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OKU, Santa Barbara, CA

OKU

4.8 (1859)
$31 to $50
Asian
29 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 68 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Great for scenic views
  • Great for creative cocktails
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
    (805) 690-1650
  • Website
    http://www.okurestaurant.com/
  • 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
  • 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

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Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 1,859 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

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Hot spot

  • California Central Coast

    Most Booked

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Overall

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Food

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Service

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Value

  • 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 impresses with "amazing food, great service, and beautiful view." Enjoy fusion cuisine with standout dishes like sushi and spicy tuna crispy rice, complemented by a vibrant atmosphere and attentive staff. While some find it pricey, many praise the "exceptional" experience, making it an ideal spot for special occasions.
1,859 Reviews

  1. Annette

    California Central Coast11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    dined on the roof... there is not a prettier spot in SB... .the service was wonderful and the food outstanding. We have dined there before and will continue to do so. Cudo's to Tina and Richard.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Pico

    Oxford/Oxfordshire9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Oku still offers some of the best sushi in town--as well as a beautiful view, friendly service, exceptional other items and a cool ambience. My Japanese wife says it's the only Asian restaurant around that makes her feel she's in Japan again, and yesterday's gyoza, uni and cauliflower were superb. Thank you.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Tricia

    London5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was excellent here. Two of us had sushi and one of us had noodles. We also had the spicy edamame and two of their desserts. Everything was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  4. MARY

    California Central Coast1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Staff was wonderful in booking, seating and service. Our server was exceptional in how she was able to deal with so many tables and keep a smile and friendly, personable attitude . We brought our 3 young adults grandchildren to celebrate a birthday and graduations...

    Is this helpful?

  5. Brian

    Greater Boston1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious and great icean views!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Renee

    Los Angeles3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely ambience and delicious food. A local favorite for a night out.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Courtney

    San Francisco Bay Area6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was our second time coming here from out of town and the second time was just as good as the first. Everyone is so sweet and accommodating plus the food/drinks are top notch! We recommend this place often for those visiting Santa Barbara.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Kimberly VIP

    Los Angeles3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We always enjoy Oku. The food is fresh and delicious. We love the view and location.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Taylor

    Los Angeles1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing me and my friends had a ball! Shout out to our server Camille. She provided us blankets when we were cold. A diva!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Timothy

    Austin2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Excellent service and the food was outstanding. Would definitely go back.

    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 1859 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
10:00 PM
Booked 68 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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