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Whitefish and bagels with lox in New York

Made for those who demand a comprehensive spread of cured and smoked fish to anchor their morning meal.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Russ & Daughters image 1
Russ & Daughters image 2
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Small shop buzzes with an old school vibe and classic bagels. Creamy whitefish salad and smoked whitefish shine alongside nova lox served with onion and capers. Outdoor benches offer calm spots to enjoy these traditional flavors.

Selection includes creamy whitefish salad, smoked whitefish, and herring in various marinades. Whitefish bagels come with capers, and whitefish chowder can be made gluten-free by omitting matzo.

Classic nova board offers a deconstructed take on the bagel with lox. Adding onion, tomato, and capers enhances the flavor of the great bagels and lox served here.

People are saying

"I thought the salmon bagel was the best I ever had."

"I thought the lox bagel sandwich was the best I ever had."

"I thought the whitefish salad on a bagel was the best."

Good to know

1

You must take a number when you first enter to be served.

2

There is no dine-in option; it's takeout only.

3

Expect long wait times, often over an hour, especially after 10am.

02
Apollo Bagels image 1
Bagel shop

Spacious bagel shop with a clean, minimalist design and ample seating that accommodates large crowds comfortably. Atmosphere feels stale and functional, more suited for quick visits than lingering. Popular among tourists and newcomers, it offers a small, focused menu with highly praised bagels.

Whitefish comes as a salty salad that pairs well with bagels like everything or plain. It appears alongside other toppings like tomato and salmon, offering a classic bagel combo with a mix of textures and flavors.

Lox bagel on everything with scallion cream cheese stands out for its rich flavor. Many choose this classic combo on weekends, showing its popularity.

People are saying

"I thought the bagels here were the best I ever had."

"The whitefish on a plain bagel was pretty good."

"I found the lox bagel to be crazy good."

Good to know

1

There is basically zero wait time at the bagel and coffee shop.

2

They have vegan cream cheese options available.

3

The line moves super quick at this spot.

03
Curley's Bagels image 1
Bagel shop

Bagel shop with a clean, renovated interior and no indoor seating creates an upbeat, lively atmosphere. Benches outside offer a place to sit and enjoy the surroundings. The vibe feels friendly and cozy despite the busy, loud environment.

Salads feature a refreshing flavor that pairs well with bagels. Options include a whitefish salad and a whitefish and egg salad, both tasty and satisfying.

Everything bagels come with lox cream cheese that stands out. The price sits around $20, which feels steep for a lox bagel.

People are saying

"These bagels are crispy outside, fluffy inside, and just crazy good."

"I ate the best Bagel With Lox here; it was very tasty."

"The whitefish salad here is so refreshing and delicious."

Good to know

1

BEC is available twice a week.

2

This place is take out only.

3

Customers should get there early because thereโ€™s always a line.

04
Russ & Daughters Cafe image 1
American restaurant

Diner offers a retro vibe with classy servers in white coats. Whitefish croquettes are light with fresh dill and lemon, while the salad is fried with lemon and remoulade. Bagels with lox on pumpernickel are fresh and superb, delivering a classic Jewish deli experience.

Whitefish dishes include croquettes with fresh dill and lemon, keeping them light and not greasy. The whitefish salad is breaded and fried, served with lemon and remoulade, offering a refreshing balance with house-made tartar sauce.

Open faced bagels come with smoked salmon that tastes fresh and well presented. Pumpernickel bagels hold the lox and extras with a tasty, fresh balance. The overall bagel and lox experience is delicious and superb.

People are saying

"The bagels here are awesome, especially with the smoked salmon."

"The pastrami salmon on the lox bagel was the best food I had."

"The whitefish croquettes were light and refreshing with dill and lemon."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is necessary to avoid a wait of over an hour.

2

Expect to wait on busy weekend mornings; arrive early to get on the list.

3

No reservations are accepted, so expect long waits on weekends.

05
Sable's Smoked Fish image 1

Smoked fish takes center stage with an incredible range and exceptional quality that draws locals. The atmosphere feels old school and family-owned, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. Bagels accompany the fish, though they lack the classic chewiness found elsewhere.

Salads here feature fresh, smoky whitefish and lobster with a rich, baked texture. Smoked salmon varieties include Scottish, Canadian, and pastrami style, paired often with bagels for a classic combo.

Bagels come with solid lox and fresh smoked fish. The bagel and lox combo is known for its quality but comes at a premium price.

People are saying

"The smoked fish here is outstanding and melts in your mouth."

"The Whitefish salad here is the best I've ever had."

"I thought the Bagel With Lox was the best in the city."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is under $5 and lunch is under $15, including hot soup.

2

The price for a sandwich is $12.

3

The belly lox was $60 per pound, which is 50% more than at Zabarโ€™s or Fairway.

06
Zabar's image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Gourmet grocery store with old-world charm and an edgy omni-deli ambiance filled with the aroma of specialty cheeses and coffee. Crowded with serious shoppers, the atmosphere can feel tense but remains a local institution known for its unique bakery and extensive gourmet cookwear upstairs.

