Next Thursday, November 20, Chef Accursio Lota swings open the doors to Dora, his Sicilian‑leaning coastal Italian spot planted squarely in La Jolla’s Theater District. From the team behind North Park’s Cori Pastificio, the restaurant sits across from the La Jolla Playhouse. It is already taking reservations for lunch, dinner, and a pre-show menu timed to coincide with the curtain.
Design And A Room Built For Theater Nights
Dora spans roughly 3,800 square feet, with about 2,600 square feet indoors and a 1,200‑square‑foot patio seating around 100. Inside, an open kitchen faces a Campari-toned oval bar, featuring hand-applied plaster walls, mosaic tilework, and plush banquettes. Bells + Whistles led the design, and CLTVT handled the build‑out. As reported by Eater San Diego, expect a private dining room and a maximalist, nonna‑chic vibe tailor‑made for a night at the theater.
Hours, Address, And Reservations
According to Dora’s website, hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 4–9 PM (aperitivo, 4–5 PM; dinner, 5–9 PM), and Friday through Sunday, 11:30 AM–9 PM (lunch, 11:30 AM–3 PM; dinner, 5–9 PM), with Mondays closed. The restaurant lists its address as 9165 Theatre District Dr. in La Jolla, and reservations are live on OpenTable.
Housemade Pastas, Cocktails, And Pre‑Show Menus
The southern Italian-leaning menu centers on housemade pastas — think ravioli, agnolotti, and classics like bucatini pomodoro — alongside seafood plates, such as cavatelli with basil-infused mussels, nduja, cherry tomatoes, and burnt lemon. A rotating pre‑theater prix‑fixe will pair with La Jolla Playhouse productions, and San Diego Magazine notes the current Working Girl tie‑in includes a show‑inspired cocktail at $18. Mixologist Mark Young leads the beverage program, and sommelier Federico Cavalleri curates the wine list, while industry veteran Steve Schwob assumes the role of general manager, according to the La Jolla Playhouse.
Chef Lota’s Pedigree And What He Brings
Accursio Lota, winner of the 2017 Barilla World Pasta Competition and founder of North Park’s 2019‑born Cori Pastificio, helms Dora’s kitchen, bringing the handmade pasta focus he’s known for. That background is outlined on Cori Pastificio’s site.
