05/22/2026
A few years ago, my son Matthew and I stumbled into what has become one of our favorite traditions: Mother’s Day dinner at Ladino, a wonderfully inventive Mediterranean restaurant tucked inside The Pearl. We loved it so much that one visit a year simply wasn’t enough – we now return regularly.
The menu is filled with bold, unexpected flavors: hazelnuts, black olive salt, black garlic tahini, date chermoula, pomegranate, and urfa oil all make appearances. We love ordering a spread of dishes to share, turning every visit into a little culinary adventure.
This year, we began with Ladino’s fresh-baked pita, pulled straight from their wood-burning oven – warm, pillowy, and perfect. We paired it with the Beet Muhammara dip, beautifully garnished with caraway candied pecans and fresh dill. Honestly, all of their dips are wonderful, but this one is hard to resist.
Next came Matthew’s must-order: the Lamb Belly Ribs. We rounded out the meal with Roasted Sweet Potato, Saffron Chicken and Steamed Red Snapper served in a grape leaf wrap.
And then there was dessert. I have thought about the Supangle every single day since. Chocolate, orange, almond, sesame and Texas honey, it is – without question – the finest pudding I have ever tasted. If you have even a passing love of chocolate, please order it. It will completely redefine what you thought pudding could be.
Ladino holds a well-deserved place in the MICHELIN Guide Texas and has earned a shelf full of similar accolades. You’ll find it at 200 E. Grayson St., with both indoor and outdoor seating, open seven days a week.
In honor of San Antonio’s 300th Anniversary, I’m proud to rank Ladino No. 128 on my 300 Reasons to Love San Antonio list — a delicious reminder of why this city is such an extraordinary place to live, work and enjoy our incredible restaurant scene.
🏡🔑
