Cilantro Lime: How One Viral Mexican Fusion Spot Is Changing the LA Food Scene
Discover Cilantro Lime, LA’s viral Mexican fusion hotspot redefining traditional flavors with innovative dishes like Birria Grilled Cheese and Burnt Cheese Quesadillas. Learn how owner Leo Matias turned his passion for food into a social media sensation, and explore the must-try items on the menu. Perfect for foodies and fusion cuisine enthusiasts!
In the heart of Los Angeles, where taco trucks and taquerias dot nearly every corner, Cilantro Lime has managed to carve out its own space with creativity, innovation, and a fearless approach to reimagining Mexican cuisine. For owner Leo Matias, the journey from dishwasher to viral restaurateur reflects years of dedication, adaptability, and an unrelenting passion for bringing unique flavors to the table.
From Humble Beginnings to Bold Dreams
Leo’s journey began fresh out of high school when he took a graveyard shift as a dishwasher. Over the next 20 years, he climbed the ranks within the restaurant industry, eventually becoming a general manager and learning every facet of restaurant operations.
Despite his success, Leo couldn’t shake the desire to create something of his own. Inspired by a life-changing trip to Vietnam, where he saw firsthand the importance of seizing opportunities, he took a leap of faith and opened Cilantro Lime.
“I didn’t want to live with regrets,” Leo says. “If I wasn’t going to do it then, when would I? I had confidence in myself and decided to take that leap of faith.”
A Menu That’s Anything But Ordinary
Inspired by his mother’s traditional recipes, Leo began modernizing classic dishes to surprise and delight his customers.
Some of the restaurant’s most iconic creations include:
Carne Asada Fries: The dish that put Cilantro Lime on the map, blending savory, crispy, and bold flavors.
Burnt Cheese Quesadilla: A happy accident that turned into a viral sensation, featuring a crispy cheese crust that elevates a simple quesadilla to new heights
Birria Grilled Cheese: A pandemic-inspired fusion of Texas toast, slow-cooked birria, and melted cheese that caught the attention of the Food Network.
Menudo Tacos: A reimagining of a classic Mexican soup, transformed into crunchy, flavorful tacos that continue to win over skeptics.
Leo’s constant experimentation and drive to innovate have made Cilantro Lime a favorite among foodies and influencers, helping the restaurant go viral multiple times on social media.
Social Media and Going Viral
Cilantro Lime’s success has been amplified by its strategic use of social media. From mouthwatering photos of new dishes to collaborations with creators like @foodbeast, the restaurant has become a regular on Instagram feeds and TikTok For You pages.
“We’re lucky to have gotten the attention of big influencers early on,” Leo explains. “Social media has been a game-changer for us—it’s helped expose the brand to people who might never have found us otherwise.”
What’s Next for Cilantro Lime?
Cilantro Lime is always evolving, and exciting things are on the horizon. The team is gearing up to launch their highly anticipated dessert menu, featuring a unique tortilla stuffed with fresas con crema and served with horchata ice cream. This sweet addition is set to debut after Thanksgiving, and fans won’t want to miss it.
“We’re always looking for new ways to innovate,” Leo says. “I want to give people something they’ve never seen before while staying true to the authentic flavors that make Mexican food so special.”
For Leo, Cilantro Lime represents the endless possibilities of blending tradition with creativity.
“I never thought I’d be in this position,” Leo reflects. “But it’s all part of the journey. The challenges, the successes—they’ve all shaped what Cilantro Lime is today.”
Whether it’s for their famous Carne Asada Fries, the viral Birria Grilled Cheese, or their latest culinary invention, Cilantro Lime is a must-visit for anyone in LA looking to experience the cutting edge of Mexican fusion cuisine.