Noodle City - Goleta

I?ve lived in Goleta for 2 years and went to Noodle City for the first time tonight. This is hands down the best Vietnamese food I?ve had since I moved here. My partner had the pho and was also blown away, because we?ve tried pho from so many places around town and have never found one we liked much until tonight. Will definitely be returning

This is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara. I?ve been going here for years, since college. It?s almost like a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, and def the best Vietnamese restaurant in town in my opinion, food and price wise. I?m so happy they were able to keep open. I tried to support them as much as possible during the pandemic.

This spot is definitely a local hang and I'm so happy we stumbled upon it for lunch one day. I am guilty as I've driven and walked by this spot way too many times to not have come inside. I just think this spot isn't as pulling from the outside as to how delicious the food is on the inside. That's why I definitely say it's a locals spot because they know about it and it was pleasantly busy on a weekday at lunchtime. A great Vietnamese and Asian inspired restaurant in Goleta/SB. As I mentioned above this is a humble little restaurant advertising their pho and noodle dishes. We found street parking pretty easily but I could see how it would be more challenging on the weekends. The restaurant just gives classic old school diner restaurant vibes, no frills, you come here for the food and not the ambiance. Fine by me. I love that the tables are stacked with chopsticks, spoons, and chili oil canisters, that is always a good sign. Service was very efficient and the gentleman who served us was on top of things. He checked up on us many times throughout our dining experience and we were impressed how quickly the food came out and it was piping hot! Super fresh and everything came out, correctly to order. I ordered the egg rolls and the big flat combo noodles that had shrimp, chicken, and beef while my friend ordered the same one but with just beef as the protein. Thai egg rolls were a solid 4/5 as they were crispy, fresh, and the light broth for dipping was good. The noodles though were a 5/5. I love a thick rice noodle and this had plenty of protein to noodle ratio. Really what makes it so delicious is the sauce mixture with the noodles. It was super filling but we couldn't stop eating it because it was so delicious. Add chili oil and this was the best dish I ate this week. Fabulous! Lastly, the value and pricing here is incredibly reasonable. I couldn't believe how big the portions were for under $15. You really can't find that value for such good food anywhere else. This place is a dive, the bathrooms aren't super clean so I know that gives some people the ick but I accepted this place for what it is. It's no frills and probably they don't care as much as they are just striving to get customers in and out with stellar Vietnamese inspired dishes. You don't come here for the ambiance it's all about the food.

I eat here 2-3+ times a week so I feel pretty qualified to review this place. The food here is excellent. Their pho is the best in town and its not even close. Prices and quantities are both great. They also have many Viet dishes you don't see as commonly such as tiny noodle patties called banh hoi, which are very tasty. Overall I would say that the pho stands out the most but other dishes are good. The only food complaints I have is that I'm not a big fan of their fish sauce. I love fish sauce and theirs tastes sort of.... odd. If they had better fish sauce I'd probably give their food a solid 5/5. Service is fine. Curt and to the point, but I like that for coming to get lunch.

It can be difficult to find parking, they do have a parking lot in the back- though it can get quite tight. My family and I always order to pick up, and no matter how large the order it's always ready in 10 minutes! They also get the order right every time. Now, when dining in it can be a bit tricky. This place can get packed with UCSB students or small groups around dinner time. When eating here the staff sometimes is a bit curt. They are quick to bring out your food as well as the check. I do appreciate the delicious pho on a chilly day, especially with jalapeños and extra sirarcha.