Smögen Appetizers

Tucked inside Vintage Wine + Eats in Sherman Oaks, Smögen Appetizers is a weekend-only pop-up that brings Scandinavian flair to the classic bagel brunch. This isn’t your average lox-and-schmear joint—instead, expect elaborately topped open-faced sandwiches that borrow heavily from Swedish appetizer traditions. The atmosphere is lively and social, with the wine bar setting encouraging a more indulgent approach to the morning meal.

The star here is undoubtedly the seafood. Each sourdough bagel arrives piled high with delicacies like briny white anchovies, generous spoonfuls of smoked trout roe, or thick ribbons of cured hamachi finished with bright lemon zest. The housemade cream cheese stands out from the grocery store variety with a pronounced savory, almost cheesy quality that pairs beautifully with the ocean-forward toppings. When the bagels come out perfectly crisp and crackly, the combination is truly exceptional.

This spot caters to a specific crowd—Valley parents catching a break, friends who consider wine an essential brunch companion, and anyone who appreciates when fish and carbs intersect. Mimosas flow freely, and the energy is decidedly more celebratory than your typical quiet morning coffee run. It’s the kind of place where brunch becomes an event rather than just a meal.

Fair warning: the bagel quality can be inconsistent from visit to visit. Sometimes you’ll get that perfect balance of crisp exterior and chewy center, while other days the chew factor tips into challenging territory. But when everything aligns, Smögen delivers one of the more unique and memorable brunch experiences in the Valley. Just remember—weekends only.