OKU

Review summary

1. T

   Thomas

   Central Coast2 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 2

   We know the owner and loved the service staff and the food. The hard surfaces along with large groups made for a relatively high level of noise. I guess that means it is a popular place for all the good reasons ~!!
   

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2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Los Angeles1 review

   5.0

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Location is great right across from beach. We were seated upstairs with a wonderful view. Is was breezy so it got cold but we had 3 heaters so we stayed warm. The food was delicious. We had miso soup ( best we’ve had), rainbow roll which was very fresh and California tool was perfect ratio of mayo to crab. We also had goyza which were cooked differently but still very good. I had a Oku old fashion which had wonderful balance between whiskey and bitters. We would for sure come back to Oku. Everything about this restaurant is great. Highly recommend.
   

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3. C

   Cynthia VIP

   Central Coast53 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 28 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The hostess, wait & entire staff at this elite sushi restaurant never fail to created a wonderful & memorable dining experience. We love it!
   

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4. G

   Guy VIP

   San Francisco15 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 28 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   As regulars we enjoy Oku often. We had dinner with some local friends that had their first experience and certain they’d be returning.
   

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5. M

   Michelle

   Phoenix19 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 23 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   We had an absolutely lovely evening at the popular O'ku on the waterfront in Santa Barbara. We were seated at a table by the sidewalk, separated by a hedge/fence, which allowed us to people-watch without feeling like we were being scrutinized by the passer-bys. Being a Saturday night, it was crowded and lively, but we didn't feel crowded. Our server arrived promptly to take our drink orders and such. She was sure to come by and provide guidance to get everything ordered. The menu was extensive without being overwhelming - we ordered some appetizers from the "Hot" menu, then some rolls and nigiri from the sushi menu. The apps came right away; the restaurant was sure to time everything so we didn't get a backup of plates on the table. We had the crispy cauliflower (delicious!), brussel sprouts (also delicious), and crab and shrimp gyoza (also delicious - and unusual in that it wasn't minced but rather a whole shrimp wrapped in the gyoza). The three rolls we ordered were delivered pretty quickly after our app plates were removed - all three were nicely presented and wonderfully fresh. I had a side of salmon nigiri, my go-to to tell how good the fish is at at sushi restaurant. It was like butter, which is all I ask. As it was a celebration (kiddos' marriage), we ordered dessert - the citrus cheesecake and coffee-chocolate creme brulee. Both received rave reviews - and I want the recipe for the creme brulee especially. The server kind of disappeared after dropping off our check, but another helped us with the gift certificate and paying the bill, and we were on our way at the two hour mark (which is the limit on the tables). Lovely evening!
   

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6. C

   Cynthia VIP

   Las Vegas12 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 23 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Another excellent experience at Oku. From the kind and welcoming hostess to the superior food and service Oku exceeds expectations. We started w the shishito peppers, cauliflower and garlic green beans-all were delicious and these are definitely the best shishitos. The sushi is sublime; we ordered the way of the dragon, shinobi, flying newton and a few others and all were delicious. The filets were amazing and cooked to perfection. And we loved the garlic noodles as a side. Outstanding service from the entire staff.
   

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7. C

   Chris VIP

   San Francisco28 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 22 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We love this restaurant and have had a great experience every time we have eaten here! One of our all time favorite restaurants!
   

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8. B

   Ben

   New York City4 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on 22 February 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   World class location, world class access to clientele, and ingredients and talent. Yet, the menus are still in aged plastic sheaths, and the menu lacks the subtlety they might be striving for. For example, the lava roll has fresh hot chile in it, which of course makes it the signature spicy, but at the expense of the entire dish. It absolutely ruins all the premium ingredients it’s paired with, scorching the palette. But overall the food was really good, even if expected in places, and the service and decor were fitting to the mixed crowd.
   

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9. r

   ramzey VIP

   San Francisco12 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 21 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We were excited to try Oku after a coworker recommended it to us, and I must say it did not disappoint! Great location , beautiful views and most importantly some of the best sushi I have ever had, can’t wait to come back and dine here again (we are from the Bay Area)
   

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10. A

    Amanda

    Los Angeles1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 19 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Second time coming here with my family. We all love it! Server was amazing, sushi and food is delicious! My favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara!!
    

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