Javier’s
Located in a prime, street-level space at the newly fancified Westfield UTC mall, Javier’s boasts elevated Mexican cuisine in a gorgeous, clubby atmosphere. Large, comfortable booths, hobnail leather chairs, intricate stone mosaic floors, a sculptural rope overhang at the bar that resembles the underside of a giant mushroom, and dozens upon dozens of candles provide a luxe backdrop. The menu is large and varied, ranging from prime center-cut ribeyes and tomahawk chops and sustainable seafood especiales to guisados de la casa.
The trio de ceviche is a light, refreshing and starter with your choice of ahi, camarone, pulpo, or pescado. Or, go for sabor a provincia, a shareable platter of empanadas, quesadillas, taquitos and sopes. My entree choice is usually costilla de res, Angus short ribs slowly braised in a spicy tomato and serrano chile sauce, the meat rendered falling-off-the-bone tender; or fideo del mar, linguine, shrimp, and Dungeness crab in a cream sauce, topped with a juicy white Mexican wild prawn and a perfectly caramelized wild scallop.
The bar game is strong, offering a large array of martinis, tequilas and specialty cucumber, jalapeño, pineapple, and tamarind margaritas.