CAVA — Restaurant in Charlotte

I rarely write reviews, but after consistently amazing experiences at multiple CAVA locations, I feel compelled to give this place the love it deserves. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned regular, CAVA delivers a perfect combination of fresh ingredients, bold Mediterranean flavors, and customizable options that leave you full, satisfied, and craving your next visit.

Food Quality (10/10): The ingredients are immaculately fresh — from the crisp greens to the roasted veggies, juicy proteins, and their standout toppings. Their grilled chicken is incredibly flavorful and tender, the lamb meatballs are perfectly seasoned, and even their falafel is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Every bite tastes like it was made with care.

The variety is also unmatched. You start by picking a base — salad, grains, pita, or a mix — and then layer on an array of spreads like harissa, hummus, crazy feta, or tzatziki (all of which are amazing — seriously, don’t skip crazy feta). You then load up on your choice of proteins, veggies, pickled onions, tomato + cucumber, olives, and more. And finally, their dressings tie everything together beautifully. My personal go-to is the garlic dressing — next-level delicious.

Customization and Health-Conscious Options: CAVA strikes that rare balance of healthy and indulgent. You can build a low-carb bowl, go vegan, or stack on the protein depending on your goals. Everything is labeled clearly (keto, vegan, gluten-free), so it’s easy to make smart choices without sacrificing taste.

Portion Sizes: CAVA does not skimp. The bowls are generously packed and can easily serve as two meals if you’re not ravenously hungry. You get every dollar’s worth, and then some.

Service: The staff is always friendly, efficient, and helpful — especially if you’re new and need guidance through the customization options. I’ve never had an order come out wrong, and they’re quick to answer questions or offer a taste of a spread or protein if you’re unsure.

Ambience: The vibe is clean, modern, and welcoming — perfect for a casual lunch or a quick, satisfying dinner. Many locations have outdoor seating and some even serve house-made teas and drinks that are refreshingly unique (the cucumber mint lime is chef’s kiss).

App & Online Ordering: Their app is sleek and easy to use. Ordering ahead is a breeze, pickup is always ready on time, and they often run promotions or rewards through it. It’s saved me a ton of time when I’m on the go.

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Final Verdict: CAVA has completely redefined what fast-casual dining can be. It’s fresh, filling, affordable, and customizable — perfect for any dietary preference or craving. Whether you’re eating clean or treating yourself, CAVA always delivers. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience — one I look forward to again and again.

Do yourself a favor: skip the drive-thru and head to CAVA. Your taste buds (and your body)...

I’m really disappointed in my experience tonight (Tuesday) I went around 7:45pm. It was my first time visiting this location and I was excited to grab a quick dinner to-go after doing some grocery shopping nearby.

Unfortunately I had to wait a very long time in line which was confusing because it was not busy and they didn’t appear to be short staffed. The man behind me in line seemed to be annoyed as well, as we weren’t even acknowledged by the staff while we were waiting. When they finally started my order, they weren’t paying attention and just put my pita inside my grain bowl, so I had to ask for it in the separate package it normally comes in, and she was sloppy with the toppings, dropping the chicken into other bins with other toppings. It didn’t seem very sanitary. I did appreciate that they gave good portions at least.

After I paid, the staff person just started helping the next customer which was confusing since she didn’t say “thank you,” give me a receipt, etc to indicate the transaction was complete. So I waited for a bag and was then told they were out, which was inconvenient for transporting my to-go order with a bunch of containers. And then I had to ask for my pita again which was just on the counter hanging out of the packaging.

Another customer came up to the register to ask for forks and he had to repeat himself several times. She probably didn’t hear him because she had an airpod in her ear. Who knows.

Regarding food quality, the white rice tasted off and either they gave me the wrong dressing or the lemon tahini was just bad/“off” as well. Everything else tasted good.

Honestly I hope they can get it together. I always enjoyed eating at the Zoe’s that was there before, and I love Cava’s food, but I doubt I’ll go back to this location. I rarely write reviews but was particularly annoyed after...

I ran to this Cava real quick before my hair appointment yesterday and it was SOOO hot in there. I don't think there was any AC. I ordered a pita & the girl was taking a bit longer making it because she was making my order and another persons order at the same time. I didn't have an issue with this except for the fact there were plenty of other workers just standing around. After me a few more people came in & they were just waiting while all the other workers were in the back or just walking aimlessly around the store. I genuinely felt bad for her because none of her coworkers were helping her make orders. Next issue I had was the lack of professionalism. A different worker, young guy, rang me up. He asked if I wanted a receipt after I paid and I said no. He told me to have a good day then walked off. But I had to reach over the counter to grab my food and collect all the condiments I got on the side and put it in my bag. It just came off as lazy when he was the one who finished packing my order and he could've easily put the condiments in the bag and slid my order towards me so I didn't have to reach over the counter to collect my order. THEN as I was walking to my car I felt something dripping on me and noticed a big whole in my pita bag and juice from my food all down my shirt and pants. By this time I needed to get to my hair appointment so I didn't have time to walk back to Cava and ask for a bag when the workers already were visibly in a bad mood. Moral of the story: get a receipt so you can properly...