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OKU, Santa Barbara, CA

OKU

4.7
4.7
1825 Reviews
$31 to $50
Asian
29 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 57 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Hot spot
  • 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.

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

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 1,825 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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Healthy

  • California Central Coast

    Hot spot

  • California Central Coast

    Most Booked

  • Santa Barbara

    Best Overall

  • Santa Barbara

    Innovative

  • Santa Barbara

    Healthy

  • Santa Barbara

    Hot spot

  • Santa Barbara

    Good for special occasions

  • Santa Barbara

    Lively

  • Santa Barbara

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
OKU in Santa Barbara offers a "wonderful experience" with "exceptional service" and "delicious food," prominently featuring sushi and Asian fusion dishes. The upstairs patio provides "beautiful views of the ocean," and is a "perfect" spot for dining. Guests appreciate the "friendly staff" and "memorable dining" moments. However, service inconsistencies have been noted, with some patrons experiencing "long waits." Overall, OKU remains a popular choice for its vibrant atmosphere and impressive culinary offerings.
1,825 Reviews

  1. Billi VIP

    Minneapolis22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A must try in Santa Barbara! The shrimp and crab gyoza were delicious. Loved the Toro as well!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Alyssa

    Denver1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    An absolute favorite of ours in Santa Barbara! We looooove it!! 💜

    Is this helpful?

  3. Lady VIP

    Los Angeles24 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Sat at the bar and service/ food was exceptional.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Gavin

    Central Coast1 review

    1.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Things took forever. It was clear that they were under staffed. I get it. We had to repeatedly ask for things from multiple severs. A good portion of the sushi we ordered didn’t ever show up. When we asked about it, they said we didn’t order anything else. Then, they came back and said, oh, you did order more sushi, and it’s been sitting for over 30 minutes at the sushi bar…. Do you still want it or we can remake it. It was really aggravating . I just wanted to leave. I won’t go back or recommend to friends.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Darren VIP

    Central Coast7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Best sushi in Santa Barbara. Great play to go. Only place with both good food and ambiance

    Is this helpful?

  6. Nancy

    Central Coast5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The greeting staff and wait staff were very attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Kurtis VIP

    Los Angeles55 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The upstairs patio/balcony is a prime location for your meal. We had a pristine day of sun & warmth with beautiful views of the ocean.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Steve VIP

    San Diego14 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on April 4, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    We had high expectations for this restaurant, but unfortunately the service was so poor and abysmal that it’s spoiled our experience. We ordered food and drinks at the same time and then waited for 40 minutes for our food not ones that our service stop by our table to check on us or give us an update on the status of our food. Very disappointed would not recommend coming in here. 

    Is this helpful?

  9. Christian VIP

    Central Coast23 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Terrific menu and execution. Great service. Always love to come to Oku. The patio upstairs and ocean/pier views are wonderful as well in nice weather.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Aaron VIP

    Las Vegas2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was really good. Came a few years back and didn't think to highly. The food this time was really really good. Everything we had tasted great. I'll be back again on my next visit to Santa Barbara for sure. Staff were very friendly as well.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

OKU is rated 4.7 stars by 1825 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 PM
Booked 57 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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