42 Best Mexican Restaurants near Isla Vista

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

“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.“

“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!!“

“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!“

“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.“

“Maiz Picante catered our wedding recently and did a phenomenal job! Not only were they professional, but the food was outstanding. We got nonstop praises about the food and service. I will definitely be using them again when we have another event. Otherwise, I try and support them whenever we are in town. They are friendly, professional, and know their food!“

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“good portions in the tacos. very tasty and fast service. the line seems overwhelming at first but moves fast. Will definitely be back, when in the area.“

“Vuena comida y vuena vevidas y lovueno ke los trabajadores humilde mi raza al 💯🍾🇲🇽“

“Exquisito y excelente“

“Despite my last not so great visit in March I stopped in with some friends to give it another try. Food was fresh and delicious, service was fantastic. Happy surprise after the horrible service in March! Thank you!“

“We went to happy our at Little Alex's yesterday and were very happy with the whole experience. Very reasonable prices, good happy hour food and drink options, large beer selection compared to similar places, tasty salsas and bean dip, and a nice dog-friendly patio that doesn't face a busy street. Multiple vegetarian-friendly options.“

“Good food. Good service. Authentic. Kind. Gracious.“

“Wonderful and delicious! We came by earlier today, I had Huevos Rancheros with Asada for the first time ever and my partner had Chilaquiles. It was totally tastyyyy! (They did accidentally pit my Asada on his plate instead tho lol its ok). Glad I got to experience it on my visit, thanks so much for having us.“

“Outstanding! I can’t say enough about this place first time here on our travels Great Food Great Service we even met the owner and he took the time to chat with us & gave us some history on the restaurant & it’s excellent menudo only regret…. Is that it wasn’t closer to us This place is a must when in Santa Barbara, Ca.“

“First Time customer today 04/25/2025 and after trying 5 different Mexican restaurants in 9 months in Santa Barbara I have now found PERFECTION!!!
This place is unbelievable on every level in quality, taste & customer service. From my first bite of a carne asada burrito (rice, cheese cilantro & onions added) to the last each bite continued being better than the last. Do yourself a favor and don't pass up the opportunity to taste the best Mexican food in Santa Barbara because you will not be disappointed...Treat Yourself!!!“

“It had been about 5 years since my only time going to eat here. I was pleasantly surprised how good my food was. I have started to eat nopales or ( cactus ) recently. I saw it on the menu and tried it. It was very tasty and cooked properly. I didn't remember all the decorations, which I truly enjoyed. Will definitely be going back soon“

“Excelente servicio el manager Rodrigo te hace sentir en casa 🏠 Jesse y Brenda me recomendaron la margarita de mango deliciosa 😋 💯 recomendado 🏆🎗️“

“Great food here for a reasonable price. Portions are great sized.“

“Super Cucas has a separate vegan menu with many options. The burritos are massive and come with two yummy salsas. Would rate it 5 stars but can’t according to happy cow because it’s not a 100% vegan establishment. Updated from previous review on 2025-10-30“

“I would definitely recommend Mayos Taqueria Carniceria. Food is delicious authentic salsas sides as well. Botanas available Chicaron Buches Carnitas typed with Onion Tomatoes Cilantro pickled Jalapeños. Also Fresh Meat Vegetables Spices Cheese Seafood also. Try it out you won't be disappointed. Also A Regional Guadalajara Torta Ahogada is served which is very tasty. Thank You Much From Johnny Huerta J.R Y Familia.“

“We come here regularly and love the staff and atmosphere. The staff are friendly and personable, the food we've tried is delicious (esp the civiche and tacos) and the cocktails are strong. We love having this local spot to end the work week at!“

“best mexican buffet i been to.“

“We have we our company holiday lunch the attention was excellent as the service all the staff is super friendly el señor the Manager Marciano is awesome 👏 Felipe as well I highly recommended this place and the food and drinks just awesome 👏👏👏👏was a great time“

