A mediterranean Chipotle. I'd been waiting long for this! You pick your salad bowl, protein, dressings, all that. It really is a mediterranean Chipotle. This place hits it out of the freakin park for taste and freshness. This establishment makes their own juices and teas and has meals with endless possibilities. No complaints here I was so glad to eat here when in town and wish I had one in my hometown! Genius. read more

Delicious every time! I enjoy that I can customize my bowl the way I want and that all the Ingredients taste really fresh. I love that they have biodegradable utensils. read more

I remember coming to this location when it first opened. The friendliness of the staff and cleanliness have not declined at all. It's still the same. I arrived right before the weekday lunch rush. I got the super greens bowl with lentils. For my protein, I got half the seasoned veggies and half chicken; dips/spreads were roasted red pepper hummus and regular hummus. My toppings included: pickled onions, tomato + onion salad, diced cucumber and cucumber and tomato salad. To top it off, I mixed the lemon herb tahini & yogurt dill. I asked for some of the sriracha Greek yogurt on the side to dip my pita. Per usual, it was super filling and really tasty. The Brussels sprouts from the seasoned veggies just takes the bowl up a notch. I think next time I may get all seasoned veggies. This was my first time getting the pita. I'm thinking I should have put some of the bowl contents on it to make it more exciting. I don't know. I more than likely won't get the pita again. read more

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Great food! I live their Greek Salad. Very pleasantly surprised by the quality! We're coming back for sure. I'm

the food amazing. the service from jay was great, didn't know what i wanted and she provided her favorite. i love that !!. the ambiance is loud fun and clean. read more

Great staff, super good food! 10/10 recommendations Grilled ChickenSalad BowlLemon Herb Tahini read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Really good food! Great flavors. Would definitely go again. It was our first time & the servers weren't exactly the most gracious when it came to answering our questions. Also, it's pretty pricey for the amount you get, especially since you have to pay little fees here and there for add-ons. Overall, good experience read more

Think Chipotle, only fresher, and with a tasty Mediterranean flare... The line when we entered had at least 30 people ahead of us. But don't be discouraged, these guys move fast! Braised lamb, harissa, a variety of sauces and toppings, over "super greens". Sold. An endless number of combinations at hand. Heck, I even jazzed up my drink, 1/3 soda, 1/3 unsweet tea and 1/3 blood orange ginger. Mmmmmmmm.... Can't wait to come back and try all the combinations and maybe the soup next time. Easy 5 stars. read more

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They have different verities to add to your bowl/salad/pita. The food tasted very bland though. Not enough seasoning in their dips or dressings. My palette was left unsatisfied. Drinks were just as tasteless. This place is for someone who eats and drinks mostly healthy foods without adding anything to it. Friendly staff and good environment overall. read more

CAVA - Greens bowl. - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

In short it's a mediterranean version of chipotle. You go through the line and build your order, you can see them on the grills in the back, you checkout then can either eat there or take it to go. But it's so much more, more flavor, more options, more combinations! They have in house made flavored teas and lemonades that are so good. I usually get the Greens + Grains bowl I like the supergreens, then for my dips I go for the Eggplant +Red Pepper dip and 2 scoops of the Crazy Feta. The protein just depends on the day and mood because they all are so good and cooked perfectly but braised lamb and the lamb meatballs are definitely my favorites. I top with some kalamata olives, cauliflower quinoa tabbouleh, pickled onions, diced cucumbers, and crumbled feta. Finally for the dressing I mostly stick with the Greek vinaigrette but I do like the Sriracha Greek yogurt and Lemon herb tahini. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Debated between giving this a four star review, but ended up going with a five. Honestly, it's about a 4.7. We had wanted to try this since we visited Charlotte in January. Now that we moved, there was one right across the hotel. We ordered online for curbside pickup. My bowl was amazing! I built a half grains, half greens bowl and was so pleasantly surprised. Everything tasted so fresh and the portion size was HUGE. My husband ordered the pita, and while he thought it was tasty, he could have had double. We will definitely be back! read more

Literally just alright. Everyone talks about this place like it's so amazing. I finally got a chance to try it and I don't see what the hype is all about. It isn't disgusting or anything, just something I could easily forget about read more

