Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to Main Content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. California Central Coast
  4. Santa Barbara
  5. Santa Barbara
OKU, Santa Barbara, CA
0

OKU

4.8
4.8
1155 Reviews
$31 to $50
Asian
Top Tags:
Tina Takaya, proprietor, welcomes you to our newest two story restaurant on the water. We feel the key to success is our passion for creating the highest quality food and warm friendly service.

We hope you will enjoy your experience as much as we enjoyed creating it for you.
"We want Locals to feel like Family and Visitors to feel like Locals"

Our menu draws from Asian favorites that inspire and excite such as Wagyu Steak, Japanese Sushi, Chinese Dumplings, Garlic Noodles and fresh local seafood.

We are located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Waterfront and Funk Zone Districts. Come enjoy lunch or dinner, soak in the sun by day at our waterfront rooftop bar while sipping on a refreshing cocktail surrounded by our beautiful ocean vista and by night, enjoy lounging by the fireplace after a delicious meal and a great glass of wine.

Our chef uses the freshest ingredients from central coast farmers and local fisherman to create dishes with the best of what California has to offer.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 48 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Asian, Contemporary Asian, Sushi

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Fri 3:00 pm–4:00 pm Sat, Sun 12:30 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (805) 690-1650

  • Website

    http://www.okurestaurant.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Koji Nomura

  • Catering

    Available when Coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

  • Private party facilities

    Please email aubreyb@okurestaurant.com for more information

  • Location

    29 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

  • Neighborhood

    Santa Barbara

  • Cross street

    Cabrillo Blvd and Helena Street

  • Parking details

    Complimentary Valet service available Friday thru Sunday in the back parking lot, enter from Anacapa Street

  • Public transit

    Complimentary Valet service available in the back parking lot, enter from Anacapa St.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 1,155 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Hot spot

  • California Central Coast

    Most Booked

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Overall

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Food

  • Santa Barbara

    Good for groups

  • Santa Barbara

    Healthy

  • Santa Barbara

    Great for scenic views

  • Santa Barbara

    Lively

  • Santa Barbara

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. JL

    JaniceL

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed everything we ordered here. Great quality ingredients and flavors, interesting combinations, lots of choices without compromising quality. Service was excellent. Upstairs outside patio was very pleasant with heaters. Pretty much a perfect dining experience all the way around!
  2. PT

    PTF317

    Central Coast

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such fabulous good!! Perfect views and ambiance!! Wonderful service!!
  3. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Ok food. Very high prices.
  4. a

    ashleyp

    Las Vegas

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server wee great. We sat outside but there were plenty of heaters. The cauliflower appetizer was delicious as were all of our sushi rolls. The Way of the Dragon roll is fantastic.
  5. MS

    MichelleS

    St. Louis

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    The heaters outside were quite high but we were able to move tables a bit. Service was good but slow. Our cocktail was not made well, we had to ask for an extra shot of alcohol as all we could taste was juice. It was disappointing for an expensive cocktail. We weren’t charged for the shot, which we appreciated.
  6. A

    Atrebor1

    Central Coast

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and staff were outstanding
  7. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exemplary service. Spectacular view. Outstanding quality. Excellent experience.
  8. D

    Dylan

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Second time here, realized that I should come here more often, sat outside near closing time. Amazing food, my waitress was so awesome, great ambiance. 5/5 experience and the food was so good.
  9. y

    yumyum

    Central Coast

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Wonderful staff and food was delicious
  10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service. Amanda was great, Tommy was awesome. Thanks for a great evening.
  11. T

    Terri

    Minneapolis

    77 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    77 reviews

    Dined on January 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is one of the best sushi restaurants in Santa Barbara.
  12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    A wonderful rainy date night. We enjoyed the food and ambiance.
  13. SS

    SarahS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food/cocktails, excellent service. Will definitely be visiting OKU again.
  14. LS

    LiyaS

    Las Vegas

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Over 5 + Menus, Servise, location for tasteful…. Yamil, yami
  15. L

    Luis

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always have good customers service when we good here and food is amazing.
  16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice environment!
  17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Korean cauliflower was incredible! The food was great & came out quickly.
  18. DT

    DavidT

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 4, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    Disappointed. We’ve been here a few times and the service was good but the food was not great. The blue fin tuna tastes old and not fresh. The rolls were mediocre.
  19. K

    Kosuke24

    Central Coast

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Very tasty seafoods. Our family totally like them. Especially, the raw sea urchin was really awesome. The prices of all dishes would not be low, but we would like to recommend this restaurant to the people who loves raw seafoods.
  20. KP

    KarlaP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food, service and ambiance was outstanding. Definitely recommend.
  21. TS

