Omg the food was amazinnnnnnng here! We ordered the Everybody loves Raymond roll and that was the hit. Oysters were incredible. Jaime was such an amazing server and gave us such great suggestions on what to order. Overall would love to come here for a nice and fun atmosphere. read more

Oku definitely exceeded my expectations on going to a restaurant during Covid-19! My boyfriend and I were seated up in the rooftop in front of the beach and we felt so safe. Everyone in the staff wore a mask and they were all caring. So the korean cauliflower is to die for! We couldn't get enough! Their sushi felt so fresh! Probably one of my favorite sushi places I've ever gone to! Also, you have to get their yuzu cheesecake! I wish we could've bought the whole cake. It was mouthwatering!!! Will definitely come back again! read more

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Went here Feb 2021. Even two weeks in advance I was only able to get a lunch table and for good reason - it seriously was packed. You definitely won't get in without a reservation. They seated us at the rooftop which was nice, there's very few tables up there but I asked for rooftop for a birthday lunch and they accommodated which was nice. The view is what you go up there for. Food was okay but nothing astounding to me. My friend was obsessed with the siracha rice for what it's worth. Only went for a trip as a tourist and that's what you get here. It's certainly a tourist spot so filled my expectations. read more

Location is great. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed the view of water. The sushi and rolls were delicious. Our server was great and made some excellent recommendations. My loved her drink, but my old fashioned was just okay. We would definitely come back again. read more

Oku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Amazing food, good vibes, and people. Took my fiancé for her 40th birthday and they made it special. Pre request of a nice romantic seat which we were put in a perfect spot with great view. Can't say enough great things about the service and experience. We were seated right away and didn't even have to wait. Nice heaters on the patio were great for a breezy night. Loved everything we had Yo Adrian roll, black cod, edamame with spices (yum), mushroom sushi roll thing, great sake I prob missed a few things but we didn't order anything that wasn't amazing. Def go to if your look for sushi spot. read more

Waited an hour and a half for food, and got horribly up-selled the entire time. Restaurant wasn't even that busy for it to be treated this way. People who got there way after us with bigger tables received food way sooner than our table of two. read more

Ended at Oku on a whim for my anniversary. The sushi was so fresh, the staff was incredibly attentive and we were lucky enough to end up with a nice view of the ocean . read more

Great atmosphere and great food! We had a very large party (about 20) and so we made a reservation. They sat us on the upstairs deck/balcony and our party took up the whole thing so it felt like a private table! Very attentive wait staff and they were awesome about splitting the check 20 ways, lol! Definitely recommend the gyoza, it was incredible! read more

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I loved how close to the beach this restaurant is. Great vibe, service, & food prep. I'm a huge sushi lover. I can eat it everyday. Everything was yum. I wasn't blown away by the food but it was delicious. Well prepped & flavorful. We got the short ribs which were juicy. We also got the edamame with a chili lime sauce. Not too spicy for the general public. Great flavors all around. For my own taste buds i just wasnt that excited about the flavors. At least not for the price I paid. I only ordered a side, roll, 3 drinks and a meal. I spent $100. I've been to other places that excited my pallet a lot more. Ordering 6 drinks, a side and two meals. Only spending $70 at the most. So it just depends on the individual. But I encourage everyone to try it because you may love it more then I did. Everyone's pallets are different. Happy eating!!! read more

Oku - Kalbi Style Short Rib - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

OMG, I've never been so happy to be SO surprised. This place is AMAZING. The food is perfection. The view is gorgeous. The service is good excellent! And by the way the prices are amazingly reasonable. We all four got multiple carpaccios, delicious, fish was perfect and fresh, Oysters were so good, our friend who hates "fishy ness" had Two, the Scallops were "roll Into the back of your head" deliciousness. Mains were Lamb Chops, Filet Mignon, and Two Lobster dishes.... PERFECTION. The flavors were delectable, complex and so savory we were so very happy. We are born and raised Santa Barbara Restaurant snobs and when we saw this new place come up we avoided it just based on the fear it was catered to tourists. NOT AT ALL. This is our favorite new restaurant! Enjoy read more

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Praising Jesus Christ for Oku Restaurant!! My daughter Aliyah hosted us who made the manager Lau, waiter Ayeko and even the owner Tina were made aware of our seafood allergy! My husband and I were able to eat without worries in eating at a Japanese/Asian Cuisine restaurant!! Tasted amazing!! I had the Ramen Bowl with Bok Choi, boiled egg m, ramen noodles w/ chicken and broth. Stefan had the Stir fry w/ beef and Sigon Wings made with a special oil! - Seafood allergy? You can come and eat here safely! read more

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Some of the best sushi around. It gets quite busy but worth the wait. The tuna with crispy rice was outstanding.

