Habana

Originally opened at Costa Mesa’s The Lab as an a la carte Cuban restaurant suitable for quick business lunches, Habana expanded to a second, more spacious location at the Irvine Spectrum Center – both are still open. Despite their mall (or anti-mall) surroundings, each effectively recreates a semi-tropical Cuban environment, deftly mixing indoor and outdoor spaces that work well year-round.

Until 2020, Habana served a decadent weekend brunch buffet that outclassed rivals at fine hotels, overflowing with fresh seafood, carved meats, pastries, drinks, and classic Cuban entrees. Rather than restart this standout offering, Habana shifted back to fully a la carte, offering menus with half-Cuban, half-American classics for several years, which are still available today. Prices have long tended to be on the high side for both appetizers and entrees.