Dining Out with Friends at:
Odeum Restaurant
by Mike Sanchez, Photos by Mike & Debbi Sanchez
Odeum Mai Tai
Tucked away in the heart of Morgan Hill, Odeum is more than just a restaurant— it’ s a culinary experience. Under the expert guidance of Michelinrated Chef Salvatore Calisi, this celebrated dining destination blends Mediterranean flavors, California freshness, and refined technique. From artistic plating to impeccable service, every element elevates the dining experience into something unforgettable.
The Journey of Chef Salvatore Calisi After a distinguished career in New York City, Chef Calisi settled in Morgan Hill, establishing Odeum in 2011. But his journey began long before that. Raised in his father’ s New York restaurant, Yolanda’ s, he spent summers cooking on the luxurious resort islands of Elba and Sardinia. Though initially pursuing law, he ultimately followed his culinary roots, attending the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park.
Odeum Smokin ' Old Fashioned
For eight years, he honed his craft under acclaimed chefs like Charlie Palmer( Aureole), Rocco DiSpirito( Union Pacific), Cesare Casella( Coco Pazzo), Daniel Boulud( Restaurant Daniel), Scott Bryan( Veritas), and Christian Delouvrier( The Essex House). His career flourished, with television appearances on The Tony Danza Show, The Food Network, and Live with Regis and Kelly.
His passion for perfection was evident early on. At Veritas, he scrutinized every plate sent back to understand what wasn’ t eaten and why. At Union Pacific, he thrilled at watching renowned chefs enjoy his meals, once catching David Bouley enthusiastically savoring a lamb chop he had prepared. But his fondest culinary memories remain those from his Italian grandmother’ s kitchen, where he first witnessed the magic of handmade pasta.
After co-founding the Michelin-starred Greek restaurant Dio Deka in Los Gatos, Chef Calisi opened Odeum, where he now pours his decades of experience into every dish, striving for innovation and excellence.
Odeum Rosemary Maple Sour
34 SPRING 2025 Gilroy • Morgan Hill TODAY Magazine: Go. Make history... gmhtoday. com