EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-79003 of Rubio's Restaurants, Inc. on Form S-8 of our report dated February 15, 2001 appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Rubio's Restaurants, Inc., for the year ended December 31, 2000. San Diego, California March 29, 2001