Habana

by Robert Miller
(Irvine, CA)

I've always enjoyed the charms of a very romantic restaurant in Costa Mesa, California, Habana. Although we have miles of coastline in Orange County, this restaurant sits in a former weapons and munitions factory that's been turned into a strip mall.

Habana, as its name suggests, is a restaurant specializing in Cuban Food. Hammered tin walls and ceiling, framing a hardwood floor, decorate the inside. The beauty and romance gets greater outside on their patio, with strung dim lightbulbs over cute little tables under trees draping the patio.

One wall of the restaurant contains 1,000 candles which provide ambiance, and - to be certain - an unbelievable feeling of warm romance. In fact, Habana was rated "the best place to kiss" in Orange County by a local publication.

The music, the fresh made sangria, the delicious food, and the atmosphere, make this one of the most beautiful and romantic restaurants I have ever experienced.