Finding a great bagel in San Diego is like stumbling across a jewel at the beach. The city surprises you with its quiet collection of spots turning out doughy rings worth every carb. San Diego’s best bagels don’t try to copy East Coast swagger; they’ve carved out their own vibe, balancing chewy tradition and California flair.
I once thought all bagels west of New York were just circular bread, but San Diego proved me wrong. After tasting my way through dozens of bagel shops from Little Italy to Ocean Beach, I realized there’s real dedication to the art here. Flavors range from classic sesame to rosemary sea salt, and you’ll find everything from cozy cafes to busy bakeries. If you crave the perfect morning bite or want to know where to get a lox fix, keep reading. Your ideal bagel is probably closer than you think.
Where to find the best bagels in San Diego, CA
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bagels in San Diego, CA:
- Cafe Vahik
- Brick & Bell Cafe
- The Living Room Coffeehouse
- Spill the Beans
- Seaview Breakfast Buffet Restaurant
- Newbreak Coffee & Cafe
- Hazelwoods On the Bay
- Rose Donuts
- Skybound Coffee and Dessert Lounge
- Marvelous Muffins
1. Cafe Vahik
Nestled in La Jolla’s heart, Cafe Vahik draws regulars with its easygoing style and sunlit patio. This spot brings a warm local touch where the staff greets most guests by name.
What sets Cafe Vahik apart is its mix of bagel classics and Californian freshness. I stopped by after a morning hike and was surprised by the crackle of their toasted bagels, paired with just-churned cream cheese and fresh veggies.
Order their Veggie Bagel Sandwich if you’re after crunch and vibrant flavor, or try the Lox Bagel—a blend of silky salmon, ripe tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers. Each bite says a lot about their attention to detail and dedication to quality. You can taste the pride in every slice.
2. Brick & Bell Cafe
At Brick & Bell Cafe, the scent of freshly baked bread hits you before you even reach the door. Tucked along a quiet La Jolla street, this cozy spot buzzes with locals grabbing morning coffee and the occasional surf crowd fueling up for the day.
What makes Brick & Bell stand out is the care behind each batch, especially the bagels with their golden-brown crusts and satisfyingly chewy insides. My recent visit had me lingering over a toasted bagel layered with herbed cream cheese and crispy cucumber—simple, but somehow better than most.
If you want a hit of their signature style, try the Everything Bagel with a generous schmear. For a lighter take, the Avocado Bagel reflects the California spirit in every bite. Both are distinct reminders why this place is on every local’s short list.
3. The Living Room Coffeehouse
The Living Room Coffeehouse feels like a slice of old-school San Diego, where mismatched chairs and sea breezes set the scene. There’s always a hum of conversation or the click of laptop keys, and I’ve found it the perfect spot to unwind or catch up on work.
This café stands out for its laid-back energy and diverse menu. The bagels are soft, with just the right chew, and come with a hearty choice of spreads or sandwich options. Here, breakfast never feels rushed.
For a classic pairing, the Sun-dried Tomato Bagel with veggie cream cheese shows their knack for flavor. The Egg and Cheddar Bagel Sandwich offers warmth and comfort, perfect alongside their signature coffee. Every detail here feels personal and inviting.
4. Spill the Beans
Spill the Beans adds buzz to the Gaslamp District, blending a love for coffee with serious bagel craftsmanship. The shop’s upbeat ambiance and fresh playlist set the tone. My first visit was a rush-hour stumble, yet the staff managed to keep it friendly and personal.
This place stands out for its inventive bagel approach. Bagels here are kettle-boiled, which gives them a classic chew, but the real secret is in their toppings and house-made spreads. You taste a bit of creativity in every bite.
If you want to sample their best, order the “Yas Queen” Bagel Sandwich—layered with avocado, tomato, and arugula. The Classic Bagel with house-made chive cream cheese is also a sure bet, with each bite reflecting their playful, fresh style.
5. Seaview Breakfast Buffet Restaurant
Seaview Breakfast Buffet Restaurant sits right by the marina and greets you with panoramic water views. The natural light, bustling crowd, and clinking plates create an energy that’s hard to match. I remember lingering by the windows, letting coffee and salty air wake me up.
This place stands out for its sheer spread of morning favorites. Their bagel station is always a highlight. You’ll find fresh, chewy bagels alongside a smart lineup of toppings—think smoked salmon, whipped cream cheese, and crisp vegetables. It’s easy to build your own perfect plate.
Create your own bagel masterpiece from the buffet, or try one with a generous helping of cream cheese and fresh tomato. The quality shines through in the simplicity, making breakfast here both elevated and relaxed.
