About · Isla Mujeres

The Story Behind Javi's Cantina A Family Home Turned Island Cantina

A family home in Centro Isla Mujeres, a courtyard tree planted by Javi's grandfather, and a chance meeting at a bar on Hidalgo — this is how Javi's Cantina came to life.

Make a Reservation Where to Find Us

Centro · Isla Mujeres

Family. Music. Island life.

Our Story

From a Family Home to a Cantina Under a Tree

"Fresh and local, where flavor meets harmony."

— Javi

On July 15, 2016, a home where generations of the Martinez family have lived was remodeled into a tiny cantina. In December 2017 came the expansion of the back courtyard, where guests now dine under the leafy branches of a tree planted by Javi's grandfather, Esteban.

The mission of Javi's Cantina has always been to serve unforgettable food with a unique twist in a casual ambiance — offering a true Mexican island experience. Since Javi grew up alongside the island's fishermen, you can count on him having the day's fresh catch.

Javi likes to say Javi's Cantina Restaurant Bar is "fresh and local, where flavor meets harmony."

The Family Behind The Cantina

Meet Javi & Marla

Owner · Chef · Musician

Esteban "Javi" Javier Martinez

Named after his grandfather Esteban, Javi is a very proud islander. He grew up learning to cook and play guitar, raised inside a family that has been known across generations as the island's musicians.

The Municipality of Isla Mujeres recently recognized La Trova — the band Javi's father started — as the patrimonial music of Isla Mujeres.

Owner · Hospitality

Marla Bainbridge Martinez

Marla is a Southern girl from Alabama who spent time living on the U.S. west coast and traveling internationally as an educational consultant. While vacationing on Isla Mujeres in 2007, she met Javi playing in a bar on Hidalgo — and a simple request to sing with the band changed their lives forever.

In 2010, she became a full-time islander. She has never looked back.

A Look Inside