Fodor's Expert Review Oku
$$
Santa Barbara
Asian
Locals and visitors alike flock to this sleek, Asian-inspired restaurant across from Stearns Wharf and East Beach (reserve a second-story table for killer views). The eclectic menu focuses mostly on small plates of classic dishes meant for sharing—sushi, sashimi, yakisoba, ramen soup with pork belly, black-garlic filet mignon—but it also has creative surprises like the halibut-crab-avocado "lollipop" or the lobster-tempura-Wagyu beef roll.
Quick Facts
Known For:
- Two cocktail bars and a sushi bar
- Crispy Korean cauliflower with yuzu-shiso aioli, kalbi-style short ribs
- Craft cocktails, extensive wine and sake list