So sad to see this place go. Enjoy your retirement Javier and Mary Arana!
(5)
Scott M.
Highly disappointed. Our waitress ignored us and had a lousy attitude. She was the type of waitress that should work at a truck stop coffee shop. The owner was however very friendly, but again the service was terrible. The food is decent but nothing amazing. The Ceviche's were good but in all honestly all I could taste was lemon. The atmosphere is dark and dismal. If you want an average meal that is priced well then come here. If you are looking for something amazing, this is not the place for you. It could have been our waitress that put a damper on the meal, but I was just not impressed.
(3)
Suzanne G.
The tuna ceviche was fantastic. We split the anticuchos mar y tierra as an entree. The shrimp were some of the best I've had in a long time and the chimichurri sauce had me wanting to put it on everything! Service was good. There were mostly older folks in the restaurant, but I think that says more about the neighborhood than the restaurant. This is a great place to eat if you're staying at one of the rental places in the area.
(4)
Ellen W.
Really delicious food! We had Baby back ribs.. it just melted in my mouth. So tender and tasty. Calamari.. best Calamari I had in a long time. It's sauteed not fried. The sauce is great for dipping bread. Civeche mixto.. had better civeche Chorizo.. yuca fries that comes with it was amazing!!
(4)
George C.
This is on our short list of restaurants. Very tasty and the price is right the bananas foster is the way to top off the evening
(4)
Pete R.
I truly savored the lomo saltado at Javier's, and was struck by its amazing blend of rich, complex flavors. For drinks, I'd recommend the homemade sangria and the pisco sour. The several desserts our group tried and shared were also delightful and well-executed. The service we received was excellent and we really enjoyed the friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The owners seem to be a big part of that. Will definitely be back the next time we're in Sarasota.
(5)
Janee M.
Cassandra was our waitress! This place is the real deal! Gr8 service! Awesome FOOD!
(5)
Christine W.
On vacation, we were so tired of the mediocre food Siesta Key has to offer...and let me tell you, Javier's did the trick!! What a wonderful restaurant--relaxing ambience, excellent service, and the food...absolutely delicious!! Everything was so flavorful, and the food was much more interesting than other Peruvian restaurants we have eaten at in the past. We loved it all, from appetizers to the desserts, and left feeling extremely satisfied (and stuffed!). p.s. the dessert Pionono is a definite Pio-YES-YES! a must try
(5)
Dave H.
Be careful. Food is delicious. But they advertise a 20% discount if seated by 5:45. A caveat is that no one in your party can order the 4-course tapas special and receive the discount. They gave us a break, but it would have ended up costing us $50 more if we had not paid attention. Gratuity was also automatically included for a party of 4. Very strange. Good food though.
(3)
Amy N.
Creative and delicious food, with impeccable service! Several vegetarian selections are listed on the menu, and the waiter was helpful at suggesting vegan alternatives. I'll return the next time I visit Sarasota!
(4)
Lisa G.
Went on a Tuesday at 8 pm during spring break. Great service. Had a 4-course tapas special for $26. The ribs, salad, and dessert were smashing. I thought the shrimp was a bit bland because I was picturing something different.
(4)
Vanessa K.
Wonderful food! We got the four course topas special and everything was delious. Great service and quite quaint atmosphere.
(5)
Karen A.
Excellent dinner, service and value! Wish we would have found this sooner in our visit to Siesta Key, we would have come here every night! All four of us ordered something different and loved our entrees! Also enjoyed our small plate of mixed variety tapas. Bananas Foster was wonderful as well, all told a great evening well enjoyed by all!
(5)
Selma M.
Fabulous find!! Very good food and atmosphere. It's a small place but definitely enjoyable,
(5)
Art D.
Ended up staying at a sweet Airbnb across the road in Siesta Key. What a great meal with the special tapas menu. Can't wait to go back again.
(4)
C H.
Our first night staying at the Tropical Beach Resort and Javier's was recommended by the woman in the office. It was just across the street and we had an awesome dinner. The staff was excellent and the service was great. We enjoyed it so much we went back two nights later to try the tapas special. Again quality food and service. Javier waited on us several times throughout the night. This is definitely a 5 star restaurant.
(5)
Charlie B.
