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OKU, Santa Barbara, CA

OKU

4.7
4.7
862 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
May 2022
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7:00 PM
Booked 46 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

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 862 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

    Best Ambiance

  • Santa Barbara

    Good for Groups

  • Santa Barbara

    Hot Spot

  • Santa Barbara

    Scenic View

  • Santa Barbara

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. m

    marmp03

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    AMAZING FOOD, Super friendly staff, waitress knew the menu like the back of their hand.

  2. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent in every way, they even have parking which is rare in SB.

  3. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Was really lovely

  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service1ambience5

    Service spotty- asked three times for wasabi/soy. Had to ask for every single thing: water pls, a second drink, another nigiri- sent back one nigiri that was simply too odd texturally and was charged for it anyway- sigh, waiter was simply off on Sunday.

  5. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Daughter special evening.

  6. JV

    JasonV

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service2ambience4

    On my reservation I said it was my wife's birthday and they did nothing. That being said I don't even know if they do anything but it did ask if it was for a special occasion so I said was for her birthday.

  7. P

    Phenomenal

    Los Angeles

    52 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fantastic service, great food

  8. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    So good! All of our food was very tasty. Cannot wait for our next visit!

  9. s

    steaklover

    Los Angeles

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service, sushi and location

  10. DW

    DawnW

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    We had a great experience from the minute we walk in, the host staff was very welcoming, our server was amazing and made recommendations. Loved!!

  11. PN

    PaulN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Keegan our sever very knowledgeable of the fish friendly s around enjoyed our meal and ambience!

  12. B

    Birdie

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    The food was overpriced for what you get. But the location is awesome and views from upstairs are beautiful

  13. t

    truman

    Central Coast

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Tried new dishes and, as always, they were a delight. Mgr, Luna, stopped by and we had a pleasant chat and learned more about the restaurant. Highly advise you gets your eats there.

  14. KM

    KiraM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3

    We enjoyed several hours on the patio with multiple rounds of appetizers and drinks. Everything was delicious and served in a timely manner. Overall fabulous experience for our anniversary dinner. Our waitress was super friendly and very tolerant (I could not imagine the people she's had to put up with). Thanks Oku! We will be back next time we're in town!

  15. DC

    DarcyC

    Palm Springs

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience4

    I love the selection of food they offer from Ramen to Sushi. Everything was good and my son and husband really liked the chicken and rice bowl. I love the ambiance and the selection of food.

  16. c

    chrisa

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3

    Sat outdoors on the very busy street level. Couldn’t carry on a conversation because of traffic noise!! No matter how good the food and service was, we couldn’t enjoy the dinner.

  17. J

    Jeffe

    Los Angeles

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great experience! Beautiful views of the wharf and harbor. Friendly, efficient service. And most of all, terrific food with a wide variety of dishes, from sushi to steak, great salads and the best miso soup ever! Highly recommend.

  18. DT

    DaniT

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Oku was amazing once again! The food is 100/100. I can’t wait to be back.

  19. MT

    MarkT

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 25, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Our server (Andriana) was wonderful. Food was so tasty. The patio was beautiful, and the people were too. The food seemed a little on the high side but that is the sign of the times. While the food was pricey, the wine we purchased (Foxen Pinot Noir) seemed very reasonable. So in all in all, a great night out. (we were late to our table reservation but the restaurant was still able to seat us which was very appreciated).

  20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful as always!

  21. DK

    DelaneyK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    All around favorite place. Freshest fish and great service.

  22. TC

    ToniC

    Washington DC

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Every time I visit Santa Barbara, I stop by Oku. The food is always amazing, seafood is incredibly fresh and staff are very friendly! The xo grilled shrimp w garlic noodles is my favorite.

  23. C

    Colleen

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Pretty views from rooftop. We had the best service of any restaurant I’ve been to while traveling. Kind attentive and helpful. We had many different small plates and shared one entree. Every single dish was outstanding and flavorful and plated nicely. Drinks delish too. Highly recommend

  24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing service and food as always!

  25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2022

    overall2food2service4ambience5

    Lots of choices and the fish on their sushi was fresh, but their sushi rice was bad. Which is important! The food just wasn’t that good. We left unfinished rolls on our plates.

  26. DF

    DoreenF

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food, service, and views are fantastic and to die for

  27. CR

    ChrisR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Celebrated my fiancé’s birthday and it everything was great! We will definitely be coming back!

  28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Everything was really good! We got the Crouching Tiger, Way of the Dragon, Spicy Tuna, and Spicy Edamame. We sat outside with a great view of the ocean. I was plenty warm because there was a heater just above my table. It was a great experience! The service was great. We got the Tiramisu for dessert and it was the perfect way to end the meal.

  29. e

    ericadrache

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Truly one of our favorite dining experiences in a while! The ambiance, staff, and food were all unreal. Must get crispy rice !

  30. DR

    DebbyR

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I love Oku. Service, food and location are great!

  31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Foods amazing!

  32. EL

    EricL

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great and friendly service, food was excellent.

  33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Joaquin

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was AMAZING!! specially the crazy rich Asian roll .The customer service was A+ . Highly recommend it ! It’s the best Japanese cuisine in Santa Barbara .

  34. R

    Rose

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Highly recommend! Just make sure to make reservations in advance!

  35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Phenomenal sushi

  36. AA

    AmyA

    Los Angeles

    18 reviews

    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall4food5service2ambience5

    Food was wonderful! Our favorites were the cauliflower, the crispy rice, and the octopus sushi. The service was not great, our waitress took a really long time to come to our table, throughout the night. For example we saw other tables get seated, get drinks, and order food before we even ordered drinks. Another waitress had to finally come take our payment because we sat for so long with our check, waiting to pay the bill. But I would go again just because of how great the food was.

  37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    The food is excellent and service was great. There were no delays once we ordered our food and the atmosphere is pleasant. Highly recommend!

  38. MW

    MikeW

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    While on spring break holiday in Santa Barbara we tried several restaurants. Oku is a delight. Creative menu options and excellent quality fish. We’ll be back again!

  39. DF

    DustyF

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 7, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    Good was ok. Yellow tail carpaccio needs to be sliced “very thin” and presented differently. Texture drives this delicacy. Uni was exceptional! Kitchen was super slow….hence slow service.

  40. AA

    AshulA

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 3, 2022

    overall3food5service2ambience4

    The food was excellent, however the overall experience was not. The server did not manage the order properly and thus food arrived haphazardly. The hot foot arrived in a stream, while the cold food came much after the warm food has been eaten. Generally the cold food would be presented prior to the warm food. We mentioned this to the server and we were given the excuse that they had two kitchens and that the sushi bar was backed up. The did apologize several times, however it just felt like excuses. A good server would understand the flow of their kitchen and fire the food accordingly. For all the hype, it was definitely not the experience that we envisioned after ready their website. Overall it was a mediocre experience and so t plan on returning.

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 862 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
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16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
7:00 PM
Booked 46 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

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