Javi's is the place to eat lobster on Isla Mujeres. The house speciality is whole Caribbean lobster grilled over charcoal — available from June through February when the local lobster season is open — served with rice, black beans, and a stack of warm tortillas. Out of season the kitchen switches to grilled fish and shrimp, done with the same careful attention. The mojarra al mojo de ajo (whole tilapia in garlic) is a reliable standby year-round.
The restaurant is on one of the pedestrian streets in the centre of town, relaxed and family-run. Service is unhurried in the best sense. Ask what is fresh that day before ordering from the menu — the answer is usually worth following.