Greer's OC

Easily the most exciting restaurant of late is the new Habana Irvine that's officially opening at Irvine Spectrum on Nov. 13. For over 20 years, Habana at the Lab in Costa Mesa has offered outstanding and authentic Cuban fare, and now with Habana Irvine, there’s just more to love. Habana Irvine offers an exciting and romantic vibe—complete with an onsite bakery and exclusive cafecita. It's the next best thing to being in Cuba in its heyday.

Lead by executive chef Alex Moreno, Habana offers Cuban-inspired fare, ranging from seafood ceviche starters to a hamburguesa a la Habana, a grilled 8 oz. beef patty, American and Manchego cheeses, caramelized onion, crispy potato, dill pickle, lettuce, tomato and Habana secret sauce on brioche bun. Habana is known for its Paella a La Habana, along with the key lime pie, house made bocaditos, ropa vieja and more.

You’ll love the Bakery Habana that offers an array of authentic Cuban pastries baked fresh daily. Habana’s talented Pastry Chef Katherine Russ provides outstanding bites to be enjoyed in-house or to-go. With its own entrance, Habana Irvine’s cafecita is easily accessible, and offers its own inviting ambiance. Along with the house made pastries, you can enjoy exclusive, aromatic and rich coffee blends. These roasts can be sipped at the bakery, or taken home to be brewed, but can only be found at Habana Irvine.

Habana Irvine will also offer an exclusive Cuban style craft beer, Hatuey. This 100-year-old famous ale was first brewed in Santiago, Cuba in 1914. Pair this unique brew with their Media Noche sandwich with low roasted pork shoulder, jamon, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, roasted garlic yellow mustard aioli in a pressed sweet roll, and you’re sure to leave satisfied.

Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Habana Irvine is at the Irvine Spectrum at 709 Spectrum Center Drive in Irvine.  

Image courtesy Anne Watson