Lichtenstein's Bakehouse — Restaurant in Melbourne

Came to Melbourne and decided to do a bagel tour of the Jewish quarter. We were looking for a heavy, doughy type bagel that we’ve been fortunate to enjoy in both Osaka and New York.

All three stores bagels were toasted with a healthy amount of cream cheese spread over the top.

Lichenstein’s Bakehouse was our first stop and most expensive. We got one plain bagel along with a custard donut which came in at $7.70. The bagel didn’t have any character to it at all. It was light and airy and honestly tasted like stock standard bread that was shaped into an oval. Disappointing. 2.5/10

The second stop was Glicks Balaclava. Slightly better than the first but not amazing. It was definitely heavier that Lichenstein’s but only just. There was a better flavour to the dough here as well but again, nothing to write home about. Disappointing. 4/10

The final stop was Lenny’s that advertises New York style bagels prepared in the boiling water. This is a much smaller bagel than the others however with a much a greater density to it as it’s been soaked in the brine. Lenny’s was by far the best bagel today in both density/doughiness as well as flavour. When toasted, it had a nice crust to the exposed outer layer. Despite the kind words, it was still not a pinch on the bagels from either Osaka or New York but at least something more akin to what I was...

I only went to Lichenstein's Bakehouse because I knew they sold Pumpernickel Bread. The shop front is narrow and the service area is a tight squeeze with little separation between the bakers and the customers. It was quite warm inside from the ovens. And it was packed with patrons. A good sign. People started queuing outside the door. I was about 5th in line so I paid attention to what everyone (clearly regulars) was buying. Half of the display cabinets were 'jam packed' with donuts. And they were running out the door with every customer. "They must be good" thought I. So when it was my turn, I bought my loaf of pumpernickel and 2 jam donuts for my dearest (who is rather partial to a good jam donut). Well, the donuts were the best he'd ever eaten - the secret ingredient being top quality jam in abundance. I suspect we'll be going back. Oh, and the pumpernickel was unlike any other pumpernickel I've had before. These guys are seriously good at...

Amaaazing bread. Enough said. Visit this place!!

Well not quite lol. The bread is great, the pumpernickel is full of seeds, its dense and filling.

The bread ia less than $5 a loaf which is great value compared to other bakeries.

The garlic bread is also tasty and crunchy with some good garlic flavour.

I brought some yummy vegetarian tomato and mushroom foccacia which was smothered in fresh ingredients and really tasty.

And this bakery delivers. Haha how old school!! Its fantastic, they deliver right to your home. What fantastic service.

So you don't need to miss out on your favourites. I'm going to be a regular of...