I had a negative experience in the past, which was 4 years ago but I gave Javier's another try. This time around our waiter, I believe his name is Angel, made our experience a lot better and the food was tasty. Their Cortes menu was probably the best part. They do give chips and salsa as an appetizer but it is kinda spicy, for those that prefer mild or no spice, they have alternatives but they were kinda mid. I'm not a fan of their antojitos menu, just specifically their cortes menu. I think it's kinda pricey, but if you want something on the more lavish then this place isn't a bad choice. I think would come back every now and then. read more

I'm not sure why this is considered upscale. Is it because the decor? Is it the pricing? Is it the food? Is it the cocktails? Is it the service? I can tell you the food is not elevated to something special. If the food is not elevated then what constitutes the pricing? Some of the food served was dry, other food was lukewarm. The menu states that special reqests/substitutions will be declined. That sure tells you who takes priority The decor is different than a lot of Mexican food restaurants. It was pleasant enough but nothing compared to high-end restaurants im Mexico City. The cocktails offerings seem pleasant enough but certainly not innovative. The service should be quite attentive as every wait staff that passed by asked if anything was needed. Though when asked for more water it seemed the wrong person, food runner, was asked. The wait staff responded immediately several minutes later. All in all I wouldn't recommend this place especially at the prices they ask. read more

This Javier's is just like the one in Las Vegas! Long wait even if you have res but it's okay as you can get drinks from the bar while you wait. Looks identical to Vegas as well but the outdoor area is really pretty, it's heated nicely. Service was okay we waited a pretty long time to order our food. Food was good! Very pricy but to be expected from this place. I definitely prefer this one to Vegas as the ambiance is just a little more jungly and fun! read more

Love the margaritas here! Service: 5/5 They are friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. When we are not sure what to get, they gave us good recommendations. Highly recommend: Trio de Enchiladas del Mar It's 3 different seafood enchiladas (shrimp, dungeness crab, and maine lobster) and all 3 were great. My favorite was the crab. read more

Javier's La Jolla - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

We came on a Wednesday around 5pm and it was practically empty compared to what it's usually like. The hostess was super kind and let us kind of sit anywhere we wanted because there was so much space open. We came to celebrate my birthday. My family and I don't eat out often because of how picky my parents are and my dad said this was the best meal he's ever had at a restaurant!!!! The steak was so juicy and tender, the chips were fresh and warm, the chicken marinated SO well, and even my silly request of light cheese in a quesadilla was honored. The server, Armando, was so kind and attentive. We had an exceptional time. read more

Javier's La Jolla - Birthday dessert - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Javier is the classic work place lunch to take clients out. And that's exactly why I came here. Ain't no way I would spend this much on Mexican food on my own dime. I'm the person who prefers the hole in the wall type or casual Mexican. Those are the best! But to my surprise Javier's was good for an upscale Mexican dining place. I got the crab and shrimp enchiladas. Honestly I've never had an enchilada before, as I stick mostly with burritos and tacos, but this was a delightful treat. The enchiladas were delicious. Love the green sauce on it, it was plenty and stuffed with seafood. The seafood didn't taste fishy, so it was good. Their salsa and chips were good too. The salsa had a really good spice kick to it too. The lunch here was pleasantly good to my surprise. If I get offered a business lunch here again, I'll definitely come! read more

See all

Javier's is always a vibe. I love getting dressed up and dining here; it's the perfect spot for a nice night out. The service is consistently great, and the food is always delicious. Their drinks are top-notch as well. Highly recommend if you're looking for a great atmosphere with quality food and cocktails! read more

Javier's La Jolla - Vegetable enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

This is an upscale restaurant located outside of the UTC mall. The restaurant has a very nice ambiance. They provide valet parking which helps during the peak hours considering the parking structure can be a long walk from the restaurant. There is street parking but, is often hard to get. The staff is very attentive. Don't let the fancy location fool you. This place offers great tasting Mexican food with good flavor. There's plenty to choose from on the food and drinks menu. read more

