As a third-year UCSB student, I have tried so many Isla Vista restaurants over the years. I’d like to consider myself a foodie, therefore I love trying new foods and expanding my palette. Although IV may not have the broadest range of options, there are plenty of cuisines to choose from.
If you’re looking for something new to try, or want some recommendations on places to eat in the area, here is a list of my personal Isla Vista favorites!
- Sizzling Lunch – Rating: 10/10
Sizzling Lunch is located on Trigo Road, right next to the Amazon lockers. Although it is not in the main stretch of eateries in Isla Vista, it has to be one of my top favorite restaurants. Sizzling Lunch not only brings tasty, authentic Japanese street food to the heart of IV, but also gives you the experience and enjoyment of cooking your own food. Most plates are customizable to your preferences and are served on a hot plate to cook your meat of choice. The menu options are seemingly endless, consisting of rice dishes, udon, curry, and more.
My personal favorite is the original Beef Pepper Rice, and I cook it with their special house-made garlic shoyu sauce for some extra flavor. Sizzling Lunch is unlike any restaurant in Isla Vista, and although it may be more expensive than other restaurants, (with entree plates averaging around $15 or $16) the portions are well worth the visit; I end up having enough leftovers for one or two meals!
- Hummus Republic – Rating: 10/10
Perhaps my other number-one favorite eatery in Isla Vista is Hummus Republic. As a fan of Mediterranean food, I was ecstatic to hear about their opening last year. Hummus Republic is the perfect restaurant to go to when you want something healthy and fresh. Their menu consists of hummus bowls, pitas, and wraps, all of which you can fill with any bases and toppings of your choice. My personal go-to order is a bowl with couscous, chickpeas, kale, lemon chicken, tzatziki, and zesty feta hummus, plus some more toppings at the end. Although Hummus Republic also tends to be on the expensive side (with meals ranging around $15 to $17), the portions are also quite large, and the leftovers taste just as great.
- Dank Bowl Kitchen – Rating: 9/10
Dank Bowl Kitchen is definitely an Isla Vista favorite among the student population. Although I long for the original “Buddha Bowl,” Dank Bowl’s menu is extremely similar. If you love pasta, mac and cheese, and all things carbs, this is the place for you. Dank Bowl Kitchen allows you to customize a mac and cheese bread bowl to include your favorite sauces and toppings. I absolutely love the chipotle mayo and pesto sauces! The best part is that you get the entire loaf of bread; the inside and top of the loaf become delicious, crunchy pieces of garlic bread. These meals are definitely large, and extremely heavy, so they’re perfect to eat before or after a night out! With prices ranging from $12-$15 on most menu items, Dank Bowl Kitchen is a perfect option for my fellow mac and cheese lovers.
- Hana Kitchen – Rating: 9/10
If you love Asian fusion foods, Hana Kitchen is definitely a place for you. With a more basic menu, consisting of chicken, beef, and vegan rice bowls, as well as tacos and a range of drink options, Hana Kitchen is perfect for people wanting something simple yet delicious. After your meal is made, you can customize it with chipotle and teriyaki sauces, and some extra toppings. Hana Kitchen is also one of the more affordable options, with meals averaging around $10, and, in my opinion, the portions are definitely worth the price! I always have leftovers that taste just as great the next day!
- Freebirds – Rating: 9/10
Freebirds is an Isla Vista classic. Home of some of the best burritos in the area, Freebirds’ menu allows you to build your own burritos, tacos, or nacho plates. I typically get a monster burrito vegetarian style because for vegetarian burritos the guacamole is free! The portions are huge and are sure to keep you stuffed for the rest of the day. Compared to other chain Mexican restaurants, Freebirds is reasonably priced (around $10+ a meal) and has quality and freshness you can taste, which makes it so worth it!
- Zocalo – Rating: 9/10
A slightly newer restaurant to Isla Vista, Zocalo, has some of the best authentic Mexican food in the area! With a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, this restaurant has something for everyone. The tacos and quesabirrias are two items that are absolutely delicious! Along with its extensive menu, Zocalo also has many beverage and dessert options to choose from. Most meals on the menu are $10 and below, so this is a great affordable place for some amazing food. If you have been looking for authentic, quality Mexican food, Zocalo is a must-try for you.
- Sam’s To Go – Rating: 8/10
Another Isla Vista classic is Sam’s To Go. These subs have been in the UCSB community forever, and there’s a reason why! Every sandwich tastes so fresh, and it’s the perfect portion for lunch, dinner, or even an afternoon snack. One secret item many may not know about is the breakfast sandwich — it’s one of my absolute favorite breakfast meals in IV! All of the subs are made right in front of you, and you can customize them to your liking. Sam’s To Go is also a healthier option for those who prefer it, and it’s perfectly filling for any meal. With a medium size sandwich averaging around $7 or $8, this is a great, affordable option for students in the IV area!
- Caje – Rating: 8/10
Although some may not consider it a restaurant, Caje is one of the most popular cafes in the area that also serves some delicious food! Along with your latte or smoothie, you can also order bagels or acai bowls too! My go-to order is usually an iced matcha latte and a bagel with cream cheese. I also love getting the Little Blue Bowl occasionally, however, the prices are a bit expensive for your average acai bowl (around $13). Caje is the perfect place to grab a bite, catch up with friends, or get some studying done!
- IV Deli Mart – Rating: 7/10
Some of my favorite comfort food in IV is from IV Deli Mart. With a seemingly endless selection of food options, Deli Mart has a variety of meals from sandwiches, wings, burgers, and pastas, to specialty french fry meals. Besides their deli, this shop also has plenty of drinks and snacks to purchase as well. Deli Mart is the perfect place to go before or after a night out, and with such a huge menu, the range of prices makes it affordable to the average college student.
- IV Bagel Cafe – Rating: 7/10
Last but not least, IV Bagel Cafe is another Isla Vista favorite! With limited hours, Bagel Cafe is mainly for breakfast and lunch, but they have a large menu selection to choose from. Some personal favorites are the Eggle Plus, Sicilian, and Sex on a Bagel! With so many options at various prices, Bagel Cafe has affordable options. The wait in line may take a while, depending on the time you go, but you’ll definitely be satisfied with your meal afterward.
Although these are my favorite Isla Vista restaurants, there are still so many I need to try! Of course, some honorable mentions are Wingstop, Habit Burger Grill, and Woodstock’s Pizza, but I wanted to provide some smaller, more local options too! This list is just a brief overview of some of my IV favorites, and I hope to adventure to new places soon!