Javi's Cantina — Restaurant in 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...

DO NOT miss this restaurant. With the most humble, friendly and hospitable owner, you will be welcomed in like family.

We met Javi in the grocery store over conversation about southerners and their love for black tea! He quickly informed us we wouldn’t find it on the island, and went out of his way to drive to his house and bring us a box!!!

That began our love for all things Javi!

That evening we dined at the most quaint restaurant, with personal entertainment.

The Lobster bites, salsa, fried jalapeños and shrimp Ceviche started off one of the best meals we have ever had on Isla.

We continued our meal with fabulous black grouper, chicken and the most tender Arrachera we have ever experienced. You the food is good when the sides are also stars of the show!

The cocktails were absolutely delicious! Don’t miss the grilled pineapple margarita and the Paloma Negro!

You will not be disappointed, but fall in love with Javi and his staff. Who, by the way, are fantastic! GO...

Overall, I was extremely impressed with the efforts to help me set this up and organize everything with such ease from so far away.

Everything I asked to be set up was. My wedding planner also helped to drop things off after the wedding. Javi himself and his son played complimentary music for over an hour it was so nice and unexpected. They made a menu for me, customized with our names. The service was great the food was great as well.

The only disappointment I had was not being able to use the rooftop as planned. It wasn't raining. And I guess they didn't even clean it so I cud take pics. It was my only complaint.

Overall the people are so nice, the food is great, even not being on the roof it was a good set up for 10 people.

I definitely recommend using Javis for you event on the island as they are very accommodating and at a very very reasonable price.

Thanks...