Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
New York's best

Nova Lox and Cake

Made for those who believe that a balanced morning includes both the savory saltiness of nova lox and the sweet indulgence of a slice of cake.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Bagel Shop image 1
Bagel Shop image 2
Bagel Shop image 3
View all
Bagel shop

Small, bright shop with heated indoor seating and several outdoor tables offers a cool, fun atmosphere with great music and a New York vibe. Staff create an inviting mood that suits quick takeout or casual relaxing. Bagel variety is notable, with some items selling out early.

People are saying

"These bagels are amazing, possibly the best in the world."

"They have so many vegetarian options, including Mediterranean dishes."

"You get an overwhelming amount of salmon on the bagel."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait about ten to fifteen minutes once you order.

2

There is very limited indoor seating, so expect to grab it to go.

3

Ordering online is simple and the food is ready for pickup in 10-15 minutes.

02
Carnegie Diner & Cafe image 1

Upscale diner with cramped seating and dim lighting creates a classic yet hectic atmosphere. Live music and a small patio add to the vibe, while bottomless mimosas and standout dishes like the burger and French toast draw attention. Crowds fill the space, making it lively but noisy.

Cakes come in a nice variety with options like carrot cake and a 24-layer chocolate cake. Chocolate cakes stand out, including a huge one served on the house.

People are saying

"The food here is a peaceful escape from busy routines."

"I had the best breakfast I've ever had in NYC."

"You have to try their rich, decadent 24-layer chocolate cake."

Good to know

1

Make reservations for Easter Sunday to ensure a spot.

2

Unlimited mimosas for $20 are available every day all day.

3

Bottomless mimosas and waffles are available on Sunday morning.

03
Liberty Bagels Midtown image 1

Small bagel shop buzzes with classic New York vibe and tight, hectic space. Huge toasted bagels with classic Nova lox serve generous portions. Birthday cake cream cheese tastes like dessert and comes with a free rainbow bagel on birthdays.

A huge toasted bagel comes with cream cheese and classic Nova lox. The portion easily feeds two people.

Birthday cake cream cheese offers a not too sweet flavor and tastes like dessert for breakfast. A free rainbow bagel with this cream cheese comes on birthdays, making it a delicious treat.

People are saying

"These bagels are super good and delicious."

"Mustafa treated us like family while explaining the sandwich menu."

"I loved the many delicious dairy-free cream cheese options."

Good to know

1

Get there early because they sell out of some bagel varieties.

2

Be prepared to queue as lines are often out the door.

3

There is very limited seating; it's primarily take-out.

04
Bagels & Schmear image 1

Small bagel shop with limited indoor seating and a few outdoor tables on a quiet street. Atmosphere ranges from quiet to hectic and fast-paced during busy times. Known for fresh, highly praised bagels and a casual, takeout-focused setup.

Coffee cake stands out as a highlight. The selection of cakes offers variety.

People are saying

"I found the bagels here to be amazing."

"This local spot has the best bagels, perfectly fresh and chewy."

"The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is so delicious."

Good to know

1

On weekends, expect long lines that can go out the door.

2

Timing your visit closer to 10:00 AM helps avoid rush hour crowds.

3

Under $6 requires cash; there's a $6 minimum for card payments.

05
Tompkins Square Bagels | East Village Bagels image 1

Open kitchen fills the small space with freshly baked bagel aroma and constant activity. Atmosphere feels lively and chaotic, with a buzzing crowd and limited, crowded seating. Staff and customers contribute to a friendly, energetic vibe in a pup-friendly environment.

Birthday cake cream cheese offers a sweet, creamy flavor that kids enjoy. Staff sometimes give out free cake thin samples during holidays.

People are saying

"I thought these bagels were the best in the city."

"Their bagel breakfast sandwiches, especially with chorizo, were superb."

"The staff here are so friendly and helpful with my Everything Bagel order."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times of 30-60 minutes, especially on weekends.

2

You must order quickly as there's no time to change your mind.

3

No dine-in available on weekends; it's takeout only.

06
Murray's Sturgeon Shop image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Preserved mid-20th-century deli counter creates a timeless old-school atmosphere with original charm intact. The shop buzzes with friendly, experienced staff who maintain a welcoming, local institution vibe. Regulars come for exceptional smoked fish and classic Jewish appetizers in a setting that feels like stepping back to 1955.

Crumb cake stands out with its cinnamon flavor and a delightful crumbly texture. It offers a simple yet awesome dessert option.

People are saying

"I loved the whitefish and potato salad here."

"The sturgeon on these bagels is truly amazing."

"I found the smoked salmon here unbelievable."

Good to know

1

The menu includes lox and whitefish salad, among other things.

2

FedEx overnight delivery is available for orders.

3

The premium price of the Lox and Sable combination exceeds $20.

07
Brooklyn Diner USA image 1

Classic diner space with cherry wood decor and vintage neon signage creates a nostalgic 1960s vibe. Atmosphere shifts from laid-back mornings to chaotic, noisy evenings with loud music. Outdoor seating offers a pleasant alternative to the lively interior.

Cakes come in generous sized portions with options like chocolate and coconut. Special touches include sparklers on top for celebrations.

People are saying

"The diner food, especially the pastrami sandwich, is delicious."

"You have to try their American Food, especially the chicken pot pie."

"I thought the cheesecake here was out of this world."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $120 for three dishes at the diner.

2

The diner offers takeout options for those on the go.

3

You need to order one menu item per person.

08
Tompkins Square Bagels | Union Square Bagel Shop image 1

Small bagel shop with crowded layout and fast-moving lines creates a lively, controlled chaos atmosphere. Eclectic decor and a hip vibe blend with a clean, professional environment. Standing tables and limited seating encourage quick visits amid a busy, welcoming crowd.

Cake pairs well with the birthday cake cream cheese, creating a salty sweet combo. The cake tastes very good and complements bagels like the salt bagel or French toast bagel.

People are saying

"I thought these bagels were some of the best I ever had."

"The dairy-free cream cheese options, like garlic tofu, were delicious."

"The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is amazing and perfectly crispy."

Good to know

1

The wait time for a bagel is typically 30-45 minutes on sunny Sundays.

2

There is no seating available at the bagel shop.

3

It is better to order to-go at this bagel shop.

09
Ess-a-Bagel image 1
Bagel shop

Bagel shop buzzes with a crowded atmosphere and long lines. Signature nova lox sandwiches are large and flavorful. Desserts like carrot cake and strawberry cheesecake offer sweet finishes that pair well with lunch.

Signature bagel sandwiches come with nova lox, scallion cream cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion, and capers. Options include an everything bagel, toasted, and the portions are large enough for two.

Carrot cake comes out delicious. Chocolate and cinnamon Babka cakes serve as great desserts. Strawberry cheesecake tastes absolutely delicious and pairs well with lunch.

People are saying

"I thought the bagels were fresh and flavorful."

"I thought the breakfast sandwich was incredible."

"The cheesecake here is absolutely delicious!"

Good to know

1

Get there early on Saturday morning to avoid long lines.

2

You can order online to avoid waiting.

3

Arrive early as the lineup can be very long and stretch around the block.

Discover more

New York, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...