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It's Bagels

restaurants•
London
London

It's Bagels

700 High Rd, London N12 0DG, United Kingdom

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Christoff's Take

Insider review

While everyone's queuing at the trendy Primrose Hill and Soho locations, this North London outpost on High Road is quietly serving up the same authentic NYC-style bagels with considerably less fanfare. It's part of a three-location operation that's brought proper New York deli culture to London, complete with generous lox sandwiches and that unmistakable checkerboard floor aesthetic.

It's Bagels: NYC Deli Culture Lands on North London's High Road

Authentic bagels worth the weekend queue, if you know when to go

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step inside and you're immediately transported to a classic New York deli, complete with checkerboard floors and that unmistakable NYC deli energy. The retro diner aesthetic hits all the right notes without feeling forced - counter seating dominates the small dine-in area, encouraging the grab-and-go culture that defines proper bagel shops. With an energy level that sits at 7.5 out of 10, there's a lively buzz throughout service hours, though it maintains that relaxed, neighborhood-favorite feel that makes it genuinely approachable. The sophistication level is refreshingly low at 4 out of 10 - this isn't trying to be anything other than an authentic bagel shop. The space encourages social interaction with a 6 out of 10 conversation-friendly rating, perfect for quick catch-ups over coffee and schmears. It's trendy without being pretentious, scoring 8.5 out of 10 on the trendy factor while maintaining genuine neighborhood charm.

Food & Drink

The bagels are baked fresh daily, and it shows. 'The Works' - their signature creation piled high with lox, cream cheese, and capers - justifies the reputation and the £7-13.50 price point for sandwiches. Classic breakfast options include proper BEC (bacon egg cheese) and sausage egg cheese sandwiches that nail the NYC deli experience. Beyond breakfast, salt beef bagels and smoked salmon with schmears deliver on authenticity, while tuna and chicken salad options round out the savory offerings. The cream cheese selection is extensive, including vegan options for an additional £1. At £1.80 per bagel, the base price is reasonable, and the build-your-own options let you control costs. Coffee, pastries, and baked goods complement the bagel focus without overwhelming the menu. Portions are genuinely generous - the AI analysis suggests sandwiches are 'perfect for sharing,' which speaks to the authentic NYC approach of not skimping on fillings.

Service & Experience

Quick service defines the experience here, despite the notorious weekend queues that can stretch beyond 30 minutes at peak times. The counter-service model keeps things moving efficiently, and staff clearly know their way around the menu. The grab-and-go setup works perfectly for the target audience - locals heading to nearby parks or commuters needing a proper breakfast. While reservations aren't available (it's walk-in only), you can order via delivery apps if you prefer to skip the queue entirely. The service style matches the casual, no-fuss atmosphere, with staff focused on getting quality food out quickly rather than elaborate table service.

Value for Money

At around £9-10 per person total, It's Bagels delivers solid value for authentic NYC-style bagels in London. With a price level of 2 out of 4, it sits comfortably in the everyday-affordable category while maintaining quality ingredients and generous portions. Bagels at £1.80 each are reasonably priced, and even the premium sandwiches at £7-13.50 feel justified given the portion sizes and quality. The 'lunch-under-10' tag accurately reflects the accessibility - this isn't trying to be premium dining, but rather good-value-for-quality everyday eating. For students and locals looking for substantial, authentic bagels without breaking the bank, the pricing hits the sweet spot between affordability and quality.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Hit this location on weekdays between 7am-9am to avoid the weekend queues that plague the other locations. Monday through Saturday opens at 7am, while Sunday service starts at 8am and ends earlier at 3pm. Weekend queues can hit 30+ minutes, especially at the more central locations, making weekday mornings your best bet for a quick experience.

What to Focus On

Start with 'The Works' - the signature lox sandwich that built their reputation. For breakfast, the classic BEC (bacon egg cheese) delivers authentic NYC deli experience. If you're building your own, factor in the £1 upcharge for vegan cream cheese options. The salt beef bagels and smoked salmon with schmears are solid choices for those wanting traditional deli fare.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The AI insider advice specifically recommends hitting the Primrose Hill location at 8am on weekdays for the window counter spot and optimal people-watching, though this High Road location likely offers similar early-morning advantages with smaller crowds.Order via delivery apps if you want to skip queues entirely, especially on weekends.The grab-and-go setup makes this perfect for nearby park picnics - plan accordingly if you're in the area.

The Final Verdict

It's Bagels succeeds in bringing authentic NYC deli culture to London without the pretension or inflated pricing you might expect. The High Road location offers the same quality as the trendier Primrose Hill and Soho spots but likely with shorter queues and more neighborhood charm. While the experience depth scores only 3.5 out of 10 - this isn't a destination dining experience - it excels at what it sets out to do: serve proper bagels with generous fillings at fair prices. The weekend queues are a testament to quality, but also a practical consideration for planning visits.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

NYC expats craving authentic bagelsStudents and locals wanting quality breakfast under £10Anyone seeking grab-and-go options near North London parks

Quick Details

1

It's Bagels

⭐️ Nyc deli energy
⭐️ Weekend queues
✨ Trendy locations
⭐️ Generous portions
⭐️ Build your own

Three trendy locations bringing proper NYC deli culture to London's most desirable neighborhoods with checkered floors and authentic counter service energy. Their signature 'The Works' piles lox, cream cheese, and capers high enough to require architectural engineering, while classic BEC and sausage egg cheese breakfast sandwiches deliver that grab-and-go satisfaction. The build-your-own options let you customize everything from schmear flavors to protein choices, including extensive vegan options that don't compromise on taste. Weekend queues at the Soho location can hit 30+ minutes, but the generous portions and quality ingredients justify the wait. The retro diner aesthetic with small dine-in areas captures that bustling NYC energy perfectly, making it ideal for quick park picnics or satisfying serious bagel cravings.

What's Great

✓ Authentic NYC bagels with generous £7-13.50 sandwiches perfect for sharing

✓ Three convenient locations in Primrose Hill, Soho, and Notting Hill

Keep in Mind

× Weekend queues can hit 30+ minutes, especially at the popular Soho location

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Hit Primrose Hill location at 8am on weekdays to skip queues and snag the window counter spot for optimal people-watching

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Sat: 7am-4pm\nSun: 8am-3pm"
📍700 High Rd, London N12 0DG, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 8445 8888
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

It's Bagels has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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