CAVA — Restaurant in Costa Mesa

My daughter and I went to CAVA for the first time the other day. We were going to build our own bowls but decided to pick two that were already on the menu. We picked the falafel bowl and the harissa chicken bowl. There was a man in front of us and I was watching the girl make his bowl and I could not believe the small amount of lettuce and rice she put in his bowl. I mean it was miniscule. So when she went to make our bowls I told her to please put extra rice. She did inform me that was an extra charge but I thought you know maybe .50 cents, $0.75 something like that. Well anyway, the gal (who was not very friendly at all) doing the rice and lettuce part of the bowl proceeded to put the "extra" rice in it and it honestly looked like she made each scoop smaller if that makes sense. So she really wasn't putting extra rice in there. Because I saw her using this flat type spoon to do the rice for the guy in front of me and the rice covered that flat spoon thing but when she did ours, it's almost looked like she put half a spoon first and then she did another one so it looked like she was putting extra but it really wasn't. So I honestly don't think we got extra rice. Sorry for that long explanation! Then they use what looks like a melon baller to put your feta cheese and hummus in the bowl. Again such a tiny little amount in the bowl. My daughter got a small drink and I got a cup for water and we ordered a bag of their harrisa pita triangles. I was so shocked when he rang up our order and it was over $42 for two small bowls one drink and a little bag of pita bread. The extra rice in each bowl was $1.75 each which brought the harissa chicken bowl to a little over $19. My daughters was a little cheaper being the falafel bowl. But I was shocked that something in a paper bowl that wasn't even filled to the top was over $19. Yikes. The food tasted good though, I will say that. But not good enough that we would return. Maybe it's just this location, I don't know. Ot maybe it was the grumpy lettuce/rice lady that I felt ruined our first time experience. And it was funny because she told the next girl that was going to put stuff in the bowl "They got extra rice" And then that girl informed the next person "they got extra rice!" It was like they really wanted to be sure they charged us for that extra rice, which again was the...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at CAVA, a Mediterranean restaurant that left a lasting impression on me. From the moment I stepped through the door, I was greeted with exceptional service and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The staff at CAVA were attentive and friendly, ensuring that every aspect of our dining experience was enjoyable. They were knowledgeable about the menu and took the time to explain each dish in detail. Their genuine passion for the cuisine was evident, and it added an extra layer of authenticity to the overall experience.

Speaking of the menu, the food at CAVA was nothing short of fantastic. The flavors were vibrant, and each dish was thoughtfully prepared. From the aromatic spices to the fresh ingredients, it was clear that a great deal of care went into crafting each plate. I particularly enjoyed the selection of traditional Mediterranean dishes, as they captured the essence of the cuisine perfectly.

the ambiance of the restaurant was superb. The décor was tastefully done, with a perfect balance of modern elegance and Mediterranean charm. Soft lighting and comfortable seating created a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal place for both intimate dinners and social gatherings.

In conclusion, my experience at CAVA was exceptional. The combination of attentive service, delightful atmosphere, and delicious food made for a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or simply looking to explore new flavors, I highly recommend paying a visit to CAVA. You won't be...

I love this place! A Paleo friendly, whole foods plant based friendly, quick Chipotle style service, low prices and convenient. It can't be topped. I had this in Washington DC and wished it was in California and now we have had it for about 3 years! I love it. There are many great savory and spicy options which keep it fresh and new every visit.

Your base: has 8 options, lentils, white rice, brown rice, arugula, romaine, baby spinach, super greens mix, mesclun mix (rice style soy). There's no place that has as many quality leafy green options to choose from. They allow you to mix and match. My favorite is the super greens with kale brussel sprouts, broccoli, chicory, and cabbage.

The dips: They give you 3 sides to choose from out of 6 options: Hummus , a roasted red pepper hummus , tzaziki, eggplant and red pepper, crazy feta, harrisa. In my opinion, all the options taste good. When I say they taste good, I don't mean ok. Compared to other foods of this kind, they excel.

Meat: Choose 1 from 6 options. They do have a veggie option for vegetarians. I tried half grilled veggies and half white sweet potatoes (new option) They offer: grilled veggies, chicken, lamb meatballs, beef , white sweet potatoes, falafel.

Dressing/Topping: I believe they have six options. I'm not sure I remember them all, but here it goes, garlic oil sauce, tzatziki, yogurt dill, harissa, and 2 others I don't remember.

Bonus: They have pleasant service here. Washington DC isn't known for its service where this chain has many of...