Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Chois Oriental Market in Santa Barbara

4.6 (108) 185 S Patterson Ave D, Santa Barbara, CA 93111, United States

Categories

Korean grocery store

Location on the map

Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, California, US

Phone: +1 805-683-1892

Opening hours

Monday:10:30 AM–7:30 PM
Tuesday:10:30 AM–7:30 PM
Wednesday:10:30 AM–7:30 PM
Thursday:10:30 AM–7:30 PM
Friday:10:30 AM–7:30 PM
Saturday:10:30 AM–7:30 PM
Sunday:Closed

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.6

108 Reviews for Chois Oriental Market 2024:

Review №1

2023-10-22 01:15:17

Chois is one of the only places to eat Korean food in Santa Barbara. So tasty. The market has items hard to find in the larger grocery stores.

Review №2

2023-08-10 16:19:26

I love Bruce and his wife! More than anything, I love their food. It is delicious and always done perfectly. Thanks so much!

Review №3

2019-06-19 20:19:02

Honestly, the Central Coast is an Asian food desert so Goleta is a gold mine! I grew up in LA and cheap, authentic Asian food is everywhere. Since I moved to the Central Coast, places like Chois Oriental Market is a gold mine. The prices arent the best, the variety isnt either...but I cant really complain because its a blessing that this place exists!+ Great little market with all the essentials. They got Asian snacks, drinks, noodles, food items, and other Asian cooking essentials+ Easy parking+ Small, cozy dining area but we didnt have a hard time finding seating. We also didnt have a wait either.+ For first timers: Order/pay at the cash register, bring your receipt to the kitchen, find seating, wait for food. Pretty easy but it can be confusing if its your first time here.+ Atmosphere isnt really great, but it has a really authentic Asian vibe lol.+ Decent selection of Korean staples+ Banchan selection is okay+ Jajangmyeon is legit here! Super slurpy and chewy noodles, saucy, and good portion.+ Small restroom in the back where the kitchen is.+ Service is efficient and fast. Not the warmest, but not rude either. Just...busy?

Review №4

2023-11-12 23:42:31

Authentic cuisine, pleasantly surprised when I was introduced to this small location. Wasnt aware they served cooked meals in the back.

Review №5

2020-11-13 02:05:30

I miss this place so much 💘😔 it was one of my favs when I lived in SB. The shop is small but the variety is amazing and the owners are sweethearts. The dine in menu is also delicious and you can tell it has that home cooked taste ✨ thank you Mr Choi

Review №6

2020-10-05 23:52:13

Update 10/05/2020: they are doing takeout for COVID, just call to place an order. Everything tastes just as amazing and the banchan sides dishes are included. :)Love this place. Small but cute, affordable prices, the owners are very nice, and the food is delicious! Quick service as well. Couldn’t find any other place in Santa Barbara that does Korean food like this, and I wasn’t disappointed here. The place is set up as 1/2 restaurant and 1/2 market.We got the Mung Bean pancakes (savory), beef bulgogi, and the Tofu Stew. All good! Meal also comes with Korean side dishes such as kimchi, pickled veggies, and potatoes. I will come back again!

Review №7

2022-07-22 19:13:10

Absolutely delicious food and amazing owners, and great costumer service. The owners even surprised us with a Melona ice cream pop before we left :) 10/10 would come here again - MARIA

Review №8

2020-09-19 02:46:25

The food they serve is fantastic, Ive never had a less than stellar meal from here. Plus I can shop for my own ingredients while waiting.

Review №9

2022-11-01 00:37:57

I give them five stars cause 1. The family that runs this place is just so sweet and lovely, They remind me of my parents 2. They have a great selection of staple Korean pantry items 3. This is the only mom and pop / Korean grocery store in probably all of Santa Barbara county. 4. They also serve Korean food as well.

Review №10

2019-10-06 00:13:14

The spicy squid was delicious. I’m looking forward to working my way through their menu!

Review №11

2022-07-16 06:14:58

Its really an odd little place, half little store half restaurant, its kind of cramped and full of all sorts of wonderful treats and unknown foods strewn about. The restaurant part is small as well however the food is perfectly seasoned and delicious.The family thats runs it are a hoot, just their attitude brings a smile to my face. The menu is small But with a lot of different things, some quite unusual and absolutely scrumptious. Overall, this is a great place for a quick spicy and delicious meal or a a quick to go meal.

Review №12

2023-10-13 15:53:35

Food is delicious and the owners are so welcoming and nice!

Review №13

2022-12-31 20:49:52

We went here for lunch. We had the hot stone bimbibop. It came with soup which was delicious, pickles delicious and the bimbibop fantastic. Even had the crunchy rice at the bottom. They were all so nice too! We will be back. Highly recommend!!

