With a popular pizza spot already under their belts, the chefs behind Rose Pizzeria are diving into another beloved carb: bagels.

Cafe Brusco in Berkeley is a cute and cozy spot with coffee and of course bagels. They offer a fun menu of open faced sandwiches and you can order a half portion of a single flavor combination making it easy to mix and match if you’re the indecisive type (I definitely am).

Outside Cafe Brusco.

“Gold Standard” (Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Tomato, Red Onions, and Dill), “Brusco” (Calabrian Cream Cheese, Pistachio Mortadella, Honey, and Pickled Pepper), and “The Bartavelle” (Herb Cream Cheese, Fig Jam, Cucumber, Radish, Sheep’s Milk Feta, Herb Salad, and Za’atar).

I ordered both the “Gold Standard” and “The Bartavelle” on everything bagels and the “Brusco” on the fennel and orange bagel. The “Gold Standard” was the classic bagel and lox combination you’d expect from any good bagel shop. The other two offerings were more unique and both were excellent. I especially enjoyed how the fennel and orange bagel paired with the “Brusco,” combining slightly spicy Calabrian chile cream cheese, silky slices of mortadella, and a drizzle of honey. On the other hand, “The Bartavelle” was bright, refreshing, and crisp, with cucumber, radish, salty Feta, fresh herbs, and just a touch of sweetness from the fig jam.

Whether you’re craving a classic smoked salmon bagel or something a little more unexpected, Cafe Brusco delivers. The thoughtful combinations and quality ingredients make it a worthy addition to the area’s growing food scene.