See all

Javier's in La Jolla is a high-end Mexican restaurant serving top quality steaks and seafood and craft cocktails, including an extensive ‍ margarita menu. The ambience at Javier's is just incredibly stunning! From the coastal vibes, to the waterfalls and fire pits, to the show-stopping restroom entrance, every detail was thoughtfully laid out and it's just a total VIBE, and we are here for it! Now to the food, we thought everything was really flavorful and tasty, with high quality meats. The chips and salsa were delicious (we recommend requesting their green and Smokey salsas too). We do think they were a bit overpriced for what you got but it's totally a spot worth at least experiencing once! We ordered the "La Tablita" ($115) which is their signature make-your-own tacos made for two or more people so it was perfect for two adults and a child. We chose the skirt steak and carnitas for our proteins. It also comes with guacamole, cheese, pickled jalapeños and carrots, fresh tortillas (flour/corn), rice, and refried beans. I also tried their Pepino (cucumber ) Margarita that was super light and refreshing ($21). Follow @allthingsfoodinsandiego for more must try San Diego restaurants, date night ideas, food experiences, kid friendly spots, with a sprinkling of home-cooking! read more

See all

At UTC mall, very busy, has a beautiful bar. Intricate details and decor. Do not wear stilettos since the floor is not flat. I went with a large group and we had multiple servers. The food is outstanding! Well balanced, fresh, large portions, flavorful. read more

See all

One of the most beautiful restaurants I've been to. *( see pics featured below) Food was elevated Mexican cuisine. Short rib with mole sauce ( si tender and flavorful) Seafood pasta ( scallop, shrimps and crab claws ) Cocktail drinks were perfectly made. Pineapple margarita ( hubby enjoyed his drink ) Pina colada ( the best one I've had ever! ) Mezcal margarita w/ 1/2 tajin/ salt rim Overall, wonderful dining experience. Would definitely dine here again! read more

See all

Made last minute reservations for a friend's birthday, Friday at 5. First the place is beautiful. Gorgeous ceilings. It's loud though. Especially once every table was filled. Our waitress was nice but could have checked in a bit more. We started with the complimentary salsa and chips. The salsa is spicy. Too spicy for us. But the chips were good. We ordered the guacamole to go with the chips. It was good, but definitely needed more salt and lime. May ask for salt on the table once we did that it was fine. She ordered the taco, enchilada, chili rellenos. The portion was large. It came with beans and rice. What I love is the taco comes on a separate plate so it doesn't get soggy from the enchilada sauce. She enjoyed everything, but was unable to finish the entire meal because it was so large. I ordered the fillet and shrimp. The fillet was the most tender cut of meat I've ever had in my life. I could cut it with a fork. They had a nice crust on the outside with good seasoning. The shrimp were a little undercooked, but the sauce was good. It comes with a side of plain rice, which I felt could've been seasoned a little better. Since it was her birthday, they brought a complementary scoop of ice cream, which I thought was very nice. For drinks, she had a beer and I had a virgin margarita which really just tasted like a limeade. With tipped the bill came over $200. Not something that I would do every weekend, but definitely felt festive. read more

See all

I'm a fan of the OC location, but the La Jolla spot is fantastic. The decor is gorgeous, especially around the bar area. The drinks are on point, don't skip the espresso martini. Everything we ate was delicious. The ceviche was bright and refreshing, and the grilled salmon was incredibly juicy, paired with a vibrant, flavorful sauce. The staff was super attentive, making the whole experience a breeze. Will definitely be back. read more

See all

Javier's is one of my favorite restaurants, and I come here very often. Every time, everything is top-notch -- the food, the service, and the atmosphere are always amazing. The quality and experience are consistently excellent, which is why I keep coming back. This place never gets old for me. Thank you to the whole team for always making it such a great experience read more

