CAVA — Restaurant in San Diego

Disappointing Experience at CAVA Mission Valley

I usually enjoy coming to this CAVA location, but today’s visit was unfortunately very disappointing. I visited on May 29, 2025, at around 3:30 PM. I ordered a rice bowl with double protein (chicken and steak). A young lady initially began preparing my bowl, but then a woman who appeared to be the store manager (darker skin tone, black hair, black shirt with no name tag) took over.

When I got to the sauces, I requested only the eggplant option and reminded her that I had requested double protein. However, the portions I received were far smaller than usual, definitely not what I’ve come to expect from this location.

When we moved to the toppings, I asked for cucumber & tomato, cucumber slices, and sliced cabbage. The portions she gave were minimal compared to the standard I'm familiar with. When I politely asked for a little more cabbage, she responded rudely with “Excuse me?” — as if I had said something wrong. I clarified my request and mentioned that the portions were very small, but she continued to look at me in a dismissive and unwelcoming manner.

At checkout, I asked the cashier if she was the store manager. He confirmed that she was managing the store today, although she was not the usual manager I’ve seen before, who is always kind, professional, and customer focused.

The overall energy in the store felt tense, and it seemed like even the other staff weren’t comfortable around her. It’s unfortunate to see such a drastic change in service. Customer satisfaction clearly wasn’t a priority for this manager, and her attitude made the experience uncomfortable and frustrating.

I hope this feedback is taken seriously. I genuinely like this location and want to continue coming here, but today’s experience left a very...

I've gotta be honest, I was disappointed with my first (and probably the last) visit to Cava.

I spent 10 minutes trying to place my order online only to discover that the earliest available pickup time was an hour from the time I was placing my order. That was way too long for me to wait, so I tried calling the restaurant directly and was informed by the girl who answered the phone that they do not take phone orders, but that there was no one in line so to come on in. I was already in the parking lot at the time so I decided to go inside about a minute after hanging up the phone with the gal. Turns out there were about seven people ahead of me in a line that moved slower than a snail's pace. I literally spent more than 30 minutes waiting in line before it was finally my turn to order.

The initial portion seemed a little skimpy to me so I asked for a little more of the right rice and the protein (harissa Chicken). The guy preparing my bowl was happy to oblige, though I was charged for the extra protein. 40 minutes from the time I walked in the door I was finally leaving with my bowl. I had high hopes for the taste and quality of the food, but when I got home 10 minutes later and sat down to eat, my disappointment really set in. I love Middle Eastern food and eat shawarma and kabobs all the time. However, I was not at all a fan of the harissa chicken from cava. It was chopped up chicken thighs and several of the bites I had were chewy and grizzly and caused me to spit them out, yuck. An hour after eating it the heartburn started sitting in and now I'm really regretting my entire experience there. But based on the line of people waiting as well as the people who waited in line after I came in, others seem to like this place. I seriously doubt...

A Fresh and Flavorful Experience at CAVA

CAVA at 1652 Camino Del Rio N is a fantastic spot for anyone craving fresh and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired food. The moment you walk in, you're greeted by a bright, clean atmosphere with a welcoming and modern vibe. The layout is efficient, making it easy to customize your meal with a wide variety of options, which is perfect for someone looking to eat healthy without sacrificing taste.

The star of the show here is undoubtedly the build-your-own bowl concept. With an impressive selection of bases, proteins, and toppings, you can create something truly unique every time. The food is fresh, vibrant, and packed with bold flavors. I opted for a grain bowl with falafel, and it was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The roasted vegetables and harissa hummus added the perfect touch of spice and creaminess.

What sets CAVA apart is their attention to dietary needs. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, there’s something for everyone. The staff is knowledgeable and more than happy to help navigate the menu. Plus, their variety of sauces allows you to experiment with different flavor combinations to suit your palate.

The service was fast and friendly, even during peak hours. While it’s a casual dining spot, the staff goes above and beyond to ensure you have a pleasant experience. It’s refreshing to see a team that is both efficient and customer-focused.

Overall, CAVA is a great addition to the Mission Valley area, offering a delicious and health-conscious alternative to typical fast-casual restaurants. Whether you're stopping in for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this spot delivers on taste, quality, and service. Highly...