The restaurant is located in the lab which contains some small shops in addition to restaurants. Parking was an issue on a Saturday afternoon. We shared the purple potato taquitos and jackfruit nachoes and I ordered the BBQ burger. The potato taquitos were definitely the best dish I ate there. Unique and very delicious. The nachoes were also a hit but the burger was all right. Great fries though

The place to go to try new things! Great service, atmosphere & food. My favorite was the fried avocado taco (blue corn tortilla), butternut squash enchiladas, and apple beat salad with tofu added on top!! For the weekend, the Breakfast Tacos on the brunch menu (between 11a-2p) are my go-to. I am addicted, in a good way. Also love the waffle with almond butter and banana. Legendary!

I am not a vegan fan, but this place was FANTASTIC! I enjoyed every dish.

The food is delicious (I am not a vegan, but I really enjoyed everything I tried, even the chocolate chips cookie at the end). The location is quite cute, and the staff is friendly, accomodating and very helpful (thank you Lindsay and Danilo). I couldn't have asked for more!

Sea Birds has been a favorite place of mine since they came on the second the atmosphere is lovely and the staff is always kind. Plus the food and deserts are divine! I started at Location in Long Beach and now I enjoy the Costa Mesa location. The only issue I have is that they have to fry their fries in the same oil as products with wheat. Other then that I really like this place.

Seabirds is easily in my top-10 list of restaraunts in Orange County. Their entire menu is vegan, and every option is worth trying at least once. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, but their outdoor seating is my recommendation. Reservations are not required; I've only had to wait for a table one time. My only complaint is the parking situation. Since it is within The LAB, it shares a parking lot with plenty of other businesses. Friday nights and the weekends often make this lot packed, so plan accordingly.

Sharon B

Our group came in here for a weekend brunch and were seated inside with a lovely view of their outdoor patio. It's beautiful decorated and service was great. They weren't busy yet so we had the place to ourselves for a little bit. The food and drinks was delicious and beautifully presented. The portions were good as well. We will definitely be back.

+10

Lopa Chowdhury

We celebrated New Year Eve dinner at Cafe Habana. Loved the music,dance & ambience. We loved their delicious food & server was excellent.

Linda Hernandez

Second time here. Yawni had been an approachable manager to whom we can talk to freely. She's amazing! She is a UCR Alum and I work at UCR so we have that connection. The food and drinks are worth the hour drive to this gem. Paella with Lobster and Ropa Vieja, smoked old fashion and the piña colada with the rum float was worth the drive out here. Missing 2 stars for Andrea the bartender who could be more friendly to us at the bar as it wasn't so busy. She was extra friendly with the young guy at the bar who came alone and she was extra friendly and personal with him. We love to get to know our bartenders and staff. We didn't get that opportunity with her. She still checked on us at the minimum with an unfriendly face. Tawni thank you for the friendliness and we love to see you. We will still be back and recommend this gem.

Tam G (Tam)

I had such a wonderful experience at Habana in Costa Mesa! This restaurant offers brunch, lunch, and dinner, and it has a beautiful atmosphere with an outdoor seating area that includes heaters. The ambiance is just so fun and vibrant! I especially love the Costa Mesa location because of its unique setting in a charming shopping center. What really stood out to me was how perfect it is for weekend brunch. Unlike many other places where you have to wait in long lines and deal with crowds, Habana is much more relaxed. If you go around 11 a.m., parking is easy and there’s no wait to be seated. The service is top-notch, and the food is absolutely delicious! If you’re celebrating a birthday and make a reservation through Google, they even add a special touch by placing a birthday card under the guest’s name, which is such a lovely gesture. A big shoutout to our server, Maria, who was so attentive and kind. She offered us rosé, but we stuck with brunch and enjoyed every bite. I highly recommend trying the French toast, it’s not overly sweet and has a unique twist that makes it really special. They’re also super accommodating with special requests, so I always get a side of egg whites for that extra protein. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I can’t wait to go back!

