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OKU, Santa Barbara, CA

OKU

4.8 (1843)
$31 to $50
Asian
29 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 69 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Hot spot
  • Great for outdoor dining
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.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Felipe Barajas, Jose and Felix Alonso
  • Catering
    Available when Coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
  • Private party facilities
    Please email aubreyb@okurestaurant.com for more information
  • 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

What 1,843 people are saying

OKU reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Healthy

  • California Central Coast

    Hot spot

  • California Central Coast

    Most Booked

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Food

  • Santa Barbara

    Innovative

  • Santa Barbara

    Healthy

  • Santa Barbara

    Hot spot

  • Santa Barbara

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Santa Barbara

    Great for scenic views

  • Santa Barbara

    Lively

  • Santa Barbara

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
OKU in Santa Barbara delights diners with its "exceptionally delicious" cuisine and "outstanding service." Its prime location offers "beautiful views" from the upstairs patio. The restaurant excels in creative sushi and Asian fusion dishes, providing a "wonderful & memorable dining experience." Consistent praise for the "friendly and attentive" staff ensures a visit is unforgettable.

1,843 Reviews
  1. Aaron

    California Central Coast2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Another exceptional experience! Best restaurant in SB County. Didn’t care for wagu potstickers, shrimp and crab potstickers however, incredible! Sushi is always 5 stars.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Claire VIP

    San Diego2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Incredible food and views on the rooftop! Spicy tuna crispy rice is my fav!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Tracy

    Sacramento1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We celebrated our daughter’s college graduation and it was wonderful. The service was excellent, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was ideal. We would highly recommend for a special occasion or a night out.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Cynthia VIP

    California Central Coast53 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Although OKU is full of life with patrons, there is a calm atmosphere. The ambiance, food & drink offerings are far above any sushi restaurant. Thank you Tina for creating a fabulous venue!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Katie

    California Central Coast9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a wonderful time at Oku, the food is outstanding and service kind and quick. We can’t stop coming here!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Lady VIP

    Los Angeles26 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very good food and service at the bar with Ren! Nice☆

    Is this helpful?

  7. Robert

    Fresno / San Joaquin Valley3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 14, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Everything was good food was great , I did reserve outside balcony seating but we got seated inside was the only bummer .

    Is this helpful?

  8. David VIP

    California Central Coast52 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such good food. I could eat their cauliflower and wings every day

    Is this helpful?

  9. NICOLE

    Atlanta1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I totally enjoyed my birthday experience at Oku! The food was exceptionally delicious! Service and staff impeccable, and the ambience was very pleasant.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Hilary

    San Diego2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a fantastic experience! Loved our birthday dinner.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

OKU is rated 4.8 stars by 1843 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. California Central Coast
  4. Santa Barbara
  5. Santa Barbara

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 69 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
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
    Felipe Barajas, Jose and Felix Alonso
  • 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
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