Javier's La Jolla - Lamb chops - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Javier's is definitely on the higher-end side for Mexican food. Not insanely expensive, but you can tell you're paying a bit more for the vibe and overall experience. It's a good spot if you're going for a nicer dinner or even just drinks. The skirt steak and the Fideo Del Mar pasta were the standouts. The steak was juicy, super flavorful, and actually cooked a perfect medium rare (which so many places somehow mess up). The lamb chops were also surprisingly really good. Our server recommended medium well, and they came out tender and well-seasoned. The tamarindo mocktail was great. Perfect amount of tanginess and really refreshing. One of the better non-alcoholic drinks I've had at a restaurant. Everything else was... fine. Not bad, just nothing I'd go out of my way for. The salmon was soft and cooked well, not dry. The enchiladas were decent but forgettable. Another steak we ordered didn't compare to the skirt steak at all. The salsas were kind of whatever, and honestly, the sides didn't add much. Fries, mashed potatoes, vegetables... just meh, and they almost took away from the meal a bit. I initially came in with low expectations because of other reviews and word-of-mouth. But it all came together because the service was outstanding. Angel took care of us and had such a fun personality. He has good banter, solid recommendations, and was checking in on us the whole time without being overbearing. Overall, it's more about the experience than the food being amazing across the board. Some dishes hit, some don't, but the vibe and service make it a solid choice for a nicer night out. I'd come back, just knowing what to order next time. read more

See all

High end Mexican food. Ambiance is great, on a rainy post Xmas evening, my friend had chosed this place for our meetup with some friends and family. They live in the SF Bay area and were visiting. The service is phenomenal as expected from this restaurant, reservations are recommended since it can get busy on weekends. This Friday evening it was bustling. The heaters and fire pits were blazing since this was a cold evening in San Diego. It's location was perfect in UTC, had to valet this time ($20) because the parking on that side of the mall was very filled up (post Xmas returns/bargains). I ordered the Enchilad, Chile Relleno and Taco combo You get 1 of each. This my way of trying different items, if you want beef for your Chile Relleno, that was extra. The food was good but I think I filled up on the chips and guacamole/salsa so I was not able to finish my meal. I did bring it home and reheated it the next day and it was still as good as when it was served. Everyone else enjoyed their meals, some had tacos and another had the Asada Steak salad while a couple of people were vegetarian and was able to order. I did notice that the menu explicitly says no substitutions (hence the extra charge for the beef in the chile relleno, no extra if with cheese only). Overall, it was a great meal, with highs and lows. I think the highs are the ambiance and the meals were fine and delicious, most of my dinner companions finished their orders. The low, maybe the pricing is a little high. We knew that going in, since this isn't a fast food Mexican place or even a Mom and Pop restaurant. The drinks were strong but they like the food was also pricey. If you want a hefty meal for the price, you would not find it in Javier's but I think if you went in to check the place for drinks and appetizers, you would be fine. No Happy Hour. read more

See all

BLUF: Javier's redeemed themselves in a huge way! I asked for a booth when making reservation and I seriously think we got the best seat in the restaurant. Tucked away towards the back of the outdoor seating area, next to a beautiful fire pit and surrounded by foliage, it was quiet and allowed us to chat easily. Service was prompt, friendly and professional. As always endless chips have to be mindfully consumed so you aren't stuffed by the time food arrives. We were pleasantly surprised that the food came quickly and didn't disappoint. Enchiladas poblanos was covered in a most delicious mole! Carnitas were tender and flavorful. Enchiladas suizas, equally tasty. Yes - Javier's is expensive, but this visit was well worth it! read more

