Pasion Latin Fusion

Good, quality food. They do tend to go heavy on the sauces, which I’d imagine some people go nuts for. However, as someone who is nor a mayo or a mustard fan, our tacos and artichoke dish were moderately heavy in both. This was unexpected so heavily on a latin dish. Regardless, things were still tasty. I’d go again. I’d be interested in a following up on my review after a second visit, now that I have the foresight and can dodge the lardy condis.

This was a tough one to figure out as far as star ratings go. Their food gets FIVE STARS, easily. This was the second time we’ve been there and we noticed on the way in that they have a big sign outside stating their specials. It was a Wednesday (yesterday) so we were excited to see that tapas and sangria were both half off. We were a party of four and we loaded up on tapas and sangrias, agreeing to order and try many more of the menu items than we normally would because of the great deal. We also ordered entrees, so we were really stuffed. When the bill arrived, none of our tapas or sangrias had been discounted. When we brought this to the attention of the waitstaff, we were informed that only three of the tapas on the menu were on special (none of the ones we ordered) and that the sangria special only pertains to carafes. Obviously, this information would have dramatically curbed our «let’s try everything!» plan and we would have most certainly ordered our sangrias by the carafe rather than by the glass. We looked at the sign again on our way out and there is no fine print, no asterisk. The daily special is listed very clearly with no disclaimers or item limitations. I should say, I realize maybe it’s not fair to rate a restaurant based on one bad experience. Both times we visited, we had different weird experiences but both times we LOVED the food. We will definitely return but we will now know to ask for the small print before ordering.

So esthetics are so important to me and this place was redone by some show or some revamping restaurant dealio. Not at all impressed with the colors or décor. It has a strange feel to it.
However, they stand strong on the number one best burger in New Mexico. Yet… deep fried green chile was delicious. It could have more spice however, the meat was perfectly seasoned. Yes! Do you know how hard it is to find burgers with the right seasoning? Also the delightful bun was toasted with butter. Mmmmmm. So important.
My friend got the ceviche. Meh, I can make it better. I would order to go next time. The place is plain uncomfortable.

Really fresh Latin food, probably the best chimichurri we’ve ever had. Love the tapas, especially the duck taquitos and yuca frites, the sweet heat, and the drinks are top notch. I wish it was closer to our house because we are big fans.

Best surprise ever! I was in town with a couple g/f’s. I was starving by the time I got to town & I found this place on Unilocal.When we got there, one of my friends was afraid to walk in the door. I pushed her thru anyway. Absolutely everything we ordered was great! Desserts were superb! We had hoped to go back, but couldn’t find the time. Next trip to town, I’ll definitely be visiting this restaurant again!

Overpriced, subpar service and mediocre food. Still a kitchen nightmare, sadly.
The «tapas» at Fusion are underwhelming, specifically the fried Yucca and bacon-​wrapped plantains. The bacon was flavorless and the yucca was cold and sparse.
As for service, our waitress seemed clueless about everything on the menu. She even argued with me about the specials. Took her outside to have her look at the sign THEY CREATED and she still acted incredulous.
Happy to never come back here. Also, really skeptical about these 5-​star reviews. They seem a little too generous, if you know what I mean.

Take advantage of happy hour, from 5 – 6 every day. But you might need to remind the waiter; we did. He seemed to have forgotten (???). We shared bacon wrapped plantains (happy hour) & carnitas tacos. The chef was super cool with us sharing; he/​she divided our tacos onto two plates. Nice! For happy hour, the margaritas were $ 5. I enjoyed all. The place happened to be entirely empty, but maybe that’s because we arrived at 5pm.

Pasion latin fusion is a beautiful celebration of color and flavor in a friendly and inviting atmosphere. The fish tacos are on par with the best you could hope to get in San Diego .The side dishes were exquisite, french fries were perfect, and the plantains in cream was awe inspiring. The restaurant itself was re designed and its very nice inside, also the staff is always incredibly friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend Pasion to anyone in the city looking for something different and interesting.

The fish tacos were really good, the bread pudding was out of this world. The donuts were also really good, the empanadas just ok and over priced.

I have been here several times but am just now getting around to review. The food here is incredible! I’ve had the plantains, corn, empanadas, cubano, mango dessert and the bocadillo! The service is amazing and so is the food! If Pasion got a liquor license for margaritas, mojitos, and caipirinhas; I’d live there!

I was a little underwhelmed (or perhaps overpromised). We went for lunch, and noticed the place was E-​M-​P-​T-​Y, which is always concerning. I was all set to have the Chef «I am not quite Gordon Ramsay» er Chef Irvine Cubano. The server suggested the cheeseburger, which they said was voted best cheeseburger at the State Fair. I know — who orders a cheeseburger at a latin place, but she suggested it, and really sold it hard (and I kind of wanted a burger before we picked the place).
The latin fusion appetizers were silly good. But, the cheeseburger was very so so — it was like seriously 6 inches tall, which makes for an incredibly awkward eating experience. It was also a little dry, and kind of bland in flavor. The fries were nothing to write home about.
So, I will certainly go back and try more latin food. But, based on the «best hamburger in the state,» they only score a «3»

Dessert was by far my favorite, the avocado cream something or another was incredible, the Oreo crust was the perfect compliment to it.

