We've been to Habana a number of times but typically on a weekend. During our previous visit, Tony aka Fluffy, gave us a great experience. He was personable, funny and made a lasting impression. My wife and I decided to have an impromptu date on a random Wednesday and we were pleasantly surprised to see Tony at our Table again! Same great experience, great recommendations. Tony is a pro. He recommended the Lechon Asado and he was not wrong. The pork was extremely tender and the Congris was delicious. I highly recommend this location, but you have to ask for Tony. read more

Habana - Lechon Asado - Cuban Near Me - Irvine, California

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This is my third time for the AYCE Sunday Brunch. The first was at Habana Costa Mesa and twice at Habana Irvine Spectrum. So glad they bring back the Sunday Brunch after Covid. They offer more food and my friends enjoyed all the delicious and yummy Cuban food. Our server Tony really took good care of us. He was funny and made our dining experience an enjoyable and unforgettable event. He was so sweet preparing a specialty coffee ( instead of a cake ) as a treat for my birthday celebration. Thanks to Tony for your excellent customer service. read more

The Cheese empanadas are 12/10 soooo good! Our waiter Hugo was very attentive and made sure our experience was one of a kind. We are from texas but will definitely be back! read more

I've been wanting to try Habana for years, but every time I looked at the menu, my lack of Cuban‑food knowledge scared me off. Today someone else picked the spot, and I figured this was finally my moment. I was still confused by half the names on the menu, so I played it safe and ordered croquetas, empanadas, and the medianoche. All three were really tasty -- enough to make me wonder why I waited so long. I'm already planning my return trip, because now I want to try everything else on that menu. read more

Habana - Medianoche - Cuban Near Me - Irvine, California

I come to this place mostly for the atmosphere. Walking into it I feel like I've been transported to Cuba. Every little detail is beautiful and if you do visit you should definitely take a peak at the bathroom area it's so cute! The food itself is not the greatest, but it's also not bad. I grew up in a Latino household, so I know some ball when it comes to Latin food. I will say, their cheese empanada are my FAVORITE. Their salmon is also pretty good. My partner got the burger which I thought was just ok. I went for my birthday and they were very sweet about it. There was no birthday dessert or drink or anything that I received for others wanting to know. A very sweet card was at my table (pictured) The service was quick when we went on a Wednesday evening. Overall, it's a good place to hang out maybe have some appetizers and drinks. I would visit again. read more

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I've been here multiple times and always love the ambience, drinks, and overall experience. They also tend to offer complimentary champagne, which is such a nice touch and makes you feel genuinely appreciated as a customer. It's a small gesture, but it goes a long way! The food is also delicious. They also have a great lunch special on weekdays, which makes it an even better spot to visit during the week. read more

Habana - Cuban Near Me - Irvine, California

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Excellent aesthetic. Food was delicious. Not very vegetarian friendly but the vegetable empanadas were delicious. Recommend this place for a date night. Service was friendly and time efficient. Vegetable Empanada: 4.5/5 Cheese Empanada: 4/5 Classic Mojito: 4.5 Corn on the Cob: 4.5/5 Mojito Raspberry Mocktail: 4.5/5 read more

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First time eating dinner here, I've had lunch awhile ago and su day brunch. We brought our friends here for a bday celebration and it was amazing. The ambiance is always amazing, you eat while listening to music and the restaurant is so pretty. All of our food was great, service was good and we would come back! If you like Cuban food, this place is for you ! read more

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The ambience and staff are INCREDIBLE but the food is just okay. We got the plantain crusted chicken which was alright, but the tostones were obviously not fresh and bland. read more

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Cheese empanadas were the highlight of the meal and were absolutely delicious. The Kobe Burger was average with the sauce and the fries weren't bad. Lastly the salmon was decent and the better entree between the two we got. The atmosphere was nice as it looked super fancy, staff was also super helpful and tentative to us. read more

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Really excellent cuban food. Reminds me of Alma de Cuba in Philadelphia They even started with free goblet of champagne The filet mignon was great. So was the ropa viejas. The paella was a bit burnt though. Worth checking out! read more