See all

Our day of after-Christmas (12/27/25) shopping at The UTC Mall was topped off at Javier's La Jolla. We arrived before the dinner rush and seated ourselves on the choice bar seats giving us a spectacular view into the dining area with its circular bar. These were great seats for people watching. The flow of servers were just beginning to pick up. From the moment we sat down, we were served warm tortilla chips with salsa and our glasses filled with water. Throughout the evening, we had prompt water refills..without asking. We were fortunate to have Amanda as our server. She was attentive and knowledgeable, making us feel genuinely welcome and valued. Not only was she one of the OG's since Javier's La Jolla opened in 2019 sharing her passion for the history of this company, it's commitment to their employees and commitment to elevate traditional Mexican cuisine in an upscale, vibrant setting. We were absolutely delighted with the choices of our entrees: we started with the ahi cevichi, followed by The Cabo Azul-(Maine lobster enchilada, shrimp taco, poblano chile with shrimp and Dungeness crab) and The Fideo Del Mar-(pasta and Mexican shrimp, snow crab claws (2), scallop with pasilla chile cream sauce). Amanda recommended the pasilla chile cream sauce, and we could not have agreed with her more! Our meals were accompanied with the mock cocktail, Tamarindo Margarita! To enhance the sophisticated atmosphere of this upscale contemporary Mexican restaurant, I suggest substituting the TV/sports with a curated playlist of contemporary Latin artists, such as Mon Laferte, Natalia Lafourcade, and Ximena Sarinana."...to name a few. read more

See all

I ordered the verde chicken mole and it was good. The chicken was tender, but the sauce wasn't what I really expected. Normally I'd go for the chocolate mole sauce, but this time I was a bit adventurous and wanted to try something out of my comfort zone. I ended up taking it home and finishing it later. We also ordered a few appetizers including the shrimp empanadas and they offered free chips and salsa and all were amazing. Services started off amazing, staff were attentive, but when they packed up my food, I asked for two boxes and they ended up tossing all of my food in one boxing and mixing everything up. When I got home, it looked like the food were quickly thrown in the box without any order. The ambiance was amazing! Decor speaks class. It felt like we were in a fancy restaurant somewhere in Miami, the vibe was lively! They also have valet parking for just $20. Also plenty of parking at UTC mall. Overall nice place. It is a bit pricey for the food options, but would try this place again only if it was for an invite and maybe order something different next time. read more

See all

Javier's is one of the fine Mexican restaurants in San Diego! The restaurant is absolute stunning. The music and decoration showed its difference from the standard Mexican restaurants. As soon as you walked into the restaurant, you know you will be taken care of nicely here. The service is amazing, proper for a formal dinner. I loved their starting salad and chips. I can just get that for the whole meal! However, the main plates are amazing! Definitely will come back again and really join the high quality Mexican seafood! read more

See all

Fantastic food but wow the service can be worked on. The staff was a bit dismissive and constantly trying to rush us like we weren't there to enjoy the meal. It was normal dinner time too (around 8) so not sure why the vibe was so intense. Luckily the food was decent. Overpriced for sure based on the taste and service but we had a good time. read more

Javier's La Jolla - Lamb chops - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is one of our favorites both for their food/drinks and the vibe! The food here is really tasty and served with attention to detail. We have tried their drinks, main entries, desserts, etc., and all were great! The atmosphere there is very nice; ideal for dates, professional dinners, or friends' gatherings, and the service is professional. There is plenty of parking in the Westfield parking (first 2 hours free), or if you are in a hurry, they also have valet services at the door, which is a great convenience. read more

See all

If you're looking for one of the best restaurants at Westfield UTC Javier's is an absolute must. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels upscale yet welcoming, with beautiful decoration and great music ! My top favorite as an appetizer is the aguachile shrimp it has the perfect spice and flavor is delicious and for my main entree I really like there steak fajitas this place is amazing with customer service too also don't forget to order the pina colada smoothie read more

See all

This place was really good. Those darn chips and salad was hot! But good but too hot for me. I had Steak Fajitas and it was GOOD! I had an old fashioned it was good too! I would go here again, I actually might go back tonight just to get a drink because the ambiance of the restaurant was really nice too. read more