My wife and I had dinner here on our first night in Siesta Key, and promised ourselves we would go back before our vacation was over, which we have just done. Other reviewers have done a good job, so I will confine myself to commenting about my experience there as a vegetarian. Both the owner and the waitstaff were eager to make helpful suggestions and offer modifications. The first time I chose the vegetable plate, your choice of four of their delicious and unusual "sides". The second time I had pasta with vegetables, which was light-years better than the usual pasta primavera that gets foisted off on hapless vegetarians. We closed both times by sharing the key lime trifle, served in a wine glass and deliciously tart. Highly recommended.
(4)
Ram H.
My family just enjoyed this great Peruvian restaurant and I highly recommend it. The owner is very personable and the entire staff works together to take care of you. The food is great and portions are large.
(5)
Oscar A.
This is by far the worst restaurant i have been to in a long time. We went with the whole family while on vacation and it was just plain bad. The ceviche was not fresh, the shrimp tasted like frozen shrimp. The lomo saltado was inedible and the chaufa was bland. It was over priced and under seasoned. A horrible experience and was the only dark cloud on what was a wonderful vacation. Save your time and money and do not go.
(1)
Andre C.
Everything just so-so. Calamari, chorizo, chowder,empanadas, service. Only giving 3 as nothing was actually bad. Disappointing.
(3)
Sam T.
Had a wonderful meal last night at Javier's. food was great and the service, pace, and overall experience was even better. Highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Diane T.
Just finished an outstanding meal at Javier's. the food was amazing and the service was the best I have experienced in a long time. The 4 course fixed priced meal was more food than I expected but I managed to eat every last bite. Don't miss out get to Javier's .
(5)
Julie T.
Had dinner here one night while staying on Siesta Key. Read all the wonderful reviews but unfortunately did not feel the same as way. The staff was pleasant. Ordered a shrimp appetizer ( menu description included something like sinful Gorgonzola). What we were served were simple baked shrimp with a small mound of very dry stuffing. Not too exciting- or sinful. The meals ( a chicken dish and steak dish) were made from quality ingredients but really did not qualify as fabulous. Maybe its us, having not been to a Peruvian restaurant before, would probably not try Peruvian or this restaurant again. Sorry.
(2)
Blanche S.
Absolutely delicious. I had the Calamari which was superb,and my husband had a four course meal. The house wines paired quite well. The wait staff was friendly and very attentive, but not overbearing. I met the owner and his wife who were delightful hosts.
(5)
Peg M.
Excellent Peruvian cuisine! After experiencing some less than desirable restaurants on Siesta Key, Javier's was a welcomed surprise. They only serve dinner and do it quite well. We shared several tapas and a main dish which was more than enough for the two of us. The ceviche de pescado was a perfect combination of fish, cilantro, onion, lime and spices. I haven't had ceviche that I enjoyed this much since a trip to Cancun. The sauteed calamari salteado was tender and perfectly flavored. The scallops in the conchitas al la parmesana were alone worth coming to Javier's. Their homemade spicy tomato pepper salad dressing made for a heavenly green salad. We split a main dish with skewers of grilled shrimp and beef, black beans and rice, fried plantains, yuca fries and a cilantro aoli that were all delicious. Unfortunately, after eating all of this we weren't able to even think about one of their amazing desserts. The owners were very personable and even recommended somewhere for us to eat the following day since they would be closed. I can't say enough about this restaurant, the excellent food and great service.
(5)
John P.
We tried Javier's based on a friend's recommendation while visiting Siesta Key. Disclaimer: I've never had Peruvian food, so really was not sure what to expect. The menu is full of interesting sounding dishes which were unfamiliar to us, so we asked Javier himself to give us some suggestions. The Seafood Puteria was very good and probably the most flavorful of everything we tried. Unfortunately, everything else seemed kind of bland. Maybe I expected too much of Puruvian cuisine, but nothing else that we had was remarkable. My wife had the Corvina Lima - a very meaty fish that was prepared well, but lacked any interesting flavors. My daughters had shrimp linguine and shrimp scampi dishes - again, both prepared and served well, but lacking in seasoning. Overall, nice setting and good service - I particularly appreciate the owner taking the time to describe the menu to us - but the food was simply OK. I would recommend the Sangria, though. Yum...
(3)
Brian L.
Awesome try anything it was all great and save room for bananas foster and tres leche Brian from Milwaukee on April 7, 2015
(5)
Liz D.