Smoked whitefish and whitefish salad stand out with top-notch flavor and creamy texture. Whitefish pate and tails also appear regularly, paired often with pickles or potato latkes.

Fresh salmon tops the bagel with Nova lox that stands out for its delicious fish flavor. Bagels come with a reasonable price and deliver a satisfying taste experience.

People are saying

"I thought the bagels here were the greatest ever."

"I found the Nova lox bagel to be unbeatable."

"I thought the whitefish salad here was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is abysmal, so plan accordingly.

2

There is no restroom available for customers.

3

The #1 subway stop is right next to Zabar's for easy access.

07
Ess-a-Bagel image 1
Bagel shop

Bagel shop offers crowded, chaotic atmosphere with long lines and limited indoor seating. The space feels cramped and noisy, with a distinctive aroma filling the air. Customers often find it hectic but appreciate the unique bagel options available.

Whitefish salad comes fresh and creamy, often paired with scallion cream cheese on a toasted pumpernickel or a sesame bagel. Staff readily serve it, making it easy to enjoy with fresh bagels and lox.

Classic lox bagels come with smoked salmon and fresh vegetables, packed carefully for shipping. The Nova Salmon Lox bagel offers a rich, delicious flavor that stands out in every bite.

People are saying

"I thought the bagels were fresh and flavorful."

"I thought the lox bagel was one of the best I'd ever eaten."

"The whitefish with scallion cream cheese on pumpernickel is heaven."

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.

08
Frankel's Delicatessen & Appetizing image 1

Small sandwich shop with retro deli vibe and limited counter seating along windows. Atmosphere feels authentic Brooklyn with a lively, welcoming energy and friendly staff. Outdoor seating offers a chance to enjoy the neighborhood while eating.

Whitefish comes as a spread on bagels and in salads with dill-cucumber. Portions tend to be small for the price, with flavor that is fine but not outstanding.

High-quality lox pairs with fresh, chewy bagels for a classic combination. The balance of flavors and textures makes the bagel with lox stand out.

People are saying

"I found the bagels here to be the best I've ever had."

"The whitefish bagel was delicious and tasty."

"I found the bagel and lox here to be absolutely amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait 15-20 minutes if you arrive after 10am.

2

Ordering online first is highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

The pastrami sandwich costs about $21 or $22.

09
Barney Greengrass image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Old school New York deli with cramped seating and an authentic vintage vibe. Staff maintain a classic atmosphere while outdoor seating offers a more spacious option. The place feels cozy yet bustling, reflecting true Upper West Side character.

Whitefish salad features a creamy texture and fresh flavor. Other smoked fish options like lox and sable complement the selection.

Bagels and lox here stand out for their authentic New York Jewish deli quality. The bagels are fresh and the lox is rich, creating a seriously impressive combination.

People are saying

"I found the salmon bagel sandwich worth every penny."

"I had the best bagel with lox I've ever had."

"I dreamed of the whitefish salad here."

Good to know

1

This restaurant only accepts cash; no credit cards are allowed.

2

Cash is the only payment method, so come prepared.

3

Expect long lines; visit during the week for shorter waits.

10
Zuckerโ€™s Bagels & Smoked Fish image 1

Bagel shop offers spacious seating with a clean, chill vibe and soft lighting. Atmosphere feels like a warm New York deli with quiet, inviting energy. Customers enjoy a relaxed place to eat with an old school playlist.

Smoked whitefish comes in house-made styles, including trout and whitefish. The whitefish is chunky and flavorful, featured in sandwiches and salads, with a notable Wednesday bagel sandwich special.

Sesame bagels come with a generous lox spread and a salmon schmear. Bagels fill up with fresh smoked salmon and cost around $11 to nearly $20.

People are saying

"I found the bagels here to be delicious and classic NYC style."

"The bagel with lox was filled to the brim with goodness."

"The whitefish here is chunky and tastes like it's made in house."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially during busy hours.

2

Double check your order before leaving to avoid mistakes.

3

The establishment does not offer decaf coffee.

11
Zucker's Bagels and Smoked Fish image 1

Cozy bagel shop with an old school Jewish feel and hand-rolled fresh bagels creates a busy and lively atmosphere. Seating is tight but ample, including a long bar/table for groups. The vibe is authentic and bustling, typical of a New York spot.

Whitefish comes in fresh and flavorful forms like the whitefish bagel and whitefish salad sandwich. Specials often feature smoked whitefish paired with bagels and cream cheese for a classic taste.

Bagels come with Nova lox and often include capers for extra flavor. A vegan lox option stands out as well. Pastrami sandwiches and coffee are available alongside the bagels.

People are saying

"I considered these some of the best bagels I've had in NYC."

"I thought the bagel and lox here was among the best I've tasted."

"I enjoyed the whitefish salad sandwich; it was fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Zuckers opens at 0700 for early breakfast.

2

Ordering online is recommended due to high foot traffic.

3

The bagel sandwich costs $21, so plan your budget accordingly.

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