Foodie Adventure in AlbuQwerkie!
Finally trying this little spot!
I actually called when they were filming Restaurant Impossible so that my group could eat here during the filming.
Never got a call back.. but no worries it was still on my list of places to try! A year or so later I’ve made it!
I love Cuban Food and the choices they have here… so full of vibrant colors and Sabores! (Flava.Flav!!) We shared everything from a few Latino Tapas to different entrees and couldn’t resist sampling 3 different desserts!
Food made with a Passion!
Don’t give up on places you want to try… be bold and expand your horizons! There are so many food combinations to try out in this big world of ours!

Elvis, the chef (and owner) is one of the most creative in Albuquerque. My husband and I always split the main dish. Two of our fave’s are Pork Carnitas Tacos and El Cubano Quesadillas. The French Fries are the best. Tapas such as Cauliflower a la Plancha, Artichoke Hearts with Aoli, and Bacon– wrapped Plantains in Romanesco
make every meal sensational.
Pasion service is good, sometimes a little slow because Elvis cooks every dish to order. My online suggestion is that a greater variety of salads would give more options.

I was pretty pleased with my experience here. I had someone tell me «don’t let the run down look of it scare you away.» In my head I’m thinking «I don’t judge books by their cover. Why would I judge a restaurant in that way?»
I enjoyed my meal here. I ordered the pork tacos with a side of guacamole with the fancy (fusion? I don’t remember the word) chips. I think the chips were my favorite part! So light and perfectly seasoned.
Definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area!

Really good and inventive food. Have had numerous appetizers, several entrees and desserts and all are delicious. The red Sangria is also tasty.
Service could use a little help. The waitress we’ve always had is actually effective, just not particularly warm or inviting.
Would highly recommend trying this place out.

So today was the hubby’s birthday and Passion Latin is what he was craving. Who could blame him? My brother and sister inlaw had never been so off for an adventure We tried some new to us items and old favorites. No one was disappointed. The Aqua fresco was watermelon mint and yes the ladies made «grown up» with a shot of rum. Hello!
We started with guacamole. Oh the creamy goodness on top of those fresh chip. Then the fun began. Duck taquito –a hit. Gone in a flash, crispy artichoke heart on top of a golden aioli, empanadas filled with spinach and goat cheese, flash fried mixed seafood – was that an oyster? – fish taco-​always a must and the half a roasted chicken. Yes we were stuffed and took a nap once we reach home.
Oh Passion how we love your food!

If you read my Albuquerque reviews you’ll notice a theme. I go to TV joints. I’ve been doing this for about 3 or 4 years now and during that time I learned «Restaurant Impossible» places are not worth a visit. Most close or change hands or they stay open then fall back into their bad habits. All that has not happened to Passion Latin Fusion. I checked out the Unilocal reviews and most of them point to an interesting and excellent experience and they did not disappoint.
I walked into a handsome dining room with lots of space between tables and a neat wall seating area raised up from the main dining floor the hanging fireplace was a neat addition I only wish it was burning tonight. No need it was warm and comfortable and the waitress was also warm and personable. Quick intuitive and very professional. Her name is Jeannine hope you are lucky to have her serve you when you visit.
And you will visit because this place fills a gap this city has, not text book tex mex but funky fresh artisan creations with a Latin flair! I told Jeannine they chose the right name because the passion comes out of the kitchen on every plate.
The Gobernale (governor) burger came out of the kitchen for another table and my jaw dropped its aroma was terrific and looked drop dead gorgeous. They serve tapas style so go in a group and order a bunch of different things everything is absolutely magnificent.
You will love this place from the parking lot to the attractive dining room to the attentive wait staff the clever creative and lovingly prepared dishes to the fabulous price points this place is fantastic!
Great job Passion Latin Fusion!

I don’t think there are many restaurants in my opinion that deserve a rating of 5 stars… Passion Latin Fusion however, is definitely one of those rare finds. This is by far one of my favorite places in the Duke City. I go out with friends and family here often. It’s a great place to take a date and even grab lunch/​dinner with clients. My favorites are the goat cheese empanadas, carribian chicken with bacon/​mashed plantains and the «croque señorita» roasted pork chop. Ohh and the sangria and margaritas are pretty darn good too!

I shall beat around the proverbial bush, stat, but if you just want my vote, here goes: dine here. It’s in my top 10, possibly top 5 in the city.
Just months following the efforts to makeover the menu and interior décor for Restaurant: Impossible, chef Elvis Bencomo has achieved something of a revelation, which probably explains his continued struggle to attract new customers to this outstanding ABQ eatery. Following the revamp the new plates are just as good, many much better, than the previous concept. The only roadblock on the way to success, it seems, is the enlightenment of the local palate. That could prove an impossibility.
As my earlier review stated, Pasion incorporates all aspects of Latin into the food with abandon. You’re getting tapas (bocaditos, here) and a few choice platos principales (entrees) that will make your tastebuds dance. Come here to swoon, bring a lover or a localvore, here’s what I’ve tasted and fallen for:
+Bacon Wrapped Plantains
+Empanadas (goat cheese!)
+Pasión Ceviche
+Crispy Artichokes (dipped in egg & parmesan)
+Tuna Tacu Tacu (think sushi and garbanzo)
+Grilled Brazilian Cheese Bread (forget the Italian version)
+Quesadilla Cubano (the pickle and mustard somehow knock this out)
And do yourself a favor, drink an aguas frescas. True Love poured into your chalice.