Not authentic at all. Corn nuts to replace cancha corn? Are you kidding me? Food is far from good. I was served a ceasar salad? That's Peruvian I suppose. ? It was inedible too. disgusting. Bread was cardboard. But what Peruvian restaurant serves a basket of bread anyway? Space is so outdated its beyond cheesy kuntry kitchy. Go to the VIllage Pantry next door and get a bottle of Boonesfarm and bag of corn nuts and walk across the street to the beach instead. You will have a 3 star experience. Our server was nice. One star for her.
(1)
Leiby D.
Wow! The food here was great! I have been coming to Siesta Key for 30 years and wish I had found this place sooner! We had the Caesar salad which was delicious! Surf and turf amazing, corvina delicious, duck great and pollo en spiral wonderfully good! Try the scallop appetizer with the Parmesan and the ceviche is a must. If you have never tried ceviche try it here! There are options for those non adventurous diners too!
(5)
Diane H.
Great food & the service is wonderful! Javier added a special touch to our dinner.
(5)
Chuck K.
We had dinner on a recent Friday night while in Siesta Key on vacation. We made a reservation so we would have no issues, and were seated promptly by a person who I assumed was the owner's wife. Javier was behind the bar, and sometimes assisting making flaming bananas foster. So that's the "good". The bad was the service: Javier was so busy drinking his whiskey and water behind the bar, or making bananas foster, that he failed to notice his waitresses were painfully far behind. We waited 10 minutes for her to come back to the table to take appetizer orders after she took our drink orders. We waited 15-20 minutes after we were DONE with the appetizers before she took our dinner orders. Thru the process she was rushed and almost surly. I guess I'd be angry too working for a drunk owner. The food was average. If your normal fare is chain food: Chili's, Friday's, or Applebee's, then this is upscale. If you're used to a better quality meal, then this is ho-hum at best. Long story short - save your money.
(2)
Dawn S.
We love dining out every weekend and for some reason, hadn't ever gotten to Javier's. Boy, were we missing out! I wasn't even sure what Peruvian food *was* but was pleasantly surprised here. Javier's executed exquisite flavors all around--from fresh-baked rolls with a chile-infused spread to salads having creatively 'different' dressings, entrees whose taste was akin to a "party in the mouth" (so many wonderful flavors all-together!) and unbelieveably sublime desserts (bananas foster; and key lime cake w/key lime trifle---YUM!)--it was by far one of the best restaurants EVER! The interior is lovely, as well, not what we expected from the strip-mall-like enclave where its housed, and made for a romantic mini-'getaway' with candlelit tables and low lighting. Service was excellent: friendly, competent, happy to explain dishes' intricacies, right there when you needed something and unobtrusive otherwise. The owners are there, too, and are happy to share about their restaurant or blend into the background depending on one's demeanor. Javier prepares flambe'd desserts in the dining area and the heady aroma and spectacle add to the anticipation thru-out dinner. We typically DON'T do dessert but couldn't resist after the excellent meal (Criolla Seafood Pasta and Seafood Puteria following a tapas sampler of bacon-wrapped scallops, hard cheese, sausage and olives). It was such a lovely experience we plan many returns! Note that it's only open until 9 p.m., however one couple didn't arrive until 8:50 p.m. and were just eating bread as we left... so Javiers' staffers definitely aren't the types who'd put up chairs and vacuum around you, IYKWIM, lol! Semi-dressy/casual resort wear is acceptable here but not beachwear. Entrees are $18-$25 (including salad); small plates $7-$10 (salad extra).
(5)
Susan N.
Had a wonderful dining experience at Javier's last weekend. We had just arrived in Siesta Key after a long travel day and this was the perfect place for a quiet and relaxing dinner. I enjoyed the Peruvian style tapas and had the Empanadas de Carne (filled with beef picadillo) and the Platanos Fritos (lightly sauteed and carmelized plantains). My dining partner had the Tacu-Tacu con Pollo (chicken breast with black beans, rice, and yuca frita --- South American fries). Enjoyed the Peruvian background music, colorful wall mural, and it was a plus that the owner, Javier, was there enjoying drinks with friends and making sure that all the customers were satisfied. A very good experience and I recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting the Siesta Key/Sarasota area.
(4)
Isabela C.
Very disappointed of food and service! Food was bland and tasteless and owner came as arrogant and abrasive. Not authentic Peruvian food.
(1)
Mopsie B.
