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The Best of New York · Eat · Bagels

The best bagels and lox in New York.

Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 7 places.

Ask any local about the best bagel and lox in New York City and raised voices are bound to follow. New Yorkers are a passionate bunch. All this to say, creating a list of the best bagel and lox in NYC is no easy feat, but someone had to try.

After living in NYC for 10 years, here’s a roundup of the best bagels and lox I’ve had to date, enjoy!

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide

Best bagels and lox in New York, 2026

  1. Barney GreengrassRestaurant · Upper West SideThey churn out some of the best bagels and lox in New York City and the Upper West Side is lucky to have them.
  2. Black Seed BagelsBakeryIt’s not hard to see why Black Seed Bagel has risen to the top of many “best bagels in NYC” lists in such a short span of time.
  3. Frankel’s DelicatessenRestaurant · GreenpointOffering all the standard fixings of a typical Jewish deli, Frankel’s velvety lox sets them apart from the competition.
  4. Russ & DaughtersRestaurant · Lower East Side
  5. Shelsky’s of BrooklynRestaurant · Cobble HillOffering a great variety of smoked fish sandwiches and incredible house-cured lox don’t be surprised if you find yourself tempted to make this a weekly tradition.
  6. Tompkins Square BagelsBakery · East VillageThe bagels are hefty but the air pockets makes them light, chewy and downright irresistible.
  7. Zabar’sMarket · Upper West Side

On the map

Where they are.

5 neighborhoods, Upper West Side and Greenpoint most of all.

Upper West Side

Cobble Hill

East Village

Greenpoint

Lower East Side

Best bagels and lox in New York, 2026

The seal

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Best bagels and lox in New York, New York Dearest, 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 5+ Best Bagels & Lox in New York City (Hungry Local).