The food is delicious and well-balanced. The dessert menu has plenty of options. Service is friendly and efficient. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming. I tried the chicken bowl, and it was great! read more

The Food Liaison - Chicken bowl - Cafes Near Me - Carpinteria, California

Update (08/04/24): The business owner reached out shortly after I posted this review and refunded back our salad bar purchase. I wish we had noted down the staff member's name who attended to us that day, because we were definitely not offered a discount when we brought up this issue. I do not appreciate the passive aggressive tone of the response we received and certainly did not appreciate being gaslighted here. We won't be coming back. Came here for lunch and we chose the salad bar, which was priced according to the weight of the food you picked. Upon paying for two of those, I realized that I am also paying for the weight of the container, which goes against California law. We spoke to the employee on duty and she claimed that the manager was not around, and refused to do anything about it. What these guys are doing is unethical. You've been warned. Don't get food from the salad bar. read more

The Food Liaison - The scale at the cashier, with an empty container. - Cafes Near Me - Carpinteria, California

I'm not surprised the cafe has closed. They made it soooo very difficult to buy anything.

Love walking into a restaurant to be warmly greeted! Lunch today was extra specially delicious! First time at this establishment and can't wait to return. So this is what I learned.. restaurant has been here since 2013, how did I not know this?? They also do catering in the mornings, so note they're open 11-3 Monday thru Friday only. I couldn't resist trying their organic orzo salad and it did not disappoint. Greens, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, capers and caramelized onions tossed with a light lemon poppy vinaigrette. So tasty! My burrito was one of the best I've ever had, it was so large and so delicious... Spanish rice, kale, refried pinto beans, pickled red onions and chipotle aioli sauce. My hubby enjoyed the chicken crack burrito which was generously filled with achiote chicken, Spanish rice, kale, refried pinto beans, queso and pickled red onions... what a treat! Will definitely return and enjoy some other their other menu items. I'm so glad we discovered this restaurant today. Can dine inside or at tables out front. Ample free parking in the lot out front. read more

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I was want to thank Oni for being wonderful. She will always greet you with a warm smile and has a great memory (remembered my name after my 2nd time going). The food is always delicious (Chicken crack burrito). I will continue to support The Food Liaison, great staff, delicious meals :D read more

My favorite lunch spot in Carpinteria. The quality of the food is so high and everything is always, consistently, absolutely delicious. My go-to is the chicken burrito bowl, and each component is so good! It is very rare to find a restaurant that seasons their chicken the way I like, with an abundance of spices, color and flavor. The staff there is fantastic as well, especially Nirasha. My first visit, I didnt know I could order ahead, and was in a rush when I arrived. Nirasha went above and beyond to expedite my order so I could get back to work on time. She seemed like she genuinely wanted to help my out, and was so warm and friendly, and clearly takes pride in this wonderful restaurant. Thanks for your kindness and yummy food! read more

Chicken crack bowl was so good. Ohhhhh I'll be back ! Parking is easy and food is tasty and fresh. read more

When I come here I love to get the crack bowl Or veggie burrito. It has to be some of the tastier food from Santa Barbara to Ventura. Really cute inside and plenty of seating. The people who work here are always really nice and welcoming. Again the food is so darn tasty and consistent which is important to me. read more

Very pleasant, casual/relaxing indoor & outdoor setting with friendly service. Slightly unique selections of food and drink, deliciously served. We had the Chicken Crack Burrito and Avocado Meets toast Tartine with Aqua Bonita Mango/Habanero drink. The burrito was saucy but not too wet, wrapped with lots of healthy and delicious vegetables and beans. The tartine toast was piled high with avocado, nuts, and yummy pickled red onions. The mango drink had a hint of habanero which gives some kick without being too spicy. read more

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Ordered the tofu bowl with quinoa, kale salad, smoked almonds, grilled onions. The kale salad had smoked almonds whole and crushed and was so salty not edible. Also kale was soggy. We ordered a side kale salad, also soggy. My hubby ordered a chicken bowl and says the chicken had no taste, same rice. Disappointed as reviews were good. read more

Amazing as ever!!! Ordered crack bowl and it was delicious!! So glad they're doing well and busy. YES!

