Habana Cuban Buffet 🌴: A South American Feast Under California Sun

Tucked away in Irvine’s Spectrum Center, Habana is a gem that blends beauty and flavor—especially its Sunday-only buffet. From South American vibes to California sunshine, every moment feels like a vacation, making it an instant "must-visit" in Irvine! 🌴 Two Locations, One Unmissable Sunday Buffet Habana has two spots in Irvine: one at Spectrum, and another in Costa Mesa. I’d been to the Costa Mesa location for dinner before—after sunset, the restaurant lights up with candles and string lights, casting a warm glow over Cuban murals. It’s so romantic, you’ll want to propose on the spot💍, perfect for dates. This time, I hit the Spectrum location for their Sunday buffet (only available Sunday mornings!). Choosing an indoor table was genius—South American decor meets California sunshine: colorful tiles, rattan chandeliers, and trailing greenery. It felt like stepping into a Cuban beachside café, with staff as warm as the tropics. Walking in instantly lifted my mood☀️ 🍽️ Buffet Highlights: Only One Miss Among Many Hits I’d expected a "quantity over quality" buffet, but Habana proved me wrong: South American BBQ Station: Roast chicken thighs with crispy, caramelized skin; Cuban-style pulled pork tossed in tangy tomato sauce—pair it with corn cakes for heaven. Seafood Spread: Fresh shrimp and shellfish, plus ceviche (citrus-marinated seafood) so refreshing, it tasted like "a breeze off the coast." Dessert Bar: Silky flan, guava cheesecake with tropical sweetness, even the fruit was arranged like art. Sampling every dessert alone filled me up! The only letdown? The steak—tough in parts, a bit chewy. Skip it and save room for the stars. ⏰ Pro Tip: Eat at Your Leisure We booked a 2 PM slot and stayed till 4 PM— the brunch rush, and took our time with a "three-round attack": first meats and seafood, a chat break, then desserts. Staff refilled dishes promptly, so no worrying about favorites running out. Pure relaxation. If you’re in Irvine craving "great photos, a full belly, and exotic vibes," Habana’s Sunday buffet is worth waking up for. After all, starting the weekend with a Cuban feast under California sun? Pure happiness. #IrvineFood #LosAngelesEats #ForeignCuisine #BuffetRecommendations #IrvineRestaurants