Designed in collaboration with Lota’s wife, Corinne Goria and called “Dora,” the La Jolla spot will feature coastal Italian cuisine, following Sicilian-born Lota’s heritage.

With an eye on a November opening and located at 9165 Scholars Drive South in UC San Diego’s Theater District Living and Learning Neighborhood near La Jolla Playhouse, Dora plans to offer menus with items related to Playhouse shows.

Chef Acursio Lota

Lota, who has earned a prestigious Gambero Rosso’s Tre Forchette award (Cori is one of only six US restaurants recognized), is also serving up his own star-studded roster, with a seasoned team bringing vast collective experience.

Dora’s general manager, Steve Schwob, has more than 25 years in hospitality and has overseen food and beverage programs at Marisi in La Jolla, as well as at Addison, Manchester Grand Hyatt and Tower23, among other roles. As co-founder of Trust Restaurant Group, Schwob helped open marquee concepts including Trust, Rare Society and Fort Oak.

Dora’s chef de cuisine, Luis Esteva, will collaborate with Lota on a menu of Sicilian flavors through a contemporary lens, following helping Kettner Exchange achieve a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod and a stint as Nolita Hall’s executive chef and cooking at Los Angeles spots. 

Dora wine curator Federico Cavalleri, born in Northern Italy and a certified sommelier, comes from Cori with experience at Monello and Bencotto as well. Cavalleri will curate a wine list with Italian varietals, coastal West Coast bottles and rare global finds.

Dora’s mixologist, Mark Young, was formerly with Consortium Holdings’ Born & Raised and a consultant for Lou Lou’s Jungle at The Lafayette. Young plans a Dora cocktail menu inspired by Mediterranean flavors and a tableside digestivo cart ritual.