+5

Anna Wu

I had a great experience! Our waiter was so nice and kept checking up on us, and they even gave us complimentary rosé. We were seated outdoors with dim lights which made the ambiance warm and cozy. What we ordered: - Chicken Empanada (9/10): Smaller than I expected, but so delicious. The sauce it came with was amazing. - Ropa Vieja (9/10): The beef was tender, flavorful, and paired perfectly with the rice, beans, and sweet plantains. - Medianoche Sandwich (8/10): Tasty, but nothing too special. The fries that came with it were really good though. Overall, great service, great food, and a really nice vibe!

Knicks and Knacks

Delicious food, plenty of options and a great outdoor ambience. We chose the restaurant to celebrate a few birthdays and were greeted with complimentary champagne and we also got a sweet Happy Birthday wish on a pretty Souvenir postcard. We all got different dishes including the seafood paella, churrascaria, fliet mignon, ahh tuna and salmon dinners. Everyone enjoyed their meals. We were stuffed so we didn't get dessert, but will definitely make room for the next time. We walked off the calories as we walked around the stores around the area.

+1

Lesley Tan

I finally had the chance to visit Habana at The Lab in Costa Mesa, and it lived up to the hype! From the moment you walk in, the lively ambiance sets the tone--warm lighting, rustic charm, and a vibrant, bustling energy that makes you feel like you're on a little escape. The Food The mac & cheese was rich, creamy, and indulgent with bits of ham adding a nice salty bite. Comfort food at its best, served sizzling hot in a cast-iron skillet. The ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce) came with onions and toasted bread--super flavorful, tangy, and satisfying, especially paired with the bread for scooping. The empanadas were golden and flaky, with perfectly seasoned fillings. Each one had a nice crisp bite and came with a dipping sauce that tied everything together. Drinks & Atmosphere They have an impressive cocktail list with mojitos and rum-based drinks that fit the Cuban theme perfectly. The vibe is lively but cozy--perfect for date night or a fun dinner with friends. Service The staff was welcoming and attentive without being overbearing. Food came out quickly, and everything felt fresh and thoughtfully prepared. Overall, Habana is a gem in Costa Mesa for when you're craving bold, flavorful Cuban food in a fun, upbeat atmosphere. I'll definitely be back to try more dishes (and maybe sneak in one of their desserts next time).

Kevin Ma

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Habana at The Lab Anti-Mall is a true gem! The paella seafood rice is absolutely delicious – full of rich flavors and perfectly cooked. The Grilled Prawns salad was fresh, light, and excellent. But the real standout is the sautéed shrimps in white wine sauce with cherry tomatoes – an absolute must-have dish! The atmosphere is vibrant and unique, making it the perfect spot for a memorable meal. Highly recommend if you’re in Costa Mesa!

+1

Katherine Yoo

Welcomed w/complimentary rosé. Ordered family style and shared 3 apps and 3 entrees between 3 ppl and had leftovers. The entree sizes are generous. The flavors, decor, and vibe were awesome! The group favs were the gambas al ajillo and paella. We ordered: la leyenda $18 cheese empanadas $15 ceviche tropical $29 gambas al ajillo $26 plantain crusted chicken $35 rum pepper shrimp $39 paella + lobster tail $73

+1

Larry Martin

What a cool restaurant that has open spaces. Staff was very attentive and the food was authentic and delicious. We sampled many appetizers.

Kevin Nguyen

We celebrated my fiancée’s birthday at Habana in Costa Mesa and had a great time! The outdoor seating was cozy with trees and heat lamps. We ordered the Chicken Empanadas, Ropa Vieja, and Lechón Asado — everything was delicious and full of flavor. The service, atmosphere, and food made it a perfect night. Definitely coming back!

Eliza May

Went to Habana in Costa Mesa for the second time — and it did not disappoint. I had gone with friends the first time and instantly knew I had to bring my husband. He finally got to try it, and yep, he absolutely loved it too. The food is just incredible — hands down the best Cuban food we’ve had in Southern California. The drinks were spot-on, and the service was super friendly and attentive. Honestly, everything about this place is five-star. We’ll definitely be back again!