6. Newbreak Coffee & Cafe
Newbreak Coffee & Cafe feels like the soul of Ocean Beach, where sandy feet and surfers mix with regulars on laptops. The morning scene here is always easy and welcoming. I’ve grabbed a seat by the window more than once, with sun streaming in and a bagel in hand.
This café stands out for its unpretentious local flavor. Bagels are always fresh and just the right kind of soft, with no fuss or shortcuts. You taste the difference in every bite.
Order the Egg & Cheese Bagel Sandwich for a filling start, or the Avocado Bagel if you like things green and creamy. Either way, you’ll get a sense of what makes Newbreak a comfort stop for so many locals.
7. Hazelwoods On the Bay
Hazelwoods On the Bay delivers classic deli fare right beside San Diego’s sparkling marina. There’s a laid-back crowd and the option to snag a seat outdoors, where the bay view never gets old. I stopped in after a long walk and found the vibe both friendly and unhurried.
The draw here is the quality you get without any pretense. Bagels arrive fresh, pillowy, and satisfyingly dense—just the way true deli bagels should be. Pair that with their attentive, easygoing service and you have one of the area’s best-kept secrets.
Try the Lox and Cream Cheese Bagel for a classic bite with a waterfront twist, or go for their Veggie Bagel Sandwich for something crisp and light. Every order tastes like it was made with care, perfect for fueling up before a walk on the bay.
8. Rose Donuts
Rose Donuts might be known for their pastries, but those who wander in for a morning bagel find themselves pleasantly surprised. The setup is simple and feels like your neighborhood spot, with regulars chatting by the counter and the smell of fresh dough in the air. I once stopped for a quick bite and left with a bagful for later—these are the kind worth hoarding.
This place stands out for its no-frills quality. Bagels are soft, dense, and just the right level of chewy, all without unnecessary fuss. It’s clear everything is made with intention.
The Egg and Cheese Bagel Sandwich hits the spot for breakfast on the go, while the Plain Bagel with cream cheese lets you appreciate their honest approach. It’s straightforward comfort that keeps people coming back.
9. Skybound Coffee and Dessert Lounge
+1 619-255-6515
Skybound Coffee and Dessert Lounge brings a modern twist to San Diego’s coffee scene. With bright windows and an upbeat energy, it’s a natural place to spend a slow morning. On a recent visit, I found myself lingering over a book and a perfect bagel as city life buzzed outside.
This spot stands out for pairing creative coffee drinks with a thoughtfully curated menu. Their bagels have a soft bite and pair well with savory or sweet toppings—great for brunch or a midday snack. You can taste the freshness every time.
For a standout option, try the Avocado Bagel Sandwich with crisp veggies, which captures Skybound’s healthy, West Coast vibe. Or go classic with a Bagel and veggie cream cheese for a simple, satisfying treat.
10. Marvelous Muffins
Marvelous Muffins may have “muffins” in the name, but their bagels are a local secret. Located by the harbor, it’s the kind of spot where boaters and early risers cross paths. I’ve popped in for breakfast more than once and always left impressed by the simplicity and freshness.
This place stands out for its cozy, unfussy atmosphere and devotion to straight-up good food. The bagels are always soft and warm, ready to pair with a cup of coffee or tea.
If you’re there, order a Toasted Bagel with plain or veggie cream cheese. It’s the kind of no-nonsense meal that lets the bagel’s texture shine. Marvelous Muffins wins over regulars with its honest takes and delicious results.
More Things to Try in San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best bagels in San Diego?
Some standouts include Cafe Vahik in La Jolla, Brick & Bell Cafe, Spill the Beans downtown, and Newbreak Coffee & Cafe in Ocean Beach. Each offers its own mix of tradition and West Coast flair.
Are there vegan or vegetarian bagel options in San Diego?
Yes, many cafes like Cafe Vahik, The Living Room Coffeehouse, and Hazelwoods On the Bay offer vegan and vegetarian-friendly bagel choices and plant-based spreads.
Do bagel shops in San Diego offer gluten-free bagels?
Several spots, including Brick & Bell Cafe and Hazelwoods On the Bay, provide gluten-free alternatives, though selections may be limited. It’s smart to call ahead to check availability.
Can I get traditional bagels in San Diego, similar to New York style?
Absolutely. Some shops, like Spill the Beans and Rose Donuts, kettle-boil their bagels for the classic chewy bite associated with New York style, but with a San Diego twist.
Which cafes offer bagels with unique toppings or creative flavors?
Spill the Beans and Skybound Coffee stand out for inventive combinations, offering everything from avocado bagel sandwiches to sun-dried tomato bagels with specialty cream cheeses.
Are there places near the beach where I can grab a bagel?
Yes, Newbreak Coffee & Cafe in Ocean Beach and Caroline’s Seaside Cafe both serve great bagels in breezy, oceanfront locations.