Restaurants in Isla Vista

“Excellent authentic Mexican food served quickly by a very friendly staff.”

“My review is from the period 1999-2002. Simply the BEST place to get burritos or nachos in all of USA. This is where I tried my first ever burrito, first quesadilla and first nachos. I had just joined UCSB as a new graduate student and lived at Goleta/Isla Vista (Abrego Rd?).

Prices today (in 2025) seem a tad high though. Maybe it's the impact of fair labor wages in California. Hope it's worth every $

Amazing fresh food and very enthusiastic crew. I think google didn't exist then or Google maps but had to add this while feeling nostalgic today!”

“Very fair portion sizing for the money, and amazing food. Highly recommended”

“This is our go-to spot for our twice quarterly get together after Aikido class.”

“super chill place where friends can hang around and employees were hella nice. I got the banana smoothie and it was SO GOOD LITERALLY THE BEST BANANA SMOOTHIE I EVER TASTED IN MY LIFE like it literally made my day and I only ordered a small one but next time that I'm craving blender's I'll order a large”

“Delicious Asian fusion food on a student friendly budget. The drinks are the same as Mojo’s and their popcorn chicken is delicious, I’m happy to be able to get Asian tapas again”

“my friends and i were walking down IV trying to find something and we hit the jackpot with this place!
the owners are very friendly and even gave us lollipops once we were leaving. This has to be the best mangonada I ever had and I’m glad that this hidden gem is here. We will be back for more!”

“I was over the moon this morning when I was trying to decide where to go for a morning açai bowl. OakBerry‘s newly opened location in Isla Vista popped up in my search results. Apparently they opened this past weekend on Saturday. I wouldn’t have known based on how nicely set up the store was.The employee and daughter Ana greeted me. She helped me decide what toppings I wanted on my Classic bowl; even though toppings are unlimited. I almost always get the same items because I know what I’ve enjoyed (nido, cashews, peanut butter, blueberries, bananas, and honey). The space is decorated all cute with swinging chairs that make a perfect Instagram photo. Although there are many açai places in town, (Backyard Bowls, Blenders, CAJÉ, etc.), OakBerry is always on the top of my list. Coffee beverages are soon to come once they’ve perfected everything. Ben-vindo.

Dietary restrictions: Dietary restriction friendly with customization”

“I will admit I pretty much have only come here for the boba and have yet to try their food. But the boba is AMAZING. Their quality is very consistently good, both the drinks and the boba pearls themselves, which are always just sweet enough and chewy enough. Would recommend!!”

“You have to try the ranchero breakfast burrito!! It was sooo good I had to go back the next day and get it again before leaving home to Sacramento! I would literally drive all the way back to Santa Barbara just to get another one!!”

“The people that work there are great, coffee and delicious desserts !”

“I was a Gaucho for a couple of years and the UCSB dining commons are nothing but special to me. Pizza, burgers, pasta, sandwich bar, salad bar, waffle machine, unlimited soda, all-you-can-eat everything all with a simple card swipe! (or <$20 for non-students) Seriously, some of you guys' complaints make no sense. You really expect French Laundry quality here? Yeah right! This place's job is to provide us with glucose for our brains to complete our studies, and for that I'd say it's beyond satisfactory. Ranking of the DCs: 1. Ortega (sushi baby!) 2. DLG (late night cravings) 3. Carrillo (best breakfast) 4. Portola (too far, had it once)”

“Food is so delicius. This is my second time over there. I ordered different food than first time, but cannot campare!! Each and every dish/ item was delicious. Definetely go again. Very freidnly and welcoming crew. I love them too.”

“Food is amazing! The safe is Amazing! The whole vibe is amazing! I had gone in after work and got taken care of by Jubei! He was absolutely amazing! He made sure I had what I needed and came to check on me as well! 5*****stars!”

“Graduated from UCSB and came back to Dublin's - and everything about this place still rocks. It feels even nicer than before with some noticeable upgrades. The bartender Dennis is the best too. Love Dublins!!”

“So ummm yeah. Okay I don’t quite know how to start but alright I’ll give it a try. Oooo boi, this is gonna be tough to begin. Let’s just say, wow. Miss C was the best barista definitely come by.”

“The cupcakes were amazing!”