5 and Dime Bagels

One of the best things about Melbourne is the plethora of cafes and restaurants devoted to a particular concept in dining or cuisine. Take for example 5 and Dime Bagels; an entire cafe devoted to the New York-style breakfast item, plus coffee any way you like it.

5 and Dime bagel with smoked salmon and avocado

Ok, ok, so bagels weren’t invented in New York City, but I’m sure many will agree that the “bagel and coffee” breakfast culture was perfected there. And it seems to be that NYC sensibility which served as an inspiration to 5 and Dime, tucked away in a laneway like so many of Melbourne’s gems.

5 and Dime cinnamon and raisin bagel with cream cheese

The bagels are warm, fresh and satisfyingly chewy. They come in a variety of flavours, from the humble plain bagel to cinnamon and raisin, cherry and herb varieties. Toppings range from the simple (butter and jam) to the traditional (cream cheese) to the savoury (avocado and smoked salmon) and culturally fusioned (vegemite!).

5 and Dime bagel and coffee

Coffee can be either Italo-Melburnian style with the standard range of espresso drinks, or American-style, filtered and served up black or with milk. I opted for this, attempting to create a true New York-breakfast experience, and was not disappointed. This is not the filtered coffee of old; it’s flavourful, full-bodied and aromatic.

5 and Dime bagel cafe (Image: GoodFood.com.au)

5 and Dime seems to specialise in the walk-by street traffic market, for while there is seating, it is rather limited, and even table service is reminiscent of the Big Apple street-food style (take away cups, paper serviettes). It’s all part of the experience, and as the cold city bustles outside, you can sit back, enjoy your yummy, warming breakfast, and imagine that you’re somewhere in downtown NYC.

Details

Food: 8/10

Ambience: 7/10

Service: 7/10

Cost: Bagels are $2 – $4, depending on toppings.

16 Katherine Place, Melbourne

(03) 9621 2128

5dimebagel.com.au

Monday to Friday: 7am – 3pm, closed weekends.