Cali Bagel — Review by Grub with Greg
Los Angeles, United States — Bagels
Cali Bagel in LA's Korea Town serves some of the most talked-about bagels in the country with creative stuffed varieties and fresh baking. The reviewer was impressed by the garlic, bacon and scallion, and pizza bagels, with the pizza bagel being called better than any slice of pizza they've had. The bacon and scallion cream cheese bagel emerged as the favorite.
What was great: Fresh baked bagels with creative flavor combinations, garlic cream cheese bagel with natural sweetness, bacon and scallion bagel with perfectly balanced flavors, pizza bagel that rivals actual pizza slices, high quality ingredients and execution
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The reviewer ordered a box of six bagels featuring three signature varieties. The plain garlic cream cheese bagel showcased the bakery's attention to detail, with fresh-baked bagels cut and piped with garlic-flavored cream cheese. The bagel itself possessed a notable sweetness that complemented the savory garlic component perfectly. The bacon and scallion cream cheese stuffed bagel demonstrated excellent balance between its components, with visible scallions and crispy, buttery bacon distributed evenly throughout a fresh bagel. The flavors worked in harmony without one overpowering another. The pizza bagel was the standout, featuring a creamy marinara-like cream cheese base with melted cheese visible on the bottom, delivering a taste experience that the reviewer compared favorably to any pizza slice they had consumed.
The Experience
The ordering process was straightforward and efficient. Customers walk in, step up to a kiosk to place their order, and receive their fresh bagels promptly. The casual counter-service setup allows for quick transactions while maintaining the fresh, made-to-order quality of the products.
Value and Pricing
Pricing information was not explicitly mentioned in the review, though the box of six bagels with premium toppings and fillings appears to offer solid value for the quality and freshness provided.
Notable Moments
I wish you could smell this.
That might be better than any slice of pizza I've ever had.
If I had to pick a favorite, I'm going this one right here. The bacon and scallion stuffed cream cheese bagel.
The Verdict
Cali Bagel lives up to its reputation as one of the most talked-about bagel shops in the country. With creative flavor combinations, impeccable execution, and fresh ingredients, this Korea Town gem delivers an exceptional bagel experience. The pizzaand bacon scallion varieties are must-tries. This restaurant is best for bagel enthusiasts seeking high-quality, innovative takes on the classic breakfast item.