See all

Javier's Mexican Restaurant: Where the Ambiance Outshines the Entrée. Walking into Javier's feels like stepping into a Mexican Cantina, warm lighting, elegant decor, and a vibe that whispers upscale getaway. But as the meal unfolds, you start to wonder: are you paying for the food, or the ambiance? My wife ordered two enchiladas, which surprisingly didn't come with rice and beans. She enjoyed them quite a bit, but I went for the trio plate--carne asada taco, beef enchilada, and a special chilereano (which did include rice and beans). The flavors were good, but not great. And that's where the confusion sets in. At these prices, the food should be exceptional. Instead, it felt like the atmosphere was doing the heavy lifting. Service, however, was flawless. Our server was attentive, friendly, and made the experience feel first-class. A++++ across the board. Bottom line: Javier's is stunning, and the service is top-tier. But if you're chasing flavor fireworks, you might leave wondering if the beauty of the place is meant to distract from a menu that doesn't quite deliver. read more

See all

Love the location, ambiance, staff, and food. The shrimp ceviche, beef taquitos, and chicken enchiladas suizas are some of my favorites. Service is always on point, and the food comes out fast. The only thing I'd change is the pricing I just wish it were a bit more reasonable, especially for the appetizers read more

Came to Javier's on a recommendation and I would live to pass it on. I arrives late afternoon around 4:30 no reservation and was fortunate to get seated. Do yourself a favor and reserve, by 5:30 I wouldn't have been able to get a seat. Started off with valet, which had a flat rate of $20 (tip not included) well worth it nor to worry about parking. The hostesses were extremely pleasant, and seated me quickly. The service was equally fantastic and quick. I ordered the Tamarindo margarita. It was refreshing. The chips and guacamole were good. The chips were thick enough to dip easily into the guac. For the mIn course i had the care tampiqueña. The steak was tender, juicy and cooked perfectly. The portion size was good and although I was full, i finished with the fried ice cream. Overall the food was great, and the atmosphere was good. Definitely on the recommend list. I'll be back. read more

See all

This place is nice and unique. It's a good experience if you like Mexican food such as tacos. They have a wide drinks menu. The nicest part about this place is the ambience and fire. Otherwise the food is basic and there is slightly more effort in the presentation. read more

See all

I love Javier's and everyone I know loves Javier's. The service is always great, Alberto was amazing! The feeling you get walking in, it's gorgeous and feels very classy. read more

Javier's La Jolla - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

The atmosphere and ambiance of this restaurant is very cool- it feels classy and sophisticated, but not stuffy. Unfortunately, the food wasn't that great. The salsa was good and the perfect spice level for my friends and I, but the guacamole wasn't that flavorful. I ordered the taco and enchilada combo since it came with rice and beans (I got the Mexican rice and refried beans, both of which were the best part of my meal), and the chicken in both was dry. My friend also said that her beef and chicken in her meal was dry, and the overall consensus was that we were paying for the ambiance and not the food. read more

Javier's La Jolla - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

The service and ambiance was 10/10. I ordered an espresso martini and it did not disappoint! The ceviche was great too! Overall Javier's is great, but it is very overpriced for Mexican food. read more

Javier's La Jolla - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

We chose Javier's to celebrate my best friend's birthday and were excited for what we expected to be a special evening. Unfortunately, the experience was incredibly disappointing from start to finish. The biggest issue was the excessive wait for our main courses. For a restaurant with this reputation and price point, the delay was unreasonable and left our table wondering what was going on. Our server was also very difficult to hear throughout the meal, making communication frustrating. To make matters worse, he apparently left for a lunch break during our dining experience without any communication to our table. We were left confused about who was assisting us and why service had suddenly come to a halt. What was especially disappointing was that the entire reason for our visit was to celebrate my best friend's birthday, yet there was absolutely no acknowledgment of the occasion. A simple "happy birthday" or small gesture would have been appreciated and would have helped make the evening feel special. For a bill that totaled nearly $400, the level of service fell well below expectations. Between the long wait times, poor communication, our server disappearing without explanation, and the complete lack of recognition for the birthday celebration, the experience simply did not justify the cost. To make matters worse, when my meal finally arrived, my steak was cooked medium rather than the medium-rare temperature I had ordered. Under normal circumstances, I would have sent it back. However, after already waiting so long for our entrees, I wasn't willing to risk another 45 minutes to an hour for a replacement. At that point, I simply settled for a meal that wasn't prepared as requested. Overall, this was a very disappointing visit and not the level of service or hospitality I would expect from a restaurant charging premium prices. read more