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Habana is a Cuban restaurant located in the Irvine Spectrum. The main Spectrum parking garage is close to the restaurant. We dined here on a Saturday night before seeing a show at the Improv. I would definitely recommend making a reservation on OpenTable ahead of time, especially if dining on the weekend. After checking in and waiting a few minutes, we were called to be seated. It is a nice touch that they offer you a complementary glass of champagne before entering. We sat in a booth on the covered patio near the entrance. It was nice to have some fresh air, and it was probably quieter than dining in one of the inside areas. We started out with the cheese empanadas ($17). The plate comes with three ok sized empanadas, and they had a nice light doughiness to them. They were very warm, contained a good amount of cheese, and the sauce had a good spiciness to it. We also had the Caribbean fries ($12). They are yucca fries but basically tasted like regular fries. They were good with an ok serving size and the same good spicy sauce. I had the Rum Old Fashioned (Evan Williams Bourbon, Bacoo 12 year rum, Giffard banana liqueur, marasca cherry, orange peel, $18). This was a great old fashioned. I definitely tasted the banana notes which drew me to it in the first place. She had the Blueberry Mojito mocktail (fresh mint and muddled lime, cane sugar, topped with soda water, $12). The mint and blueberry flavors were forward and she enjoyed it. For my entrée, I had the Rum Pepper Shrimp ($42). This is a great dish with a good number of shrimp. The rum pepper cream sauce has great flavor and a nice creaminess. The bits of mango and peppers and the jicama slaw add good texture, and there is plenty of rice underneath to soak up that great sauce. I do feel that it is a little overpriced. She had the Tamal En Cazuela ($29). This is a baked polenta with cheese, tomato sauce, jalepeno crema, and picked onions on top, and is served in a cast iron skillet. It also comes with rice, black beans, and plantains. It is definitely a filling plate and she enjoyed it. It was very busy on a Saturday night. Between Cuban music playing at a medium volume and lots of conversation from a full patio, it was definitely loud. After the sun went down, the patio is a little dim, but is lit very orange. Service started out good and was reasonable overall, but got a slower as the restaurant got busier. A manager stopped by to make check on us, which is always good to see. We enjoyed our meal and drinks. The atmosphere on weekend evenings is busy and loud. I prefer their Costa Mesa location which is a little smaller and more relaxed, but I wouldn't hesitate to dine here again. read more

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I cannot rave about this place enough. This place goes above and beyond with champagne at check-in, beautiful Cuban decor, excellent food, and even better service. Tony was our server and he was AMAZING! The congris is absolutely delicious and the ropa vieja was tender and flavorful. Make a reservation because there will be a wait for sure. read more

Habana - Ropa Vieja - Cuban Near Me - Irvine, California

Great Brunch Visit To Habana, Irvine Spectrum Location!! Cuban Cuisine Restaurant With A Lovely Havana Inspired Ambiance & Decor!! Menu Features Traditional Dishes, Appetizers, Empanadas, Pork Croquetas, Paella, Ceviche, Cuban Sandwiches, Sunday Brunch & More!! Great Wine List, Beer, Craft Cocktails, Mocktails & Full Service Bar!! Ordered The Medianoche Sandwich, Roasted Pork, Jamon, Swiss Cheese & Fries, Paired With Agua De Coco!! Good Cuban Sandwich!! Server & Service Was Helpful & Attentive!! Will Return To Try Other Menu Items & Desserts!! ThankU read more

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I absolutely love Habana! I've been to both the Costa Mesa and Irvine locations, and each one has its own charm. The Costa Mesa location has a cozy, intimate vibe that's perfect for date nights, while the Irvine location is much more spacious and great for larger groups, family gatherings, or celebrations. The service here is always wonderful. We came during a slower time, so we were seated right away, and everything moved quickly from there. As always, the food was delicious and the drinks were on point. Habana never disappoints when it comes to flavor and atmosphere. I already know I'll be coming back because there are still so many things on the menu I want to try! Thanks again for another great experience! read more

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The food was fantastic! We ordered cheese empanadas, chicken empanadas, and the roasted pork dish. The service was perfection as well. My only complaint was it was very warm inside. read more

