Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover Mexican dining in Santa Barbara—authentic tacos, fresh salsas, grilled meats, and handmade tortillas await your taste buds.

Street-Style Tacos

Crisp corn tortillas filled with marinated meats, fresh salsa, and toppings.

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📍 Modern Mexican Small-Plate Cantina in the Highlands

Alma Fonda Fina in the Highlands reimagines Mexican street eats as chef-driven small plates—wood-fired sope, charred octopus tostada, and tender lamb tacos served in a colorful, hand-tiled dining room. Pair vibrant ceviches and mole-glazed creations with tamarind margaritas or smoky mezcal cocktails, all delivered with warm hospitality around communal tables for an unforgettable night out.

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Grilled Meats & Skewers

Charcoal-grilled cuts served with smoky spices and traditional sides.

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Handmade Tortillas

Freshly pressed flour and corn tortillas crafted daily for authentic textures.

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🍽️ Browse by Price Range

milk & honey

milk & honey

$

$$

🥘 Spanish

Santa Barbara

4.6
ah juice organic cafe (100 % organic cafe & pressed juice)

ah juice organic cafe (100 % organic cafe & pressed juice)

$

$$

🥗 Health

Santa Barbara

4.3
Zocalo

Zocalo

$

$$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

4.8
Zaytoon

Zaytoon

$

$$

🥙 Mediterranean

Santa Barbara

4.6
Zapp Thai food truck

Zapp Thai food truck

$

$$

🍜 Thai

Goleta

4.9
ZENSHI Handcrafted Sushi

ZENSHI Handcrafted Sushi

$

$$

🍣 Sushi

Goleta

None
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Rudy's Mexican Restaurant

Rudy's Mexican Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Informal Mexican eatery known for burritos, quesadillas, and a lively salsa bar, serving locals and tourists alike.
FB Isla Vista

FB Isla Vista

$$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

4.6
Counter-serve burrito chain with a natural-foods focus; offers build-your-own burritos, tacos, salads in a casual, college-friendly vibe.
Don Paco's Taco Truck

Don Paco's Taco Truck

$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Casual Mexican eatery serving quick bites and small plates from a popular taco truck, ideal for lunch, dinner, and solo diners.
Shoreline Cafe

Shoreline Cafe

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Eco-minded cafe serving Mexican and seafood dishes with beachfront sand seating and laid-back coastal vibes.
Texas Tacos IV

Texas Tacos IV

$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

5
Casual breakfast spot offering great tacos and friendly service in Isla Vista, known for affordable, welcoming vibes and delicious meals.
Taqueria Tesoro

Taqueria Tesoro

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

5
Authentic Mexican flavors shine with perfectly cooked meats in tacos, burritos, and fresh dishes served in a cozy Santa Barbara spot.
Little Heart Cafecito

Little Heart Cafecito

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.1
Trendy Mexican café serving breakfast burritos, tacos, and specialty coffee in a cozy market setting. Known for fast service and vibrant flavor combinations.
Tacos La Bendición

Tacos La Bendición

$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Casual taco spot delivering flavorful chicken and chorizo burritos with friendly staff and quick service near East Beach.
El Rincon Bohemio

El Rincon Bohemio

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Authentic Mexican eats with standout menudo and chile rellenos, fast service, and a cozy, casual vibe in Santa Barbara.
El Paseo Restaurant

El Paseo Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Bustling spot serving classic Mexican fare with handmade tortillas and tableside guacamole in a lively, trendy atmosphere.
Roger’s Tacos

Roger’s Tacos

$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

None
Casual taco spot known for simple, authentic flavors served in a relaxed Isla Vista setting.
Antojitos La Paloma

Antojitos La Paloma

$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

4.6
Casual Mexican eatery offering quick bites like antojitos and desserts with fresh fruit and savory flavors in Isla Vista.
Casa Comal Cocina Tradicional Mexicana

Casa Comal Cocina Tradicional Mexicana

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.2
Casual Mexican eatery serving authentic tacos, fresh handmade tortillas, and flavorful salsas with a lively, cozy vibe in Santa Barbara.
La Guerrerita Mexican Food

La Guerrerita Mexican Food

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.5
Authentic Mexican fare with fresh tortillas, fast service, and a casual vibe. Friendly owners bring homemade flavor in Goleta’s laid-back setting.
Augie's of Santa Barbara

Augie's of Santa Barbara

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Trendy Mexican spot with fresh flavors, artisanal cocktails, and a lively vibe in Santa Barbara’s Lower State district.
Del Pueblo Cafe

Del Pueblo Cafe

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Casual Mexican cafe blending vibrant art with authentic dishes like mole and chile rellenos in a cozy Santa Barbara spot.
Los Altos Restaurant

Los Altos Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Family-owned spot delivering traditional Mexican dishes in a casual, welcoming atmosphere with fast service and a salsa bar.
Taqueria y Carniceria Mayo's

Taqueria y Carniceria Mayo's

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.2
Classic Mexican flavors served fast at this Santa Barbara favorite. Known for carnitas, tacos, and a casual, welcoming vibe.
Zocalo

