There’s a crowd gathering on a Pascoe Vale corner, and they’ve all got one thing on their mind: bagels, baby.

In an old butcher’s shop at the intersection of Derby and Gaffney streets, locals Claudia and Anthony Carnovale are serving some seriously stacked bagels. Sure, there are tried-and-tested toppings, but you’ll also find some unexpected yet equally delicious combos.

Claudia, who recently worked in events at Vue Group, didn’t expect to be welcomed so warmly by the neighbourhood. But it’s clear they’re onto a good thing. In Bagels Baby’s first week, she says locals ordered around 300 bagels by lunchtime every day.

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Choose from 10 bagels: the classic lox; brisket and Gruyere; labneh and za’atar; the standard bacon and egg; a hearty chicken katsu; salami and provolone; and avo and feta.
There’s also a vegan-friendly miso-mushroom option as well as a tempeh BLAT. Plus, for something sweet, try the ricotta and strawberry bagel (it’s cannoli-inspired). They’re all served on bagels from Elsternwick bakery Savion.

On the drinks front, the Carnovales use local coffee roaster Padre, plus there’s freshly squeezed OJ, Yarra Valley-made lemonade Yumbo and a few San Pellegrino options.

The once-rundown space looks nothing like it used to. Anthony, a tradie, roped in some mates and spent a ton of time clearing it out. In the process, they unearthed a concrete floor and an exposed-brick wall from the original fit-out. With a few simple touch-ups, those design features have been restored, making for a simple but schmick shopfront.

One feature commands your attention, though. A sign on the wall reads, “Nobody puts baby in the corner” – a quote from Dirty Dancing. And it’s true. Bagels Baby may sit on a physical corner, but if the crowds are anything to go by, it’s fast taking centre stage.

Bagels Baby
36 Derby Street, Pascoe Vale

Hours:
Tue to Fri 7am–3.30pm
Sat & Sun 8am–3pm

@bagelsbaby