Our server Peter went above and beyond to make sure we had an incredible dining experience! And the food is always perfect

Amazing view of the beach from the dog friendly outdoor patio. Really well priced! Enjoyed the sake flight and the sashimi tacos (we asked for aioli on the side)...they were seriously the BOMB. The sushi rolls are not so big but if you order an extra to share with another person, you'll be full. read more

100%. Seriously, we really enjoyed this place. Our food was incredible! The service was outstanding! Our Bus Boy was cool. Our waiter was extremely professional, as well as, friendly. And, the GM was one of those people you would want as a best friend. Great time. Thank you! read more

The service was great, the food was great everything was amazing. But let me warn you, it is pretty pricy but worth it :) - The garlic noodles was really good here!! - the nigiris were AMAZING! i cannot say which one was my favorite cause all were amazing. - they give you less rice so it's was amazing, the fish was not a thin layer but a pretty thick layer so it is worth your money. - making a reservation last minute was very easy. no need to call to make one you can just simply go to their website. Hundred percent recommend eating here!!! read more

Such a great addition to Santa Barbara. I love the idea that it's more than a sushi concept. Food is excellent and don't even get me started with the quality of the fish. It's the same owners of Opal, so we know it'll be 5 stars all around! read more

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Came on a busy Sunday holiday night due to Memorial Day being on Monday, this place is a very happening date night/special occasion celebration spot right across from the beach. We didn't have a reservation but waited for 30 minutes and our party of 3 was seated next to the bar. Note, the place is loud inside with music pumping, everyone appears to be having a good time. It was very busy Staff did a great job of adhering to all COVID protocols and everyone was very nice from the host, wait staff and others. So if you're in a party mood then give this place a 5 star rating. Unfortunately the food did not match up to the atmosphere (especially given the elevated prices, like $7 for a miso soup and $5 for a bowl of white rice). We did the following: Saigon Wings which were tasty but came out only warm Korean Cauliflower the best thing we had, would go back just for this 2 bowls of Miso - $14 for two, that was luke warm when served 1 bowl of white rice - $5 2 orders of salmon sushi 1 large house hot sake -$16 1 lemonade 1 bowl of Vanilla gelato - $3 Check came out to $86 with tax but before gratuity. Overall a three star due to long wait times to get food and many items being served just barely warm. read more

This is a heartbreaking review for me. I was extremely disappointed in Oku's food, service, execution, even their water... I saw Oku on yelp and the sushi looked good, the views looked great, and the menu selection was a bit eclectic as it's more of an "asian fusion" menu versus your traditional sushi bar menu. It looked like it has a good vibe, nice mood lighting; and probably great drinks. Fast forward to actually dining outside. We got sat down quickly which was a big plus, we came for dinner so no ocean views, but I bet it's great during the day! We got our waters, which has a hardcore tap water taste... it was just not my cup of water. But hey, it's fine! The music and vibe of the place was like an early 2010 edm lounge, where the music was all the bangers from back 10 years ago. It was nostalgic, and entertaining for the most part. Overall the interior design looks cool but it's very mismatched with general tacky "asian decor" from all parts of Asia, and as an asian person that just tells me that you're going for a vibe not an actual authentic dining experience that celebrates the food. My group ordered miso soup ($7- i was shook), the sushi lollipop, and an albacore roll for which the name I forgot. First off, after waiting about 30 minutes after placing our order our server forgot our order and blamed it on the kitchen. I can understand that these things happen because I've also worked in food service especially when it gets busy... but I would've appreciated honesty. Then the shocking $7 miso soup came out. It's hard to mess up miso soup, but I was truly shocked. I wish I took a picture. It came out lukewarm, with fried tofu strips, and one 1in. Cube of tofu in the middle. Literally one. If this was a modern art dining experience it possibly could've worked, but you literally had to stab into it with a spoon. But wait, there's more. Not only was the miso soup lukewarm, the tofu was straight up cold, and also not the right kind of tofu you use in miso soup. It was medium firm, and felt weird... along with everything else wrong with this soup. I'm japanese and grew up drinking miso, and had never been so shocked in my 27 years of life. Then, about 20 minutes later (50min. Into the entire meal) our food came. After poking fun at the miso, we were just starving. To my shock, the lollipop sushi rolls were literally about the size of a big lollipop probably about 2in. In diameter, 3 if I'm being generous... for $20 something dollars. I didn't know I was ordering hour devours The albacore sushi roll was dismal as well, and just expensive for what it was. And then, after I wanted to get out of this place and go find dessert or food that would actually satisfy my food cravings, I didn't get my card back. I didn't even open a tab, they just forgot to give it back after charging my card. The next day I called and came by to pick it up. overall it was one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had, and truly hope this doesn't happen to anyone else.. That being said, if you're just looking for a place to grab drinks and appetizers with a nice view and be okay with spending a lot for subpar "asian food" this might still be your jam. But if you want good quality sushi, that will actually make you satisfied in SB for the same price, Arigato and Kyoto is much better quality of service, sushi, and experience. The presentation of everything seems and looks nice, but it's all just that looks over the quality of service and Ingredients. I truly hope that other people have a better experience food and service wise but I also understand Covid can be a challenging time for all of us. Wishing you and your kitchen all the best. read more

