On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, my sister, her husband, and I had dinner here. The restaurant was very clean and the service was outstanding. Our server, Riley, was beyond courteous. She carried herself in a very professional manner and made sure that our order was exact and served in a timely manner. My sister lives out of state and had never been to Islands. She was beyond impressed not just with Riley's attentiveness but also with the GREAT service. We made sure to let Mike, the manager, know of our very pleasant dining experience. Mike and Riley, thank you for your hospitality. I'll be sure to bring my sister back here the next time she's in town. Happy Holidays to you both!
Overview
Islands Restaurant Vista is one of the go-to spots for those in search of delicious food, an inviting atmosphere, and a unique dining experience in Vista, California. Located at 240 S Melrose Dr, Vista, CA 92081, this vibrant restaurant has become a local favorite for a variety of reasons. From its fantastic menu to its friendly service, Islands Restaurant offers a true taste of the California lifestyle.
The menu at Islands Restaurant Vista features a wide array of dishes that will satisfy almost any craving. Known for its signature burgers, the restaurant serves up juicy, perfectly grilled patties paired with fresh toppings and served on soft, toasted buns. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cheeseburger or something more adventurous like the Hula Burger, there's something for everyone. The fries here are a must-try as well-crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
For those seeking lighter fare, the restaurant offers a variety of salads, sandwiches, and seafood options. The Ahi Tuna Salad, for example, is a standout, featuring fresh, seared tuna atop a bed of crisp greens with a tangy dressing. If you're a seafood lover, the Fish Tacos are a fan favorite, with tender fish wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with fresh salsa and creamy sauce.
Islands Restaurant Vista isn't just about great food, though. The atmosphere here is something special, too. The laid-back, tropical-themed decor immediately transports you to an island getaway. With palm trees, wooden accents, and a warm color palette, the setting creates an inviting space perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family. Whether you're dining indoors or on the spacious patio, you're sure to feel right at home.
One of the highlights of visiting Islands Restaurant Vista is the exceptional service. The staff is known for being friendly, attentive, and always ready to make your dining experience as enjoyable as possible. Whether you're a regular customer or a first-time visitor, you'll be welcomed with a smile and treated like family. The service here stands out, with the staff always making sure your needs are met and that you're happy with your meal.
Another great aspect of Islands Restaurant Vista is its commitment to using high-quality ingredients. Freshness is key, and it shows in every dish they serve. From the crisp vegetables to the tender meats and perfectly seasoned seafood, each ingredient is carefully selected to ensure a top-notch meal. This dedication to quality makes a visit to Islands Restaurant not just about satisfying your hunger but also about enjoying a truly exceptional dining experience.
If you're in the Vista area and looking for a place to grab a bite, Islands Restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Its combination of delicious food, vibrant atmosphere, and outstanding service makes it a standout in the local dining scene. Whether you're stopping by for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a night out with friends, you're guaranteed to have a memorable time at this beloved spot.
With its prime location and consistent excellence, Islands Restaurant Vista has built a loyal following of customers who return time and time again for their favorite dishes. The restaurant’s attention to detail, from its carefully crafted menu to its exceptional customer service, makes it a place you can rely on for a great meal. If you haven't already visited, now is the perfect time to experience everything this wonderful restaurant has to offer!
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1151 reviews
Hands down the absolute best hamburger I have ever had. My first time there and it was a wonderful experience. Waitress was very nice and most everything was great. Fries for me were over cooked, dried out and so I didn't eat em but I wasn't there for that so doesn't matter lol an to top it off had desert and was one of my favorites. Thank you so much
First time there, I ordered a baja bowl, cesar salad and Kilauea burger. The burger was really good, the onion fried into the burger had a good flavor, slider a beer and a diet coke drinks.
I want to start off by saying that I love Islands. I love their drinks and food. It’s a great place to go with family and friends for good food, drinks, and TV. So when I noticed the location in Vista was much closer to me than the Carlsbad location, I had to check it out! Although this location was different, I was instantly greeted by Mike with a warm smile and seated in a booth as requested. He showed me the current deals and let us know our server would be with us shortly. Our server, Ethan, was funny and quick. He got our food and drinks started right away, and we received them soon after. When my quesadilla arrived, I was immediately unsatisfied. It didn’t look like what I remembered, so I told the server, and Mike came out to check on the situation. Mike was patient, listened to my concerns, and explained that I had mistaken the chicken quesadilla for the spicy quesadilla. He immediately had the correct one started in the kitchen. Once I received it, I realized he was right and I had been mistaken. What stood out to me most was Mike’s patience and willingness to listen. He made me feel heard, and I truly appreciated his effort. I will definitely return to this location again. Overall, the hospitality, cleanliness, and quality of the restaurant were excellent.
It’s an islands. Always worth it and nice service. Drinks are worth the price and there chicken sandwiches are my favorite to always get. I do recommend there burgers as well. Nachos are underrated in my opinion. Get cheddar fries on the side or a full order. Have ranch on the side. So worth it!
Islands is one of those iconic chain restaurants that has truly stood the test of time, consistently delivering mouthwatering dishes that keep customers coming back for more. Our experience was made even better by our server, Nina, who was simply fantastic. She made sure we had everything we needed, seamlessly enhancing our dining experience. We kicked things off with a heaping plate of nachos, and let me tell you, they were a game-changer. Picture crispy chips generously smothered in gooey melted cheese, topped with fresh tomatoes, zesty jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, creamy guacamole, and a side of flavorful salsa. Each bite was a delight, especially with the extra cheese that pooled on the plate, perfect for scooping up with the bottom chips. The drinks were nice and cold, hitting the spot. Then came our two burgers, cooked to perfection—juicy and full of flavor. And what better way to wrap up such a delicious meal than with a rich, decadent mud pie? It was the cherry on top of an already fantastic experience. With impeccable service, scrumptious food, and prices that won’t break the bank, Islands continues to impress—making it a must-visit spot for any burger lover!
Very disappointed husband and I went in there yesterday for lunch and it was $12.29 for a margarita. I've got up for two people 25 bucks for lunch drinks. Play 87 also but I won't be drinking their again I love so much on their menu. Chicken tenders, China Coast salad , hubby loves the tuna melt, nachos are just so-so. Just try new things & happy hour is I believe 3-6 & excellent pricing
Service was excellent, although I would have been thankful if we were given more than 1 napkin per burger. Food was incredible. Food came out fast as well. I asked the waitress to please also pay for a veterans meal and she rushed as fast as she could to refund them the change they had set out. I was so happy she rushed to keep it a secret.