The newest addition to Pearl's restaurant scene just opened at the soon-to-be culinary hotspot, the Full Goods Building.

Out team was able to grab a reservation for Ladino on opening night, and we're glad to report that our dining experience was unlike any other we've experienced in the Alamo City.

Why the name?

The Ladino language is often referred to as Judeo-Spanish, a mix of Castellano, French, Italian, Greek, Turkish, and Hebrew. Chef Berty Richter spoke the language growing up in his home.

While the language is endangered, it remains spoken by Sephardic Jewish people in the Balkans, Greece, Turkey, and Israel. Ladino's menu is inspired by Jewish-Balkan cuisine and surrounding cultures.

Touches of gold accents with soft earth tones and ambient lighting can be seen throughout Ladino. | Photo by SATXtoday team

What you can expect

Ngervous about your first time here? Don't worry, we've got some pro tips so you can order with confidence.

Plan in advance: Make a reservation ahead of time to ensure a spot.
A night out at Pearl: Ladino is currently only open in the evenings, starting at 5 p.m. daily.
Try a bit of everything: Much like Spanish-style tapas, Ladino's plates are meant to be shared.
Date night approved: From the candlelit entryway to the soft ambient lighting, there's magic (or perhaps romance) in the air.
Upscale, but intimate: Expect to be greeted by your "captain" who will guide you on your culinary journey. The staff is there to help you have the best experience possible.

Find the chicken halloumi on the mangal (charcoal grill) section. | Photo by SATXtoday team

Our recommendations

Here are some of the plates we tried that are sure to impress:

Hummus | Marinated chickpeas, tahini, chilis, spices | $13
Plum Salad | Fennel, hazelnuts, cilantro, green schug vinaigrette | $16
Chicken Halloumi | Grilled tomatoes, yellow onion, mustard greens, amba | $28
Tilefish Agristada | Cured onions, lemon-egg sauce, dill, urga pepper | $18
Mezas de Alegria | Let Chef Berty and the team curate your entire dining experience | $60 (per person)