Best Ugly Bagels Wellington

Cafes key icon.
Cafes key icon.

Monday8:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Tuesday8:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Wednesday8:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Thursday8:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Friday8:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Saturday7:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Sunday7:00 am – 3:00 pm.

5 Swan Ln, Te Aro, Wellington

04 803 3563

If you haven’t heard the buzz or seen the photos on Instagram, yes it’s true, extraordinary bagels have emerged in Wellington. Lines out the door, a magnificent oven firing, and sesame seeds on every surface sums up Best Ugly Bagels at its finest. The renowned Auckland bagel originators have made their way down to the capital accompanied by cheery crew and authentic recipes. Located in the lively neighbourhood of Te Aro, they serve what they do best, delicious bagels accompanied with their very own Good Joe Coffee. 

Best Ugly Bagels are manhandled into shape, hand rolled and cut, then placed into their very own custom-made stone oven fuelled by Manuka wood. The technique is inspired from Montreal, where famous chef and owner Al Brown spent two years discovering and falling in love with handmade, wood-fired bagels. Authenticity is key when deciding to create bagels in the same style, taste and texture, proven by Montreal style which differs from New York style due to it's crispy outside, yet chewy inside.

The bagels simmer in honey water to give them a distinctively delicious, slightly sweet flavour. Pulled fresh from the oven it's easy to see the truth in the name– not perfectly circular or perhaps the most visually appealing, but taste trumps beauty here and the result is hands down delicious.

Once they’re golden, they’re sliced and topped with fresh Kiwi ingredients. A must-try is the famous Yodi which includes pastrami, habanero mustard, grilled swiss, and is topped off with a pickle. Open from 7am - 3pm, 7 days, Best Ugly Bagels ensures no one misses out on the experience whether it’s for breakfast, brunch or lunch, and if the line is long, you can grab a four pack of fresh baked bagels to take home instead.

Words by Molly Lewis & Photography by Naomi Haussmann

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

5 Swan Ln, Te Aro, Wellington

Nearby Places

Olive

Interior wooden tables and chairs.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Olive provides attentive service, luxurious ambiance, perfectly poached eggs and a top cup of black coffee.

Vessel

Pottery in window display.
Place Wellington

Vessel specialises in artisan products, with an emphasis on locally made pottery. You could spend a day perusing the exquisite bowls, plates, and cups.

Wellington Chocolate Factory

A hand holding an iced chocolate.
Place Wellington
Goods key icon.

A dangerously delicious spot for your hot chocolate and sweet treat fix.

Rogue & Vagabond

Inside the bar.
Place Wellington
Bars key icon.

A great spot for meeting friends, socialising or just watching the Wellington crowd do their thing.

Similar Places

Heyday

Outdoor courtyard at Heyday, Wellington.
Place Wellington
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

A fun and easy going brewery and bar, with plenty of games (including table tennis!) to keep you entertained.

Noble Rot

A seating area inside Noble Rot wine bar in Wellington.
Place Wellington
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Boasting an almost 1,000-strong wine list, it’s no surprise that Noble Rot is widely considered Wellington's premier wine bar.

Ombra

Flatlay of food on the table.
Place Wellington
Restaurants key icon.

Ombra goes to show that great food and great service are a winning combination every time.

Joe & Joy

A large glass cabinet at the counter of Joe and Joy cafe.
Place Kāpiti Coast
Restaurants key icon.

Joe & Joy is a husband-wife-run bakery and cafe in the heart of Waikanae village.