We don’t get a lot of Eastern European food here in Albuquerque. So, it’s lucky that our city’s major culinary outlet for it offers such a stellar example of the cuisine. Red Rock Deli has been around since 2014 and was even featured on an episode of Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.”
Enthusiastic and welcoming owners Alissa (Ukranian) and Mark (Polish) Toczek should be praised for working their tails off providing diners with homemade pierogies, schnitzel, stuffed cabbage, sausages and other delicacies of the Poland/Germany/Russia area. It’s hearty comfort food, particularly suited for fall weather. While everything on the menu is amazing, the go-to dish has got to be the Russian Roulette. The Toczeks make their own pierogies (boiled pasta pockets filled with various meats and vegetables) in house. You can’t go to Red Rock without ordering the Russian Roulette. It’s a “chef’s choice” of six pierogies ($12.99 for meat or non-meat options). You never know what you’ll get in the mix: potato and farmer’s cheese, sauerkraut and mushroom, shredded pork, feta and spinach, salmon? Doesn’t matter. They’re all delicious (particularly if you get them covered in bacon and fried onions – which you absolutely should). Throw in a bowl of borscht (cold Lithuanian-style in summer, warm Ukranian-style in winter), and you’ll walk out happily stuffed. But wait! The place also boasts a small market where you can purchase various European food items, including frozen bags of those homemade pierogies. Take your favorite flavor home with you!
Red Rock Deli
2414 San Mateo Pl. NE
Wed.- Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More Euro Food for Your Face
Dagmar’s Specialties
Longtime German restaurant known for authentic jägerschnitzel, bratwurst, goulash, house-made spaetzle, red cabbage and strudels (so many strudels).
2379 Southern Blvd. SE
Tue. – Sat. 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
La Troquet Bistro
Fancy-casual French bistro in Downtown Albuquerque serving traditional dishes like escargot, mussels and scallops in a European bar-style setting.
228 Gold Ave. SW
Tue. – Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Chez Axel French Restaurant
6209 Montgomery Blvd. NE
This venerable French restaurant (with a parade of owners) sticks to the classics, like Boeuf Bourguignon, Veal Cordon Bleu and cassoulet.
Tue. – Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sat. 5 to 9 p.m.
Triana
This Nob Hill fave specializes in Spanish tapas. Expect lots of sangria and small plates with anchovies, goat cheese, grilled octopus, patatas bravas, grilled asparagus and more.
111 Carlisle Blvd. NE
Wed. -Thu. 4:40 to 8:30 p.m., Fri-Sat 4:30 to 9 p.m.
Little Europe
This cafeteria-like stall inside Sawmill Market offers artisan breads, various sausages, charcuterie boards and deli sandwiches.
1909 Bellamah Ave. NW
Sun. – Sat 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tulipani Pasta
This tiny pasta counter (also inside Sawmill Market) offers a changing line of artisanal, pastas using the best organic flour, eggs and seasonal ingredients. Eat there or take the fresh-made pasta home.
1909 Bellamah Ave NW
Sun. – Sat. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Eurozone Food Distributors
Eurozone is primarily a specialty market featuring imported cheeses, cured deli meats, chocolates, dry goods, fresh bread and seafood. But if you get hungry while shopping, they offer an excellent selection of panini sandwiches.
3700 Osuna Rd. NE #515
Tue. – Fri. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tully’s Italian Deli & Meats
You can come here to shop the bakery or pick up some incredible homemade Italian food from the freezer case. Or you can sit down and scarf some of the biggest, best Italian subs in Albuquerque.
1425 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste. A
Tue. – Fri. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sat. 9 to 5 p.m.
Bistro Bistro
Bistro Bistro offers packaged, pre-prepared meals including Spanish/Mediterranean-style crepes, tapas and paellas. Grab them to go at the Downtown Grower’s Market every Saturday or pickup at the restaurant location.
Growers Market: 810 Copper Ave NW; Restaurant: 1603 Fourth St. NW
Growers Market: Sat. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Restaurant: Sat. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
La Quiche Parisienne Bistro
Craving meats and cheese on a fresh-baked baguette, some onion soup gratinee or maybe a croque madame? La Quiche has been the destination since 2006.
5850 Eubank Blvd NE Ste. 17
Wed. – Sat. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
