CAVA — Restaurant in East Brunswick Township

We usually get takeout here about 2-3 times a week. Cava as a whole is amazing as I have noted in my review of the Bridgewater location. Mediterranean diets and those style of ingredients are becoming increasingly popular because they are healthier than many traditional quick serve/fast food restaurants that we grew up with that are heavy on fried foods, saturated fat, and mayo based sauces.

The East Brunswick location on 18 is consistent. As others have noted there can be long lines/ a wait. I have noticed that this location does have newer staff somewhat regularly and because Summer has ended, so customers have to be a little more patient...There have been a few times I have gone and felt that the servings of proteins (chicken, harissa chicken, steak, schwarma chicken, lamb) have been skimp i.e. under level as opposed to heaping spoon/scoopful...but overall the servers are generally consistent with portions. The restaurant itself is clean and the parking is ample.

I think that the Cava restaurants, no matter which one you go to will be good, so the primary way Cava locations will distinguish themselves is the customer service. We keep coming back to this particular location because of the staff. They are friendly, smiling, and accommodating. One individual in particular I wanted to mention in the review is ROSA. If you have a question on how something tastes or help with the app she will help you out or provide a small sample (I sampled the schwarma chicken and it ended up being one of my favorite proteins there). Rosa always has a smile on her face and is very-very cheerful. You can tell she likes her job and she likes interacting with the customers...and it comes off as genuine/sincere. Not forced or out of obligation. I appreciate this because when I was in food service back when I was going to college I strived to be the same way with customers. I also have seen her helping train new employees and how she interacts with her co-workers when the restaurant gets busier...I hope management appreciates her and some of her other longer tenured colleagues that I have observed since they opened. I cant remember his name but there is another gentleman that works there that is especially friendly that usually is on the grill and cutting meats that is originally from Newark who struck up a conversation with me because he saw my NJIT windbreaker...so we have a quick chat about Newark...

If you are close to this location I would go here over the North Brunswick location. Its does get a little busy because college students have descended upon this location since Rutgers is back in session but during the Summer and later in the evenings mid-week it is...

A Fresh Gem in Town: CAVA North Brunswick Review

As a family of Mediterranean food enthusiasts, the opening of CAVA in North Brunswick feels like a culinary win for our neighborhood. With East Brunswick already a staple in our dining rotation, having another location nearby means more spontaneous CAVA runs—and after our first visit, I can confidently say this spot will become a regular stop.

Food That Delivers on Flavor and Freshness

CAVA’s chicken and rice bowl is a masterclass in Mediterranean comfort food. The chicken is juicy and well-seasoned, but what really elevates the dish are the sauces: the cool, garlicky tzatziki and the lemon herb tahini. Together, they create a vibrant, tangy blend that brings every bite to life.

My wife, a self-proclaimed falafel connoisseur (and tough critic), was genuinely impressed by the falafel crunch bowl. She insists these are the best falafel balls she’s had outside her own kitchen—a high compliment in our house. The falafel is crisp on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, and pairs beautifully with the fresh toppings and creamy hummus.

We can’t visit CAVA without grabbing the hot harissa chips. They’re a bold, spicy twist on pita chips—perfect for dipping or just snacking on their own. And the crazy feta with jalapeño? It’s addictive. Creamy, tangy, and with just enough heat to keep things interesting, it’s the kind of dip you find yourself craving days later.

Our daughter always looks forward to the drinks at CAVA, and this time was no exception. Their house-made juices are a refreshing treat, rounding out the meal and keeping everyone happy.

Atmosphere: Cozy, Modern, and Family-Friendly

The North Brunswick location has a welcoming vibe, with friendly staff who seem genuinely excited to be part of the community. The outdoor seating is a real plus—perfect for a relaxed meal on a nice day. Inside, the space is a bit tight, which might be a challenge during busy hours, but the efficient layout keeps things moving.

Final Thoughts

CAVA North Brunswick doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a quick, healthy meal without sacrificing flavor or quality. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Mediterranean cuisine, this spot is sure to impress. We’re thrilled to have another CAVA close by, and we’ll be back often—especially for those falafel balls and crazy feta!

Pro tip: Don’t skip the hot harissa chips, and if you’re a sauce lover, ask for extra lemon herb tahini. You...

As someone who’s worked in restaurants for years, I’m not one to complain, but I ordered my food at 9:06pm, which was estimated to be completed at 9:15pm. First off, there were not many people in there, and there were several workers. I have no problem with waiting longer than the expected completion time, but I waited a half hour for my order. I was asked 3 times by 3 different people what the name for my order was. And then never heard anything from that person again. It is an open kitchen, which is great in terms of seeing how your food is being handled, but it’s also terrible in the sense that I saw 4 bags sitting on the table, out of reach of the pickup area, literally in the back of the kitchen, where I was not allowed to enter. After about 25 minutes, after being asked 3 times, what the name for the order was, I came up to one of the workers and explained that I waited almost a half hour for my order already. He then began to make my order, and as he was almost finished making my bowl, I watched another worker walk to the line of bags, which had been completed, and sitting there for at least 10 minutes, and pick up a bag, walk up to me, and hand me my bag. After waiting almost a half hour, I finally got my food. I came home, and as I picked up my bag to get out of the car, I noticed that the single and only thing in that bag, was my bowl. I ordered a side of pita that came free with it, and I didn’t even get it. Not getting the pita isn’t the issue, the problem that I had is that I waited a half hour for my order, and saw it sitting there completed for at least 10 minutes, and I didn’t even get everything I ordered. This really...