Absolutely my favorite place to eat in carp ! Cracked chicken bowl is out of this world!! Only downside they are closed on the weekends!!!! Please at least open on Saturday read more

Love this amazing place. I actually don't eat big servings so I ordered the kids burrito with chicken. HOLY SMOKES! The chicken was 5 star, marinated in a tomato vodka type sauce, and the burrito was sooooo good. Loved it! So good! read more

The Food Liasion is by far the best lunch establishment in Carp. They offer an elevated twist on many favorites with rotating daily additions. The salad bar is exceptionally notable, as it's consistently loaded with quality seasonal ingredients. You can truly feel the passion and love that's gone into this business and it does not go unnoticed read more

Best food in town!! I have been eating there for 7 years and it is my favorite spot. I love LOVE the online ordering as I have a short lunch break. The daily editions are amazing (fried chicken, mole anything, rajas tacos, Jorges potatoes), and more. Love supporting another small and locally owned business. If you order the crack burrito, get it cut in half. Take it own and reheat in oven the next day (300 degrees 15-20 minutes) and it just as good. read more

Excellent across the board. Our service was excellent. She had a great knowledge of the food options, made genuine recommendations, and checked on our satisfaction throughout the experience. Above and beyond for a counter-service restaurant. The food was excellent! I loved the crack bowl and my mother loved her shrimp salad (chef special of the day). There was a salad bar and several food options behind glass that looked very good, quiche in particular. The place is extremely clean and pleasant with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. A great hidden gem in Carpinteria and I will definitely be back for more. read more

The Food Liaison - Shrimp salad with green goddess dressing (Chef Special of the day) - Cafes Near Me - Carpinteria, California

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Best place in Carp! Little gem that's been for a while in business, super staff and service. All their dishes including salads and deserts are fabulous, never disappointed! There's no hwy traffic that can stand on my way if this is the reward, I'll see you soon! read more

The Food Liaison - This Chicken crack bowl is my all time fav at Food liaison. - Cafes Near Me - Carpinteria, California

My work gets catered lunches from here regularly. The "Crack Bowls" are famous among our office as one of the go-to favorite lunches. With Covid keeping us from the office, I don't get nearly as much of my Food Liason fix as I need! While the Crack Bowls are the star, don't miss out on their daily specials and baked goods. I had an amazing chipotle shrimp bowl and s'mores cookie my last trip there. It's a wonderful local establishment and truly the best lunch in the area. I'll be sure to give them my love every time I'm in Carp! read more

A really great place to grab a bite to eat. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. The food is very good and a good value for the quality. read more

Food 3, people 5. Not sure why it's so popular as we found the food just ok. I had the chicken crack bowl, the chicken is very good (a big serving), I liked the roasted almonds, but the caramelized onions don't have much flavor, the kale is tough (but that's probably normal) and it just didn't wow. The orzo salad wasn't a good value and was 90% arugula (?) a ton of the onions, with almost no orzo. Kinda wet. The people are really nice, the overall setup is good. read more

The Food Liaison - Orzo salad, mostly arugula with ton of onions, not sure what stringy white stuff is. Not a lot of flavor. See any orzo? - Cafes Near Me - Carpinteria, California

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I have tried almost everything on the menu at The Food Liaison. The chicken crack is not a personal favorite because they seem to have some issues under cooking their Quinoa. The blackened chicken, which I attached a photo of, is my absolute favorite dish out of everything that they offer. read more

The Food Liaison - Cafes Near Me - Carpinteria, California

I was first introduced to The Food Liaison via my work because they love ordering from here. I've only ever gotten the chicken crack bowl and once did the salad bar. The chicken crack bowl has a lot of great flavors but can be a little on the dryer side at times so I usually ask for extra sauce. The salad bar has many offerings but I think I ended up paying almost $17-$20 for it after all was said and done (I eat a lot so price per pound isn't great for me). Overall, it can be on the pricier side here, but on a better note, their cookies are bomb read more

The Food Liaison - Chicken Crack Bowl (more kale than quinoa & extra sauce) - Cafes Near Me - Carpinteria, California

The food was healthy, yummy and arrived quickly. I definitely recommend it if you are in Carpinteria.

