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Oku

4.3 (1.1k reviews)
Open • 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM

Oku Photos

OKU ATMOSPHERE

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Recommended Reviews - Oku

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Reviews With Photos

Whitney S.

Perfect place to eat at for my birthday! I was glad to eat outdoors on such a gorgeous day. I ordered a cold sake, tuna on crispy rice, yellow tail nigiri, smelt egg, sweet shrimp, and the everyone loves Raymond roll. I ate it all up! So fresh. Great waiter he was very attentive and friendly. Would absolutely come back!

Otoro sashimi, hamachi nigiri and shishito peppers that didn't stand a chance in front of us.
Gregg M.

My wife and I found ourselves in Santa Barbara this weekend to celebrate her 40th birthday and upon checking into the inn, we were quickly referred to Oku by the front desk manager. After we offloaded the truck, changed and relaxed for a bit, we headed out for a walk near the waterfront. We eventually made our way down to the beach and found ourselves at Oku. We approached the hostess stand and were greeted by two young ladies who pointed us towards the bar as we'd planned on just stopping by for a cocktail. We were immediately welcomed by Tommy who handed us two menus, set us up with a couple waters and asked if he could serve us a cocktail. I got the Oaxacan old fashioned and my wife got the Oku old fashioned. In addition to our drinks, we also ordered up some shishito peppers, hamachi sashimi, Toro nigiri as well as big eye tuna nigiri. Our drinks arrived quickly and as we sipped on them, our food arrived shortly thereafter. It was early afternoon and we had apparently beat the crowd which was great for us as the place quickly filled up after about half an hour. The shishitos were perfectly prepared and served with a sauce as well as tuna flake on top and made for a phenomenal starter. Shortly thereafter we tore into our sashimi and nigiri all of which was served well and tasted great. While eating our food, the place began filling up and Matt showed up to help man the bar. Despite getting very busy, Tommy and Matt remained attentive and made sure we were taken care of and had what we needed. We finished our cocktails and food, closed out and prepared for our departure, but I hope to come back tomorrow for some more amazing Japanese food and excellent cocktails from the crew here at Oku. Thanks for the hospitality, excellent cocktails and for welcoming us in! Tommy and Matt are both excellent additions to the team! Photos compliments of my wife since I take photos like a Neanderthal.

Rainbow Roll
Morgan B.

My husband and I dined here for an early dinner with a reservation. I think after checking in it might've taken 5-10 minutes to be sat. Our server was really kind and on point with everything! Everything came out quickly. We ordered the otoro sushi, ikura sushi, rainbow roll, and two orders of the filet mignon. I have zero complaints about the sushi. It was incredibly delicious! I do think the filet mignon had beautiful plating, but it was very underwhelming, and didn't come out the requested way of cooking. I don't think I'd order that again, but we enjoyed our food overall. We chose to dine outside since it was a nice day and I thought that was pretty nice. We did bring our baby and had enough room with a high chair etc. we'd come back!

Crouching tiger roll
Kristina C.

Love the vibe of Oku, they played great music and the outdoor patio is practically all covered so it wasn't even very cold at night! The food was also pretty good! The crouching tiger roll was good, some friends tried the short ribs which were yummy, and a ramen that was good. The cocktails were alright, the lychee martini was pretty thick for whatever reason and there was user error on my friends part when she got the red lily--it is a lot more floral than she thought it would be. Almost soapy. Service was fairly decent, our server was really nice but he must of gotten super busy and maybe accidentally rang things in at the wrong times? It was a Saturday night so we understand it's busy. we got the short ribs and a sushi roll before our appetizers, only 2/3 of us got miso soups when asked and it just felt sorta scrambled. He did try to explain some of the errors but felt more like miscommunication with the runners/kitchen. Our apps came dead last out of everything surprisingly. he was really nice with recommendations and fixing up my sushi roll in a way I'd like, so it didn't bother us too much. He also brought out a bday dessert for my friend which was so sweet! Would go again

Danielle W.

such a great experience we came for our three-year anniversary dinner and all the food was super super great. Our favorite rolls for the everybody loves Raymond and 805. Peter, our server was kind enough to bring us a little anniversary treat at the end and was so thoughtful throughout the whole experience. 10 out of 10 recommend this place. Definitely try and sit on the upper deck patio gorgeous view and plenty of heaters.

A M.