It was a super large party for a farewell work event. They handled our 20 plus party perfectly. The staff was friendly and the ambiance is nice. There were a lot of appetizers and most of them were 4-5 stars. It was a fixed menu sadly but I got the fish and it was a perfect portion and tasted great. A fusion of flavors from America to down south. Very good read more

Javier's La Jolla - Fish - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Another thanks to Tik Tokers for influencing me to check out Javier's. This place is beautiful, the service was fast, drinks are delicious and there's endless bomb salsa and chips. My only gripe, I order the trio enchiladas. The sauce on all three were extremely salty. I'm not sure if that was a one time ordeal or if that's typically how they were prepared but it was overwhelming nonetheless. I'd love to come here another time and give them a second try. read more

See all

Took a large group for killer Mexican--service was spot-on. Fajita platters sizzled with five-star flavor. Guac, ceviche, and queso were addictive starters. Ended with warm churros and ice cream bliss. Handcrafted margaritas? Chef's kiss. Cozy, vibrant ambiance. Not cheap, but totally worth the treat for a memorable night out. Group must-try read more

Javier's La Jolla - Shrimp & Steak Fajita - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Came here with my Husband and a group. We did have group reservations and there was a minimum limit that needed to be met, as we had a few people no-show. We were in a secluded dining area, which was perfect. The service was excellent from start to finish. There is a flow that is followed and service was definitely 5-stars! Many options to choose from and a ton of different Tequilas, although I opted for a different cocktail, I was not disappointed. My palate for Tequila has definitely changed and while I smelled one of the high-end shots, it was definitely not for me. My husband and I always order two meals we both want to try, as much as we can, and we ended up swapping plates. The decor is beautiful inside and outside, they do offer valet in the front of the restaurant or there is self-parking behind the restaurant. Just be mindful of the valet hours! From the freshly made guacamole, to the Aguachile, to the short ribs and filet to the dessert and drinks, it was delicious. Would definitely come back and try other items on the menu. You will not be disappointed if you come here for a date night, it is just absolutely gorgeous with amazing service and good food. read more

See all

Javier's is pricey, but that's a given for more "premium" Mexican food in bougie La Jolla. Their food is pretty quality though. Their trio enchiladas is total yums! Talk about bougie, with them using lobster & crab in enchiladas. But it's delicious and my absolute go-to dish here. Margaritas are incredibly tasty as well, as are their appi's (chips & salsa, creamy guac). Highly rec their churros for dessert! read more

See all

We came here for my daughter's birthday dinner and it was such a great experience! The ambiance was perfect for celebrating, and the food was absolutely delicious. Everything we ordered was amazing definitely a 10/10 recommend! Just a little tip: they only offer valet parking, so it's easier to park at the mall nearby and walk over. Overall, such a beautiful spot for a special dinner. We'll definitely be back! read more

Javier's La Jolla - Margarita de tamarindo - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

I don't know why I expect places known for their ambiance to have decent food but I keep trying. The restaurant is gorgeously designed and decorated and does not feel like you're in a Westfield mall. Maybe if you're so busy taking pictures you'll be distracted from the food quality. The chips and salsa were delicious, and I'd advise to fill up on those because it's the best thing there. My entree of chili verde pork was so bland and dry and the accompanying refried beans and rice similarly lackluster. I tried a bite of my friends steak pescado and it was at least slightly more moist and flavorful but not nearly $50 worth. It was more like a $30 dish. If you come all the way out here, might as well check out the Raised by Wolves bar around the corner which at least has slightly better wares for the vibe. Logistics: - indoor and outdoor seating - valet parking in front, not sure where the garage is as we ubered - reservations recommended read more

Javier's La Jolla - Chili verde pork - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Not stroller-friendly. Keep the 1-and-unders awake or at home. Quiet at lunch. Restaurant stays cool and airy. read more