Lito’s Mexican Restaurant

Lito’s Mexican Restaurant is a beloved Mexican spot in Santa Barbara, California that caught the attention of Guy Fieri and the crew behind Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

The restaurant was featured in Season 13, Episode 5 — an episode called “Scratch Made Classics” that first aired in 2011. The episode celebrated the timeless, classic dishes that have kept diners coming back for years.

The reviews speak for themselves: Lito’s Mexican Restaurant holds an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google, backed by over 632 reviews from satisfied diners. The menu is budget-friendly, making it accessible for a casual meal or a special outing.

You’ll find Lito’s Mexican Restaurant at 514 E Haley St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, and you can call ahead at +1 805-962-1559. The restaurant is open seven days a week. Check out their website for the latest menu and hours before you go.

Being featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives is a major milestone for any restaurant. The show, hosted by Guy Fieri since 2007, has visited hundreds of restaurants across the country, shining a spotlight on the independent, owner-operated spots that define America’s food culture. For Lito’s Mexican Restaurant, the DDD feature put Santa Barbara, California on the culinary map for viewers across the nation.

Whether you first heard about Lito’s Mexican Restaurant on TV or stumbled across it on a road trip through California, it’s the kind of place that lives up to the hype. If you’re in Santa Barbara, California, don’t miss it.