Javi's Cantina - 77400 Isla Mujeres

I was recommended Javi's by another guest while visiting Isla Mujeres. The restaurant is along a narrow side street with limited parking. When we entered the restaurant we were asked about a reservation, which we did not have. The restaurant was split into 3 areas: 1) a dining area in the front that had a bigger table 2) an open courtyard with small tables 3) a roof top area. We had a menu in English. We started with an order of guacamole. It cane with salsa and chips. The salsa tasted OK. It wasn't spicy, but was served warm. The guacamole was really creamy. Mixing the salsa with the guacamole made a tasty combination. The fried fish was recommended. My wife had that with mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a pineapple margarita. The dish was served with cold hoison like sauce that would have been better served in a small side dish so the diner could make the choice to use it. She didn't recall seeing it in the description. The same sauce was also on her potatoes. I had the garlic shrimp with vegetables and a Coke. The shrimp were seasoned perfectly and tasted amazing. The vegetables included cooked carrots, zucchini, and broccoli. Service wasn't too fast, but the server was also engaged with another small table a large party. It took a while to get our check after dinner.

Javi’s, by far, is my favourite restaurant on Isla. You can’t go wrong with a candlelit dinner, live music, and a beautifully intimate setting. The food is 10/10, and the service was beyond amazing. I recommend the Tuna carpaccio or stuffed mushrooms as starters. The seafood platter as a main is good for 2-3 people. It comes with shrimp, fish, octopus, lobster, and goes well with a side of rice and mixed veggies. The grilled octopus was outstanding. Also, they have a great cocktail menu. Overall I was very pleased with my experience finding this hidden gem, and I cannot wait to return.

We had one of the very best meals of our visit at Javi's. Excellent service, fantastic food, and beautiful music!!

Javi's is a hidden gem. If you don't know anything about the place and are walking by, you might think it must not be any good, the place looks empty. Well, you better have a reservation or you just might not get in. There's a courtyard in the back where all the action is. We saw a duo of musicians that was wonderful entertainment. Now, on to the food. Delicious, delicious, delicious, did I say delicious! The Parmigiano crusted grouper was out of this world. Javi's is a unique place. The owner, who is always there working hard to satisfy everyone, has an amazing story. If you're blessed to have a chance to speak with him, take the time. Thank you Javi for your hospitality.

We had a great evening at Javi’s. It was recommended by our golf cart tour guide, Aza. I rarely order flavored margaritas because they are too sweet, but the grilled pineapple margarita was so good. I had the parmasean crusted filet and my husband had the grilled filet. Both were amazing and the vegetables were out of this world tasty. The dancing was beautiful! Highly recommend this for anyone visiting the island.

We absolutely LOVE Javi’s!! We visit the restaurant every time we are on the island. This time we caught fish while deep sea fishing off the coast and brought to to Javi’s to cook special for us. It was absolutely amazing!!! Best fish we have ever ate. I highly recommend Javi’s, his menu is wonderful, quality & quantity are always perfect! Javi & his wife Marla are very special people that truly care about their employees & the community.

Very nice place and friendly staff. The food was really good: the tortillas were slightly fried and the shrimps and vegetable very well seasoned. There were also two musicians, which could sing and play guitar very nicely

Really excellent meal. Perfect if you want lighter, fresher modern Mexican cuisine that highlights the freshest local ingredients. The cocktail program is outstanding. Vastly ahead of the standard margaritas with some flavorings.