Review №14

2022-12-22 22:27:59

Fantastic and authentic Korean food!! Go here. Feels like a home with kind service & home-cooked, but you can also get good Asian grocery items as well

Review №15

2023-01-02 23:01:56

Google Maps listed them as open 1/2/2023 at 3pm, but they werent. Walked 1.3 miles to get there...

Review №16

2022-07-10 20:01:04

My friends and I ordered bulgogi, soontofu soup, and bibimbap and they were all amazing! All three dishes taste much better than the same ones you can get in South Korea.:)

Review №17

2022-07-21 21:13:41

No price tag at all. The boss just took a look at the product and then said a very high price by himself. I wonder whether he can really remember the prices of all the products there or just make up a high price. Anyway, it is ridiculous and probably illegal. I also tried the food and to be honest, it is not as good as I imagine. I will not recommend this place.

Review №18

2018-01-29 19:09:32

I wish to give this place zero star! Dont know where the positive reviews come from. Very over-priced! If the quality of the food is good, I dont care about the price. But it is NOT. We ordered bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish. But they just microwave the cold dishes and put them together in a Corelle white bowl and serve us! And the dishes come cold to lukewarm (guess they didnt even microwave enough minutes). Will never come back. The worst Korean restaurant in the U.S!

Review №19

2022-09-22 00:52:16

Choi’s Oriental market has some of the most amazing Korean food! Try their galbi (Korean marinated ribs), kimchi jjigae, etc. and you can’t go wrong!

Review №20

2022-02-11 05:45:29

The lady that works here is so sweet and their menu is great. I love Korean food, and we have a limited options in Santa Barbara. This is good Korean food.

Review №21

2019-06-22 04:01:24

Chois Oriental Market is amazing! The staff here is so sweet, and the food is great as well! They give large portions for fair prices. Overall, really authentic tasting food in a clean and cozy location.

Review №22

2016-04-11 16:31:33

I visited the store in search of some fresh vegetables and snacks. The vegetables are not on display, but if you ask the staff, they will get some for you from the fridge between the kitchen and the shop area. They have a variety of Asian groceries. I saw more Japanese and Korean products than other ones. Price is reasonable. It seems like a mom and dad shop, everyone was very friendly and helpful! I hope to eat there sometime, the food smells amazing.

Review №23

2018-12-06 03:57:32

I had a wild craving for some Korean instant noodles and came here to find they had a bunch of my favorite dishes! I ordered the ttokmandu guk (soup with rice cakes and dumplings) and it was amazing! Just like my grandmother’s! The man at the counter and the woman who made the soup were very kind. I just found a gem and I’m super stoked!And in response to the prices being “high” as some reviews have said. I did not find the prices to be high at all, and might I remind you this is in Santa Barbara, one of the most expensive places in the country. But I have definitely paid more handsomely for less authentic takes on this dish.

Review №24

2018-09-13 06:40:06

To sum it up in 3 words: food was good. And if I might add, actually, it was excellent. Not cheap but definitely quality Filipino. Service was awesome. Place looks small on the outside but it looks way bigger in the inside. Decor is vintage. Yes, I recommend this place. Parking: street parking, coin/metered. I had the sago gulaman ( their version is a dressed up sago gulaman ) and the Tocino. Tasty!!!

Review №25

2017-06-16 04:31:37

Im very sensitive to MSG, but in this Korean restaurant, Ive never tested it and delicious!

Review №26

2020-01-23 23:16:41

Small family-run asian market and restaurant serving up tasty scratch-made Korean classics in a casually humble environment. The bibimbap and side dishes (kimchi, spicy cucumbers, soup, & sesame potatoes) were delicious. Cant wait to go back and try other items on the menu.

Review №27

2023-05-03 00:56:22

Just want to update manual. Have been enjoying their food for many years.

Review №28

2019-07-06 19:52:22

Outstanding little market of Korean essentials but best part is the Korean couple that runs it. The wife runs a small restaurant in the back and its good simple Korean home food. Chajiangmyun was great and so was the kimchichigae. The chajiangmyun tasted like how my mom used to make it at home. All around delicious and kind place. Good selection of Korean ramens and snacks.

Review №29

2023-04-15 20:01:33

Racist and hate speech are unacceptable. Customers have right to chat with their friends in Spanish or Chinese. This is our right.

Review №30

2020-05-10 18:47:36

Groceries are ~250% cost in LA Korean market. As example, 1x 150ml banana milk (빙그래) was $4.40; Ddukbokgi (떡볶이, 88년도 bag for 3 serving) was $13. Understandable due to being in SBA area.4☆s for restaurant food... great 냉면 & 짜장면 with Kalcuksoo noodles.5☆s for convenience of local area!

