Restaurants in Isla Vista

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

“I've come here for years and their horchata used to be the best in the world - I recommended many friends to visit Freebirds if only to try the horchata! Unfortunately they recently changed the recipe substantially and it's just not even close to the same thing. I think the milk is now almond milk or something, not really sure what they did exactly. Honestly I hope they change it back lol.

But I still love the monster burrito and the nachos, and the staff are always very nice and fast.”

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

“What a happy discovery for my wife and I!
Our pupusas were perfect, the curtido was the best I've ever tasted and the salsa roja was spot on!
The atmosphere inside was very nice and the staff and the owner could not have been nicer! This restaurant is a true gem!
Next time we are back in the area, we are for sure coming back!”

“This is my favorite place to get bubble tea in/ near sb. They use real tea instead of the powders and my drink (I always get the same thing) is always consistent in flavor. Staff doesn’t interact but it’s so small inside, there really isn’t a reason/space to.
My order is the only thing I’ve tried on the menu.”

“Legit Mexican food, and Maria is soooo nice -- stopped by on way to check out UCSB, and just what we needed after a long drive from NorCal. Large portions of super fresh food prepared on the spot by Maria herself. Fantastico🌮🌮🌮”

“This place has some of the greatest foods and pastries around. From pastries to unique and delicious confections, and this place covers something well needed in Isla Vista.

A lot of the town has become stagnant, we've only got one place serving ice cream, and ice cream is cheaper by the bucket nowadays at Costco or Delivery, and it feels like originality is lacking in IV, but this place always has a surprise waiting in the quality or flavor.

I'd never imagined a cupcake tasting this incredible and savory, but here I am. I hope there's a future where IV folk get to express the same, this is the greatest hidden gem dare I say on par with Kin Bakery's attention to quality and flavor! I look forward to many more of their finest foods, for to this day I haven't once walked out disappointed from there.”

“The whole concept is a little dishonest with everything being called a “smoothie” and the 20 “healthy additives”. No — they sell milkshakes. It’s all ice cream (probably why it tastes amazing)”

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

“Best boba/milk tea/tea in Isla Vista (and even all of Santa Barbara)!! Although new, Mojo Teahouse has quickly become a popular staple in the UCSB community. Stop by and try it out, if you’re in the area :)”

“Pretty solid Chinese takeout experience, with more authentic options than your usual. I was there for the self serve, be careful with the price per pound payment!”

“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!!”

“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)”

“Oakberry has the best açaí in the world. Healthy, refreshing, and full of amazing topping options. Everywhere my husband and I travel, we always look for an Oakberry. We highly recommend it! 😍”

“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!!”

“Best coffee I've had in Santa Barbara so far. Decent amount of seating. You have to ask for wifi access at the time of purchase. Great neighborhood coffee shop.”

“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.”

“Stopped in before a long day of mural painting in the sun,
I ordered the lavender matcha, it was made with hate, it was the worst I ever had. I couldn’t even drink it. That was fine I didn’t need the calories I guess. Just a waste of money since I have to pay extra for oatmilk.”

“This has been my go to spot for years. I come here at least once a week. Always surprisingly fast for the amount of people here. Double char is always reliable, and sometimes I get the triple char when I am extra hungry after a long day. Seating isn't always available, but people cycle out pretty quickly.”

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

“it's a little hole in the wall shop that makes amazing bagel sandwiches. Love stopping here for a bite when in IV.”