40 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!!“

“This spot is a hidden gem in Isla Vista. Plenty of delicious options for food ranging from tacos to burritos to pupusas and much more. Agua fresca is tasty and the spice palette is amazing. Everything on the menu is gluten free. The staff is friendly, the food is hot, and there is a pleasant patio to sit on to eat. Amazing value for the money. Highly recommended!“

“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.“

“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 💯🍾🇲🇽“

“Little Alex's is a family owned gem! The food is great and the atmosphere is mellow and friendly. At any Mexican restaurant, my first judgement is always about the chips and salsa. They seriously have THE best chips in town. Their salsas are all made in house and run from a very mild but tasty base salsa to a hot that tastes great while simultaneously stripping paint! My personal favorite is their medium roasted salsa, Baja salsa, which has lots of flavor and a fair bit of kick. I or my family have eaten most of their menu here and everyone always finds something to love.

Whether you are a Chiliophile or you like completely non-spicy food, you will find something that makes you happy!“

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

“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!“

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

“Exquisito y excelente“

“If you’re anywhere near Del Pueblo Cafe, do yourself a favor and stop in, this place always delivers.

I tried the California burrito, and it was easily one of the best I’ve had in a long time. Everything was spot-on: perfectly seasoned, generously filled, and just the right balance of flavors without feeling overly heavy. The quesabirria was just as impressive: rich, savory, and packed with that slow-cooked depth you hope for but don’t always get.

What really surprised me, though, was the drinks. Their coffee is excellent (not just an afterthought like at a lot of spots), and the matcha is genuinely good—smooth, not overly sweet, and clearly made with care and in house.

Overall, it’s one of those rare places where everything you get is good—from the food to the drinks— I wish it was just a little further from my work so I wouldn’t be so tempted all the time.“

“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“

“Popular taco shop recommended by our Airbnb host. Great, fresh chicken taquitos with lots of chicken and a tasty breakfast burrito. There was a constant stream of food delivery drivers coming and going, so they're obviously doing a good business.“

“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.“

“i sat outside, it’s such a beautiful day and area, the ladies were very kind and respectful, and the food is so delicious. i tried their tacos dorados platillo. i can’t wait to bring friend here and i would recommend this place to others!! i also got chai latte, it was very yummy, way better that starbucks and old town coffees chai 😁“

“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.“

“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!!!“

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

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

“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.“

“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.“

“best mexican buffet i been to.“

“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.“

“El Sitio - this coastal Mexican food spot was such a great find. I ordered the zucchini tacos and they were absolutely delicious!! fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. You can really taste the care that goes into the ingredients.
Beyond the food, I really appreciated the atmosphere. As someone who isn’t of Mexican descent, the posters on the walls were surprisingly educational and added so much depth to the experience. It felt welcoming, informative, and culturally rich without being overwhelming.
Great food, great vibes, and a meaningful dining experience by the coast. I’d definitely come back.“

“Attention to detail and fresh look“

“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❤️“

“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. 🤌🏽“

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

“Elubia’s Kitchen is a great, authentic Guatemalan spot in Isla Vista. It’s truly a hidden gem. I had the pupusas and they were excellent. Fresh and served the right way with incredible salsa.
They also have really good combo options. You can tell the food is made with care and tradition. I will definitely be ordering some of their pickup catering options next time we have a big gathering at home - the prices are very reasonable.
The best part is the family behind it. They are genuinely kind people, and that comes through in the experience. Elubia has created something truly amazing! Definitely worth stopping by.“

“They catered my granddaughters graduation dinner and they were excellent. Food was perfectly seasoned and cooked, portions were generous and they fed a group of over 60 guests just fine, my favorites were their Tri tip and salsas. We will use them again!“

“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“

“I want to give a special compliment to the staff here.

Every time I come to this restaurant, everyone is friendly, professional, and welcoming. Today, I was waiting for a pickup order, and since the food wasn’t ready yet, I went back to sit in my car.

To my surprise, when the order was finished, one of the staff members actually brought it out to my car. That level of service is very rare these days.

At many restaurants, even when the order is ready, nobody bothers to let you know. But here, they genuinely care about their customers and go the extra mile.

It’s small gestures like this that make a big difference and keep people coming back. Great food is important, but outstanding customer service is what makes a restaurant truly special.

Thank you to the staff for your kindness and excellent service. Highly recommended“

“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? 🤔🤔“