In Seattle’s Eastside, a culinary transformation has been quietly unfolding since 2011, led by the talented Chef Mike Lin. After a decade of honing his craft alongside Japanese sushi masters in San Francisco, Lin brought his expertise to the Puget Sound area, identifying a gap in the market for premium sushi experiences outside the downtown Seattle core. His vision has transformed into Oto Sushi Restaurants, establishments that have redefined expectations for Japanese cuisine in the suburban communities of Kirkland and Redmond.
The Story and Vision at Ito
Chef Mike Lin’s journey from apprentice to restaurateur exemplifies a deep-rooted passion for authentic Japanese traditions, now shared with Seattle’s Eastside communities through his exceptional dining establishments. Joined by Master Chef Peter Ni, the Oto Sushi team continues to elevate the standard for fresh, high-quality sushi, bringing downtown-caliber dining experiences to suburban neighborhoods.
The story of Chef Mike Lin is one of dedication and vision. After immersing himself in the rigorous world of traditional sushi preparation in San Francisco, Lin arrived in the Pacific Northwest with a clear purpose. His decade of training under Japanese sushi masters had instilled in him not only technical precision but also a profound respect for the art form’s cultural heritage. When he settled in the Puget Sound area in 2011, Lin quickly recognized that Seattle’s Eastside lacked dining options that could rival the sophistication of downtown sushi establishments, despite the region’s appreciation for quality cuisine.
This insight led to the birth of the first Oto restaurant in Kirkland, where Lin’s meticulous approach to sushi preparation immediately resonated with local residents hungry for authentic Japanese flavors. The restaurant’s success affirmed Lin’s belief in the Eastside market’s potential, prompting him to expand his vision. Building on the momentum of his Kirkland location, Lin established a second, more spacious Oto in downtown Redmond, extending his culinary philosophy to another community eager for exceptional Japanese dining experiences without the commute to Seattle.
Oto Sushi
Today, Oto Sushi Restaurants stand as testaments to Chef Lin’s unwavering commitment to traditional Japanese cuisine. Both locations offer carefully crafted sushi and sashimi, where the freshness of ingredients takes center stage. The menu showcases a thoughtful balance between time-honored preparations and creative rolls that invite culinary exploration. Beyond the sushi counter, Oto presents classic Japanese dishes prepared with the same attention to detail, creating a well-rounded dining experience that honors Japan’s rich culinary heritage while remaining accessible to Eastside residents.
The addition of Master Chef Peter Ni from Los Angeles has further enhanced Oto’s culinary offerings. Bringing his own wealth of experience to the team, Ni has complemented Lin’s vision with fresh perspectives and techniques. Together with their dedicated staff, these chefs maintain rigorous standards for ingredient sourcing, preparation techniques, and presentation aesthetics. This collective commitment to excellence has positioned Oto as a standout dining destination on Seattle’s Eastside, where customers regularly compare the experience favorably to downtown establishments, appreciating both the quality of the cuisine and the value provided at both locations.