Came here for dinner with my boyfriend we had to wait to so we sat at the bar n we end up staying at the bar cuz the bartenders Cesar and Ren were so amazing attentive friendly and welcoming. Also food n drinks are unbelievable crazy rich Asians was the best sushi roll I eve had read more

This place is really cute. The vibe is super dark and kind of loud. I really liked the firecracker shrimp and edamame was to die for. The sushi itself was mediocre. The hostess and waitress were very nice! read more

FYI the indoor section can seat large groups of 21 year olds doing shots. It's quite noisy but entertaining if you like that.

Easily some of the best sushi rolls I've ever had! The "Crazy Rich Asians" roll (center in picture) was my favorite, it was a delicious sushi roll topped with wagyu. Cocktails were also great. read more

Oku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

TERRIBLE service!! Reservation at 8:00 No server check in AT ALL. Dakota was our server and offered no specials and didn't welcome us (our first time). This was the ONLY interaction we had with her the entire night. She literally disappeared. Never once checked in. What the real kicker here is that we told her explicitly to come back around as we would be ordering more food, and she totally screwed the restaurant out of money because we were so fed up that we just asked for the check! We will never be back and will never recommend this plac read more

Oku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

From the moment we arrived until we left, we had excellent customer service! We were seated quickly. Our server, Sarah, was quick to offer us drinks and help answer any questions we had. Her knowledge of the menu and flavor profiles was an immense help in helping us decide on what to order. Even when we asked about a roll that was no longer on the menu, she asked the chef...and here it came. The shrimp & crab gyoza were succulent and very unique presentation. The Snake Roll & David's Addiction were off the charts. If you've never had Hotate Scallops, then you are in for a treat! The Shrimp Fried Rice was loaded with shrimp and vegetables. Perfectly cooked. Thank you Sarah and team Oku for the perfect ending to our special date! read more

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My husband and I have dined here twice, we both wanted to come to celebrate our birthdays. The food is so fresh, and the setting is amazing! Favorite things here are the uni cups (we love SB uni!) and the ramen is amazing. Also the Korean cauliflower is delicious read more

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Date night here was an absolute success. Everything was fresh and delicious. I can't wait to come back and try some more items. The view alone is worth coming for. read more

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Great service and great food. The price is worth it!! I would definitely come back again. The salmon was so delicious! read more

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We loved the dry veggie and chicken ramen. The Miso is strong here with too much seaweed, but it's good. The menu is dope. Asian fusion is an accurate description of this place. Hopping on weekends but not much wait. read more

Oku - Dry ramen - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Oku is on East Cabrillo a scenic street facing the beach with a beautiful view of the ocean and pier. Great ambience and service. Awesome first trip to a new place during Covid2020. Craving sashimi and Oku delivered. Santa Barbara Uni in SB was the best. Hon Maguro, blue fin, was so fresh and so good. Everything was plated beautifully. Nice variety of hot dishes. The wagyu dumplings were delicious. Amanda our server was on top of everything with enthusiasm. Excellent service. Nice outdoor patio seating with a beautiful ocean view. If your in Santa Barbara, Oku is a can't miss. Make sure to secure a reservation because it gets very busy at this hot spot. Highly recommended. read more