+3

Jannet Liang

Loved it there! The food was delicious, cocktails were creative, and staff was so friendly and attentive. It was really nice for the floor manager to even come by our table and talk to us for a bit

+1

Clint Watson

We had the most incredible Christmas dinner at Habana Costa Mesa. The pre-fix menu was a masterpiece! Every dish was bursting with flavor, from the vibrant appetizers to the succulent main courses. The chicken and plantains were an absolute standout – perfectly cooked and seasoned. And let's not forget the flan – it was simply divine! The service was impeccable, and the ambiance was warm and inviting. It truly was a perfect Christmas evening. Highly recommend!

+3

Hailey F

Beautiful ambience, dog friendly and excellent food. Although it’s definitely on the pricier side. My favorite is roasted chicken and side of plantains. My friends ordered cheese tamale and empanadas and they all loved it. Only downside is parking in this mall is always difficult and even if you find a parking, the stalls are very narrow so most likely get your car door dinged. But that’s not restaurants fault. I enjoyed their latin music and beautiful vacation like vibe.

This place is amazing and has such a romantic vibe. The ambiance is relaxed and inviting, especially with the dim lighting. The food is absolutely delicious--I ordered the filet mignon, and it was co…

Love the habana, I recommend the Pina Colada, probably the best I've ever had it's covered with a toasted coconut rim and has just enough alcohol to make your Friday night! The \nAmbiance is sweet to…

This place is amazing and has such a romantic vibe. The ambiance is relaxed and inviting, especially with the dim lighting. The food is absolutely delicious--I ordered the filet mignon, and it wa…

This place is amazing and has such a romantic vibe. The ambiance is relaxed and inviting, especially with the dim lighting. The food is absolutely delicious--I ordered the filet mignon, and it was …

Love the habana, I recommend the Pina Colada, probably the best I've ever had it's covered with a toasted coconut rim and has just enough alcohol to make your Friday night! The \nAmbiance is sweet …

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Came here for the first time tonight and it was lovely! The food was delicious, the service was top notch and on top of it! And the restaurant indoors and outdoors is beautiful! Definitely a dreamy…

Came here for the first time tonight and it was lovely! The food was delicious, the service was top notch and on top of it! And the restaurant indoors and outdoors is beautiful! Definitely a dreamy…

Dominic is wonderful! First time in costa mesa location and it was beautiful time!\n\nWe had an awful experience at Benchmark in Santa Ana with our reservation giving no option but a lousy table th…

Wonderful little restaurant, great atmosphere, attentive service, free mini champagne on entrance, food was excellent, drinks were delicious, I have the smoky Cubans delicious! Definitely recommend…

Wonderful little restaurant, great atmosphere, attentive service, free mini champagne on entrance, food was excellent, drinks were delicious, I have the smoky Cubans delicious! Definitely recommend…

Wonderful little restaurant, great atmosphere, attentive service, free mini champagne on entrance, food was excellent, drinks were delicious, I have the smoky Cubans delicious! Definitely recommend…

Went here during OC restaurant week so prices were greatly reduced making the value extraordinary. Food here was amazing looked good tasted good felt good.

The food was fresh and delicious. The only two things that one should know is that the music was a little too loud and the price of the food was quite high. The service and food was excellent.

This is such a perfect date night spot. It is inside the camp which is a nice location with lots of parking. The restaurant has a nice vibe & soft candle lit lighting. For drinks I got the blueberr…

I love this place! It's expensive but such a vibe & perfect for a romantic date night or dinner with friends. The dim lighting and aesthetic reminds me of how it feels like when you're standing in …

Cool atmosphere, good food, very personable service. Great overall experience. Both chicken dinners are great. Cool people watching as well

Cool atmosphere, good food, very personable service. Great overall experience. Both chicken dinners are great. Cool people watching as well

Cool atmosphere, good food, very personable service. Great overall experience. Both chicken dinners are great. Cool people watching as well

Cool atmosphere, good food, very personable service. Great overall experience. Both chicken dinners are great. Cool people watching as well

Excellent food, drinks, vibe and people watching. Really enjoyed this place!!! Tons of birthdays going on while we were there. Must be a thang.

