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    Javi's Cantina

    4.6 (86 reviews)
    PriceySeafood, Caribbean
    Open • 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Javi's Cantina Photos

    JAVI'S CANTINA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    Recommended Reviews - Javi's Cantina

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    Reviews With Photos

    The devoured flan
    Jasmine S.

    Everything about this place is excellent. Food was full of flavor and absolutely delicious. The staff was all friendly, attentive, and helpful. But Aza really made all of the difference, he was the best server I have ever had. The desserts were so good we ended up getting three more to go. Get the flan, because OMG it is to die for. I am going to be missing this flan for the rest of my life lol. Definitely go here, you will not be disappointed.

    Outdoor patio area with live music stage

    Amazing experience! Service was incredible and food was just as good. Was a bit skeptical because the front of the restaurant was empty, but we walked in and they took us to a back patio. That was absolutely amazing. They had live music going which made the experience even better. Would definitely come back here next time we are in I

    With the owner Javi
    Farrah A.

    I had Javi's bookmarked in my "Isla Mujeres" Yelp collection before actually meeting Javi. When my sis and I randomly met him at a local music venue, he told us about his restaurant and we knew we had to pay a visit. First off, it's probably *the* top rated locally-owned restaurant on the Island. For good reason, too. Great food, service, ambiance, live music daily, back patio, and a awesome owner who is happy to share other local spots to check out. My sis and I weren't too hungry on the night we stepped in, but we wanted to have some apps and drinks before, well, having more drinks later that night. The stuffed mushrooms, chips and guacamole, and tuna tower were great. I highly rec those 'srhooms. I wish we had a bigger appetite that night, because all of the photos and reviews praises about the entrees. Don't forget to walk away with a keepsake you purchased from their wall of souvenirs.

    Ahi entree. So good and fresh!! Tried it on the quinoa salad the second night and wow!

    So glad we tried this place during our trip! It was so good we went back for our last night on the island. Everyone was so nice but we had Aza as our waiter both nights and he was amazing. Super friendly, very informed and professional, and super attentive to our large group. The food was some of the best we had on our trip, especially the appetizers and desserts. The asparagus fries, stuffed mushrooms and flan were unbelievable. The only downside is that space is somewhat limited during the rain unless you want to sit on their patio in the rain. Even so the staff were so accommodating and I just recommend arriving earlier if it's raining so you can secure a table!

    Jenn M.

    I was told by several people Javi's is a must try when visiting Isla Mujeres. Wow!!! The food, the staff, and the atmosphere was amazing. I had the grilled fish tacos and my husband had the steak tacos. Both had excellent flavor and couldn't ask for a better meal. The owners are sweet as can be. Their tortilla chips, guacamole, and salsa are too good to pass up. Javi's also has live music and a back patio area. If you haven't been, your missing out!! We will definitely visit again!

    Fillet mignon and shrimp 620+ MXN Pesos
    Josi P.

    Posting the menu since I did not see a menu posted. You will need a reservation to sit in the outdoor patio. So be sure to call ahead. The food is more American, with a lot of garlic and butter.

    Over done and way too much oil
    Crystal V.

    I wanted to like you Javi but... it was under flavored, too much oil, and was similar to food you get at a chain restaurant. There are just too many good places on the island with super fresh, well flavored food that is out of this world. The wine is different brands of sutter home, the salad is romaine ice burg, the fish and veggies are saturated in oil. It was really disappointing. That said... maybe they could turn it around. The only reason they got two was because the people were fantastic.

    Pineapple Margarita

    Good and Service Excellent! Tuesdays and Thursdays they have a live Hispanic show! So Wonderful. The Food is Excellent. The place is small and Cozy. You definitely need Reservations on Show nights. It is So Worth the Experience!

    Asparagus Fries
    Tom H.

    Atmosphere and service were superb. Live music for a Monday night, was very pleasant, and not overpowering the small dining room. Asparagus Fries were excellent, but just a hair overdone. I would prefer they use a hotter oil to cook them faster, and leave the stalks more crisp to the bite. My Beef Kabob was cooked perfectly rare, as ordered, and was nicely seasoned. Javi's may be a bit overpriced for the island, overall, but I was pleased with the experience, and glad I tried it. I would definitely return for a special occasion.

    Javi singing!
    Francis K.

    You can't go wrong with Javi's! Excellent food, brilliant atmosphere, incredible hosts, and fantastic entertainment! You can tell they, Javi and Marla, make friends with everyone. There are many repeat customers around and it is a very lively and happy environment! I was lucky enough to have Javi serenade us when I proposed a couple years ago and decided to return on our honeymoon. Get any of the fresh fish, but I had steak because I was eating fish all week and it was excellent!

