Linda's Dolci — Restaurant in Albuquerque

I’ve been coming to dolci twice a week for around two months and loved it up until I tried ordering a cake from there. Last Friday I placed an order for a cake and the girl wrote it down on a just a piece of paper. Today when I came to pick it up they said the order never got placed in the system (even though I pre- paid) and that I would need to wait 20 minutes while they make the cake. The owner was apologetic and offered some free coffee and a pastry. Unfortunately, when I got the cake and came home it had completely separated. I was very careful in transportation with the cake so that this wouldn’t happen. Unfortunately when I called they said I would have to bring the cake back once again to get a refund after already waiting around. Really love their pastries but this left an extremely sour taste in my mouth.

Update: Linda’s response was disappointing but not surprising. The issue here is clearly with staff training and management. Many of the employees seem disengaged and inattentive, with rushed interactions, no clear process, and little initiative to help.

I had already gone to Linda’s a week prior to place my order, then returned to pick it up, only to find it hadn’t been entered into their system. I waited 20 minutes, not 15 as claimed, for them to rush-make the cake. When I called afterward about it falling apart, I was told only to bring it back for a refund with no offer of a remake. The establishment is far from me, and between my work schedule and the distance, I couldn’t justify making a third trip. My time for each part of this process matters just as much as the cost of the cake.

I had seen other cake orders before mine handled with care, where staff sat down with customers, reviewed cake types and sizes, and took detailed notes. My order was scribbled on a scrap of paper with none of that courtesy. The cake fell apart because it hadn’t been given proper time to set, and in the end, I paid for a product that was not delivered to the standard or condition promised. Drinks and pastries are nice, but they don’t fix that the core transaction, providing the cake I ordered on time and intact, was not...

I recently had the pleasure of indulging in some authentic Italian pastries, and I must say, they were absolutely delicious. From the moment I walked into the bakery, I was greeted by the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked goods. The display case was filled with an array of beautifully crafted pastries, each one more tempting than the last.

I couldn't resist trying a variety of treats, and I was not disappointed. The tiramisu was amazing and the balance of flavors was perfect. Another standout pastry was the the croissant, a flaky, multi-layered delight filled with peaches. It was a true masterpiece of pastry craftsmanship.

But it wasn't just the classics that impressed me. The bakery also offered a selection of lesser-known regional specialties that were a pleasant surprise.

Each bite transported me to the streets of Italy, where these treats are enjoyed with a cup of macchiato.

What struck me most about these pastries was their authenticity. It was evident that the baker took great care in using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients. The attention to detail was reflected in the impeccable presentation and the harmonious balance of flavors.

The service at the bakery was also top-notch. The staff members were friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about their craft. They were more than happy to offer recommendations and answer any questions I had about the pastries. Their genuine enthusiasm for their products made the experience even more enjoyable.

Overall, my experience with these authentic Italian pastries was exceptional. If you're a fan of Italian sweets or simply appreciate the artistry and flavors of finely crafted pastries, I highly recommend visiting this bakery. It's a little taste of Italy right in your neighborhood, and you won't be disappointed....

Linda's Dolci frustrates me. I have patronized it at least 10 times and the experience is unpredictable and inconsistent. One day the service, cappuccino, pastry, and atmosphere should be rated six stars; the next day the service is dismissive, the cappuccino comes tepid at about a half serving, my order has to be repeated three times and is still not correct, they are out of decaf, an employee mini-crisis is underway, and the employees are focused on their own conversations and visiting with friends who have dropped by -- that is a zero star day.

The one thing that is consistent is the pastry ... which has always been a delight. Genuinely Italian. At least as good and, at times, even better than what I have had in Italy.

There is one employee who always knows what she is doing -- she seems to carry the shop by herself; the other employees constantly go to her for instruction on basic tasks like the register, making coffee, and how to serve pastries. It seems that there is always a new employee who is being trained and there is one employee who being trained every time we go in -- and she still can't get it right.

I keep returning, hoping it will be a five star day. I win the Linda's Dolci "what will I get today" lottery about half the time. Yesterday was a zero star day; the time before it was six stars. When Linda's Dolci is clicking it is a joy. When it isn't, it is a pricey disappointment.

P.S.

After posting the review above, I became curious and read through all ... yes, all ... of the reviews. In response to a number of negative reviews, let me offer that Linda's Dolci is an Italian bakery -- that I have to defend. Which means that the flavors and recipes and sugar content (or lack thereof) are based upon Italian tastes; it is not a...