Habana - Roasted Chicken plate. Very good - Cuban Near Me - Irvine, California

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Wonderful Experience -- We'll Be Back! Our time was amazing! They made sure we had such a memorable experience. We stopped by to celebrate my sister's birthday, and from the moment we walked in to the time we left, it was a good time. The recommendations were on point, and everything truly felt like a celebration with great music, beautiful ambiance, and an overall amazing vibe. We enjoyed piña coladas, a delicious rum shot, vegetable empanadas, and the Buco. We topped it all off with Cuban coffee, the perfect finish. We'll definitely be back! read more

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Went here for a rehearsal dinner and the food was really good. The ambience was beautiful especially the outdoor area. The drinks were great too. I enjoyed the fresh coconut juice. The skirt steak had a nice smoky flavor and the grilled chicken was tender. The meats paired well with the sides of fries, black beans, plantains. Elote and empanadas were alright. The paella and flan were also great. read more

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Arrived a bit early for our reservation at 10:30 for brunch. We haven't been here for a long while. Nowadays, you pay before going into the restaurant for the brunch buffet. We were seated outside. Took a few minutes before anyone noticed us in the corner. Waiter got our drink order and off we went to the buffet. Overall, a lot of good things to eat and some misses. Would recommend and would come back. read more

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We came here for a Mother's Day brunch, which it was about 60 per person. It wasn't too busy when we came, so there were a good amount of seating left around. Still busy enough! They offer you a glass of champagne as you enter the restaurant. We were seated in the patio, which was neat that they were able to cover the roof of the patio to make it shady. It was an all you can eat buffet and they definitely have a good variety of brunch items to choose from. I liked how there were even little stations for the chef to slice or cook in front of you fresh. The most delicious items i've tried here were the French toast, paella, and this one Cuban (?) sandwich. Everything else was pretty good, but the French toast was my favorite here. I should've passed on the salmon bagel, but I am a sucker for a smoked salmon bagel. Overall, there's a great selection here and everything was pretty good. I was only able to eat about two plates and that's all I can eat lol not so much worth for 60 Buffet, but it's also the nice ambiance and attentive service that you're paying for here. read more

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My husband and I came here for the Sunday Cuban brunch buffet and WOW. Every single thing we tried was incredible. I honestly don't have a single complaint about the food. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. There wasn't one dish that disappointed us. We made a reservation for 9:30 AM to take advantage of their early reservation special ($58/person instead of the regular $68). We arrived around 9:20, and there was already a line forming outside. The hostess had everyone wait in line until they started seating guests, but they were serving complimentary champagne while everyone waited, which was a nice touch. We waited about 15 minutes before they began letting people in one group at a time. One thing that surprised me was that they check you in and have you pay before you even enter the restaurant. I'd never experienced that before, but honestly, I didn't mind it. Our total came to $147 for the two of us after taxes and the automatic 18% gratuity. At first I thought the gratuity seemed a little high for a buffet where you're serving yourself, but after experiencing the service, I completely understood it. The staff was attentive, friendly, constantly clearing plates, refilling drinks, and making sure we had everything we needed. It was absolutely deserved. I also added the unlimited sangria for $22. The red sangria was delicious and refreshing. The white sangria, however, was much too sweet for my taste, so I switched back to the red after my first glass. My only criticism is that the sangria wasn't very strong. After three glasses, I wasn't even remotely buzzed--just extremely full. It tasted more like a delicious fruit juice cocktail than an alcoholic drink. Next time I'll probably go with the unlimited mimosas or Bellinis instead since they at least have champagne. That tiny critique aside, this place absolutely knocked it out of the park. I can't wait to come back and bring our friends and family because it was genuinely that good. We've already been telling everyone about it. If you're even remotely considering Habana's Sunday brunch buffet, stop thinking about it and just make the reservation. You won't regret it. read more

Habana - Cuban Near Me - Irvine, California

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Came back for happy hour and had to try a few more drinks, plus the fries this time! The bartender was incredibly friendly and personable, and even made us with a complimentary coconut slushie cocktail. Will continue to come back for their drinks. read more

