35 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!!“

“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!“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“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!“

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

“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“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Exquisito y excelente“

“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!!!“

“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!“

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

“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“

“Attention to detail and fresh look“

“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.“

“Awesome little Taco shop! The Cheese Enchalada was amazing and a must try! Get the carnitas on whatever you order, it was the best choice! Also the Three Crispy Tacos are an awesome deal! The portions are huge and delicious, Service is friendly, atmosphere is a little bare minimum. Definitely recommend!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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. 🤌🏽“

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

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

“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.“

“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!“

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

“best mexican buffet i been to.“

“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.“

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

“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!“