CAVA — Restaurant in Philadelphia

I had a very strange experience here. I went on 6/20 around 8:15pm. It was a decent amount of people in there. I asked for the lemon chicken bowl. Now, I may have been mistaken but there we’re toppings in my bowl that were not on the menu—or I overlooked them. Anyway, I realized it towards the end that specifically picked onions and that made me question it. I’m not allergic to pickled onions but eating them late at night upsets my stomach. The gentleman was understanding and patient and remade my bowl which I appreciated because I understand it’s a hassle.

However, I gave this location a one because of how I was treated after I sat down. I wanted to sit and enjoy my food instead of taking it home. I sat down at an open table. I began eating. A female employee comes over to me saying this part of the dining room is closed and to move. The only open tables were dirty and right near where people line up to place their orders. I’m sorry but while I’m eating, I prefer not to sit that close to people standing and waiting for their food. It was busy too. This location closes at 10pm and it was 8:15 pm. I would have understood if it was 9:30 and part of the dining area was shut down. But that was not the case. I then asked for a lid and a bag, she says why and I told her I would eat at home.

I then left and I just couldn’t eat after that experience so I gave my food away to a homeless person.

I love Cava as I’ve been to other locations, but this location needs basic training. The gentleman making my bowl was helpful and patient which I greatly appreciated—kudos to him. However the...

Essentially Chipotle for Mediterranean food, or Sweetgreen but with different dressings/hummus/protein choices (like lamb!).

Wait time: though I know they're still working out some kinks (I've heard about delayed orders and misplaced orders), I'd recommend ordering ahead if you can! Around prime lunch time (12-1pm on weekdays), the line can go out of the door, although the line moves relatively quickly (perhaps 15-20 minute wait).

Food: I recommend their feta dip and grilled lamb meatballs! They have a variety of options to choose from (you can pick 3 dips), and multiple toppings, along with free pita bread. I personally think their tomato soup is a bit too spicy, but I also am not a huge fan of harissa or spicy food.

One caveat: Don't order the braised lamb over the app - the oil/fat can congeal, and all you get are these orange, solid bits of fat (shown in picture). If you want the braised lamb, get it A) while you're ordering straight in the store or B) in a separate container so you can microwave it later.

Recommended Must-Try: I really enjoy their grilled lamb meatballs: not very oily at all, and no fat chunks - I might switch to these from the braised lamb.

Overall: 4/5 - would go back for a quick and cheap lunch (~$10-11 in total, with a good chunk of protein included), with my main complaint being the braised lamb. It's really decent pricing for the food...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Cava, and I must say, the experience exceeded all expectations. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality, setting the tone for an unforgettable meal.

A special shoutout goes to Khi, who exemplified what excellent customer service should be. Khi was attentive, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to ensure our dining experience was perfect. He took the time to explain the menu, offer recommendations, and check in frequently without being intrusive. His friendly demeanor and professionalism truly made us feel welcome and valued.

The rest of the staff at Cava were equally impressive. The team worked seamlessly together, maintaining a high level of efficiency and courtesy throughout our visit. It's evident that the staff takes great pride in their work and strives to create a positive atmosphere for all patrons.

As for the food, it was nothing short of spectacular. Each dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The ingredients were top-notch, and the flavors were well-balanced, showcasing the best of Mediterranean cuisine. We left feeling satisfied and eager to return.

Thank you, Khi, and the entire Cava team, for making our dining experience so memorable. Your dedication to excellent service and quality food is truly commendable. We will definitely be back...