese and kroustipop’s. For the hungrier, try the “Pastraking”, with pastrami, scrambled eggs and steakhouse sauce.
📍 Address: Rue de Trèves 36, 1050 Ixelles