I recommend Oku Sushi to guests at my hotel all the time, so I finally made it in for dinner the other night and I'm happy to say it absolutely lived up to the recommendation. The sushi was right on par across the board. Everything tasted fresh, the flavors were balanced, and the rolls were rolled tight and done well, which I always notice. They were also great about listening to what we wanted, answering questions, and making thoughtful suggestions. My standout was the spider roll, it was perfect. The soft shell crab was cooked exactly right, crispy without being heavy, and the whole roll just came together really well. Easily my favorite of the night. We also wanted sake but weren't totally sure what direction to go in, and our waitress was phenomenal. She asked the right questions, explained her recommendations in a way that made sense, and ended up steering us toward something we really loved. That kind of service makes a big difference. The vibe is great too, modern, a little hip, fun energy. There are a few different seating options, including an outdoor patio, main dining area, a smaller side space, plus both a bar and sushi bar, which I always appreciate. Overall, this is a spot I'll continue to recommend and definitely come back to myself.

Leslie W.

Oku is one of those restaurants that manages to feel polished without losing approachability, and after this visit it makes sense why it stays consistently busy. The atmosphere is lively but comfortable, and the service struck that ideal balance of attentive and relaxed that lets you settle in and enjoy the meal at your own pace. What impressed me most was that the kitchen holds its own beyond the sushi bar. The flat iron steak was cooked beautifully with a nice char and deep savory flavor, served over bok choy and fried rice that made the dish feel intentional rather than just a token non seafood option. The firecracker shrimp tempura was crisp and light, not greasy, and the tamarind dipping sauce added a bright sweet tang that kept the dish interesting from start to finish. Nigiri quality was consistently strong. We tried sweet shrimp, monkfish liver, Santa Barbara uni, toro, scallop, and tamago, and each piece tasted clean and fresh with well balanced rice and thoughtful portions. Nothing felt heavy handed. Just solid execution that lets good ingredients shine. Cocktails added a fun layer to the experience. The Oku POG arriving in a lucky cat cup was playful without feeling gimmicky. Oku feels like a place that understands its audience. You can come for a sushi focused dinner, a group night out, or even with someone who does not eat seafood and everyone leaves happy. Strong fundamentals, thoughtful touches, and genuinely welcoming service make this an easy repeat visit.

Spicy scallop roll
Brandon G.

The service was excellent! The patio is well heated, and you can go with just a t shirt in February. The food was mostly good. The lollipops were a little underwhelming, but the flavors on the Everybody Loves Raymond Roll and the spicy scallop roll were great. The hamachi collar also had a lot of meat and crispy skin.

Dirty martini
Brooke C.

Looking for a dirty tini? Cum here. Spicy tuna hand roll... yum. Lollipop sauce is ehhhhh.

Sake mule &  hidden dragon
Celine P.

I brought my partner here for his birthday and the vegan sushi was so lifechanging we ordered seconds. The mushroom one had truffle oil and was so tender. Asparagus filling had the perfect crunch. The vegetable one I imagine is roasted bell peppers but I am unsure. Reservations are a must. We got roof top seating and it was packed. Our server disappear for minutes at a time but that gave us a lot of uninterrupted conversation on the bright side. They surprised us with sorbet for his birthday. It was so sweet of them. Silky with bites of frozen berries. The mint on the icy treat was so refreshing. We would come back.

Spicy Yellowtail box roll
Kassandra S.

Came here for our anniversary dinner! The service was quick and attentive. We had a reservation for two and were sat down quickly with a wonderful view on the rooftop. The server was kind & knowledgeable about their menu. He helped us choose the right rolls to have a great dinner! I highly suggest making reservations as it does get very busy for dinner!

Salmon
Ian L.

Andreina was our server and provided outstanding service from start to finish warm, attentive, and genuinely hospitable. She made the entire experience feel elevated and personal. The sushi was some of the best we've had in Santa Barbara fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The ocean view from the second floor made it even more special. What really stood out was Andreina offering my girlfriend a blanket to keep her warm such a thoughtful touch that you don't see often these days. We'll definitely be recommending this spot and coming back with friends. Highly recommend! -Ian Lantz

Breana M.

I'm in the middle about oku! This restaurant came highly recommended while adventuring in Santa Barbara. As far as ambiance, the restaurant was beautiful with amazing views of the beach, right off the street. The food was hit or miss for us. The sushi was okay. I ordered the smothered beef and veggies, the wings for an appetizer and the mocktails were definitely a hit. I thought the wings were crispy and the sauce was delicious. The smothered beef dish was a 3/5 - I can't pinpoint what was needed but it was missing something. The service was great - I appreciate that they sought to get us a table with a view outside in the midst of a busy time.

Yakisoba shrimp noodles

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Oku Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Oku

What is the price for 2 for all you can eat?

There is no all-you-can-eat option here.

How far away is the Santa Barbara Bowl?

