Habana in Costa Mesa, CA: An Iconic OC Restaurant

When you think of iconic Orange County restaurants, perhaps Habana is one of the first ones that come to mind.

Since 1995, Habana’s first location in the city of Costa Mesa has welcomed a diverse crowd, including OC locals, Disneyland tourists, and business professionals from one of the neighboring South Coast Metro skyscrapers.

The delicious Cuban food and decidedly romantic ambiance have resulted in a few regular appearances on our best of lists:

However, after nearly three decades of serving OC, Habana is making its debut appearance on a new list: Michelin-Recognized Restaurants in Orange County.

Habana is located on the premises of The LAB Anti-Mall, a funky outdoor shopping center known for its unique art installations (for example, a tunnel made of CD-ROMs). Its proximity to several prominent OC attractions (South Coast Plaza, Segerstrom Center, and OCMA to name a few) make it one of the most highly trafficked dining destinations in Orange County.

The restaurant has an indoor dining area, full bar, and gorgeous covered outdoor patio which resembles a greenhouse. Both the indoor and outdoor settings are dimly lit, enhancing the venue’s old-world charm.

Some of the most popular items on Habana’s menu include:

Libations: Pina coladas, mojitos, and sangria
Appetizers: Empanadas - handmade pastries filled with your choice of cheese, beef, pork, or chicken
Entrees:
- Paella - shrimp, clams, mussels, salmon, Spanish chorizo, saffron rice, jalapeño aioli
- Ropa Vieja - shredded braised beef, served with sides of beans, rice, and plantains
- Salmon a la Barrilla - cooked in a tomato cream sauce and served with sides of beans, rice, and plantains

Walk-ins are welcome, reservations are highly recommended.

**If you’re in south Orange County, Habana has a second location at the Irvine Spectrum.

Meet Chef Miguel Quintero

Tell us about Habana’s journey to opening its flagship location in Costa Mesa!

It started with the vision of creating a vibrant space that captures the essence of Cuban culture and cuisine. The idea was to transport guests to the heart of 1940s Cuba, offering a unique dining experience that blends traditional Cuban flavors.

What are your most popular items on the menu and why?

We worked closely with talented chefs to craft dishes that showcase the rich culinary heritage of Cuba, using fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes. From classic Cuban sandwiches and empanadas to innovative seafood dishes and refreshing Mojito’s , every item on the menu is designed to delight the senses and create a memorable experience.

What do you like about being located in The LAB in Costa Mesa?

Finding the perfect location in Costa Mesa was crucial. We wanted a space that not only accommodates our vision but also resonates with the local community. After securing the location, the next steps involved designing the interior to evoke the charm of 1940s Cuba, with vibrant colors, tropical plants, and vintage furnishings.

Habana is often celebrated for its unique ambiance. What inspired the design of the restaurant?

It creates a unique dining environment where guests can feel as if they have been transported to a different time and place, making their dining experience not just about food but about the appreciation of 1940s Cuba today.

Habana received recognition from the Michelin Guide this year. What does that mean to you?

Receiving recognition from the Michelin Guide is an incredible honor and validation of all the hard work, dedication, and passion that went into creating and running Habana in Costa Mesa.

What do you hope visitors will take away from a visit to Habana?

Beyond savoring delicious Cuban-inspired cuisine, our aim is for our guests to be fully surrounded by the rich cultural tapestry of Cuba—embracing the lively music, warm hospitality, colorful décor and authentic flavors that define the experience of 1940s Cuba.