Zocalo

$$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

4.8
Casual, cozy Mexican spot known for authentic quesabirria, tasty tacos, and signature horchata lattes in Isla Vista.
El Pastorcito Food Truck

El Pastorcito Food Truck

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Authentic Mexican street food with fast service, outdoor seating, and standout al pastor tacos in casual Santa Barbara setting.
Los Agaves Restaurant

Los Agaves Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Casual Mexican spot with enchiladas, chile rellenos & a vibrant salsa bar. Generous portions, fast service, and a lively atmosphere in Santa Barbara.
Yona Redz

Yona Redz

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Casual Mexican eatery known for top-notch birria tacos, queso tacos, and quick service with a welcoming atmosphere in Santa Barbara.
El Sitio Restaurant - Fairview

El Sitio Restaurant - Fairview

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.2
Casual Mexican spot known for fresh, authentic flavors and fast service, serving breakfast through dinner in Goleta.
Pollofino's

Pollofino's

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.6
Casual Mexican spot known for generous burritos, fresh salsas, and speedy service in Goleta, perfect for lunch or dinner cravings.
La Playa Azul Cafe

La Playa Azul Cafe

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Mexican seafood dishes and potent margaritas in a sleek spot with white walls and palm fronds for a coastal vibe.
Maiz Picante Taqueria

Maiz Picante Taqueria

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.7
Maiz Picante serves fresh, authentic tacos with vegan options and lively salsa variety in Santa Barbara’s casual neighborhood spot.
Los Arroyos Goleta Mexican Restaurant & Take Out

Los Arroyos Goleta Mexican Restaurant & Take Out

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.3
Casual Mexican spot serving classic comfort dishes, margaritas, and local specialties in a lively, family-friendly setting in Goleta.
Corazon Cocina

Corazon Cocina

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Mexican counter at Santa Barbara Public Market delivering bold tacos, ceviches, and quesadillas with quick service and vibrant atmosphere.
Rascal's

Rascal's

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.7
Creative vegan Mexican fare with fresh, bold flavors and casual vibes. Known for house-made tortillas, crunchwraps, and vibrant tostadas in Santa Barbara.
Super Cuca's Taqueria

Super Cuca's Taqueria

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Authentic Mexican taqueria offering large portions, fresh salsas, and vegan options in a casual setting with quick service.
Gloria's Gourmet Kitchen

Gloria's Gourmet Kitchen

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Casual spot specializing in authentic Mexican street tacos and comfort food, known for fresh flavors and a laid-back vibe in Santa Barbara.
Goleta Bakery

Goleta Bakery

$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.3
Classic Mexican bakery with fresh pan dulce, warm gorditas, and robust coffee in Goleta. Family-run spot blending tradition and flavor daily.
El Sitio Restaurant - Salinas

El Sitio Restaurant - Salinas

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Authentic Mexican eats with fast service, classic tacos, burritos, and a vibrant salsa bar in Santa Barbara's Eastside neighborhood.
Tortilla Beach Santa Barbara

Tortilla Beach Santa Barbara

$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

None
Casual Mexican spot offering quick bites, comfort food, and fresh tacos with outdoor seating and friendly service in Santa Barbara.
Rose Cafe

Rose Cafe

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Rose Cafe serves authentic Mexican and breakfast dishes in a casual, cozy setting with friendly service and outdoor seating.
Los Agaves

Los Agaves

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.5
Casual, roomy space offering enchiladas, chile rellenos, and premium Mexican fare with fast service and a great beer selection.
Baja Sharkeez

Baja Sharkeez

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

3.9
Casual Mexican restaurant with lively tiki vibes, sports TVs, and a menu of pub fare and cocktails in Santa Barbara.
Rosales Mexican Restaurant

Rosales Mexican Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Mexican counter serving classics, street eats, menudo, seafood & breakfast with a lively salsa bar atmosphere in Santa Barbara.
Flor De Maiz

Flor De Maiz

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Classic Mexican dishes and cocktails served in a laid-back spot with outdoor seating and vibrant ambiance.
Super Cucas

Super Cucas

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Casual Mexican eatery renowned for generous, authentic burritos, vibrant vegan options, and fast, friendly service in Santa Barbara.
Milpas Taqueria

Milpas Taqueria

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Authentic Mexican fare with fast service, cozy casual vibe, and dishes like tacos, burritos, and green enchiladas in Santa Barbara.
Altamirano’s Mexican Grill

Altamirano’s Mexican Grill

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.3
Classic Mexican spot serving fresh tortillas, flavorful meats, and robust salsas in a cozy, casual atmosphere with great beer and cocktails.
Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

3.2
Casual spot for Mexican bites with build-your-own burritos, tacos & bowls, serving up quick flavorful meals in Goleta.
La Tapatia #3

La Tapatia #3

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

3.7
Casual and cozy Mexican spot known for authentic dishes, homemade tortillas, and fast service in Goleta with full dine-in and takeout options.
Ana’s Taco Bar

Ana’s Taco Bar

$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.0
Affordable Mexican street food featuring fresh fish and carne asada tacos, micheladas, and vegetarian options in a casual, vibrant Santa Barbara spot.

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