“Please help local businesses. El Rincon Bohemio is Open for take out orders!! Weekdays 11am-8pm and weekends 8am-8pm!“

“Been in Goleta for a long time. Great place for breakfast. Servers are fun and friendly.“

“Warm and inviting staff, nice ambiance, delicious Mexican food. The owner is also very kind & welcoming!!! Great stopping point when on-the-go as they are fast and courteous, or dine-in of course as well.“

“This is the absolute best place for Mexican food in Goleta. I have been coming here my entire life. The food is simple and delicious. It’s family owned and operated and they’re so so kind. If you want a good quick meal at a great price with excellent people, come to De Valle.

Vegetarian options: You can ask for anything without meat, very flexible.“

“People are so nice…. Excellent service“

“Очень вкусно!!!! Дружелюбный персонал. I love it❤️“

“Okay this place is amazing! The staff is always so wonderful too! Truly the closest thing to authentic homemade Mexican food. I understand that with any restaurant cross contamination is a thing but unfortunately here I occasionally end up with meat in my food, despite ordering veggie options. I just remove it and keep eating though so it's not an issue but I'm putting a 5/5 either way because it's so worth it. Other than that we eat here pretty often and I wish the company all the success in the world because they are so wonderful. Don't forget to order your horchata because it just ties the meal together.“

“Food is okay, proportions are enormous, the red salsa is quite yummy. But, the real reason to come here is the service!! The staff are kind, fast, helpful and attentive. It's a fast food place, but the staff bring your meal, utensils napkins to your table for you. They watch for people coming to get to-go orders and bring the orders out to them. It's a breadth of fresh air.“

“Attention to detail and fresh look“

“I had a presentation in town and ordered lunch for the group, El Sitio came highly recommended. The food was a huge hit! They created a delicious build-your-own taco platter that everyone enjoyed. They were very patient with me while ordering, as I'm not the strongest Spanish speaker. In the end I got exactly what I wanted. Thank you!“

“10 out of 10 experience. We’ve been looking for a mariscos spot in SB and we finally found it. Staff was super friendly and attentive. Food was delicious/fresh. 🤌🏽“

“what a gem! we’ve been to their food trucks at a variety of Santa barbara events but this was our first time going to their location at Santa barbara cider house and it did not disappoint. Food is fresh tasting and full of unique flavors. environment is laid back and fun for families. eventually music started playing too! didn’t know they had this location and am so glad. their entire menu is delicious! we will be back many more times!“

“Delicious Food! Excellent service, very friendly and delicious hand made tortillas“

“This Taco Bell location is one of the better ones I’ve visited. The restaurant is quite clean and well-maintained, which is always a plus for a fast food spot. Parking was easy and convenient, with plenty of space available even during busy hours.

I ordered the new Cantina Chicken Burrito meal and was pleasantly surprised — the burrito was flavorful, the ingredients were fresh, and it was served hot. Definitely one of the better options on the menu right now.

Overall, great experience — quick service, clean environment, and tasty food. I’ll be back!“

“Service was excellent and food camouflage fast. Staff was friendly and willing to deal with questions related to food allergies. Place is accessible with lots of seating, however it is very popular with a steady stream of customers. Bathrooms where well kept and clean. Plenty of parking when I was there at 7pm Thursday.“

“If I could give 6 stars I would. This is singlehandedly the best taco bell I've ever been to, amazing portion sizes and friendly staff. Every worker here deserves a massive bonus and I would recommend this place to anyone :)

Parking: Asphalt“

“The best Taco Bell in town, and the original if I'm not mistaken.. (that still stands) I can't explain it, but the food is just better here... Milpas location is runner up... Because they have the best customer service there, and close to home. 👌🏼👏🏼💯
P. S. Were you aware that the Taco Bell on the Mesa in Santa Barbara actually charges more!? Likely an additional tax added for an, (almost) ocean view?? Is this common? 🤔🤔“