    I got shrimp, left is tacos, and middle top and right were the grouper!

    Great food and pretty quick! The service we got wasn't the best but everything else was great! So nice to have a air conditioned place for the summer heat.

    Lisa L.

    We've been coming to Isla Mujeres for a decade and first met Javi while he played on Hildago. As the years passed we continued to run into Javi-whether it was playing late night, running around town, or just hanging out. And everytime we saw Javi, he would be full of life- always smiling, humble, hard working, an amazing musician, and his joyful spirit was contagious. After several trips we thought, "hey, if we ever get married- we'll do it on Isla and hire Javi's band to play the wedding!" ...years passed and low and behold- we got engaged and knew- we're going to Isla and we gotta find Javi. We were so happy when we found out that Javi and Marla opened Javi's Cantina! We knew we were not to going to book a cookie cutter hotel wedding package and wanted to piece together our day with local hard working businesses. We reached out to Marla and started planning from afar. Marla and Javi were amazing from start to end! They are very busy and work their tails off, so we appreciated the fact that we met up at the restaurant before our family and friends arrived on the island. Marla is fantastic and her attention to detail is so appreciated and spot on. There were little details my man inquired about that she wasn't sure she had time to make happen, but day of- bam! Marla made it happen. We rented out the back portion of the restaurant and had the dinner served on the roof top patio. Mala and the staff decorated the place beautifully, the food and service was impeccable, and Javi and his band were on point. Honestly, Marla and Javi helped make our wedding reception literally perfect. We will be forever grateful and feel so blessed that Javi and Marla made our old dream turn into a reality. If you are on Isla, Javi's Cantina is a must-whether it's just for a drink, a bite to eat, or for a special occasion. They stay steady rotating local musicians and they are the definition of a local hardworking business on Isla Mujeres. Thank you Marla and Javi!!!!! We will see you soon!

    Grilled Snapper
    Walter B.

    Great seafood, great music and wonderful service. Must try for a trip to Isla!! We had the seafood platter, fish of the day fried and grilled and it was great!!

    Tikin Xic red snapper

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    4 years ago

    Good food wish the menu had more selection but definitely liked nice ambiance and had dancers while we ate.

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    4 years ago

    Very good food and the atmosphere also , we had the chix tamarind and fillet of fish tamarind

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    Page 1 of 3

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    Rockas Jamaican Kitchen - Appies.

    Rockas Jamaican Kitchen

    4.8(202 reviews)
    76.6 km•Gonzalo Guerrero
    •$$

    My best friend saw Rockas on TikTok and made it a "must-try" for our trip to Playa del Carmen, so…read morewe had to check it out. I suspect there may have been a management or ownership change since the videos we saw, as the experience felt a little different than expected, but the team there is working hard. When we arrived with our party of 8, we were greeted by a very pleasant staff who did a great job accommodating our large group. As for the food, it was a bit of a mixed bag, but there are definitely some highlights: Garlic Shrimp: This was absolutely on point. I honestly should have ordered a second plate, but I didn't want to be greedy! Rasta Pasta: Packed with flavor and a solid choice. Jerk Chicken: The star of the show. I could have easily just eaten this for my entire meal. Oxtail: This was a bit of a disappointment; it had good flavor, but the meat was tough rather than falling off the bone. We did have a few hiccups with dishes taking a while to come out, but the owner came over to apologize and personally explained that they were understaffed due to some last-minute call-outs. She was a very nice lady, and we were totally understanding of the situation. If you decide to give them a try, I would 100% recommend starting with the garlic shrimp and going for the Rasta pasta with the jerk chicken. We appreciated the hospitality and the effort the team put into making our large group feel welcome!

    We recently vacationed in Playa and just had to make a stop at what has quickly become one of our…read morefavorite local restaurants. Especially when we were looking for a place to celebrate some very exciting family news! Rockas serves a delicious menu of food inspired by both Jamaican and Caribbean influences, with (of course) a dash of classic Mexican cuisine too. From their appies to our delicious meal, nothing disappointed. What put this latest experience over the top, though, was the kind and amazing service we received. When they found out our special occasion, they celebrated right along with us and brought out a special treat too. Simply amazing! And of course, you can't beat the Calle 38 jungle vibe and outdoor seating here. Definitely worthy of 5 stars or more!