We were late for our 8:45 reservation- Javier's closes at 9- and they stayed open for us anyway. The service and hospitality are simply impeccable. Every thing is just as I remember it, with the owners being present and even preparing some of the food. The salads are amazing, the bread is delicious and the menu is so varied that there is something for everyone. The only bummer on this trip was that they were out of the key lime trifle!!!! I had been waiting for it for six years but now I'll have to wait another year. We will be back! =)
(5)
Steven H.
Great food. Great service. The owner was hanging out talking to patrons (he's very pleasant). Pisco Sours are amazing.
(4)
Pat C.
Had dinner last night. Easy access, warm atmosphere, friendly and efficient wait staff. Small bar but met our needs perfectly. Sangria was refreshing, food was tasty and well presented. Good selection on menu. Javier was making the bananas foster. Great for the casual diner.
(5)
D J.
Javier's is a small, cozy restaurant in the south village. Whenever we eat there we enjoy our meal. Good wine list, excellent ceviche, pork dishes and fish. Warm staff.
(4)
marcie r.
Great small plates and desserts! We did the special 4 course meal. Small plate, salad/soup, dinner and dessert. We all had different plates so we could taste more. Hubby ordered the national drink of Peru. It was tangy and unlike anything ever tasted. Sangaria was good. Small plates were spot on. We had ceviche, roasted garlic and empanadas. We all loved each one. Son and I wanted seafood bisque- they were out, so we had salad. Dinner course was pineapple glazed chicken, ribs with french fries, shrimp peru. Huge shrimp, lots of cilantro. Desserts were the best and Javier's wife makes then in house. Hubby had the sponge cake roll with cashews,peanuts, carmel and ice cream. I had the tres leche, son had the chocolate decadence. Overall, small plates and desserts were good. I loved the chocolate cake, ceviche and roasted garlic.
(4)
Dave C.
Visiting family over spring break... There a lot of great places to eat in sarasota. In my opinion, Javier's is in the top dozen, and I never pass up an opportunity to go. On the key, very laid back, fantastic food and good, attentive service. Empanadas are great, awesome ribs. Wife had a course of topas as and loved it. Sangria is great. Finish off with a bananas foster flamed by the owner by the bar. My only minor disappointment is the lack of a full bar, though their wine list is great. Be sure to make a reservation. They are popular.
(4)
Jim M.
First rate and very interesting menu. Eager to return
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Andy M.
So sad to see this place go. Enjoy your retirement Javier and Mary Arana!
(5)Scott M.
Highly disappointed. Our waitress ignored us and had a lousy attitude. She was the type of waitress that should work at a truck stop coffee shop. The owner was however very friendly, but again the service was terrible. The food is decent but nothing amazing. The Ceviche's were good but in all honestly all I could taste was lemon. The atmosphere is dark and dismal. If you want an average meal that is priced well then come here. If you are looking for something amazing, this is not the place for you. It could have been our waitress that put a damper on the meal, but I was just not impressed.
(3)Suzanne G.
The tuna ceviche was fantastic. We split the anticuchos mar y tierra as an entree. The shrimp were some of the best I've had in a long time and the chimichurri sauce had me wanting to put it on everything! Service was good. There were mostly older folks in the restaurant, but I think that says more about the neighborhood than the restaurant. This is a great place to eat if you're staying at one of the rental places in the area.
(4)Ellen W.
Really delicious food! We had Baby back ribs.. it just melted in my mouth. So tender and tasty. Calamari.. best Calamari I had in a long time. It's sauteed not fried. The sauce is great for dipping bread. Civeche mixto.. had better civeche Chorizo.. yuca fries that comes with it was amazing!!
(4)George C.
This is on our short list of restaurants. Very tasty and the price is right the bananas foster is the way to top off the evening
(4)Pete R.
I truly savored the lomo saltado at Javier's, and was struck by its amazing blend of rich, complex flavors. For drinks, I'd recommend the homemade sangria and the pisco sour. The several desserts our group tried and shared were also delightful and well-executed. The service we received was excellent and we really enjoyed the friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The owners seem to be a big part of that. Will definitely be back the next time we're in Sarasota.
(5)Janee M.
Cassandra was our waitress! This place is the real deal! Gr8 service! Awesome FOOD!
(5)Christine W.
On vacation, we were so tired of the mediocre food Siesta Key has to offer...and let me tell you, Javier's did the trick!! What a wonderful restaurant--relaxing ambience, excellent service, and the food...absolutely delicious!! Everything was so flavorful, and the food was much more interesting than other Peruvian restaurants we have eaten at in the past. We loved it all, from appetizers to the desserts, and left feeling extremely satisfied (and stuffed!). p.s. the dessert Pionono is a definite Pio-YES-YES! a must try
(5)Dave H.
