Restaurants in Isla Vista

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

“Hands down one of my favorite meals in Santa Barbara. This place was so good we had to go twice. Service was amazing. Food was even better! We tried Steak, Baja fish, Baja shrimp, Al pastor, and carnita tacos. All of them were full of great flavor and on fresh tortillas. The house made salsa complimented the food so well. The Cali burrito that I got on my second visit was massive and packed with ingredients. I will be back next time I’m in town.”

“We used to eat at the Freebirds next to the Southbay Galleria in Redondo Beach, until they closed down.

This location was close but I feel that the flavor was a 4.0 compared to our old spot.

Regardless, 5* for the nostalgia trip. We'll be back when we are in the area again.”

“My significant other has never tried pupusas before and I was craving for them, so when this showed up on our radar, we had to stop by. They have clearly marked vegan options. Good customer service. And delicious food. Would definitely visit here again.”

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

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

“I always have a great experience whenever I go here. Veronica is always very kind and attentive. If you’re ever looking for a good spot for a treat in Isla Vista this is the definitely the place to go!”

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

“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.”

“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.”

“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)”

“Where do I even begin with this fine establishment… From the very first time the bartender introduced me to my all-time favorite drink, the famously smooth “tangerine ale” I knew that dubs would forever hold a place in my heart. I also strongly recommend the fish n chips. Thank you Dublins Sports Grill.”

“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)”

“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 :)”

“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! 😍”

“HIGHLY RECOMMEND PIT STOP!
I stumbled upon this place on my way home! This was a perfect place to get caffeinated and/or get some work done. With there being outlets under every table and a parking lot, with great customer service makes this the perfect pit stop. :)”

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

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

“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.”

“I went here with my dear friend Elliot, and we had a great time, the service was great, the food was delicious, sadly there were some couples in the restaurant which affected the atmosphere. Would go again”

“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!!”

“Went here for 4 years; sus bowl you have a lot of bad foods like the lamb soup and the “hamburger” but ur mala OMG ur mala sooooooo good; and the big chicken platter. U have the prime < 4 star rating for any good Chinese restaurant keep up the mid to below average service and the great food. Thank you for feeding me, I’ll never stop loving u.”

“Great tasting food and drinks, especially the braised pork rice! Good portions of food. Service is always pretty quick even if it's busy, and the staff are very nice.”