i. Biography
Berty Richter is the chef and founder of Ladino in San Antonio, United States, with a body of work shaped by family memory, inherited foodways, and the discipline of restaurant cooking.
Where They Are Now
Line work at Tribeca Grill in Manhattan, New York, beginning in 2001, is where Berty Richter started to build the habits that carry through a kitchen: pace, precision, and repetition under pressure. That early post set the tone for a career marked by control at the pass and attention to how technique can hold feeling without losing structure. The current scope is broader: Berty is Executive Chef and owner of TLV in Austin, Texas, and founder and chef of Ladino in San Antonio, Texas, since 2022. The work at Ladino, in particular, sits close to heritage rather than concept for concept’s sake, using the format of a modern restaurant to carry memory, family reference, and flavors tied to tradition. The result reads as an extension of lived culture, not a citation of it.
Signature
Muhammara, coal-charred eggplant dip, Jerusalem mix, meat dumplings in yogurt, and traditional Sephardic fish in a zesty egg sauce define Berty Richter’s signature. The through line is clear: smoke, richness, acidity, and depth, with dishes built to sit in the middle of the table and hold their own against conversation. These are preparations that rely on familiarity and clarity, with enough force in the seasoning and texture to stay with the diner after service ends.
In Their Words “ I’ve always dreamt of one day creating a concept that will pay homage to my family’s roots and culture. Naming this concept Ladino was the natural choice for me and is the realization of this dream.” The quote places Ladino in the register of lineage and reference, where the restaurant functions as an act of acknowledgment as much as a business. For a chef, that means the menu is doing double duty: serving guests while keeping a family and its culture legible on the plate. Here the work steps away from service and into calendar, observance, and return. The Line Cook, the owner, and the founder are still there, but the emphasis shifts to time with family and the weight that a single meal can carry when it is tied to reunion.
Recognition
Berty Richter has received CultureMap San Antonio Tastemaker Awards — Restaurant of the Year (2025).
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Berty
Where did Berty Richter work before?
Berty Richter's earlier career included Tribeca Grill.
What recognition has Berty Richter received?
Restaurant of the Year (2025).