Be careful. Food is delicious. But they advertise a 20% discount if seated by 5:45. A caveat is that no one in your party can order the 4-course tapas special and receive the discount. They gave us a break, but it would have ended up costing us $50 more if we had not paid attention. Gratuity was also automatically included for a party of 4. Very strange. Good food though.
(3)Amy N.
Creative and delicious food, with impeccable service! Several vegetarian selections are listed on the menu, and the waiter was helpful at suggesting vegan alternatives. I'll return the next time I visit Sarasota!
(4)Lisa G.
Went on a Tuesday at 8 pm during spring break. Great service. Had a 4-course tapas special for $26. The ribs, salad, and dessert were smashing. I thought the shrimp was a bit bland because I was picturing something different.
(4)Vanessa K.
Wonderful food! We got the four course topas special and everything was delious. Great service and quite quaint atmosphere.
(5)Karen A.
Excellent dinner, service and value! Wish we would have found this sooner in our visit to Siesta Key, we would have come here every night! All four of us ordered something different and loved our entrees! Also enjoyed our small plate of mixed variety tapas. Bananas Foster was wonderful as well, all told a great evening well enjoyed by all!
(5)Selma M.
Fabulous find!! Very good food and atmosphere. It's a small place but definitely enjoyable,
(5)Art D.
Ended up staying at a sweet Airbnb across the road in Siesta Key. What a great meal with the special tapas menu. Can't wait to go back again.
(4)C H.
Our first night staying at the Tropical Beach Resort and Javier's was recommended by the woman in the office. It was just across the street and we had an awesome dinner. The staff was excellent and the service was great. We enjoyed it so much we went back two nights later to try the tapas special. Again quality food and service. Javier waited on us several times throughout the night. This is definitely a 5 star restaurant.
(5)Charlie B.
My wife and I had dinner here on our first night in Siesta Key, and promised ourselves we would go back before our vacation was over, which we have just done. Other reviewers have done a good job, so I will confine myself to commenting about my experience there as a vegetarian. Both the owner and the waitstaff were eager to make helpful suggestions and offer modifications. The first time I chose the vegetable plate, your choice of four of their delicious and unusual "sides". The second time I had pasta with vegetables, which was light-years better than the usual pasta primavera that gets foisted off on hapless vegetarians. We closed both times by sharing the key lime trifle, served in a wine glass and deliciously tart. Highly recommended.
(4)Ram H.
My family just enjoyed this great Peruvian restaurant and I highly recommend it. The owner is very personable and the entire staff works together to take care of you. The food is great and portions are large.
(5)Oscar A.
This is by far the worst restaurant i have been to in a long time. We went with the whole family while on vacation and it was just plain bad. The ceviche was not fresh, the shrimp tasted like frozen shrimp. The lomo saltado was inedible and the chaufa was bland. It was over priced and under seasoned. A horrible experience and was the only dark cloud on what was a wonderful vacation. Save your time and money and do not go.
(1)Andre C.
Everything just so-so. Calamari, chorizo, chowder,empanadas, service. Only giving 3 as nothing was actually bad. Disappointing.
(3)Sam T.
Had a wonderful meal last night at Javier's. food was great and the service, pace, and overall experience was even better. Highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Diane T.
Just finished an outstanding meal at Javier's. the food was amazing and the service was the best I have experienced in a long time. The 4 course fixed priced meal was more food than I expected but I managed to eat every last bite. Don't miss out get to Javier's .
(5)Julie T.
Had dinner here one night while staying on Siesta Key. Read all the wonderful reviews but unfortunately did not feel the same as way. The staff was pleasant. Ordered a shrimp appetizer ( menu description included something like sinful Gorgonzola). What we were served were simple baked shrimp with a small mound of very dry stuffing. Not too exciting- or sinful. The meals ( a chicken dish and steak dish) were made from quality ingredients but really did not qualify as fabulous. Maybe its us, having not been to a Peruvian restaurant before, would probably not try Peruvian or this restaurant again. Sorry.
(2)Blanche S.
Absolutely delicious. I had the Calamari which was superb,and my husband had a four course meal. The house wines paired quite well. The wait staff was friendly and very attentive, but not overbearing. I met the owner and his wife who were delightful hosts.
