Accursio Lota

Sicilian-born Chef Accursio Lota, the visionary behind San Diego’s Cori Pastificio Trattoria and Dora Ristorante, brings an unmatched blend of heritage, creativity, and culinary precision to every dish. Raised in the agricultural town of Menfi, where the bounty of the Mediterranean was ingrained in daily life, Lota’s cooking ambitions were shaped early on, and by 18, his culinary star began to rise when he was selected to compete in Italy’s preeminent showcase of young talent.

Lota went on to hone his craft under legends like Chef Sergio Mei at the Four Seasons in Milan, Chef Pino Cuttaia of the two Michelin-starred La Madia (Licata, Sicily), and Chef Bernard Guillas at The Marine Room in La Jolla, before joining Solare Restaurant and Lounge as Executive Chef where he earned the restaurant its coveted MICHELIN Bib Gourmand status. Among his numerous accolades, Lota took home first place in the 2017 Barilla World Pasta Championship, cementing his reputation on the international stage. At Cori, his modern approach to Sicilian cuisine has earned the restaurant the prestigious 2-bottle “Due Bottiglie” distinction from Gambero Rosso. In 2025, Lota opened Dora Ristorante in La Jolla’s Theater District, where his contemporary approach to Italian and Mediterranean cuisine has since earned the prestigious 3-fork “Tre Forchette” distinction from Gambero Rosso.