Buddha Bowls - Goleta

Dining here was a pleasant experience. We customized our own Mac burger, and we both found it to be quite satisfying. The bread was not only beautiful but also delicious, and the mac and cheese was really tasty. It’s a bit on the pricey side for food in Isla Vista, but sharing it between two people makes it worthwhile. However, if you have big appetites, it might not be enough for both of you.

The food here is excellent! We tried the loaded potato, the OG, and the cat, and all three were fantastic (the last one has a medium spice level). The filling was generous, and the bread bowl is incredible—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I also recommend the basil lemonade and the passion fruit sweet tea; both are delicious. I really wish we had this place at home!

The picture doesn't do justice. That was really fresh and good. Mac n cheese bread dish

During a family weekend at UCSB, I brought both my girls here for lunch on the recommendation of my Gaucho. It’s a small local place in IV and it was perfect. Something for each of us. My oldest had their Mac Daddy, my youngest had a bowl of Mac and Cheese and I made my own. I like the idea of the pasta dish in a bread bowl, it’s creative and reminds me of the Mac and Cheese Bowls at Paradise Pier in Disney’s California Adventure Park. However, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got my bowl. I chose the pesto sauce, and not being here before, didn’t realize that all the bowls come with pasta/mac and cheese. I added chicken, onions and mushrooms, topped with cheese. It was toasted and then brought to our table. It looked amazing! It was great, however as I got further down into the bowl, there was a lot of water making the bread bowl quite soggy and I didn’t end up finishing it. I think if I go back in the future, I will ask for less or no pasta as I really was looking forward to enjoying the whole thing, break and all as the garlic butter they use to toast it with is darn good! I hope that when we go back to visit my Gaucho, we will be back and bring her dad too! In all it was good, I just don’t like when my food gets soggy, I could be picky but wasn’t a fan of that part.

The service at this restaurant is excellent! The atmosphere is enjoyable, and the outdoor seating is a great option during the summer. I really appreciate this place for its unique culinary style, especially the bread bowls. I tried the farmer's veggie sourdough bread bowl with jackfruit, which is a complete protein-packed meal. The mint sauce added a fantastic burst of flavor. The portion was quite generous for one person. I took the leftovers home and enjoyed them later that evening, and they still tasted great!