    TinSB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 2, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Delicious, but need to address the table without us initiating the interaction upon being seated!
  22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 2, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience4
    My partner and I were very excited to come and spend our anniversary here. We were let down. The service was too fabricated and wasn’t genuine. Our server was very robotic and too un-natural…it made our experience uncomfotable. We ordered the Sadhimi Tacos, Sangai Wings, Snake Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, and Short Ribs. The only things that had flavor were the two rolls….they had flavor….just not that good. The other dishes we had: bland. It was very difficult to eat here. We had saved our appetite all day so we felt so hungry coming in; also felt the need to force feed ourselves the food. Food was not good at all. I was very upset with the experience here

    OKUResponded on January 3, 2023Hello, Thank you for your feedback. We are truly so sorry to hear that your anniversary meal was not all that you had hoped it would be. Although we received a lot of compliments from guests this holiday weekend, it appears that we fell short during your visit. I can understand how disappointing that is and I would love the opportunity to speak with you further about your experience. Thank you again for taking the time to comment - we recognize we always have ways to improve. Thank you, Tina

  23. BB

    BariB

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Oku is our favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara ❤️
  24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    New Years Eve dinner with friends. Everything was outstanding! Highly recommend.
  25. D

    Davino

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Superb food and service in beautiful rooftop setting.
  26. KI

    KIMP

    New England

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Delicious fresh sushi . We Loved it
  27. BW

    BobW

    Central Coast

    120 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    120 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first dining experience at Oku last night was amazing! The venue is beautiful (the view from the roof is awesome!), the service was fantastic, and the food was absolutely delicious (we started with the Crispy Korean Cauliflower, then my wife had the Short Ribs and I had the Wagyu and Portobello Gyoza, and the Mike Wazkowski Roll). It was all so good I can't say which was my favorite. All I know is I can't wait to go back again!
  28. MZ

    MaryZ

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a gem in Santa Barbara. We sat on their second floor outdoor terrace. Anything on the menu is a delicious experience (we almost tried everything..). The owner came and asked if we needed any blankets ect. to make us more comfortable. The service was wonderful and the food was even better. We will definitely be back!!
  29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Oku is a favorite! The food is fabulous…highly recommended for any occasion. MB Snow
  30. N

    Nicole

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Food was amazing. Best shishito peppers I've ever had. Dog friendly patio.
  31. MF

    MillFoodFan

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a staff!! Kind, knowledgeable, professional and upbeat! At every turn a staff member showed interest in us and others as to having a great experience. I haven’t witnessed this level of service and professionalism unilaterally at an establishment in a long time. Kudos!
  32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exceptional service and really amazing food. Highly recommend!
  33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Post Christmas dinner with family before mom/grandma leaves for Brazil.
  34. J

    Junes

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love sitting outside on the balcony! It was warm enough and very festive. Our server Sara was wonderful!
  35. KK

    KristaK

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful service, wonderful food, beautiful setting, manager Luna is just absolutely amazing.
  36. CH

    CarolynH

    Central Coast

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great location across from the stern's wharf. Perfect place to share appetizers and eat dinner with a small or large group. The views outside on the balcony are spectacular and the ambiance is very modern and chic inside. All the staff are friendly and competent about their menu. The sushi is always fresh and delicious and our favorite appetizers are the Shishito Peppers, Korean Cauliflower and Brussel Sprouts to start!
  37. A

    Arteesta

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is our favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara! The food is wonderful. It's expensive but worth every dime! The servers are so friendly and competent, this is a real pleasurable experience!
  38. FF

    FrankF

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was great and the waitstaff made the evening
  39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing overall experience, great service, amazing food, and just a great time. I will definitely be coming back soon!
  40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best sushi restaurants we have ever been too. Wonderful service and have the Crazy Rich Asians roll. Worth every penny.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

OKU offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 690-1650.

OKU is rated 4.8 stars by 1155 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 48 times today
Google Map for OKU

29 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Cabrillo Blvd and Helena Street

  • Neighborhood

    Santa Barbara

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Fri 3:00 pm–4:00 pm Sat, Sun 12:30 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Asian, Contemporary Asian, Sushi

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Complimentary Valet service available Friday thru Sunday in the back parking lot, enter from Anacapa Street

  • Public transit

    Complimentary Valet service available in the back parking lot, enter from Anacapa St.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Koji Nomura

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.okurestaurant.com/

  • Phone number

    (805) 690-1650

  • Catering

    Available when Coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

  • Private party facilities

    Please email aubreyb@okurestaurant.com for more information

Featured in

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
Delight more dinersOpen for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 700, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking LogoPriceline LogoKAYAK LogoAgoda LogoRentalcars LogoOpenTable Logo