Brown Bagels

Tucked down a laneway in Melbourne's CBD, Brown Bagels is a small bagel shop that locals treat as a proper lunch-break habit. The bagels come fresh from the oven, with a crisp outside and a soft middle, and you can pick the style you like for whatever filling you're after. Sesame and everything bagels get plenty of love, and the choice of fillings is wide enough that regulars don't get bored.

We've heard good things about the chicken and avocado, the spicy chicken, and the roast chicken bag. The bacon, egg and cheese and the ham, cheese and tomato both do the job for breakfast. There's a salmon option too, plus a wagyu burger filling that one local compared to the good old fish and chip shop burger, made with care. If you prefer something simple, plain cream cheese on an everything bagel has its fans. On the sweeter side, one regular raves about banana with cream cheese and honey. Fillings are generous, and people reckon the value is right for what you get.

Coffee is part of the draw as well. Flat whites and iced lattes get a nod, and there's matcha on the menu. Both takeaway and dine-in are on offer, though be warned that it's a tiny shop. Seating is a handful of stools outside, so on a fine day it's pleasant to sit and eat, but at lunchtime many people take their order away. It gets busy through the middle of the day, so turning up a bit early makes life easier.

The staff are a big part of why people come back. Friendly, welcoming and quick are the words that come up, and one visitor described the couple behind the counter as humble. It's a spot that office workers return to day after day, and visitors to Melbourne say they'd happily make the trip again.

Opening hours are weekday daytime only and the shop is closed on weekends, so check the hours before you head in. If you're after a fresh bagel in Melbourne's CBD, this is a good place to start.