Location: Isla Vista
Top Restaurants in Isla Vista
Countries
Most Popular American food in Isla Vista, California, United States
Find out what American restaurants to try in Isla Vista. Isla Vista is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Santa Barbara County, California in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the CDP had a population of 23,096. The majority of residents are college students at nearby University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB, located to the east of the community) or at Santa Barbara City College. The beachside community lies on a flat plateau about 30 feet (9 m) in elevation, separated from the beach by a bluff.
Things to do in Isla Vista
10. Subway
Reviewed By ashar g
When you are travelling and cannot find a place to eat, Subway is always a nice option as it is located everywhere.
9. The Bistro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 332 reviews
Reviewed By SheddVA
Our party of five had dinner at The Bistro during a recent stay at the Ritz Carlton Bacara. No one in the group was impressed with their meals. The service was slow, especially considering the restaurant had only a few other parties dining while we were there. Our meal took over two hours for appetizers, main courses, and coffee. The seafood paella I ordered was way overcooked and was a waste of what seemed to be some pretty food seafood. The salmon and short ribs ordered by the other members of our group were bland and overcooked. I thought maybe the charcoal bread included in the bread basket might at least bring some pizzazz to the meal, but it ended up just being a black roll with no flavor. Do yourself a favor and look offsite for a restaurant if your considering dinner at The Bistro.
8. Pickles and Swiss
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By kellygal_10
We visited Pickles and Swiss almost by accident because we'd been doing some shopping at Smart & Final nearby at lunch time. We walked into Pickles and Swiss to pick up a sandwich and learned that not only do they make great deli-style sandwiches, but their soups are homemade and excellent! I can't remember when I had such delicious soup! They do a brisk lunch business, so get here early and get your lip-smacking lunch at Pickles and Swiss. You will not be disappointed.Located in the new Smart and Final Shopping Center, across from Costco off of Hollister in Goleta.
7. Sam's To Go
Reviewed By jenniferl227
I ordered a veggie sandwich on wheat, but added bacon, and my hubby got the Philly cheese steak (the favorite of the owner). Both sandwiches were delicious-- nothing fancy, just good bread and good ingredients. We had a pleasant chat with the owner, who was very nice, and ate our sandwiches outside while people watching and reminiscing on our own college days. I ordered a large, but could only eat half; hubby ate his whole sandwich though. My leftover half wasn't as good the next day, so I recommend not taking leftovers home. Needless to say, one of the yummiest sandwiches I've ever had, nice owner and great location! Triple threat!
6. Nikka Fish Market and Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By Ge0rgetravels
Found this place using Trip Advisor. Fresh fish! They are both a Fresh fish market and a Fresh fish restaurant. Indoor and outdoor seating. plenty of parking as it is located in a strip mall area. Lots of interesting menu items! Staff was friendly and helpful. Order at the counter and then grab a table. they will prepare your order then bring it to your table. Food was great!!
5. Natural Cafe Goleta
Overall Ratings
4 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By Lydia G
Iâve written about other locations for Natural Café before, but it deserves another endorsement for their Goleta location. A fabulous Greek Salad with grilled chicken on top with lemon dressing was the perfect choice for lunch. The small salad was more than enough for me. Service is consistently great here from the order taker to the delivery at your table. This is the go-to place for a healthy meal with lots of really great selections to fit your mood and apetite.
4. Hollister Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By santacruzer_95060
The food was good, but not outstanding. The fried pickles were excellentâthick fried pickles work wellâand the burger was very good. The duck fat fries were a bit greasy, and the salad was good but not great. Definitely try the beer; the tasting flight of 6 small (~2 ounce) beers for $7.50 is a great value. Decent value for the money, but not inexpensive.
3. Cajun Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By LorrieW901
We were looking for a brunch type place close to our motel and ran across this gem. People were standing outside waiting in line. Deciding that was a good sign, we got in line too. It was worth the wait! They have a very unique extensive menu with lots of fun breakfast items. The food was fantastic. Service, considering the number of people there, was also quite good. If I lived in Santa Barbara, I would have to come back and try everything on their menu.
2. Jane At The Marketplace
Overall Ratings
4 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By 385eileenz
While visiting relatives in Goleta, suburb of Santa Barbara, they took us to Jane at the Marketplace which was close by where they live and in an outside area with other restaurants and businesses.Called at 5:30 and made a 7:45 reservation which they took for the same Saturday night.Upon arrival every table was full and we did have to wait about 15 minutes. It appeared they were short handed and our waitress took awhile to get to us after being seated.Being Vegan, I can usually find options that I can order however every item listed on the salads had chicken or fish and taking that away meant paying $12-$20.00 for lettuce and some veggies. They didn't offer a side of seasonal veggies but when I asked they said they had two veggies that night. I ordered that and the portion was that of a side put next to a steak or chicken dinner. Not impressed.All their pastas were also made with animal products and marinara wasn't even listed so I had to ask. The waitress said she thought they could make it and would check but her not being sure, made me hesitate as good sauces need more than a few minutes to make, more like an hour!Husbands burger was just OK not great and the baby wedge salad which I contemplated was a very tiny lettuce baby as seen on one coming out and being served.Our server did her best and although notifying us she was going off duty after taking our order, wound up staying until we had been served and she did all she could to help us. Perhaps service was poor due to absences of staff?
1. Beachside Bar-Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 455 reviews
Reviewed By LondonTravellerUK
Great spot right on the beach. Decent breakfast of the usual fayre and nice service, food eaten right on the beach watching the waves and the yoga sessions. Worth heading down to!
Best Seafood food near Isla Vista, California, United States
