Oto Sushi, the Laguna Beach-born sushi spot known for putting sustainability front and center, is heading up the coast to Leucadia this summer with a second location. Owner Ash Cintas has tapped a local designer and is building a menu around yakumi-seasoned nigiri, robatayaki grilling and a hefty lineup of vegan and vegetarian dishes. The goal is to give North County diners a polished-casual sushi hangout, complete with indoor and outdoor seating and a private dining room.
As reported by San Diego Magazine, Oto Sushi is slated to open in late July 2026 in Leucadia, taking over the former MRKT Space along North Coast Highway. The new spot is expected to span roughly 3,200 square feet and seat about 95 guests, with planned hours of 11:30 AM to 9 PM daily. Cintas’ twin sister, Alysha Rabb, is leading the Japanese-coastal design, according to the report.
Menu and team
“Much of our sushi is served yakumi-style,” Cintas told San Diego Magazine, meaning pieces arrive already seasoned to match the fish, rather than relying on a dunk in soy sauce. Chef Connor Mathison, who has more than 15 years of experience and has cooked at spots including Bamboo Sushi in Portland, will run the kitchen. The menu is set to mix classic nigiri and sashimi with specialty rolls, bento boxes, tempura and karaage. Robatayaki-grilled items and Wagyu burgers will share space with scratch cocktails and a robust slate of plant-forward plates.
Sourcing and sustainability
Per the Oto Sushi website, the restaurant partners with MSC-, ASC- and BAP-certified fisheries, Seafood Watch–approved suppliers and Smart Catch collaborators to keep its seafood footprint in check. The site also highlights a scratch kitchen and a commitment to gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan choices to broaden accessibility. Those sourcing practices, the restaurant says, grow out of a family tradition of fishing and ocean stewardship that underpins the brand.
A fit for Leucadia
The new Oto steps into a vacancy on the 101 left by MRKT Space, a market and cafe that had been part of the neighborhood’s dining mix. Local coverage traces the cafe’s run and the property’s transition, per The Coast News. For residents, the arrival of a larger, sustainability-minded sushi concept signals a shift toward more chef-driven offerings along the North County coast.
More openings to watch
Also on the near-term opening list: Silver Hoof Creamery is expected to debut in Old Town later this month, serving artisan soft serve, waffle tacos and milkshakes made from California dairy. The creamery lists a June 19 opening and says it will operate inside the Old Town Urban Market, according to its website. Paired with Oto, the two concepts point to continued appetite for niche, craft-focused spots across San Diego…