I had the biscuit bomb from th brunch menu. It was delicious! But I was expecting a meal-sized item, and it's just a fancy, delicious breakfast sandwich, so if you're hungry, definitely get something in addition. Service was pretty slow but ok. Atmosphere was pleasant. My partner got the barbeque burger and said he liked it a lot. It was with thin fries.

We recently dined at this vegan restaurant and tried a variety of dishes, including burgers, pasta, nachos, and enchiladas. The food had great flavor, but we felt that the amount of sauce and texture could have been improved across the dishes. Despite that, the overall experience was enjoyable—the ambiance was great, and the area itself had a really nice vibe. Definitely a spot worth visiting, and we’d consider coming back!

The mac and cheese had a lemony flavor in the cream on top that I wasn't expecting but it was still great. A bit of a grown-up, elevated mac.

tia goodwin

Great spot. Lively and super friendly service. This restaurant is in a "co-op with multiple other businesses. Great time walking around the entire site.

Sarah West Brown

We sat at the bar for a post-dinner snack but went all in with 4 dishes & 2 cocktails (go big or go home). Food & Drinks: The food overall was good, though the corn was just okay. Cocktails looked great, but ours only got about a shake & a half before being poured, which left them a little underwhelming. Service & Experience: Service was definitely lacking. While we were in the middle of ordering, the bartender twice diverted her attention to talk to someone else & even said goodbye to a group leaving before turning back with, “I’m sorry, so…you said the corn & what?” Not the smoothest service moment Atmosphere & Overall: The space still has that Havana-inspired charm & energy we remembered from before, but the execution this visit fell short. Since we’ve been here years ago and enjoyed it, we’ll chalk this up to maybe a long night for the staff & give them another try in the future.

+1

Makai Yee

This place is a little harder to find than I would like but the food and service are very good. It has to be one of the best places to get Cuban food in the area. It took me back to the Cuban flavors in Miami but here, they are a bit more mild. The prices are a little bit high for the level of food you are getting and the location but I will definitely be coming back.

+2

Great spot for a date night, but the food and service were lackluster.\n\nFirst of all, the drinks took forever to come out. We ordered the Taste of Habana appetizer, which was a combo of their dif…

Great spot for a date night, but the food and service were lackluster.\n\nFirst of all, the drinks took forever to come out. We ordered the Taste of Habana appetizer, which was a combo of their…

Great spot for a date night, but the food and service were lackluster.\n\nFirst of all, the drinks took forever to come out. We ordered the Taste of Habana appetizer, which was a combo of their dif…

Great spot for a date night, but the food and service were lackluster.\n\nFirst of all, the drinks took forever to come out. We ordered the Taste of Habana appetizer, which was a combo of their dif…

The atmosphere is so cozy and the food smells and tastes great. It's a little expensive, but service was good. I'd come back!

First time here. Was brought to a very wobbly table inside first. We chose to sit outside as we made the reservation originally. The table outside is not wobbly, but the urine smell from somewhere …

Service, food and ambiance were excellent! Thanks to the Restaurant Manager that made it possible for us to have reservations for my husband's birthday brunch. He accommodated us and I appreciate i…

Habana is a fun restaurant with good food and good service. We ate in the covered, outdoors section. Has a fun vibe. Music playing and makes you feel like you’re having a meal in Havana, Cuba. Servic…

Habana is a fun restaurant with good food and good service. We ate in the covered, outdoors section. Has a fun vibe. music playing and makes you feel like you’re having a meal in Havana, Cuba. Serv…

Habana is a fun restaurant with good food and good service. We ate in the covered, outdoors section. Has a fun vibe. Music playing and makes you feel like you’re having a meal in Havana, Cuba. Serv…

Habana is a fun restaurant with good food and good service. We ate in the covered, outdoors section. Has a fun vibe. Music playing and makes you feel like you’re having a meal in Havana, Cuba. ser…

