Location: Goleta
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California, United States Food Guide: 10 Asian food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Goleta
Find out what Asian restaurants to try in Goleta. Goleta, home to University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) and the Santa Barbara Airport, hugs the coast 12 miles west of Santa Barbara. First called "The Good Land" by the Spanish, Goleta was once known for its rich agriculture, and smaller scale farms still pepper the landscape. The California Lemon Festival at Girsh Park is a must-see every October. Visitors seeking outdoor adventure can fish off Goleta Pier, surf at Campus Point and hike along bluffs overlooking untrammeled coastline.
Things to do in Goleta
10. Saigon Noodle House
Overall Ratings
3 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By 21parisf
The Saigon noodle house has a great selection of Pho and other Asian dishes. The prices are reasonable and the food was good. The ambiance is lacking and the service is a little slow and possible less attentive than they should be, but it's not a bad place to grab a bite. I recommend it for lunch.
9. China King Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By kellygal_10
We visited the new China King restaurant the first week it opened (around mid-November). The place was quite busy which, to me, means that people are fairly anxious to have a good Chinese restaurant in Goleta at 5915 Calle Real (located in the Zodo's Bowling shopping center).The staff was eager to please and waited on us promptly. We ordered Egg Drop Soup and also the Cashew Nut Shrimp noodle dish (Shrimp Chow Mein). Our food was hot and tasty and we didn't have to wait long at all. Everything was good about this place. If it was any indication of how it will be when we go back, I would say that the people working at China King know what they are doing and know how to make delicious Chinese food dishes. Give them a try. Prices are reasonable.Parking is also easy and it's a fairly large lot.
8. Choppa Poke
Choppa Poke is a fine casual restaurant. It doesn't just sell poke bowls; it sells a lifestyle that is healthy, energetic, athletic, and optimistic. Beautify me! Strengthen Me!
Reviewed By Thomas S
Nice surprise to find in Goleta; very yummy, fresh Poke bowls based on the Chipotle model where you select your rice and toppings. Everything is really tasty and fresh. Highly recommend the food. There is also a tea place within the same space that makes both milk based teas and fruit based teas.
7. Nikka Ramen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By ohana
If you like noodles, this is the place for you. Their Ramen is hearty, tasty and fairly priced for the big serving you get. The gyoza is delicious as well. I only wish they had a smaller bowl for times I just want a smaller portion.
6. Pattaya
Overall Ratings
4 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By drKSG
Airy, spacious and well lit place with a solarium front. Friendly and helpful wait staff. The sea food curry tasted fresh, creamy, and with tame heat for Thai hot. There are expansive selection of Thai dishes to try for next trip.
Most Popular Japanese food in Goleta, California, United States
5. Noodle City
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By expectquality1942
You feel as though most everyone coming here are regulars. The servers work their tails off and the service is simple but exquisite. It takes some time to figure out the menu, but the food is simple and perfect. They can get food out really quickly, but if there are open tables they don't force you out. You feel welcome. here and it seems very real and local and locally supported.
4. Red Pepper
Overall Ratings
4 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Tom Y
Came her for business lunch. There are only a few Chinese restaurants in the area, so there are no competition. This place can never survive in Monterey Park or China Town because they serve American Chinese food. I came from Hong Kong and I was a Chinese chef for a few year while I was in college and I know what real Chinese food is.Someone from our table ordered roast duck. I tried one piece. It was terrible. They must have taken it from some left over from the refrigerator and fry it for a minute and serve. It was the worst roast duck I have ever seen. My stream with oyster sauce was OK. Personally , I would never go to this Chinese restaurant for Chinese food. Service was lousy. The place is clean. If you like real authentic Chinese food, this is not the place. Locals don't have a lot of Choices in the Goleta area. If you are in Van Guys area, try the Sam Woo BBQ. They have about 8 Sam Woo restaurant around LA. They have excellent Chinese food and it is cheap. You can read my Tripadvisor reviews on these restaurants.
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3. Sushi Teri
Overall Ratings
4 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By Winthrop M
We missed the lunch rush by coming after 1:30. Friendly service greeted us. We noticed that everyone else was a regular in this strip.mall setting. In the midst of the usual staff you would expect to see is this Japanese man in his sixties. Looks like a retired fisherman from Okinawa. He proceeds to prepare one of the best Chicago bowls I've had. The rolls were also great, bit you can't hide anything with sashimi. The slicing. The selection. The placement. Yep. This guy is the real deal. Doing it right because that's the way you do it. Not because he's on iron chef. Thank you, master. I now to your integrity.
2. Itsuki
Overall Ratings
4 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By jlab4949
I haven't been to Itsuki in over a year and was really impressed with improvements in service and food. We had the okonomiyaki appetizer (savory pancake with meat and vegetables) that was as good as those I've had in Japan! We followed with a course of sushi - yellowtail belly, ama edi (sweet shrimp), Japanese mackerel, snapper, and uni, all delicious! We also had a futomaki roll - unagi, pickled vegetables, and tamago (egg cake) - superb!!! Now my favorite sushi place in Goleta!
1. Goleta Sushi House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By caligirlburb
We were traveling and visited this sushi place on a Friday night -- packed!! Great friendly atmosphere. The service providers are really well attending -- multiple people always on top of what you need. The food was delicious in every respect. Lots of options, even a vegetarian sushi roll that was so beautifully made. Average prices. Would go again. Reminded us of Tomo Sushi which used to be in Burbank, CA.
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