39 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.“

“Such a good surprise!! It’s so rare to find a completely gf place and have it be this delicious! I got the pork and Guatemalan flower pupusas and my bf got 2 burritos, everything was so good! Also got the passion fruit and hibiscus drinks, which were perfectly refreshing. The girl at the front was super sweet and explained everything I asked, vibes were very chill and simple in the best way. Would 1000000% recommend and go back again!!“

“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.“

“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!!“

“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.“

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

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

“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!“

“Great little place. Very clean. Service was friendly and fast. We ordered a burrito with a diablo sauce. We added steak and it came with a spoonful of sourcream on the side. The sauce was definitely homemade. We'd never had Diablo sauce.. not really a fan, but we ate it all up cause we were hungry. Maybe try a different one next time“

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

“Exquisito y excelente“

“Del Pueblo Cafe is a family-run Mexican restaurant with a real neighborhood feeling, complemented by an impressive collection of traditional and modern Mexican art. Total attention to quality and detail on everything they serve. Giselle and her crew provide warm and welcoming service. All the food is very fresh and lovingly prepared. Menu highlights include the super tasty Pollo Enlechado, amazingly creatively flavored seasonal coffee drinks, and simply the best Chile Relleno I have had anywhere! A hidden treasure in Santa Barbara.“

“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“

“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 were from out of town and craved fajitas. We saw the reviews and decided to try it. The fajitas were delicious, the beans and rice were yummy and don’t forget the delicious homemade tortillas. It reminded me of my mom‘s home-cooked meals growing up. The owners were very friendly. This will be a definite stop when we come up again.“

“Ordered fish tacos from the specials menu, and while they weren't what I expected, it was a delicious plate of food! Fish was cooked perfectly and veggies were well seasoned. Needed to eat with a knife and fork, no picking up these tacos! Really yummy, and would recommend this casual little taqueria!“

“Attention to detail and fresh look“

“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!“

“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. 🤌🏽“

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

“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.“

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

“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.“

“Rudy's provides excellent value - this is the only Rudy's that has Taco Tuesday special rates. Food is plentiful, Steven is a caring employee, the refried beans are excellent - without lard. Prices are good. Am told the hamburgers are good, haven't tried them. The rellenos are excellent, just wish the sauces were labeled. Kudos to the owners and staff for providing a reliable variety of offerings.“

“best mexican buffet i been to.“

“This place is unbelievably delicious!! Had the bacon breakfast burrito. The bacon, potatoes and beans were soooo delicious. And the portion was insanely huge. Highly highly recommend. Probably one of the best bacon breakfast burritos I've had“

“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.“

“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“

“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!“

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

“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? 🤔🤔“