(5)Peg M.
Excellent Peruvian cuisine! After experiencing some less than desirable restaurants on Siesta Key, Javier's was a welcomed surprise. They only serve dinner and do it quite well. We shared several tapas and a main dish which was more than enough for the two of us. The ceviche de pescado was a perfect combination of fish, cilantro, onion, lime and spices. I haven't had ceviche that I enjoyed this much since a trip to Cancun. The sauteed calamari salteado was tender and perfectly flavored. The scallops in the conchitas al la parmesana were alone worth coming to Javier's. Their homemade spicy tomato pepper salad dressing made for a heavenly green salad. We split a main dish with skewers of grilled shrimp and beef, black beans and rice, fried plantains, yuca fries and a cilantro aoli that were all delicious. Unfortunately, after eating all of this we weren't able to even think about one of their amazing desserts. The owners were very personable and even recommended somewhere for us to eat the following day since they would be closed. I can't say enough about this restaurant, the excellent food and great service.
(5)John P.
We tried Javier's based on a friend's recommendation while visiting Siesta Key. Disclaimer: I've never had Peruvian food, so really was not sure what to expect. The menu is full of interesting sounding dishes which were unfamiliar to us, so we asked Javier himself to give us some suggestions. The Seafood Puteria was very good and probably the most flavorful of everything we tried. Unfortunately, everything else seemed kind of bland. Maybe I expected too much of Puruvian cuisine, but nothing else that we had was remarkable. My wife had the Corvina Lima - a very meaty fish that was prepared well, but lacked any interesting flavors. My daughters had shrimp linguine and shrimp scampi dishes - again, both prepared and served well, but lacking in seasoning. Overall, nice setting and good service - I particularly appreciate the owner taking the time to describe the menu to us - but the food was simply OK. I would recommend the Sangria, though. Yum...
(3)Brian L.
Awesome try anything it was all great and save room for bananas foster and tres leche Brian from Milwaukee on April 7, 2015
(5)Liz D.
Not authentic at all. Corn nuts to replace cancha corn? Are you kidding me? Food is far from good. I was served a ceasar salad? That's Peruvian I suppose. ? It was inedible too. disgusting. Bread was cardboard. But what Peruvian restaurant serves a basket of bread anyway? Space is so outdated its beyond cheesy kuntry kitchy. Go to the VIllage Pantry next door and get a bottle of Boonesfarm and bag of corn nuts and walk across the street to the beach instead. You will have a 3 star experience. Our server was nice. One star for her.
(1)Leiby D.
Wow! The food here was great! I have been coming to Siesta Key for 30 years and wish I had found this place sooner! We had the Caesar salad which was delicious! Surf and turf amazing, corvina delicious, duck great and pollo en spiral wonderfully good! Try the scallop appetizer with the Parmesan and the ceviche is a must. If you have never tried ceviche try it here! There are options for those non adventurous diners too!
(5)Diane H.
Great food & the service is wonderful! Javier added a special touch to our dinner.
(5)Chuck K.
We had dinner on a recent Friday night while in Siesta Key on vacation. We made a reservation so we would have no issues, and were seated promptly by a person who I assumed was the owner's wife. Javier was behind the bar, and sometimes assisting making flaming bananas foster. So that's the "good". The bad was the service: Javier was so busy drinking his whiskey and water behind the bar, or making bananas foster, that he failed to notice his waitresses were painfully far behind. We waited 10 minutes for her to come back to the table to take appetizer orders after she took our drink orders. We waited 15-20 minutes after we were DONE with the appetizers before she took our dinner orders. Thru the process she was rushed and almost surly. I guess I'd be angry too working for a drunk owner. The food was average. If your normal fare is chain food: Chili's, Friday's, or Applebee's, then this is upscale. If you're used to a better quality meal, then this is ho-hum at best. Long story short - save your money.
(2)Dawn S.