Habana - Cuban Near Me - Irvine, California

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Habana is a vibe. From wicker chairs, fancy cups, to servers dressed in Cuban inspired attire, Habana is a whole experience. Ambiance-wise, the music was a bit loud for my liking and caused some of my group to yell across the table. The restaurant is quite spacious, so it works well with a group outing. The bathrooms were also nicely decorated, and parking was ample. Our group was welcomed with champagne shots, a nice touch. The server gave us suggestions and successfully upsold me on the Celia Cruz mocktail, a creamy coconut based drink. I ordered a short rib picadillo dish. The meat was a pulled pork texture and quite flavorful. Small bits of pepper and yucca appeared alongside a fried egg, toasted bread, beans, and an accompaniment of sauces. Everything I tried was delicious, albeit oily. Both the price and food richness feels like a "treat yourself" moment. read more

Habana - Cuban Near Me - Irvine, California

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My first time at a Cuban restaurant ; exceeded expectations to the fullest. Went here for a pre birthday celebration and had the best time. The culture, flavor was top tier. When my friends and I first arrived we were greeted with a small glass of champagne which was soo nice. The interior was beautiful and intimate ; takes you to another place. I tried a cocorico which is a coconut flavored soda and that was amazing. I didn't get a photo cause they were eaten so quickly but ham croquette 10/10 recommend. For my entree I got filet mignon con papas. Steak was cooked medium ; so flavorful and juicy with a side of chimichurri and spicy aïoli sauce. And the potatoes were served French fry style. Seasoned with garlic and onions. Everything was amazing can't wait to go back. read more

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First time visiting this spot. My father's chicken dish was great. I ordered the shrimp dish and it was just okay. Good spices, but very much only a one dimension in flavors. The rice was soggy and not worth eating. A piece of bread would have been nice to help soak up all the extra sauce. Service was good. The wait staff and hostess were very welcoming, kind, & attentive! The space was a pretty loud, from music and conversations for the size of it. I may try again but stick to the chicken dish... read more

Habana - Plantain Crusted Chicken Rum Pepper ShrimpShrimp - Cuban Near Me - Irvine, California

I originally went here because it has a ton of influence on yelp- hundreds of reviews! I've never had Cuban food before so I can't speak to the authenticity however there were a few things that weren't all that flavorful and had a very interesting texture. We ordered the shrimp empanadas and it tasted like chicken pot pie! It was really nice to walk in to a complementary small champagne toast! El Tarasco entrée was just okay. The rice was fluffy, but it would've been nice if the corn was not on the cob. The plantains was the best part of the entire order! The ambience is great- very vibey and I would say it's good for a date night spot! My theory is that this location has a ton of reviews because there's a ton of foot traffic because it's located in an outdoor mall. I would get the service is 5 of 10 because we ordered three menu items and we only got two because the server forgot the third one so we just checked out! read more

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Our waiter Martin was a delight from the get go. The hostess in front handed us champagne flutes and we meandered in and were greeted by the radiant and funny host Martin. We ordered the El Benny mezcal drink with blackberries and our friends enjoyed old fashion and mojitos. I tried the delicious vegan empanadas and it really hit the spot. Each room of Havana had its own character and we definitely plan to come back because we loved the tropical getaway vibes. read more

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Nicely decorated, easy close parking and tasty food. Service is fine, the music is fun, but too loud for a good conversation. The food is good and they have great unique flavors. read more

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I came here for happy hour with a few friends the other day. The menu was relatively extensive with a large variety of drinks and appetizers. You could also make any drink a mocktail if you would like. The restaurant itself is very nicely decorated and does make you believe you're in another country for just a moment. We ordered one of everything on the menu and they brought out an extra dish that wasn't even on the menu (chicharron). I thought the cheese empanadas, the loaded fries and pork sliders were good. The texture of the calamari was good but could use some salt. My friends liked the croquettes but I thought it was too gooey inside. The beef empanadas were off that day. It had a strange spice that I couldn't quite put my finger on it that made it seem like the meat tasted spoiled. The chicharron to me was not edible. It was really hard like you could almost crack a tooth by eating them. They should be puffy and crunchy. Prices were reasonable for the food. Drinks were on the expensive side - happy hour prices were $14-15. Drinks cost more than the food. This restaurant is one of the only ones in the Spectrum that has happy hour until 6. read more

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Sunday brunch is where the party is at! Such good Cuban food here omgggg The banana foster with ice cream was so good. Very friendly service and the vibes were immaculate. I'm coming here again and again. One of the best AYCE buffets in So Cal for sure! read more