Go to google maps and put both addresses and find out! It's simple really!

What is your Corkage fee?

$30 for a regular sized bottle or $50 for a magnum

I made a reservation for 10/6@7:45 for 4 for outdoor is that rooftop as well?

You have to request if you'd like rooftop seating. They are usually very accommodating.

How far are you from SAnta Barbara airport?

It's about 15 minutes away by car

Is the rooftop patio handicap accessible?

Yes there is an elevator to take you to the rooftop seating.

Do you have to have a reservation?

It depends on the day of the week. On weekends it's best to make reservations

Is Oku dog friendly in the outdoor seating area?

Yes. Well behaved dogs are welcome

Is there gluten free items and gluten free soy sauce available?

Yes!

What is on the happy hour menu? And what are the prices?

When is Oku's happy hour menu offered?

2:30-5:30

View All 13 Questions

Test Pilot

Test Pilot

4.4
(425 reviews)
0.2 mi
•$$

Amazing definitely recommend, great service and food! The environment was amazing as well!read more

Test Pilot lands somewhere in the orbit of tiki without fully crash-landing on a bamboo runway, and…read morehonestly, that works in its favor. In a stretch of Lower State packed with breweries, wine bars, and roaming weekend energy-drink humans in vintage bowling shirts, it threads the needle nicely between cocktail bar and tropical escape pod. The menu leans tiki-adjacent rather than deep-cut exotica, but the drinks are smartly built and avoid the "every problem can be solved with more rum" philosophy. There's a solid spread of spirits across the board, which makes the place feel more welcoming to a broader nightlife crowd instead of strictly rum disciples clutching vintage Trader Vic's mugs. The Oaxacan Dead was the standout for me. Smoky, balanced, endlessly sippable. One of those drinks where every sip quietly talks you into ordering another without turning into a sugar avalanche. The Jungle Bird was also great, though presented more in the direction of a Negroni than the punchier tropical versions you usually see. Bitter, restrained, and easy to settle into. Crowd-wise, things tilted a little frat-floaty as the night rolled on, but the staff handled everything smoothly and kept the vibe from turning into full pirate mutiny. Service stayed friendly and composed even when the volume of the room started climbing like a malfunctioning theremin. Big bonus points for the location and outdoor seating. Being right in the middle of Lower State makes it an easy launch point or final stop depending on your evening trajectory. Grab a drink, people-watch, drift between breweries and wine spots, repeat as necessary.

Photos
Bananacapa and Oaxacan Dead cocktails
Bananacapa and Oaxacan Dead cocktails
Inside
Inside
Seasonal Slushy

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Seasonal Slushy
Pearl Social Cocktail Club

Pearl Social Cocktail Club

3.8
(107 reviews)
0.2 mi
•$$

Came by here on Valentines day to have a couple drinks. Place is beautiful and the vibe is very…read morechill and relaxing. Took a minute to get some service unfortunately. The drinks were well made and we ordered the charcuterie board to eat. Small place, small menu FYI. Overall not a bad little spot to hang out and catch up with friends or bring a date.

I absolutely loved Pearl Social and kudos to my friend Jara S. For highlighting them and for the…read morestellar drink recommendation. Pearl social is such a whimsical fun spot to grab a drink and a snack in the funk zone. We stumbled in for a late afternoon drink and it wasn't very busy inside - giving off "best kept secret vibe". The decor is very feminine yet playful. Loved the design and bar area. We opted for a casual booth area by the bar which was really nice. Also all of the little things were done well, crisp menus, clean bathrooms, and music done at just the right sound level. Their menu in the bar area for food is small but mighty - oysters, cheese plates, you name it. I'm definitely going to keep coming here for the cocktails. I've had one of the best sips in 2025 here - which would be The Mixtape cocktail. My friend told me I had to get it and I'm so glad I listen sometimes lol. This cocktail completely blew me away. Passionfruit forward, it's silky, sweet yet very well balanced. One of the more unique and tasty cocktails I've had ever and honestly I'm not sure how I could come back and get anything else. 10/10 Cocktail and menu. Super impressed. Kudos to Mark who was working the bar. Such a lovely spirit and kind person. He really is passionate about his menu and the drinks he's curated. Loved talking to him as we got to know a lot more about Pearl social and how some of their drinks were concerted. Really appreciated his time and expertise. Anytime I'm in the funk zone I will 100% be stopping back by here for a cocktail and good vibes.

Photos
Cute decor!
Cute decor!
Pearl Social Cocktail Club
Accident in paradise and Stay Ready cocktails.

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Accident in paradise and Stay Ready cocktails.

Oku - sushi - Updated June 2026

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