Linda’s Dolci: A slice of Italy in the heart of New Mexico

In Italy, food is not just something they eat it’s woven deeply into their culture. This is why Linda’s Dolci is not just a bakery; it’s a slice of Italy, right in the heart of New Mexico.

“I am from Pordenone, which is a northern, little town, north in the mountains in Italy,” said Linda Manias, the owner of Linda’s Dolci. “I was just kind of jumping in, I didn’t really know what to expect because it was something new.”

Growing up in Italy, Linda was surrounded by the rich traditions of Italian baking. When she moved to South Dakota in 2016, there wasn’t a place that served those authentic recipes she had grown to love. So, she decided to learn how to make them herself. When she relocated to Albuquerque in 2022, she wanted to share those beloved flavors and memories with the community. That is how Linda’s Dolci was born.

“Definitely like a travel inside this little town where I grew up because it is something that is an experience and it’s something that you can’t really find around,” said Manias. “Everything is made fresh, by scratch, every day, since we don’t have the possibility to have the delivery from out of town. So I grew up and made everything from scratch.”

From the classic cannoli to the delicate sfogliatelle, each pastry at Linda’s Dolci is crafted with love and authenticity, using timeless authentic Italian recipes. It’s a menu that’s seasonal, fresh, and always changing. You can even indulge in a variety of delicious cakes.

“I like to make the fresh cake of the day, which, they constantly change. Start from an old classic like a classic apple cake, crostata, which is this crust and then we pick a jam like strawberry, or chocolate today,” said Manias. “I like to change it because I want a little excitement, you know, so it depends on what the ingredients, in-season, are. So, I like to follow the season, and this is the main one, like an example of pastry. It’s called pastacinni which are really little bites, made from scratch. From the crust to the crème and the toppings. There are different toppings daily.”

Linda also makes desserts that are gluten-free and vegan, so everyone can enjoy something sweet.

And it’s not just about the pastries. Linda’s Dolci also offers a selection of rich, Italian-style coffee and freshly squeezed juices, perfect for pairing with any treat.

“The coffee for me is really special because it is my own roast, and it is an Italian recipe. So, it’s really creamy and intense. There is a note of chocolate and hazelnuts, and it gets served in these cups, that are designed by me,” says Manias, “Also, made here is the fresh-squeezes orange juice, with fresh oranges, like the classic Italian way.”

Since opening their doors back in 2023 it’s clear that Linda’s Dolci has become a beloved spot for locals, a place where friends gather, and new memories are made over delicious food.

“I found this place by accident, and I think it’s super authentic Italian. It’s like super delicious, everything that you see is homemade and she has that beautiful personality that is very warming and welcoming so, I recommend it to everybody,” said Nancy Marquez, a Linda’s Dolci customer.

You can also take Linda’s Dolci home with you, they sell their coffee, espresso cup sets, tee shirts, cookies, spreads, and more in-house. So, if you’re craving a true Italian experience, one that will transport you to the Italian countryside upon your first bite or sip, make sure to stop by Linda’s Dolci. You’ll find not just incredible pastries, coffee, and juice but a warm welcome that makes you feel right at home.

Linda’s Dolci is located at 8520 Montgomery Blvd NE Suite B4, Albuquerque, NM 87111. To learn more about Linda’s Dolic, visit www.lindasdolci.com.