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OKU, Santa Barbara, CA

OKU

4.8
4.8
1756 Reviews
$31 to $50
Asian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 34 times today
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for scenic views
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.

Order delivery or takeout

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
  • 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
  • Neighbourhood
    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 1,756 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
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Hot spot

  • California Central Coast

    Great for outdoor dining

  • California Central Coast

    Most Booked

  • Santa Barbara

    Good for groups

  • 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 offers an exceptional dining experience with "amazing fresh sushi," "wonderful service," and a "beautiful ocean view." Guests rave about their standout rolls and delicious dishes like the "korean tempura cauliflower." The atmosphere is inviting, complemented by attentive staff and a picturesque setting, making it a must-visit spot.

1,756 Reviews
  1. Tamara

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious as usual. Excellent service and lively atmosphere but not too loud for conversation.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Tyson

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Our host was super observant, helpful, and knowledgeable enough to pick out a bottle of Daiginjo. Get the hamachi kama & spicy flying Newton roll. Would go again!

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  3. Michelle

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We always enjoy dinner at Oku. The staff are friendly and attentive. The food and drinks hit the spot. One of our favorite Santa Barbara restaurants.

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  4. Tengiz

    Central Coast

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We enjoyed our little celebration of a family event just for two of us. OKU appeared to be exactly the right place for it with attentive people working there who created a welcoming atmosphere. Manager Luna was a nice conversationalist and gracious person. Thank you for a memorable evening!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Livier

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Always amazing food! The fish is always fresh, all the flavors are balanced and intriguing.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Shiva

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food here is amazing! Have been here twice now and both times it’s been very good. The food is consistent, tasty and so well made. We came with a big group of us and there was something for everyone, even people who do not want sushi or meat. Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Simran

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Peter was great! They accommodated our food restrictions well, but the food was not the best we’ve ever had. Still great atmosphere for a date night.

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  8. Scott

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, great view, great service! Sat on patio and it was heated just right.

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  9. Mollly

    VIP

    Los Angeles

    26 reviews

    3.0

    26 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    We sat in a high traffic area. Not fun. Noise level makes it impossible to not yell at each other to be heard. Loud music not helping. Food is great. Service is pretty darn good. But it will be a summer place for us… so we can enjoy the patio and not be blasted by sound.

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  10. Desi

    Central Coast

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Oku provided a wonderful experience for my family and me, especially for a birthday celebration. The food was absolutely excellent, and the service was perfect. Our server was attentive and made sure we were well taken care of throughout our meal. To top it off, they came out with a delightful dessert complete with a candle, which added a special touch to the occasion. This has always been our go-to place, and it never disappoints! Thanks for another perfect 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 1756 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 p.m.
Booked 34 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for OKU

29 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Cabrillo Blvd and Helena Street
  • Neighbourhood
    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
  • 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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