This November, the Little Italy neighborhood in San Diego will welcome a fresh culinary destination as Orexi, a Mediterranean-California fusion restaurant, is set to open inside the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy.
The name ‘Orexi’ is derived from the Greek word meaning ‘appetite’ or ‘desire,’ capturing the essence of enjoying delightful food experiences.
Guests can look forward to a menu that creatively blends coastal ingredients from California with the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.
Operating hours for Orexi will be daily, with breakfast served from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by happy hour and dinner from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The breakfast offerings will feature traditional favorites like omelettes and pastries, but with a unique twist.
Diners will also find items such as shakshuka and an egg bowl complemented by tahini vinaigrette.
As the sun sets, the dinner menu will offer an array of delectable options, starting with inspiring dips like whipped feta and garlic hummus.
For those looking for small plates, choices such as beef kofte sliders, featuring cumin-spiced meatballs in tomato sauce and feta, will be available.
Other small plates include burrata Mediterránea, which presents a charming mix of heirloom cherry tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers.
For main courses, offerings will range from lighter fare, including seared Pacific salmon, to more robust options like grilled butcher’s steak.
Desserts at Orexi promise to be enticing as well, with potential highlights like olive oil and chocolate chip cookies or sweet honey donuts.
On the beverage front, guests can expect a selection of local beers from well-known breweries such as Societe Brewing Co., AleSmith Brewing Co., and Harland Brewing Co.
The drink menu will also feature a variety of wines, mocktails, and cocktails, including a unique concoction called the Hotel California.
This cocktail is a refreshing mix of Patron Silver tequila, Illegal mezcal, chile-infused Aperol, fresh lime, pineapple, and Fever Tree club soda.
The design concept at Orexi embraces the spirit of San Diego’s beautiful beaches and lush greenery.
Premier Design + Build Group has created an inviting atmosphere using neutral tones and natural textures that echo the vibes of both California and the Mediterranean.
The restaurant will accommodate 89 guests at a time, offering a cozy yet vibrant dining experience.
At the helm of Orexi is Food and Beverage Director James Yata, who brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles.
Yata has a background in both hotel and local restaurant management, with notable positions such as F&B manager at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa and general manager for Trust Restaurant Group.
With a family history rooted in culinary arts, Yata expresses a deep understanding of how food can bring people together, stating, “My dad was a chef, so I grew up knowing that nothing brings people together like a good meal.”
He continues, “Little Italy has such an incredible food scene, and I feel really lucky to be joining it with a fresh concept that mixes Mediterranean flavors with coastal ingredients.”
Orexi is located at 1646 Front Street and is expected to be a welcomed addition to the bustling Little Italy food landscape.
In other local food news, Juniper & Ivy is set to host a rare wine dinner on Thursday, November 3, featuring Cayuse Vineyards’ head winemaker, Christophe Baron.
This event will include a four-course wine pairing meal designed specifically to complement rare wines from Baron’s acclaimed vineyards, an opportunity not to be missed for wine enthusiasts.
Additionally, San Diego Chef Eric Bost and Chef William Bradley recently earned recognition in the prestigious 2025 Best Chef Awards, with Bradley receiving Three Knives, the highest honor.
Their accomplishments showcase the exceptional culinary talent present within San Diego’s thriving restaurant scene.
For those looking for a casual dining experience, a new food truck named La Burguesa has also recently appeared in South Bay.
Chef Nate Horton, previously of Izakaya Maize, is serving up Wagyu burgers infused with Mexican flavors, including birria burgers and tater tots garnished with secret sauce and pickled red onions.
Location details for La Burguesa are kept under wraps, encouraging interested diners to contact the truck via direct message for more information.
As autumn settles in, the Patchwork Market in Julian is embracing the season with its inaugural Julian Apple Days event on Friday, October 17.
This celebration will include apple tastings with local orchardists and cider makers, offering a free opportunity for community members to learn about apples while enjoying a slice of pie.
With exciting developments and diverse dining options, San Diego continues to enhance its vibrant food scene in the coming months.
image source from：sandiegomagazine
