I have not nearly enough words to express what an incredible establishment Sunny & his family run here in Isla Vista. I’ve been visiting this place since 2016, almost 9 years later & I’m still driving all the way from Central Valley to get a plate of their delicious food. The quality & taste of their food truly stands the test of time. Sunny (the owner) is always greeting us with the warmest & kindest customer service. He offers you samples to taste all their dishes & also offers a “special of the day.” So you’re bound to find something to your liking on their menu! Pictured, is my usual order: chicken tikka masala, their “special chicken of the day,” toasted garlic naan, white basmati rice, & mango lassi. Their mango lassi is undeniably the best I have ever tasted, from any restaurant. And the portions for their food & drinks are a great value for their price. Sunny, if you’re reading this, it was a pleasure seeing & speaking with you again, & my family & I will gladly return in the next coming years! Thank you for continuing to bring comfort to the heart of Isla Vista!
Overview
Located at 966 Embarcadero del Mar in Isla Vista, California, Naan Stop is a must-visit gem for anyone craving delicious, freshly made Indian cuisine. It’s one of those spots where the food doesn’t just satisfy your hunger but also leaves you looking forward to your next visit. Whether you're a regular or first-timer, the combination of mouthwatering naan, flavorful curries, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a standout.
Walking into Naan Stop feels like stepping into a cozy, inviting space with a warm, friendly vibe. The staff greets you like an old friend, which immediately sets the tone for a laid-back dining experience. The restaurant's small, but the energy is big, especially during lunch or dinner rushes when the place fills with eager food lovers.
The menu here is a celebration of traditional Indian flavors with a modern twist. The real star, of course, is the naan - and it’s no surprise that it’s the focal point of most dishes. Fluffy, soft, and just the right amount of crispiness on the edges, it’s the kind of naan that you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve finished your meal. Pair it with one of their signature curries, like the rich butter chicken or the spicy lamb vindaloo, and you’ve got a winning combination. For vegetarians, the chana masala (spicy chickpeas) is always a safe bet, bursting with flavor and perfectly balanced.
The concept behind Naan Stop is simple: high-quality, authentic Indian food that’s fast, affordable, and satisfying. While there’s a focus on speed, the quality never suffers. You can see the kitchen staff working hard, making fresh naan right in front of you. The unique tandoor oven they use to cook the naan is what gives it that perfect texture, ensuring every bite is a treat.
It’s not just the naan that keeps patrons coming back, though. Naan Stop also offers a variety of Indian-inspired street food, such as the pani puri. If you're unfamiliar with it, it’s a fun and interactive dish that involves crispy hollow shells filled with a tangy tamarind water and crunchy vegetables. It's the perfect dish to share with friends or to kick off your meal if you're in the mood for something light and flavorful.
The beverage menu complements the spicy fare with refreshing drinks like mango lassi, which is a perfect blend of sweet and creamy. It’s a great choice to cool down your palate if you’ve ordered something with a bit of heat. The selection of chai tea, served hot or iced, is another favorite, and it pairs wonderfully with any dessert you choose.
The restaurant’s location, just a stone’s throw from the beach, makes it a great spot for a quick bite after spending time at the shore. Naan Stop’s convenient setting in Isla Vista, a college town known for its youthful energy, means you’ll always find a crowd here. But even if you’re just passing through, it’s worth the stop. Locals and tourists alike rave about the affordable prices and generous portions, making it an excellent choice for anyone in the area.
Reviews for Naan Stop are consistently positive, with many praising the consistent quality of the food, the friendly service, and the restaurant’s ability to bring authentic Indian flavors to such a casual setting. It’s not often that you come across a restaurant that gets so many details right, from the fresh ingredients to the fast and friendly service. Whether you’re grabbing lunch between classes or sitting down for a hearty dinner with friends, it’s clear that Naan Stop knows how to satisfy its customers.
Naan Stop offers both takeout and dine-in options, making it easy to enjoy their delicious food no matter your schedule. If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and swing by for a meal. You won’t regret it!
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great tea selectionPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ CasualCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kidsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Amazing food, had a craving for some authentic Indian food and couldn't have picked a nicer place in IV. I had the chicken biryani and it comes with raita and a choice of curry from there selection. The biryani was amazing and the daily chicken curry was amazing as well. The guy at the front was really nice too
If you love spice and flavorful food this place is for you! I cannot believe I just found this place. I was blown away by how delicious everything is here. Yes! I tried everything because the owner provided samples of EVERYTHING! From the chicken curry to the tofu curry they have a scrumptious selection of food. I love that they have vegetarian options with their plates like lentils, garbanzo beans, and spinach. How do they make spinach taste delicious?!! It's still a mystery for me! Will definitely be back!!
A gem in the rough. wonderful food, large portions. Friendly service, samples. Traditional Thai menu that appeals to local audience. Great taste. quick service. Kinda like a panda express for Thai. Solid choice and nice option in IsLa Vista
Fantastic Food Fantastic Host ! Sunny is fantastic with the service very hospitable gentleman. Loved the food. We had chicken tikka, paneer, vegetable curry, chicken korma garlic naan My son doesn’t eat indian but he now insists on going there again and again.
10/10 would recommend! Excellent service and delicious food! The owner is very friendly, and I recommend getting the rice plate - you get so much delicious food: rice and your choice of 2 sides - chicken and/or vegetarian options. And you can sample anything you are interested in trying! Will definitely be coming back soon!
Delicious Indian food! The place is small and not a sit down restaurant. But I will come again for the food. All the dishes are ready to eat so no waiting time. I highly recommend this place!
Best Indian food I’ve tasted in SB! Highly recommend the Puri (deep fried naan). It’s made from scratch.