The food was pretty good, though expensive - we spent $200 for four people without ordering any drinks. We might go back, but for the insane level at which the music is thumping. It was much too lo…

The food was pretty good, though expensive - we spent $200 for four people without ordering any drinks. We might go back, but for the insane level at which the music is thumping. It was much too lo…

The food was pretty good, though expensive - we spent $200 for four people without ordering any drinks. We might go back, but for the insane level at which the music is thumping. It was much too lo…

The food was pretty good, though expensive - we spent $200 for four people without ordering any drinks. We might go back, but for the insane level at which the music is thumping. It was much too lo…

Nice restaurant for a casual fun time. Both the Ropa Vieja and El Churrqsco were great. Really good attentive and friendly staff and very quick service. Would definitely recommend and would like…

The food was excellent - croquette, shrimp scampi & roast chicken. Atmosphere is quientissential Long Beach with happy people and party music. Parking on a Fri night is a little hard to find as t…

The food was excellent - croquette, shrimp scampi & roast chicken. Atmosphere is quientissential Long Beach with happy people and party music. parking on a Fri night is a little hard to find as t…

Beef And Broccoli Life

I stopped here to kill 75 mins with a pizza reservation across the street. Drinks: I had 3 drinks and each one was lovely. Guava Smash, Chile Mango Mojito, La Leyenda Food: I was only told on my 3rd drink they had happy hour beverages / food Host: I arrived at the same time as a phone call; the host walked away and I waited for 5 mins. She did return and offered me a small glass of rose .. which I thought was a great touch. I think the in-person customer should take precedence. Environment: On a Friday night, the place was 40% full with mainly couples. The bar was super dark and it was too cold to sit outside. No wait …which surprised me since this is a cute place. Bartender/Bar Back: I honestly could not see the menu with so little light at the bar. The female bartender seemed disinterested. She told me she was leaving for her break which ended up being 30 mins. The male bar-back took care of me from there and was more engaging. I would have ordered food had I know there was a generous happy hour menu but this wasn’t mentioned by the female bartender. Manager: The female lead spent 20 mins talking to her friends at the bar. I think this place is poorly managed and it shows if you just watch the place for 20-30 mins. It’s a good spot and it makes sense why this place isn’t packed on a Friday evening.

Ibeth Escobar

I’m not sure where the 4.8-star rating comes from. The portions are tiny and the prices are outrageous. While the food does taste good, the overall experience felt like a scam. The drinks are overpriced, and there’s no restroom inside — you have to go outside and share bathrooms with the rest of the plaza. The service is just okay, nothing special. I left very disappointed, especially because I came from far away based on the glowing reviews. Definitely not worth it in my opinion.

Our second time there. Sadly we found the prices went up and the food quality went down. The ahi tuna sauce was overwhelming, the chicken was quite disappointing. The little flan expensive. N…

Our second time there. Sadly we found the prices went up and the food quality went down. The ahi tuna sauce was overwhelming, the chicken was quite disappointing. The little flan expensive. Not…

I honestly don’t understand the hype around this place. It feels more wannabe cool than genuinely good, and the food is extremely basic for the price. I don’t mind paying $20 for a burger when quality and flavor justify it, but this one was very simple, underwhelming, and not worth it. On top of it the experience was worst because of lack of clarity on the menu. I ordered a beet burger specifically because it was NOT labeled as spicy, yet it was spicy. This wasn’t just my impression, another person dining with me agreed with their food. If a dish has heat, it should clearly be labeled mild or spicy. Because of this, I couldn’t enjoy the food at all. I spent the meal dealing with physical discomfort, which made it feel like money wasted. The same issue applies to the French fries, which came covered in chili powder without any mention of this on the menu. Adding chili doesn’t automatically elevate a dish, and if it’s included, it should at least be disclosed. Overall, the place seems more focused on image (or not even that 🤔) than execution. There are many vegan spots doing a much better job in terms of flavor, transparency, and value. I wouldn’t return. O stars.