Javi's Cantina

Javi’s son seared us without a reservation. He had a large group dining in the patio. Which did not affect our service and food order. He and his staff did a great job great food will dine again!!!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

This place is amazing. The fresh fish was black grouper tonight and it was prepared perfectly. Javi was playing music and entertaining the crowd. It was some of the best food I’ve had On Isla. You should definitely try out Javi’s.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Grilled Pineapple Raita, Seafood, Salsa and Chips, Parmesan Crusted Grouper, Grilled Grouper, Tuna

We dined in for Javi’s chef’s table experience and it was phenomenal! The dishes were absolutely amazing. There was not a thing I did not find to be delectable! Javi not only explained his dishes he also shared stories and songs with us, along with his dad. Once again we had a memorable experience dining at Javi’s Cantina and Restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nice music, wonderful food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lime Cilantro Shrimp, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Shrimp Ceviche with Guacamole

Went to Javis with a group of 9 and the service, food and music was amazing. One of the best meals we had in Isla. The Parmesan Crusted fish and/or chicken was the highlight. The grilled fish was also good. The grilled pineapple margaritas also paired well with everything.

Kid-friendliness: They did have a kids menu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Seafood, Parmesan Crusted Grouper, Grilled Grouper

Good food, decent service, great music. Their credit card machine was down so I had to use the only currency I had (usd). It was expensive for 2 people ($120 with tip) and got even more expensive when I couldn’t pay with cc - add $20 for usd conversion because their machine was “down”. I ended up paying $140usd for dinner and left the musicians a separate tip of $20usd. This brought my total to $160usd. I think $80usd/per person to eat and take care of the service of each person is too much. I can spend less other places on the island and get far more.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Got ribeye and shrimp surf and turf but asked the shrimp to be cooked guajillo style. Shrimp may have been the best I’ve ever had, and the steak was really good, cooked over wood. Food is pricey but worth every penny.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food and drinks may be the best on the island

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

We’re not picky and this is our very first bad review but when the shrimp are old and reek of ammonia and the tuna was watery from being frozen and thawed and refrozen and the Wahoo was anything but fresh. All 6 of us spent more time in the bathroom that night than we did in bed. This was not cheap food either. $400 for the 6 of us.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 3

Amazing, thank you!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Seafood

Honestly the best parmesan crusted fish I have ever had! Yummy appetizers too!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is a nice, clean restaurant. A bit old fashioned, and more geared towards an older crowd. Food was a bit bland. We had the parmigiana fish and it was no better than frozen fish sticks I cook in the toaster oven at home for my kids. Also had the fish tacos and they had zero spice or flavor. Prices were also higher than average which does not justify the poorer quality but n food. Restaurants was very clean and friendly service. The gentleman playing guitars was nice for live music. Again, this is a place for the older crowd.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Grilled Fish Fillet, Parmesan Crusted Grouper, Cantina Wedge Salad

This was a second visit to Javi's... and I wish I could say that I liked it as much as I did the first time. The atmosphere is very warm and the service attentive. LOVE the guitar players, who just add to the authenticity. The menu isn't extensive, so you would expect everything to be done really, really well. I got the grouper, which was tasty, but overcooked and overly salted. The arranchera was tough. It's not like anything was inedible (the shrimp ceviche was actually very good), but creativeness and care and heart didn't seem to be at play at all with the dishes. I'm not saying I would never go here again, but with so many choices on the island, I don't think restaurants (especially ones that charge the prices Javi's does) can afford to be complacent about what they are bringing to the table.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp Ceviche with Guacamole

Had a great meal at Javi's Cantina. The fish was delicious, and the parmesan-crusted chicken didn't disappoint either. They also had live music which added a nice touch to the dining experience. Plus, the air conditioning made it a comfortable escape from the heat. Definitely a nice spot on Isla Mujeres.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Seafood, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Grilled Grouper

Javi is entertaining and the consummate restauranteur, and his staff seem to mirror his approach.. Exceptional food and drinks.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5