Review №31

2022-07-11 13:59:01

It was great. Good food and service. I was very pleased. The amount you get and for the cost matches up.

Review №32

2019-11-27 18:55:50

Very enjoyable. It was authentic Korean food served hot and sizzling. Many delectable side dishes, generous portions.

Review №33

2021-04-04 05:20:27

Average place for Korean Food court inside Asian grocery store. I bought spicy stir fried Calamari dish with rice togo. It had more Onion than Calamari😕

Review №34

2022-05-25 22:51:32

Friendly family service. Food is good and taste fresh. Market has a decent amount of stuff for a smaller store.

Review №35

2022-07-15 17:31:14

I love this place. Being a transplant from LA, I always thought I’d need to just drive back home, but I found Choi’s & I am *set*.

Review №36

2017-10-18 21:00:47

Korean grocery and small restaurant. They used to have a larger produce selection, but they got rid of it to open the small restaurant. Its pretty decent selection, but expect higher prices as its a small market far from Los Angeles. I like to go and pick up ingredients here.

Review №37

2019-07-26 20:22:18

Chois has a great market and resturant. The food is delicious and fresh. There is plenty of variety on the menu. The market offers lots of Korean food thats hard to find elsewhere.

Review №38

2020-01-07 10:22:02

LOVE THIS PLACE!!! friendliest staff ever, and Mr. Choi is so nice! The restaurant food is absolutely wonderful ❤️❤️❤️ and the store is well organized.

Review №39

2023-11-12 02:32:24

Its real koean food.

Review №40

2020-01-20 06:16:26

Hidden gem with traditional Korean food. The owner is super sweet and friendly. Pretty much this place is bomb 💣

Review №41

2020-12-16 07:02:38

Awesome spot for some authentic Korean snacks. Didn’t know this store is also a restaurant. The food was also good.

Review №42

2016-09-17 19:37:23

Okay korean restaurant and shop. dont buy korean products there since they are well over priced. but the dishes are pretty good. i tried squid over rice and daen jang jji gae, and both were good.

Review №43

2016-03-10 08:22:25

Delicious food! Small but great selection for Asian groceries! Owners are very helpful and nice. Love this place

Review №44

2022-01-06 10:27:59

Not sure if the man attending me was the owner, but he greeted me and was extremely pleasant. Definitely shopping here again.

Review №45

2020-01-08 16:09:07

This is authentic and very, very good Korean food. Its inexpensive and the owner is lovely.

Review №46

2019-12-31 03:43:15

Great home cooked Korean food. I had the bulgogi beef and jajangmyeon and both were tasty.

Review №47

2022-06-18 22:53:49

The products in supermarket came without price tag, and turned out to be WAY OVERPRICED, dont buy Korean goods here.

Review №48

2017-10-19 00:34:55

I really like this restaurant. Every dishes are so delicious. Owners are very nice people.

Review №49

2019-10-31 00:19:34

They have yummy KOREAN food!!!

Review №50

2018-10-18 19:24:40

Authentic Korean restaurant and an Asian market! Im totally in. I love the concept, go shopping for my asian snacks and have an authentic Korean meal.

Review №51

2016-04-28 19:28:51

Very friendly staff and they just started serving freshly made food, and its pretty tasty.

Review №52

2018-03-07 22:26:03

Like to go there for lunch, I cant tell how authentic the food is as I never visited Korea but the taste is great and Im usually quite picky, prices are not cheap but not unreasonable either

Review №53

2019-03-27 02:46:08

Awesome food, good price, their broth soup is is really good and spicy.

Review №54

2017-07-07 14:27:14

Counter order with quick table service. Had been craving bibimbap and was not disappointed.

Review №55

2017-04-14 15:12:05

It was delicious! The food was cooked and seasoned wonderfully and for a great price!

Review №56

2021-12-24 15:19:58

A friend’s recommendation, the food was great… will come back for sure

Review №57

2017-01-11 03:32:40

Pretty much the only place that offers REAL Korean food. The general market is a bit pricey, but the food is where its at!

Review №58

2019-11-14 04:57:15

Friendly service, family restaurant. Bi Bim Bap hot pot was excellent.

Review №59

2018-03-28 03:33:41

Great Korean grocery store and home kitchen. The owner is friendly and welcoming.

Review №60

2021-06-09 21:23:50

Nice staff and owner, but the taste of the food is just disappointing... definitely overrated

Review №61

2019-01-18 22:39:40

Best Korean food in santa Barbara and Goleta！！！I love it！

Review №62

2019-11-28 20:06:02

It is very good. They are very kind and their food is very delicious.

