Olmo

Have you ever wondered what the perfect American-style breakfast should be? Meet Olmo—an iconic modern bagel shop that has become a true gastronomic pride of New Haven. Located in a historic district, this establishment is famous for its unique bagels, which are baked daily using freshly milled grain supplied by local Massachusetts farmers.

Unlike classic New York versions, the bagels at Olmo have a distinct character: they feature an incredibly crunchy crust and a surprisingly soft, airy center. This spot in the USA has long since evolved from a simple bakery into a symbol of the region's culinary revival, blending Jewish deli traditions with modern culinary techniques.

The name of the shop was not chosen by chance: "Olmo" translates from Italian as "elm," paying homage to New Haven, which is famously known as the "Elm City." Today, the venue attracts both local students and savvy tourists, and the lines at the door only confirm its status as one of the best bagel makers in the entire country.

For your convenience, we have gathered the current contact details of the establishment in one table. This will help you quickly find your way, book a table, or check the availability of specific items before your visit.

The main ritual at Olmo is, of course, tasting their legendary bagel sandwiches. Be sure to try the classic bacon, egg, and cheese, or venture into something more exotic like the “Okonomiyaki” sandwich—an original interpretation of Japanese street food featuring fried cabbage and a savory BBQ sauce. About 85% of all orders here are for sandwiches, and each one is a small work of art from the chef.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere itself is fascinating to observe. You can see the bakery team hard at work on the lower level while a diverse crowd of visitors gathers upstairs. Look out for the local merch: t-shirts and hoodies featuring the Olmo logo are worn by many regulars, creating the feel of an exclusive club for food lovers. Don't forget to snap a few photos while waiting in line—it's an essential part of the experience at the most popular spot in town.

For those who value conscious consumption, you'll be pleased to know that the establishment actively fights food waste. At the end of the day, everything that hasn't been eaten is donated to a local charity. So, by ordering fresh pastries or specialty coffee here, you become part of a meaningful cause that unites the residents of New Haven.

The establishment is located in the heart of the city at 93 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT 06510. Thanks to its central location, Olmo is very easy to reach on foot if you are already exploring the Yale University area or the New Haven Green—the walk will only take a few minutes.

If you are using public transportation, the CTtransit buses running along Whitney Avenue or Trumbull Street are your best bet. The nearest stops are in the immediate vicinity of the Yale campus. For those arriving from New York on the Metro-North train, a taxi ride from Union Station to the bakery doors will take no more than 10 minutes.

Travelers arriving via Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) will find it most convenient to use a taxi or rideshare service—the trip takes about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. It is worth noting that parking on Whitney Avenue can be limited, especially during popular morning hours on weekends, so walking or cycling is an excellent alternative to driving.

The history of Olmo began in 2018, but back then, the place looked quite different. It originally opened as an upscale restaurant with full service and a seasonal menu focused on local farm-to-table ingredients. Chef Craig Hutchinson and his team chose a historic building on Whitney Avenue that had previously seen several tenants, including a sushi bar and a traditional English-style house.

The real turning point came in 2020. In the midst of the pandemic, the owners showed remarkable flexibility: they noticed that New Haven, known as the "Elm City," suffered from a distinct lack of high-quality bagels. The decision to pivot from an expensive restaurant to an accessible bagel shop proved to be life-changing. Incidentally, the name of the establishment means "elm" in Italian, a direct nod to the city's nickname.

The transformation brought incredible success. Production grew from a couple of hundred bagels a week to an impressive 13,000 units. In 2023, Olmo solidified its leader status by winning the "Best Bagel" award at the prestigious Bagel Fest in New York City, beating out many renowned competitors from the Big Apple.

Beyond commercial success, the Olmo team adheres to a philosophy of social responsibility. Following their credo, "Everyone deserves a bagel," the shop actively partners with the organization Haven’s Harvest, donating unsold products to those in need and fighting food waste. In 2022 alone, they donated over $20,000 worth of baked goods.

You should set aside 30 to 60 minutes for a visit to Olmo. A large portion of this time may be spent waiting in line, which during peak hours (especially Saturday and Sunday mornings) can stretch all the way to the entrance. However, the service here is efficient and runs like clockwork.

If you plan to take your bagels to go and head for a walk around the Yale campus, 30 minutes should be enough. If you want to leisurely enjoy a signature sandwich and coffee while taking in the lively atmosphere, it’s better to count on a full hour. Keep in mind that peak attendance occurs on weekends, when the bakery sells several thousand bagels in just two days.

The establishment is open daily so you can start your day with fresh, aromatic baked goods. Please note that the schedule differs between weekdays and weekends:

• Monday — Thursday: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Friday — Sunday: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

We recommend arriving early, as the most popular bagel varieties and fillings can sell out before closing time, especially on weekends when the shop stays open a bit later.

The establishment's location on Whitney Avenue makes it an ideal starting point for further exploring the city's culture and architecture. After a hearty breakfast, you can stroll through historic districts and see iconic landmarks located within walking distance.

The surroundings are filled with an academic spirit and vintage Connecticut charm. Below is a list of interesting locations worth visiting nearby: