The Bagel Co.

The Bagel Co. is a bagel house, bakery and café in Rose Bay, and 50 years in the one neighbourhood tells you plenty about how well it's known around here. The tagline says it plainly: good bagels, good food, good coffee.

Bagels are the main event, and the word locally is that they come out fresh from the oven. People like that they aren't too dense, with a nice fluffy bite. There's a good variety, including mini ones, and you can build your own with eggs and your favourite fillings or pick something from the menu. Rye and blueberry have their fans, and the challah gets a mention too, including a new onion and garlic version. Fresh breads and cakes are baked daily using traditional recipes, and gluten-free options are available.

It's more than a bagel counter. The shakshuka has a bit of a kick without going too spicy, and the menu also runs to muffins, wraps, salads and even sushi. Coffee is a draw in its own right, with a friendly barista and a relaxed café feel. Kids' milkshakes are a hit, and the cups and straws are paper-based. Staff come across as friendly and helpful, and one local remembers the team surprising them with a cake and a birthday song.

Catering is a real strength. One family in mourning was grateful for platters of made-up bagels and cakes arranged at short notice, and another local took the bagels to a picnic and had friends asking where they came from. You can dine in, take away, pick up in store or have it delivered. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor area only, there's free street parking nearby, and the entrance and car park are wheelchair accessible.

Opinion isn't unanimous. A couple of people have found the bagels average for the price, and one felt the salad and shakshuka were light on for what they cost. Most are happy, though. Check the hours before heading in, as the week runs a little differently on weekends.