Cafe OTO, located at 18-22 Ashwin Street in Dalston, London E8 3DL, is a renowned live music venue and café that opened its doors in 2008. Established with a vision to create a platform for experimental and improvised music, Cafe OTO quickly became a cultural hub for avant-garde, jazz, and challenging contemporary sound art. The venue was co-founded by Hamish Dunbar, and its unusual name derives from the Japanese word for "sound.

" Situated in a former warehouse space, Cafe OTO maintains a minimalist and industrial aesthetic, inviting an atmosphere that encourages attentive listening and creative exploration. Over the years, its history has been marked by a commitment to artistic freedom and community engagement, including workshops, talks, and residencies. Since its inception, Cafe OTO has maintained its original location, but it expanded its activities by launching the OTO Project Space nearby, used for collaborative projects, exhibitions, and rehearsals.

Its OTOroku record label further documents live performances and exclusive recordings from artists who grace its stage. Lauded by musicians, critics, and audiences alike, Cafe OTO is considered one of the world's foremost destinations for adventurous music. Its reputation rests on hosting rare and first-time UK appearances by significant international artists, fostering emerging talent, and building a loyal local following.

The venue’s cultural significance is also evident in its openness to diverse audiences and artists, facilitating cross-genre and cross-cultural interactions in London’s vibrant Dalston area. Notable artists who have performed at Cafe OTO include international icons such as Thurston Moore, Roscoe Mitchell, Merzbow, Peter Brötzmann, Charlemagne Palestine, Keiji Haino, Evan Parker, Anthony Braxton, Steve Noble, Ikue Mori, Marshall Allen, Sun Ra Arkestra, The Necks, Mats Gustafsson, John Butcher, Pauline Oliveros, Otomo Yoshihide, Maja S.K.

Ratkje, Moor Mother, and Phil Minton. Local pioneers and collaborators from the UK’s thriving experimental scene, such as Benedict Taylor, Steve Beresford, Leafcutter John, Shabaka Hutchings, Laura Cannell, and Pat Thomas, have also made significant appearances, solidifying Cafe OTO’s role as a vital node in the international network of boundary-pushing music.