We love dining out every weekend and for some reason, hadn't ever gotten to Javier's. Boy, were we missing out! I wasn't even sure what Peruvian food *was* but was pleasantly surprised here. Javier's executed exquisite flavors all around--from fresh-baked rolls with a chile-infused spread to salads having creatively 'different' dressings, entrees whose taste was akin to a "party in the mouth" (so many wonderful flavors all-together!) and unbelieveably sublime desserts (bananas foster; and key lime cake w/key lime trifle---YUM!)--it was by far one of the best restaurants EVER! The interior is lovely, as well, not what we expected from the strip-mall-like enclave where its housed, and made for a romantic mini-'getaway' with candlelit tables and low lighting. Service was excellent: friendly, competent, happy to explain dishes' intricacies, right there when you needed something and unobtrusive otherwise. The owners are there, too, and are happy to share about their restaurant or blend into the background depending on one's demeanor. Javier prepares flambe'd desserts in the dining area and the heady aroma and spectacle add to the anticipation thru-out dinner. We typically DON'T do dessert but couldn't resist after the excellent meal (Criolla Seafood Pasta and Seafood Puteria following a tapas sampler of bacon-wrapped scallops, hard cheese, sausage and olives). It was such a lovely experience we plan many returns! Note that it's only open until 9 p.m., however one couple didn't arrive until 8:50 p.m. and were just eating bread as we left... so Javiers' staffers definitely aren't the types who'd put up chairs and vacuum around you, IYKWIM, lol! Semi-dressy/casual resort wear is acceptable here but not beachwear. Entrees are $18-$25 (including salad); small plates $7-$10 (salad extra).
(5)Susan N.
Had a wonderful dining experience at Javier's last weekend. We had just arrived in Siesta Key after a long travel day and this was the perfect place for a quiet and relaxing dinner. I enjoyed the Peruvian style tapas and had the Empanadas de Carne (filled with beef picadillo) and the Platanos Fritos (lightly sauteed and carmelized plantains). My dining partner had the Tacu-Tacu con Pollo (chicken breast with black beans, rice, and yuca frita --- South American fries). Enjoyed the Peruvian background music, colorful wall mural, and it was a plus that the owner, Javier, was there enjoying drinks with friends and making sure that all the customers were satisfied. A very good experience and I recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting the Siesta Key/Sarasota area.
(4)Isabela C.
Very disappointed of food and service! Food was bland and tasteless and owner came as arrogant and abrasive. Not authentic Peruvian food.
(1)Mopsie B.
We were late for our 8:45 reservation- Javier's closes at 9- and they stayed open for us anyway. The service and hospitality are simply impeccable. Every thing is just as I remember it, with the owners being present and even preparing some of the food. The salads are amazing, the bread is delicious and the menu is so varied that there is something for everyone. The only bummer on this trip was that they were out of the key lime trifle!!!! I had been waiting for it for six years but now I'll have to wait another year. We will be back! =)
(5)Steven H.
Great food. Great service. The owner was hanging out talking to patrons (he's very pleasant). Pisco Sours are amazing.
(4)Pat C.
Had dinner last night. Easy access, warm atmosphere, friendly and efficient wait staff. Small bar but met our needs perfectly. Sangria was refreshing, food was tasty and well presented. Good selection on menu. Javier was making the bananas foster. Great for the casual diner.
(5)D J.
Javier's is a small, cozy restaurant in the south village. Whenever we eat there we enjoy our meal. Good wine list, excellent ceviche, pork dishes and fish. Warm staff.
(4)marcie r.
Great small plates and desserts! We did the special 4 course meal. Small plate, salad/soup, dinner and dessert. We all had different plates so we could taste more. Hubby ordered the national drink of Peru. It was tangy and unlike anything ever tasted. Sangaria was good. Small plates were spot on. We had ceviche, roasted garlic and empanadas. We all loved each one. Son and I wanted seafood bisque- they were out, so we had salad. Dinner course was pineapple glazed chicken, ribs with french fries, shrimp peru. Huge shrimp, lots of cilantro. Desserts were the best and Javier's wife makes then in house. Hubby had the sponge cake roll with cashews,peanuts, carmel and ice cream. I had the tres leche, son had the chocolate decadence. Overall, small plates and desserts were good. I loved the chocolate cake, ceviche and roasted garlic.
(4)Dave C.
Visiting family over spring break... There a lot of great places to eat in sarasota. In my opinion, Javier's is in the top dozen, and I never pass up an opportunity to go. On the key, very laid back, fantastic food and good, attentive service. Empanadas are great, awesome ribs. Wife had a course of topas as and loved it. Sangria is great. Finish off with a bananas foster flamed by the owner by the bar. My only minor disappointment is the lack of a full bar, though their wine list is great. Be sure to make a reservation. They are popular.
(4)Jim M.
First rate and very interesting menu. Eager to return
(4)