A brand new European deli-style market/ speakeasy called Otono Mercat is coming to Highland Park, located at 5715 N Figueroa St.
This will be an expansion of Otoño Restaurant, a progressive Spanish-inspired restaurant concept. Chef/Owner Teresa Montaño hopes to use this space to serve from a European deli-style market by highlighting conservas and tinned fish, then transforming it into a moody speak-easy at night. There is no exact opening date for this new concept, but Montaño is currently seeking staff for its opening. Much like Orono Restaurant, Otono Mercat will have a lot of influence from Spain to create an urban and artistic environment.
Although Otono Mercat isn’t open yet, Otono has made a name for itself in Highland Park since 2018. The restaurant’s food is influenced by many cultures, which Chef Montaño experienced while exploring Europe. After seeing the Catalan region of Spain and Valencia, the chef decided to open a restaurant that honors tapas and paella while embracing the bounty of California’s produce.
“Otoño is a place where innovation and creativity do not stop at the kitchen but spreads through the dining room, creating a holistic approach to service and the guest’s experience,” according to the company’s website. “In that regard, the belief that the dining room starts in the kitchen will be deeply rooted in the team philosophy and mission statement delivering a dining experience unlike any other in the city.”