Really enjoyed this place. Myself and some co workers went here for lunch. I got the daily special which was chicken and veggies and a quinoa mix. It was really good. Great fresh food. We sat outside and it felt really good out there. They also have a salad bar. read more

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Wow! Love this little cafe. Came here for lunch, they have a Small menu but good options. My husband loves the chicken crack bowl, I had their daily special that was jumbo shrimp with Caesar salad and it was amazing! And the shrimp were huge! It was my first time here so not sure if this is a normal daily special or if it's a different items daily. I also had their kombucha and it was really tasty. Can't wait to come back and try some of things. read more

The Food Liaison - Chicken crack bowl - Cafes Near Me - Carpinteria, California

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The Food Liaison is my favorite lunch spot in Carpinteria. I always get the half-and-half crack bowl and really love it. However, I just discovered today that the edamame in the crack bowl has been substituted with tofu. It is not as good, and I am really disappointed to see this change. Dear chef, please bring back the edamame! Other than that, I love the healthy, high-quality ingredients and delicious lemon tahini sauce. read more

Love the Food Liason. The owners are the best! My favorite dish is the crack bowl with chicken. To add extra protein I even love it with pinto beans. My obsession though with this place is every dessert I've tried is amazing! They change frequently which keeps me coming back for more If you ever see the coconut cream pie, order the entire pie! read more

Love the food liaison in Carpinteria, the people that work there are warm and friendly. This is my favorite place to bring coworkers to when in Carpinteria. Food is amazing....always something on the menu for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to stop in for lunch. read more

We split a Vegetarian Crack burrito. It was on the smaller side. A hungry person could easily eat one of these alone. All the ingredients seemed really fresh and clean, not greasy. There were a couple small pickled onions on it; it could've had a few more to make the flavors a pop a bit more. It says that there is a sauce on it but it sure did not seem like there was much, if any. With tax and tip, it was $17. It was good; it was fine, but for the price, I was a bit underwhelmed. read more

Wow just found out about this place super unassuming from the outside but once you step in its so nice. Food is incredible and the owner is so cool. Highly recommended. read more

Lovely lunch spot. Salad bar is bountiful, fresh, and eclectic. Organic and local. Deserts are rich and delicious. Service is friendly and helpful. Impeccable, elegant atmosphere. Comfortable seating. I love all the fabulous cook books to drool over and the visible catering kitchen. Love it here! Look forward to next time. read more

Love this place. Totally addicted to the Vegan Crack bowl- title is so applicable- daily additions add some excitement to the day- you never know what it is- just like the daily Wordle! Lovely staff and so glad this place is in our hometown, fun. read more

Great food... fast & healthy & very flavorful..... it has lovely ambiance inside.... Quiet, clean & easy ...

This is now my absolute favorite go-to lunch spot in Carp and I could eat here every day. Most everything is delicious, even if it's vegetable-hearty. I've ordered repeats of everything except the linguine special and chocolate cake; they were just ok, most likely because they were non-traditional versions. I recommend the soup and salad combo, crack bowl, chicken lettuce cups, and all the tartines. Actually the salad bar is amazing too, better than Whole Foods. I especially like when they have rare steak bites. Food Liaison caters to my office and it's many people's favorite vendor. You should try it if you're every in the area. read more

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This food was amazing, the service as well was really good. I highly reccomend the chicken crack bowl. It was easily one of the top ten best things I've ever eaten. 10/10 read more

I used to love this place and come here almost everyday at lunch. I noticed that the food has been lacking lately as the prices continue to increase. I got a 13 dollar salad there today and half of it was cilantro. It was disgusting. read more

The Food Liaison - Half the salad is cilantro. - Cafes Near Me - Carpinteria, California

So disrespectful to sell an "Irish Car Bomb" item in "honor" of St Patrick's day. Not sure I can support this business anymore...and I love their food and staff. read more

I picked up a couple of meals yesterday for the first time while I was out getting something at my Veterinarian. Totally convenient and I have always wanted to try this place. There was a friendly regular that was picking up an order that I asked what his go to meal was. He was quick to say "The Crack Bowl!" I took his advice and ordered the chicken crack bowl and also the daily which happened to be tri tip. The crack bowl is going to be my new favorite. It has chicken, kale, nuts, tomato, and quinoa. I may have forgot some things. It is a great combo and so satisfying. The Tri tip was great too! It had roasted veggies, potatoes, onions. Tatziki on top again I may be forgetting some things. Still delish but I'm hooked on the crack bowls for sure! I also got a dessert for my Mom. A Strawberry Shortcake! She thoroughly enjoyed it! All the desserts looked delicious! I will be back for sure! read more

Excellent service and fresh, delicious and healthy food in a nice clean atmosphere. The crack chicken bowl was very yummy. The desserts also looked delicious too. A customer leaving told us we had to try the passion fruit cake because it was so good. I'd definitely go back here the next time I'm in Carpinteria. read more

Good salad - be prepared to wait if you come at lunch - cool place, good order on line system - clean- daily specials - not open on weekends