DISTRITO MX, a new restaurant concept led by hospitality partners Antonio Luiu and Mauricio Fernandez Margain, is preparing to open in San Ysidro at 165 W San Ysidro Blvd, Suites 105 and 106.
The team recently filed a liquor license application for the space, located less than one mile away from the 104,000-square-foot Plaza Las Americas shopping center. While an exact opening date has not yet been confirmed, the location suggests the concept will occupy one or both levels of a newly developed two-story retail building. What Now San Diego reached out to Luiu for additional details, but has not yet received a response.
Property listings show the building includes 7,617 square feet of space across two floors, both of which are designed for restaurant or café use. Grease interceptors are installed, and the building offers high visibility and accessibility, which may support a strong dining or nightlife presence. The lower level spans 4,647 square feet, while the second floor measures 2,970 square feet.
Chef Antonio Luiu is no stranger to the region’s dining scene. He currently operates several restaurants across Baja and Southern California, including Garbatella Osteria in Otay Ranch, Coleta in National City, and multiple Gianluca Ristorante Pizzeria locations in Tijuana. His culinary background spans modern Mexican cuisine as well as traditional Italian, with concepts that range from casual cafés to full-service dining.
While the menu and theme for DISTRITO MX have not yet been made public, the project’s name and ownership suggest a possible focus on modern or regional Mexican cuisine. Additional details are expected to emerge as the buildout progresses and permitting advances.
What Now will continue to monitor this development and provide updates as they become available.