Oku - Santa Barbara Uni in Santa Barbara. :) - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I'm guilty of eating steak at a sushi place this time but it was DDDDDDDDDe-licious!!!! My bf & I went for my bday weekend de last month. The view was amazing with the ocean view.we had been day drinking before that so everything was more enhanced. My clumbsy ass broke a plate omw to the rr & the staff was so nice about it. Great customer service. Helped pick out our plates. Clean place also & not crowded. 10/10 read more

my boyfriend & i came here for dinner while staying at the hilton beach resort down the street. we ordered the garlic green beans along with 2 rolls of sushi. they have validated valet parking & service here was good! the sushi was yummy, as well. we did come in hopes to sit on the rooftop but for some reason were seated in the patio - not sure if they still have the rooftop available, but definitely recommend checking it out because it looked beautiful in pictures! read more

I honestly love the food here However my friend got really bad food poisoning! Beware! But I felt great! She got it from something with crab and shrimp. So just be aware I would go back ... she wouldn't read more

The sushi was great as well as the location! I would definitely go back if I travel to Santa Barbara again!

Went to Oku for my girlfriend's birthday (5/3/21). Just the two of us on a Monday night. It wasn't terribly busy, but they said they had to seat us inside because the three open tables outside were reserved. Waiter Nick was a little slow to greet us, but we didn't wait too long. Ordered a bottle of wine and the Korean cauliflower (which is a little spicy and excellent). Went on to order two rolls and two plates of sashimi all at Nick's suggestion (thanks Nick!). But here is where the issues begin. Apparently, we were given the wrong menu, we had an outdated one from days earlier, so the prices were wrong. However, the prices were only off by a few dollars. No big deal right? The bigger issue is that the menu itself is very confusing and feels a little like a trick. According to the waiter and manager (after we received our bill and questioned it) there are two parts to one section of the menu, one for nigiri and one for sashimi and the prices for the fish are meant to reflect the difference. However, the menu is set up this way: 14 Toro - Tuna Belly 38 12 Hon Maguro - Blue Fin Tuna 30 Etc. (see picture of the menu) To our surprise the numbers next to the fish are not actually their prices. The numbers on the left are for the nigiri and the price on the right is for the sashimi for BOTH FISH on the line. That fact was not explained to us and caused quite a bit of confusion when it came to figuring out the bill. None of this would have been that bad if they had apologized and done the right thing of giving us the expected prices. We wouldn't have ordered the second sashimi in the first place if we had known the pricing set up as we were already full. If they had done the right thing, we would happily return to the restaurant, but they didn't and we won't. Finally, when ordering the rolls we asked if we could get the Tuna roll regular instead of spicy, and it turns out that it costs two dollars extra, but this isn't on the menu. In the end, a nice night ends with a blip of frustration all over multiple screw ups with a menu. Oh well. read more

Oku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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This place is not only beautiful on the outside, but it's so cool inside too. The drinks are amazing!! Let me just say the food is stellar! If I were a food critic on food network on the show best foods in America; I would hands down give it to Oku for their Waygu gyoza!!! Omg this is one of the BEST things I have ever eaten. I am still thinking about it as I am writing this. Wow! It's flavor is unreal. You HAVE to try! Also, the garlic noodles were Soo good too. I had a bunch of rolls and starters, but that stood out! The owner is so nice too! This is one of Santa Barbara's best restaurants to go to!!! read more

Two highlights, & the rest is mediocre (especially for the price): Santa Barbara uni spoons (get them with the ponzu sauce) & the firecracker shrimp. The uni spoons come to me in my dreams - 10/10. The service is also excellent. Get these two items & skip the rest - save that $$ for Sun Sushi. read more

Oku - Santa Barbara uni spoons with ponzu sauce (FANTASTIC) & bluefin tuna sashimi (just OK) - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Keagan was AMAZING! He was attentive, knowledgeable, and made great recommendations on the exceptional food that we ate! The Crazy Rich Asians was the most mouth watering delicacy ever! The Spicy Flying Newton AND the Sunrise were also so incredibly delicious! The Ryo Sake and the China Rose were very complimentary to all we ate and of course ended the night with the coffee chocolate creme brûlée AND the citrus cheesecake because why just have one dessert!?! The overall feel of the place is a vibe and the views from the balcony were beautiful! read more

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Excellent sushi options and great service, you can tell this restaurant is ran very well. Everyone is in sequence And all of the staff make sure your food is on par. Waitress was very knowledgeable about the entire menu and spot on with her suggestions read more

Oku - Yellow tail with garlic oil - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Service was so amazing this evening, hostesses were so sweet and organized when it came to waiting in the non reservation line!! Our server Dakota had excellent drink and food recommendations and continued to check in on the table when our drinks were empty! Overall amazing food drinks and service. My family and I will DEFINITELY be coming back! read more

Oku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California