OKU

Review summary

1. M

   Michelle

   Phoenix

   19 reviews

   5.0

   19 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   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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2. C

   Cynthia

   VIP

   Las Vegas

   12 reviews

   5.0

   12 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   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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3. C

   Chris

   VIP

   San Francisco

   28 reviews

   5.0

   28 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   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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4. B

   Ben

   New York City

   4 reviews

   4.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   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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5. r

   ramzey

   VIP

   San Francisco

   10 reviews

   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   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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6. A

   Amanda

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   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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7. M

   Michelle

   VIP

   San Francisco

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on 16 February 2025

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

   Everything was so good, especially the Korean cauliflower and the warm edemame.
   

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8. A

   Amy

   VIP

   Orange County

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 15 February 2025

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

   Delicious food and drinks and service!! We sat upstairs and it was perfect
   

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9. E

   Eric

   VIP

   Sacramento

   43 reviews

   5.0

   43 reviews

   Dined on 15 February 2025

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

   What an amazing experience, great food, service and ambiance. Highly recommend!
   

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10. M

    Mary

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 February 2025

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

    Food is always good so is the service. Went for a Valentine’s Day dinner date and the owner was going around greeting guest and handing out roses…so sweet!
    

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