    Photos
    Rockas Jamaican Kitchen
    Rockas Jamaican Kitchen - Deep fried avocado tuna tartare and jerk chicken

    Deep fried avocado tuna tartare and jerk chicken

    Rockas Jamaican Kitchen - Wings

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    Wings

    Dinnertainment - Shrimp and Arrachera beef kabobs

    Dinnertainment

    5.0(4 reviews)
    3.4 km•Isla Mujeres
    •$$$

    Dinnertainment is a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Javier and Marla are wonderful people! They…read moredo the shopping, planning, prep, serving, entertaining and cleaning up. We had 7 people in our group for dinner, they came to the place we were staying in Isla and it was a great evening with good food and music! They started us with margaritas and appetizers. Dinner was salad with Javi's very tasty salad dressing, stir-fried rice (Javi's special recipe), grilled vegetables, shrimp and arrachera beef kabobs. While we were enjoying our dinner Javi played guitar and sang for us and Marla sang a few songs too! Then we ended off the night with Marla's dessert, baked croissant with cream cheese and fresh strawberries. They made quite a special evening for us and all really enjoyed it. I would recommend this to anyone that is staying on Isla and wants a wonderful dining experience!

    We had the pleasure of experiencing Dinnertainment last evening. What a great experience! The meal…read morewas full Of fresh vegetables and fish and it was prepared beautifully. Javi and Marla are a great couple with a unique and warming dynamic. Marla has a beautiful voice and Javier is extremely talented musician. We were so blessed to have been invited to this evening and can't wait to book one of our own.

    Photos
    Dinnertainment - Stir-fried rice (Javi's special recipe)

    Stir-fried rice (Javi's special recipe)

    Dinnertainment
    Dinnertainment - Marla's baked croissant with cream cheese and fresh strawberries

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    Marla's baked croissant with cream cheese and fresh strawberries

    La Habichuela - Chocolate cake

    La Habichuela

    4.4(229 reviews)
    13.4 km•Supermanzana 22
    •$$$

    I had seen a couple reviews of La Habichuela, and we decided to give it a try for a date night. We…read morewere so pleasantly surprised when we walked into the garden for seating! Wow, was it beautiful! Our waiter suggested the Cadillac margarita and blueberry mojito. That was the best mojito I have EVER had. We were more and more impressed with every bite. The bread for the table was so light and delicious. With butter that was the perfect temp to spread. So good! We started with a lobster bisque and Caesar salad, that was made table side for us... he put real effort into that Caesar salad and man, you could tell! We always order to share so for the main course we went with the seafood fettuccine and the ribeye steak. So delicious. And we couldn't get over how affordable our meal was! I am so happy we found this place! What an amazing evening. We will be bringing the whole family back the night before we leave our Cancun vacation

    Wanted to try some traditional Yucatecan food and we found this spot online. Servers were…read moredistinguished gentlemen who made excellent recommendations and made us feel at home. We tried the tikin xic fish, the relleno negro, and the braided squid. The squid definitely stood out - so tender and flavorful, and went perfectly with their house habañero sauce. Drinks were just okay.. I ordered an avocado margarita which did not have any avocado flavor at all. Overall, decent place.

    Photos
    La Habichuela
    La Habichuela
    La Habichuela - Margarita

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    Margarita

    Marbella - Marbella sunrise

    Marbella

    3.9(61 reviews)
    4.9 km•Isla Mujeres
    •$$$

    Wow! The biggest ripoff in the island. Overpriced and undervalued. The service started great but…read morethey were not busy, as soon as more guest came, the service became slow and forgetful. Missing items we requested and having to ask a few times. The place looks nice and open with two levels. They are supposedly a "market" but it's a restaurant and a pier stop. People with their boast can come in. They have showers as well. We order the grouper (fish) and 1 dozen of oysters on the half shell. The fish came with the choice of rice, pasta or steamed vegetables. We decided to do the whole fish and get one filet out. I'm originally from an island so eating a whole fish is normal so I wanted to experience it again because back home where we live we don't have it. The fish was ok. It needed more flavor. Rice was hard and cold and not really tasty. The oysters were harder than usual. We ordered two of their Marbella sunrise (drinks) and they were good. Overall the food was NOT good or fresh. It made me sick! I got food poisoning. At the end of our trip in the island I got so sick I was puking on the beach and then walking the streets like a drunk person puking my guts out and not even with a buzz?! No thanks! My final advice? AVOID at all cost because what you will be missing here is your money from your wallet. Nothing special. Save your money and go somewhere else.

    Awful. Definitely not worth $221.00. The stone crab was so tuff you couldn't eat it. My husband…read moresent it back and they still charged him $21 for the 1 piece he tried to eat. The other 2 items we Ordered were sub-par fried rice and 6 shrimp. Not worth it at all! Very disappointed in this place.

    Photos
    Marbella - They have a big fan to help with the heat.

    They have a big fan to help with the heat.

    Marbella - "Fresh" oysters

    "Fresh" oysters

    Marbella - Marbella Restaurant!

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    Marbella Restaurant!

    Javi's Cantina - seafood - Updated September 2026

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