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OKU, Santa Barbara, CA

OKU

4.7
4.7
910 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
June 2022
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Sat
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7:00 PM
Booked 74 times today

Dining areas

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 910 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

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

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Most Booked

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Overall

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Food

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Service

  • Santa Barbara

    Outdoor Dining

  • Santa Barbara

    Scenic View

  • Santa Barbara

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. SB

    SBLatte

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This place hits 5 stars on all levels: food, service, vibe, decor and view!!

  2. o

    oliviam

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Sushi is great, service is outstanding! layla was wonderful

  3. TC

    TaraC

    Central Coast

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing view and food.

  4. MB

    MattB

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall2food2service3ambience1

    Service was average. Food was overpriced and presentation was not overly inspiring. Taste was okay but not what we had hoped. We were placed in a back area room by ourselves while other seats were available at the patio or main area. The music was very loud and we felt like an afterthought for the restaurant. We eat sushi and Japanese food regularly and likely would not return.

  5. m

    mw3st

    New England

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious food, impeccable service, overall my best dining experience in Santa Barbara. And did I say the uni was spectacular.

  6. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    4 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall2food1service5ambience3

    Very low food quality. Tourist trap. Our sushi was extra fishy, we had the snow crab. The dynamite fried shrimp seem to have come from the freezer. The mixed drinks were made with very low quality alcohol like Bacardi and you could taste it. I am not sure if there are any high quality sushi restaurants in SB except at the Montecito Inn.

  7. m

    morrislee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food3service4ambience4

    Nice location. Good service. Food was very well plated but was the standard fair of sweet/spicy sauce over dolled up sushi. This is not fine dining but was a fine time.Good for date or birthday but maybe not for the foodie.

  8. F

    Foodname22

    Nashville

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Had one of the best rolls we’ve tasted- Crazy Rich Aisans. Outdoor seating was perfect and felt the price point was good.

  9. RB

    RandallB

    Central Coast

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food at Oku was superb. We probably had 10 various dishes between the 4 of us, and each was so good that no one could determine their favorite item. The service was exceptional- food came quickly, servers always around to help with great attitudes and extremely polite. The level of training they get must be extensive, because it really was unmatched service. We sat on the rooftop area in the evening, and they had heaters, blankets, and we left just feeling doted upon. Combine that with the amazing food, and we are locals that cannot wait to go back!

  10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best as always

  11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Great service. Real restaurant etiquette. Excellent drinks with surprise fun cups. Amazing sushi!! Best sushi spot in SB and I’ve been to all.

  12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We went to celebrate our anniversary and got a spot with a great view of the water (as I had requested). The food was great & service was prompt & courteous. We didn’t feel rushed and had a nice meal. The chicken wings were really tasty, the short ribs were spot on, & the sushi was fresh & delicious. You’ve got to try the black cod; it was amazing & a perfect compliment to the short ribs. With drinks in hand plus a great view, we had a great time!

  13. HT

    HeatherT

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was lovely. The food is very good. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Beautiful view too.

  14. m

    mw3st

    New England

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Uni uni uni - so delicious

  15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great meal and hard working servers and hostess

  16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our server was friendly, attentive, and looked like she wanted to be there. Food is really yummy and view on upstairs balcony is breathtaking.

  17. FW

    FoodWanderer

    Los Angeles

    41 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    i loved the sushi, fresh , fresh and with an Ocean view

  18. G

    Gram

    Orange County

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 15, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Beautiful view and experience eating rooftop and front row overlooking the pier and the bay

  19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fantastic food. Fantastic host

  20. AH

    AlohafromHawaii

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We would eat here again. The service was great and the food was creative!

  21. m

    myfoodlah

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our service was excellent making our celebration for our son 16th birthday and our daughter graduated from UCSB. This is a place to be for all celebration.

  22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience4

    Food was good, not amazing for prices you’re paying though. Our waitress barely checked in with us, forgot a drink order, and entrees came out completely separately leaving one guest waiting to eat and eventually eating by themselves. Not the greatest experience for a grad dinner…

  23. Y

    Yumyum

    Los Angeles

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything about Oku is a pleasure — the location, the ambience, the service, the cocktails and the FOOD. Especially love the Japanese scallop sushi and the Korean cauliflower.

  24. DD

    DianrD

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    College graduation

  25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food is phenomenal and the service was superb. The salmon carpaccio with truffle oil.. add Serrano chiles and think slices of lemon .. was one the best I’ve had. Great quality in fish. And the drinks are very tasty.

  26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our favorite sushi place! We go once a week!

  27. M

    Meryl

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and great views. Our second time back and we purposely planned our SB around being able to come here for dinner.

  28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Anniversary

  29. F

    Figidav

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The sushi was very tasty the drinks were reasonable and made just right overall a very good experience

  30. DJ

    DianaJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best sushi in Santa Barbara! And an absolutely stunning view of ocean and pier from upstairs patio!!

  31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    They have the best Espresso Martinis!

  32. TG

    TenayaGirl

    Central Coast

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Great food and wonderful service. Thanks so much.

  33. LR

    LaRisa

    Las Vegas

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best sushi in Santa Barbara! Excellent quality, beautiful views & friendly staff. Love that they carry local wine favorite, Jaffurs.

  34. MK

    MikeK

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 3, 2022

    overall2food1service3ambience3

    Wife's food was excellent, but I came for the Lamb Rack and it was pathetic - fatty and small. I am used to the lamb rack at Holdrens, so this dish at OKU was awful in comparison.

  35. CR

    CyndiR

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service. We requested a rooftop table and she saved one for us even though we booked at the last minute. Waitress was great and bartender upstairs very friendly and fun.

  36. J

    Jessk

    Cincinnati

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We were seated in a great location upstairs outside as we requested. Our server, Amanda, was so helpful when we asked for suggestions. The service was great and we tried food we might not have otherwise tried- it was all delicious- cocktails too!

  37. LS

    LorneS

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 31, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    2nd time at OKU. It was my birthday and the meal and service left a lot to be desired.

  38. v

    valleyrests

    Phoenix

    26 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience5

    We loved the seating on the 2nd floor, very romantic with a view of the ocean. Food was delicious which means sushi was fantastic. I had the Crouching Tiger Box Roll. Nice spice and delicious. Service was OK a little slow had to ask for both of our drink refills. Not something I should have to do. Overall though what a beautiful night at OKU!

  39. JT

    JeanT

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 30, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Great, attentive and professional staff. Great food, and lovely setting and design.

  40. RH

    RyanH

    Central Coast

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 29, 2022

    overall2food4service3ambience2

    Made reservations for outside on the 2nd level and they put us inside on the 2nd level. Watched all the empty tables outside the whole time even as we were leaving. Would've enjoyed the view from the empty tables much more. As a local who frequents this restaurant I was pretty disappointed. I think they need to work on scheduling their tables better.

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 4.7 stars by 910 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
June 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
7:00 PM
Booked 74 times today
Google Map for OKU

29 E Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Dining areas

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

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