Chef Accursio Lota and writer Corinne Goria are bringing their second restaurant concept to La Jolla’s Theater District this fall, promising a “maximalist Nonna-chic” experience that celebrates Sicilian heritage through dramatic design and coastal Italian cuisine. Named after Lota’s grandmother, Dora will occupy 2,600 square feet at 9165 Scholars Drive South, steps from the celebrated La Jolla Playhouse. The husband-and-wife team behind North Park’s acclaimed Cori Trattoria envisions their new venture as both a cultural hub and a culinary destination, complete with pre-theater dining options and post-show cocktails.
Sicilian Heritage Meets Theater District Glamour
Born in Menfi, Sicily, World Pasta Champion Lota brings impressive credentials to this deeply personal project. His previous venture, Cori Trattoria, earned three consecutive Tre Forchette awards from Gambero Rosso, establishing the duo’s reputation for authentic Italian excellence. Renowned design studio Bells + Whistles, known for crafting Jeune et Jolie and Animae, will create the restaurant’s theatrical aesthetic alongside buildout specialists CLTVT. Mediterranean colors, handcrafted textures, and performance-inspired flourishes will define the space’s maximalist approach to Sicilian hospitality.
Restaurant Details:
- 2,600 square feet indoors plus 1,200-1,400 square foot patio
- 16-seat private dining room for intimate gatherings
- Housemade pastas, breads, and gelato program
- Seafood-forward Southern Italian and Sicilian coastal cuisine
- Pre-theater prix-fixe menus and post-show cocktails
Community Hub with Theatrical Flair
Beyond serving exceptional food, Dora aims to strengthen neighborhood connections through storytelling and shared experiences. Lota‘s background includes staging opening night dinners at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, an experience that informs his vision for seamless integration with La Jolla’s theatrical community. The restaurant’s design will feature mosaic floors, a Campari-red oval bar, and warm Mediterranean hues that echo both Sicilian traditions and California’s coastal lifestyle.
“This project represents a long-held dream,” Lota explains, describing Dora as more than a restaurant but a celebration of Italian culinary tradition, performance, and heartfelt hospitality rooted in community connection.
Dora‘s Fall 2025 opening positions the restaurant to become La Jolla’s newest cultural landmark, serving both theatergoers seeking memorable pre-show experiences and passionate food enthusiasts drawn to authentic Southern Italian coastal flavors.
