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CAVA
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
CAVA
7.8
This fast-casual Mediterranean chain delivers customizable bowls and pitas with fresh ingredients and bold flavors at accessible prices. The build-your-own format lets diners mix proteins, dips, and toppings for healthy, quick meals perfect for beach-day fuel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Harissa Avocado Bowl, Spicy Lamb Pita, Greens + Grains Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Mediterranean Chipotle with unlimited toppings
Who should go: Quick lunch seekers, budget diners, vegans
When to visit: Off-peak hours to avoid lines
What to order: Harissa avocado bowl, crazy feta, pita chips
Insider tip: Load up on all the dips - same price regardless
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Second Street, paid lots nearby ($2-4/hour), walk from beach lots
Dress code: Come as you are - beachwear, workout clothes, anything goes
Noise level: Busy fast-casual buzz - fine for casual conversation
Weekend wait: 15-20 min line during rush (5-7pm)
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min line (noon-1pm), no wait other times
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - falafel, roasted vegetables, all sides and dips
Vegan options: Yes - falafel, hummus, tahini, most toppings (skip feta/tzatziki)
Gluten-free options: Yes - bowls instead of pitas, most proteins and toppings safe
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual lunch dates than dinner - quick, affordable, but not particularly romantic with cafeteria-style ordering
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations - it's counter service with first-come seating, grab any open table after ordering
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids meals available, build-your-own format works great for picky eaters, casual atmosphere welcomes families
Best For
Better for: Healthier fast-casual than Chipotle, more customizable than Tender Greens, fresher ingredients than typical Mediterranean takeout
Skip if: You want table service, intimate ambiance, or authentic family-run Mediterranean experience
CAVA
7.8
Fast-casual Mediterranean powerhouse offering customizable bowls and pitas with house-made dips like Crazy Feta and harissa. The build-your-own concept delivers consistent quality with fresh ingredients, making it the Chipotle of Mediterranean cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Harissa Honey Chicken Bowl, Spicy Lamb Pita, Greens + Grains Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Mediterranean Chipotle with exceptional customization and value.
Who should go: Lunch crowd and health-conscious quick diners
When to visit: Weekday lunch before rush hour
What to order: Harissa chicken bowl with Crazy Feta
Insider tip: Order extra pita chips for the dips
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging downtown, nearby public lots $2-4/hour during lunch rush
Dress code: Come as you are - it's counter service casual
Noise level: Bustling lunch spot - expect cafeteria-level noise
Weekend wait: 5-10 min line typical, 15-20 during dinner rush
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min line noon-1pm, minimal wait other times
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - falafel, roasted vegetables, all dips and salads
Vegan options: Yes - falafel, tahini, hummus, skip the feta and tzatziki
Gluten-free options: Yes - bowls without pita, marked menu items available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual lunch dates than romantic dinners - it's counter service with communal seating and can get loud during rush times
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's order at counter and seat yourself, though finding seats during 12-1pm weekdays can be tough
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids meals available, quick service means less waiting, and the mild flavors work well for picky eaters
Best For
Better for: Fresh, healthy Mediterranean that's faster and cheaper than sit-down places, with more customization than typical Greek spots
Skip if: You want authentic regional Mediterranean cuisine or a proper dining experience with table service
CAVA
7.5
This fast-casual Mediterranean chain excels at customizable grain bowls featuring harissa honey chicken, lamb meatballs, and their signature Crazy Feta. The build-your-own format offers fresh ingredients and generous portions, though service can be inconsistent during peak hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Harissa Avocado Bowl, Spicy Lamb Meatballs, Greek Chicken Pita
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 6.9
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Fast-casual Mediterranean bowls with endless customization options
Who should go: Health-conscious diners seeking quick Mediterranean fare
When to visit: After 2pm to avoid lunch rush
What to order: Greens + grains bowl, lamb meatballs, pita chips
Insider tip: Order in-store for better portions than delivery
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking or nearby public lots ($2-4/hour), can be challenging during lunch rush
Dress code: Come as you are - it's fast-casual counter service
Noise level: Bustling during peak hours - fine for casual conversation
Weekend wait: 5-10 min line typically, 15-20 min during dinner rush
Weekday lunch: 15-25 min line from 12-1:30pm, minimal wait after 2pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - falafel, roasted vegetables, all sides and dips are vegetarian
Vegan options: Yes - falafel, SuperGreens, most dips (skip tzatziki and Crazy Feta)
Gluten-free options: Yes - bowls without pita, they'll change gloves on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual lunch dates than romantic dinners - the fast-casual format is low-pressure but not particularly intimate
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service with ample seating, though finding seats during 12-1:30pm weekdays can be tough
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - kids love the build-your-own format, mini pitas available, and it's noisy enough that kids won't disturb others
Best For
Better for: Healthier fast-casual option than Chipotle with more vegetable variety and Mediterranean flavors, better portions than Sweetgreen at similar price
Skip if: You want authentic sit-down Greek dining (try Taverna Tony instead) or need a quiet business dinner atmosphere