About

Our Story

Pizza chef stretching and tossing large dough in the air inside a casual pizzeria

From New York Roots to Isla Vista Tradition

IV Pizza Pub is built on a deep connection to Isla Vista and a passion for bringing authentic New York flavor to the California coast. Founder Doron Friedman opened IV Bagel Café at just 21 years old, creating a local favorite known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and signature New York-style bagels. Over the years, the café became a cornerstone of the Isla Vista community, earning recognition as one of the best breakfast spots in college towns and serving thousands of students, locals, and visitors.

With years spent living in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, and beyond, Doron's vision has always remained the same: deliver authentic East Coast flavor while embracing the laid-back, surfer-inspired lifestyle that defines the area. That blend of quality, creativity, and community continues to shape everything at IV Pizza Pub.

Continuing a Legacy of Quality & Community

When the opportunity came to carry forward a beloved New York-style pizza tradition in Isla Vista, it was about more than opening another restaurant—it was about preserving something meaningful. IV Pizza Pub was built with a commitment to fresh ingredients, bold flavor, and creating a welcoming space where the community can gather, celebrate, and connect.

Today, IV Pizza Pub is proud to serve award-winning New York-style pizza in a casual, high-energy setting near UC Santa Barbara. Backed by a passionate team and a strong family foundation, the restaurant continues to grow as a go-to destination for pizza, beer, takeout, delivery, and late-night hangs in Isla Vista. We're grateful for the support of this incredible community and excited to welcome both longtime locals and new guests to be part of what we're building.

Warm wishes,
Doron Friedman

To read about my personal journey in opening IV Bagel Café, click here.

Community Loved

★★★★★

Saw the sign outside that said, "Best Pizza in IV" and let me tell you, they weren't kidding. They had a great atmosphere, and the World Series was playing on all screens. Great pricing for a beer and ready-made slices!

Colin Y.

★★★★★

The Pizza is really good. The beers are EXTREMELY reasonably prices. This is a great place to go and watch a game as well. I don't live in IV but I come here oven. It's an easy drive from Goleta or SB.

Wyatt O.

★★★★★

Great gluten free pizza. Lots of tvs. Almost too many. Salad was great too. Came for lunch and was wide open. Ambiance very nice and in the middle of college atmosphere.
Karl W.

★★★★★

We were looking for a local place and really glad we found this location. Voted best pizza for 2023 in the area and we could quickly see why.
Despite being close to campus and lots of take out orders the service was quick. We had an entree sized salad to start which was huge and fresh. I can't begin to imagine how big the XXL sized salad would have been. They have a honey balsamic vinaigrette dressing which was awesome.
We ended up getting a Maui Wowie. Got the XL size which was huge but plenty of leftovers for the next day. The sauce was tasty and a good amount. Very generous topping and the slices of Canadian bacon were huge. Not sure if any part of the pizza did not have a topping on it. For those visiting the area definitely worth the drive down to Isla Vista.
Tim K.

★★★★★

So grateful to have good pizza back in town! We live closer to Rusty's, but much prefer IV Pizza Pub from the crust up. The staff has been so great every time I've popped in for a pick up order. I used the online ordering site for our order yesterday and it was super easy and the time estimate was perfect. This means a lot to me because I'm almost always picking up our pies with a little kid (who is still figuring out patience :)
Marthea W.

★★★★★

A few months ago I wasn't sure about this place. The manager at IV Bagel Cafe (which I love and frequently go to with my wife), let me know about the changes over here and recommended we try it again! I am so glad we did!
I'm not sure what they did but the pizza is still good and the customer service is above and beyond. I hadn't tried the pesto ranch before and it is a game-changer! You have to try the Virgin Creek and my wife loves their Cider on tap.
If anyone is looking for ACTUAL good pizza in Goleta/IV this is the spot! They've really taken the initiative to listen to customers and made this place a new favorite for my family. Great place to stop and eat for college students and the community alike (can't wait for football season/see what they do for game day).
Hugh M.