Javier's Latin Cuisine Restaurant — Restaurant in Courtenay

I went last night with my mom and her friend. I am visiting from Vancouver, and my mom wanted to take us somewhere unique and interesting. We both like Mexican food, so I looked around to see what choices there were here. We decided on Javiar’s mostly because of the good reviews that I saw, plus the pictures. We also liked that the menu covered Peru and Colombia as well, which we are not as familiar with. The gentleman running the front of the house was fabulous. Friendly, knowledgeable and engaging. It almost felt like we were visiting someone’s home. He was able to accommodate my mother’s dietary concerns easily and with care. The restaurant is tastefully decorated in a latin theme with lots of colour. The music was excellent, modern Mexican, and I used Shazam to find the names of a half dozen songs. The food was very good. I had the Mexican Ribs $27, which were perfect for me - a bit spicier than most ribs out there, which is what I was hoping for, but not blow your mouth off hot. Also, the sauce/rub was not sweet, which I really appreciated. The dish came with a simple salad with a delicious light dressing, a deep fried plantain, and rice. The rice was cooked in a broth and had vegetables in it, similar to a pilaff. It was delicious. Good flavour and value for the money, I would happily order the ribs again. My mom had Araminta’s Chicken $24, which I believe is Colombian, as it is the chef’s mother’s recipe, and the chef is Colombian. Served with the plantain and rice. The chicken was cooked well, tasty and juicy. Topped with a lot of veggies in a lightly flavoured sauce. My mom ate every bite. Mom’s friend had the Beef Stir Fry $26, which came with roast potatoes and rice. She enjoyed it very much. While we were eating, the chef came out and talked to us, which we appreciated. For desert mom ordered the Flan Caramel $7, and I had a bite. It was excellent. We each had a glass of wine, and I liked that thought they do not have a sauvignon blanc on the menu by the glass (mom’s favourite), they were able to open a bottle and provide a glass. All in all a great experience, I wish it was a bit busier, and perhaps on a Friday or Saturday it is. All of us said we would be back. For context - I had the burger $24 at Crowne Isle today, with a Caesar salad instead of fries $3. Completely different experience of course, but the exact same price. I found Javiar’s to be excellent food and value...

My elderly parents and I dined at Javier's last night, and both the meal and the service were absolutely outstanding. Brian and Kellie made my chatty folks feel important and welcome, and we didn't stop talking about our meals for hours after dinner (expect a surge of their 80+ year old Comox Valley pals).

We started our meal with margaritas and a variety of appies. Mum had the lime margarita, Stepdad chose the spicy version, and I had a virgin spicy. The drinks arrived in cheerful, sturdy glassware we loved, and after Mum had sent hers back to have the salt "cleaned off the rim", Stepdad and I had our first sips. The spicy margaritas were delicious: elevated by fresh ingredients (thin slices of lime and jalapeños, and muddled seeds for heat) and the tamarind and chili mix on the rim added yummy complexity. Mocktail drinkers will understand how much it means to be served an interesting and "adult" tasting beverage while others are drinking cocktails -- this one was just great.

Appies came next. Mum had the tortilla soup (Mum: "Why did they bring me a bowl of soup?". Me: "Because you ordered it"), which -- once a few spoonfuls of soup had flown around the table -- we ALL agreed was excellent, and could have been a meal in itself. Stepdad and I shared a plate of veggie empanadas, and the fried yucca and plantain. We couldn't decide which we loved most, and Mum was equally impressed with all of it. For our mains, Mum had the pork; Stepdad and I had the special, Tecu Tecu, a sublime Peruvian seafood dish. We're all good eaters, but we couldn't finish our mains even though it was so good.

I've never been served such beautiful food at a Vancouver Island restaurant. But more importantly, it's been a long time since I've been made to feel so welcome in ANY restaurant -- especially when dining with my eccentric and outspoken folks. Brian and Kellie - you two are a class act, and Javier's food was just beautiful. Thanks so much for a memorable evening -- we'll be...

The food here is amazing! Authentic and delicious. As good or better than similar places I've dined at in Florida (which has a large south American population/attracts many South American tourists).

The house made chips and salsa were exceptional. The Tortilla Soup was the one of the best I've had, as was the chicken enchiladas with the Mole sauce. Friend had the enchiladas with green sauce which I'd have been equally happy with.

Dessert was delicious!! The deep-fried ice cream shell was amazing and the plantains in chocolate sauce were yummy.

Atmosphere and service were wonderful. Live music performance was perfect (very talented musician, didn't overpower the room for a small restaurant).

Reasons for 4 star vs 5 star rating: Portions were small. Entrees weren't satisfying for an evening potion and were pricy for the size. Three small enchiladas came with rice or refried beans. Anywhere else I've had similarly authentic cuisine, the main dish of the entree is at least a 33% larger portion, and come with more sides (usually beens and rice, and plantains). For as great the food and dessert were, was disappointed there weren't any enticing coffee option. Peruvian coffee or Mexican coffee would've topped off the meal perfectly.

Will definitely be a regular stop and will recommend to and bring...