Review №63

2018-01-30 21:55:27

It seems yelp hided my review about this restaurant. What a shame! Bad restaurant and bad food, avoid at all cost!

Review №64

2016-12-28 15:58:52

I LOVE THIS PLACE THE OWNERS MAKE ME FEEL LIKE IM BACK AT HOME AND THEY ARE SO GENEROUS AND HAPPY AND AWESOME. ...👍👍👍👍👍

Review №65

2016-12-12 23:58:01

Food is great like homemade. The owners are very kind.

Review №66

2018-09-02 01:06:12

Nice products at decent price, plus super kind owners!! Definitely recommand!!

Review №67

2019-11-28 20:11:43

Food is the best of the bests! So delicious and healthy!

Review №68

2018-03-06 03:27:44

Best Korean food Ive ever had

Review №69

2017-12-31 00:50:52

Great spot hidden next to South Coast deli without a crowd!

Review №70

2018-05-24 03:06:48

Pretty small but great fresh meals prepared

Review №71

2018-08-26 16:49:08

The Galbie is superb. I order it almost every time

Review №72

2017-08-10 03:32:40

Wonderful, authentic restaurant run by wonderful people.

Review №73

2016-11-12 01:47:12

Good authentic Korean food and lots of Korean snacks!!!

Review №74

2018-12-11 00:43:40

Delicious food and very friendly service!

Review №75

2021-03-30 05:12:29

Food was delicious with generous serving.

Review №76

2019-07-06 20:05:16

Foods really good! Must try it

Review №77

2017-04-22 04:53:33

Great selection for non-conventional Asian snacks!

Review №78

2018-05-23 23:07:51

Great and authentic Korean food.

Review №79

2017-11-21 03:31:00

Hands down the best Korean food in SB

Review №80

2018-06-23 02:45:31

Best Korean foods in Santa Barbara area

Review №81

2023-11-08 16:43:42

Deliciously

Review №82

2019-02-01 02:08:09

Cool little place near South Coast Deli

Review №83

2023-03-09 00:52:09

Good Korean food

Review №84

2022-06-11 03:15:34

The food is delicious

Review №85

2021-03-29 22:34:54

Very rude to me and my children.

Review №86

2021-06-08 01:11:41

Very good, hidden gem

Review №87

2020-03-14 03:45:01

Cool guy.

Review №88

2017-10-22 20:19:54

Great Korean style market plus food

Review №89

2017-10-22 02:38:49

Love the fresh Korean food

Review №90

2019-10-11 21:01:12

Best pharmacy ever

Review №91

2020-01-07 07:00:48

Rice milk

Review №92

2019-03-14 21:48:47

Not sure

Review №93

2020-01-13 21:57:07

Great food!!

Review №94

2016-07-30 01:46:57

I love the food

Review №95

2020-10-06 20:50:17

Eh...

Review №96

2013-06-07 08:08:34

Nice Place!

Review №97

2018-03-07 23:52:31

Fair prices

Review №98

2019-03-05 19:38:26

Authentic korean food

Review №99

2019-06-23 02:09:08

Korean restaurant and market

Review №100

2014-07-17 16:27:39

Gooooooood

Review №101

2019-03-08 23:02:31

Great food 👍

Review №102

2019-09-29 03:33:09

The food is really delicious!I was a little confused about the ordering method, but you order at the counter and then go in and sit down. please refer to this :)Its a gold mine for international students who miss Korean food, so I plan to go there often!

Review №103

2018-02-03 21:21:25

All the food is delicious and the prices are cheap.Especially the price and quality of kimchi and seaweed are both good^^

Review №104

2021-03-24 01:41:04

Im going to eat delicious chicken and spicy pork. The owner is so kind, the food is plentiful, and despite the stimulating menu, I leave without feeling bloated. thank you~~

Review №105

2018-01-01 20:42:43

There are quite a few Korean food ingredients, and there are also many ramen and Korean snacks. There are also some Southeast Asian ingredients. And the owner is a very friendly and kind person.

Review №106

2019-10-01 19:30:28

Dont eat Jjajangmyeon haha. Really.. the noodles arent that good. Theyre not uniform, some are lumpy and some are thin. Its better to just eat the packaged version. The restaurant is disorganized and messy. It can be stressful.

Review №107

2021-05-16 19:01:30

The food is delicious and the owner is kind like a parent. wish you good health

Review №108

2020-07-26 07:10:32

I ate bibimbap and squid rice and it was delicious, so I ordered another bibimbap and went to go.