Habana - Cuban Near Me - Irvine, California

There new sunday brunch buffet is the best buffet I have ever had in my life it is worth the money! I have always liked Habana it's a great vibe inside and the service is top notch. If you have never had cuban food this is the spot to try it! The drinks are great as well. read more

+5/5 Sunday Brunch Wow what an experience. Everything was absolutely fresh and restocked frequently. Staff at the buffet were all super friendly and courteous . Lots of options from both sweet and savory . Some highlights for me were the deviled eggs (add smoked salmon on top), empanadas. The carved beef at the station was also delicious. Lots of pork in the offerings which is traditional for the cuisine - I don't eat pork but found there to be plenty of options. Also lots of options for vegetarians and pescatarians. Dessert section was decadent with wooden drawers filled with freshly baked cookies. Outdoor area has a full grill with meats, ceviche/fresh seafood stall and a omelette/pancake station . Also had a station for a fried sweet plantain Soft drinks, water, coffee/tea are included in the price . Nice outdoor patio seating. Ask for a booth . Music and ambiance on point. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained . Appreciated the attention to detail - even the napkins in the bathroom had classic Cuban designs . The Sunday brunch is about $85/pp including tax/tip. I felt the value was there and the price was fair. Will definitely be back . read more

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Love the weekend brunch Buffet here. Great variety of good food. Lots of different stations with some foods cooked while you wait. I forgot to take pictures until I got dessert which happened to be one of the best things I had. Cooked to order bananas foster with vanilla ice cream. Will definitely be back read more

Habana - Bananas foster - Cuban Near Me - Irvine, California

Habana in Irvine was a great find! We sat in the bar area and took advantage of their happy hour, which has some fantastic offerings. The Tostones Rellenos were absolutely amazing, and the empanadas were packed with flavor and super delicious. By accident, they also brought us an order of crispy rice, but honestly, it ended up being a happy surprise because it was awesome too! The service was on point from start to finish--friendly, attentive, and made the entire experience even better. I was here for a work meeting, so I didn't get a chance to try the cocktails this time, but after seeing the drink menu and the atmosphere, I'll definitely be back to enjoy them. Great food, excellent service, and a lively vibe. Highly recommend checking out their happy hour! read more

Habana - Cuban coffee - Cuban Near Me - Irvine, California

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I love the vibe at Habana. My friend & I randomly decided to hangout & have a bite/drinks here. We expected to wait being it a Saturday night, but was seated right away. They have complimentary champagne before you even get seated. Our server was able to recommend some good drinks. Seriously love the drinks. Food here is consistent. I love having the steamers with clams, mussels and sausage. Plantain was perfectly cook and it's the right sweetness. This place can accommodate big groups. They sometimes have live band performing. Can't wait to try their Sunday Brunch. read more

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Wonderful Cuban restaurant with lots of authentic options, perfect for any celebration. The food is all very delicious and the portions are big. Really nice for sharing family style. The interior is wonderfully decorated and enormous. They greet you with a complimentary glass of champagne. The staff are very friendly and helpful. read more

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I've been here many times, mostly for lunch during the week. Food quality and service has always been consistently great and when the weather is nice outside, the ambiance is amazing even during the day. Never had issues with the hostess outside and providing a free glass of champagne before they take you to your seat is a nice touch. read more

My friends & I came here for Happy Hour before heading back home to San Diego. At the entrance to the restaurant, there was a barrel with chilled sparkling rose bottled and glasses on a cart that were complimentary. This was a very nice way to welcome guests and the hostess was also very pleasant. We ordered the following to share: - pulled pork sliders x2 - fried calamari x2 - croquetas - cheese empanadas - chicken empanadas - fried sweet plantains All of the appetizers were $12 each, which was great and the portions were quite generous. Among the items ordered, our favorites were the pulled pork sliders and the fried calamari. The empanadas were ok, and the croquetas were salty. We also ordered the fried sweet plantains that was piping hot and delicious! The restaurant was beautiful and service was very friendly. We really enjoyed our visit. read more

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The last experience I had Havana's was world class! And all my friends in from Italy They thoroughly enjoyed the menu on the service. One of my go to restaurants for those reasons Cheers thank you ! read more

Wow, this place is so good. Tried it for the first time tonight and had to leave a review because the food and atmosphere blew us away. We had a great time and will definitely be back! read more