CAVA — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I was eager to try Cava because it just opened nearby and it’s nice to have another food option in the area. I was so sure it was going to be good because every time I walk by with my dog, the savory smells are alluring. So sure was I that I went ahead and joined their rewards club and downloaded the app before even trying it. We ordered a spicy lamb meatball pita, steak & harissa bowl and a spicy greens bowl. Also decided to add a side of crazy feta. First, my experience picking up the food was good. The gentlemen that helped me was friendly and attended to me right away. Before leaving I checked inside the bag and noticed the crazy feta’s cap wasn’t secure and was getting everywhere. I then realized I paid $4.35 for a tiny Solo to-go condiment cup which wasn’t even full. For that price I could get a whole container of feta from Trader Joes. Now the food has a lot of potential. Though I don’t know what Cava’s intention is for food temperature, my lamb meatballs were cold, the pita wasn’t warm, and overall everything was chilled. Maybe that’s how they serve their food? If so I’m going to have to ask for it to be warmed if I go back. The steak in the bowls was also cold. One thing I know for sure was that the black lentils in the bowls were undercooked and caused a big scare for my wife who thought she chipped a tooth since they were so hard and crunchy. The portions aren’t what anyone would call generous. Barely any rice. I admit the flavors are really pleasing, delicious and tasty. Though the pita was cold, it had a nice chewiness and texture. The sauces had a lot of flavor and spice. Sadly I’m not sure I’ll be frequenting it as much I hope. You don’t get much value for the money as you do from other fast casual eateries (Chipotle, Mendocino Farms). Perhaps I’ll try it again but while eating-in where I can customize and supervise how they’re making my meal.

TL:DR Food is tasty but cold, some of it undercooked, and portions don’t warrant the prices, especially the tiny side...

Wanted to enjoy this cava so bad but they need a lot of time to get their act together. No ice in the drink machine and the workers who were on shift apparently “weren’t trained yet” on refilling it. This location surcharges $1 more for being in Studio City but couldn’t even fill my bowl to the line that’s an inch below the lid. So much space in my bowl even after adding toppings and sauces. The worker was giving half scoops for basically all my toppings and my chicken. I watched the bowl behind me even receive more chicken I thought I was going crazy. Should’ve just walked out after the topping section but wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt since they’re newly opened and the workers obviously were all new and had no clue how to do anything. They didn’t even know how to redeem my birthday reward and also give me points from my transaction. I tried to scan my app for points on my friends separate order and the cashier told me “I don’t know how to add that so I’ll just print the receipt and you can add that”. Turns out you can’t even add it on the app, you have to go to the contact support to submit a request which is ridiculous when I like just scan it in one second in person. Just go to the Porter Ranch instead or something, pass...

The staff was very friendly and accommodating, I almost feel really bad for them because the manger BEE was awful and rude. Not just to her employees but to me as well. I came in here first time and as the guy starts filling my bowl I realize they literally don’t have any protein ready! Nothing! I’m a vegetarian so I was just looking for some veggies and they had ZERO! I was stumped on what to do I was about to leave but server was very helpful and did his best to accommodate me. I asked to speak to the manger and they walked over rolling their eyes. I told BEE my bowl was half full and you don’t have any protein ready, and you’re about to charge me full price. Their response was you could just not dine here. I was appalled. She insisted on blaming they’re employees on why their isn’t any protein. But Bee you’re the manager! Walk over to the serving area and re up the food!! Unfortunately these bad reviews just reflect on the...