Crowd-Pleasing Mexican Eatery From the OC Opens at UTC | Eater San Diego

"At Westfield UTC I noticed the latest opening is Javier’s, which occupies a street-level space next to Larsen’s Steakhouse below Din Tai Fung; founded over two decades ago in Laguna Beach with locations across Los Angeles, Orange County, the Aria Hotel in Las Vegas, and Los Cabos, this UTC branch follows its Century City launch and blends design elements from the Century City, Las Vegas, and Crystal Cove locations. Behind an exterior wall and arched entryway inspired by Greek hillside towns, the restaurant resembles an upmarket beach resort with oversized booths, custom mosaic floors, and hundreds of candles lighting the space. Known for its “elevated Mexican cuisine,” the menu emphasizes premium steaks—like a 16-ounce bone-in ribeye served with cheese-stuffed chilies and a filet mignon topped with chipotle cream sauce—alongside a large selection of seafood such as wild Mexican white prawns sautéed in garlic butter and wine sauce and Maine lobster enchiladas in a creamy pasilla sauce. There’s also a shareable platter for two featuring make-your-own tacos with Angus prime skirt steak, carnitas, or grilled chicken served with sides and garnishes, and a bustling bar offering a large array of tequila and specialty margaritas including cucumber, jalapeño, pineapple, and tamarind; owner Javier Sosa says they do not yet know whether more Javier’s will open in San Diego." - Candice Woo