A new chapter in New York’s food scene has arrived with the launch of Bagizza, the city’s first dedicated pizza bagel shop. Located in Midtown, the new eatery is an elevated take on the classic comfort food, blending two iconic NYC staples into a unique culinary experience.
Felicity, the 9-year-old owner of Felicity’s Seamoss, recently visited the new hotspot to see what these pizza bagels were all about. She described her visit as an incredible experience, praising the variety of flavors and combinations that make for a culinary masterpiece. As a pescatarian, Felicity was especially impressed with the selection of different fish, stating that she will definitely become a regular. Her personal favorite was the open-faced tuna melt bagel sandwich, while the buffet bar, which boasted an upscale selection of delicious mains and sides, was a definite standout.
The team behind Bagizza includes seasoned restaurateur Michael Park, master bagel roller Alex Baka, Executive Chef Steven Cho, and partner Hilary Herscher. They’ve combined their expertise to create a spot that blends quality ingredients with global flavor influences.
Master Craftsmanship and an Elevated Menu
The foundation of Bagizza’s offerings is a bagel recipe that fuses both Montreal and New York styles, using honey, malt, and a touch of spiced rum for a unique depth of flavor. The team perfected a three-stage cooking process that results in a bagel with the ideal balance of chewiness and crispness. The hand-rolled dough is cold-fermented for up to 72 hours, concentrating its flavors in a process akin to dry-aging.
Alex Baka, a second-generation master bagel roller, brings his lifelong expertise to the new venture. He has hand-rolled an estimated 25 million bagels in his career and has worked at esteemed establishments like Zucker’s and Essa Bagel.
Chef Steven Cho, with his background in Michelin-starred restaurants, has created a refined menu that goes beyond the traditional pizza bagel. The offerings include signature creations like Shrimp Toast with lemon and curry mayo, and a Hawaiian bagel with pink pineapple and house-cured ham. Customers can also create their own masterpieces from a buffet of house-made sauces and toppings, from Bacon Kimchi Jam to Garlic Confit & Herb Cream Cheese.
Bagizza also features a refined take on a traditional convenience store and lunch buffet, with dishes like braised short ribs and house-cured meats. The 3,400 sq. ft. space, located on the corner of Madison Avenue and 49th Street, is designed for both convenience and ambiance. It features an open-view bagel rolling station, ample seating, and a central high-end pizza oven, making it an ideal spot for the busy Midtown crowd.
Watch Felicity’s trip to Bagizza below!