Orexi, a Mediterranean-California fusion restaurant blending coastal ingredients with modern design, is getting ready to open in San Diego at 1646 Front Street, inside the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Little Italy.
The restaurant is set to open in late November 2025, moving into the former site of The Little Italy Hotel, now converted into the Courtyard by Marriott, according to a press release. Food & Beverage Director James Yata, whose background includes roles at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa and Trust Restaurant Group, is leading the opening. Diners can expect a seasonal, from-scratch menu with breakfast and dinner service, as well as a full bar featuring local beer, wine, and cocktails.
Orexi is operated by Schulte Hospitality Group, a hospitality management company with a portfolio of more than 240 hotels and restaurants worldwide. Stephan Bogardus, regional vice president of food and beverage operations at Schulte Hospitality Group, said the restaurant aims to blend Mediterranean tradition with California’s culinary innovation to create an experience for both locals and visitors. Orexi will also serve as the exclusive catering partner for private events at the Courtyard by Marriott Little Italy, offering customizable menus and full bar packages for corporate retreats, rehearsal dinners, and other occasions.
“We created Orexi to be more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience rooted in flavor and hospitality. To curate this fresh experience, we’ve blended timeless Mediterranean tradition with California’s culinary innovation,” Bogardus said in a press release. “Whether you are visiting San Diego, a local strolling back from the Little Italy Farmer’s Market, or a host looking for your next celebration venue, you’ll find a seat at our table.”
Orexi joins the Little Italy dining scene with a focus on fresh, shareable Mediterranean-inspired dishes using California ingredients. The restaurant will serve breakfast daily from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m., featuring items like shakshuka, an egg bowl with tahini vinaigrette, and Mediterranean-style omelettes. Dinner and happy hour run from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m., offering dips, small plates, and entrees such as whipped feta, beef kofte sliders, seared Pacific salmon, and grilled butcher’s steak.
Orexi’s drink program highlights local breweries like Societe Brewing Co., AleSmith Brewing Co., and Harland Brewing Co., along with mocktails and cocktails such as the “Hotel California,” made with tequila, mezcal, Aperol, pineapple, and Fever Tree club soda. The wine list includes selections from California and Europe.
Designed by Premier Design + Build Group, the restaurant space takes inspiration from San Diego beaches and Mediterranean greenery, with neutral tones, natural textures, and hanging plants. The 89-seat space is designed to be casual and inviting, aligning with the Courtyard’s updated hotel concept and the walkable, community-centered atmosphere of Little Italy.
The restaurant will be situated steps from local attractions such as The Rady Shell, Petco Park, and the Embarcadero waterfront. This central location allows Orexi to appeal to both hotel guests and the neighborhood community, reinforcing the walkable, vibrant atmosphere of Little Italy.