CAVA - Bowl with super greens, rice, chicken and meatballs. Was literally just alright - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Some of the best customer service I've seen at a CAVA. Appreciate the cashier being so friendly and welcoming. I went at lunch on 4/4/2024

A Mediterranean take on chipotle. Very fresh delicious ingredients. Healthy and ALOT of food !!!! Give it a try for sure. Different soft drinks like Mexican style sodas is fun to try too. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Best restaurant in University! Clean, fast, great service, and delicious food! Healthy and hearty. I'll be back every week. Get a bowl; you won't regret! Fresh Pita chips are also to die for. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

The service was spectacular. The food extremely amazing. The location was clean and nice. I definately recommend it. It's the perfect spot for lunch. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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What the hell is this supposed to be? Our first experience with Cava. This slop was thrown in the trash bc that's where it seem to make the most sense. Such a bad representation of quality for sure. Anyone that put this out clearly does not belong there. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I live in Atlanta, and I am here in Charlotte, NC on business. I do not like to eat at chain restaurants that we also have in Atlanta. I prefer to find private or regionally owned restaurants that we can't get in Atlanta. Cava is a restaurant that fits that bill. I like the locally sourced food, socially conscious (it appears that they recycle their bowls, straws, and plant-based utensils), so hats off to them. The food is fresh and tasty, and I like the fact that you get to choose all of your ingredients from start to finish. I am a big fan! Please open one of these in Atlanta, Ga soon (preferably several throughout the city). read more

This was my first trip here since moving to the area. I'm sad that I waited so long. My lunch was delicious! Everything was so fresh and friendly employees I'll be back soon! read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Of course everything has changed since Covid-19 hit, but we were offered the same kindness and great customer service. Going through the line is seamless. I ordered a custom bowl with a couple of different sauces to go with it. The food was awesome, but it hit different when you eat it for lunch the next day. I guess after sitting and the flavors marinated together it was even better. The pita bread was also a hit . Listen is healthy yet tasty. A great lunch option!! read more

My fiancée and I love cava and eat at this restaurant at least three times a month and this is our first time getting an order from the University city location. I made a mistake and accidentally placed the order for 7:30 pick up. I asked my fiancée to see if they could just make it for later given we both work in restaurants and out of courtesy we do that same for our guests. He called to inform me that they would not make it for later due to someone already making and was told our options were come get it now or not at all. Never thought we would have such a rude response to a simple mistake that many people make. We love the metropolitan location and their service but it looks like you can't get that service at all the cavas. Very disappointed read more

Cava is a wonderful, flavorful, healthy addition to the University area! If you like boring food, I wouldn't suggest this spot- but if you're down to try something a little different, check it out! Everything is FRESH FRESH FRESH. You start by choosing your base (I usually do the greens + lentils), followed by protein choices (I like the chicken), and the roasted veggies are just AMAZING! Next, dips/spreads (love the hummus and red pepper spread). Then, the unlimited toppings. So many choices, and they are generous with portions! If you'd like a dressing, choose one, but I honestly feel like you don't need it. You can also get a pita bread to enjoy, complimentary. This is like the chipotle of Mediterranean food! They also have a ton of different fresh juices and teas. My one suggestion is that the restaurant isn't the cleanest. They need to realize people notice crap all over the floor- but because the food is banging I give them 5 stars. read more

SO pleased with CAVA!! We went last night and we were just amazed with the quality of flavor in everything. First you start out with a base. I did the greens and grains and they have a greens wall where you can pick which greens you want in your bowl and two types of rice to choose from. This bowl comes with a pita which I really appreciated. Then you pick dips and spreads (up to three). Between my boyfriend and I, we tried all the spreads. Our favorite was the Crazy Feta and if you like a little kick the Harissa. Then you pick your protein, you can do one or do half and half. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR and pick the braised lamb. Lord, was it juicy and flavorful. I did half lamb and half falafel. I felt like the falafels were very hearty and not dry. Then after that you can pick your toppings and dressings. I did the spicy lime tahini and sriracha Greek yogurt. In hindsight we got our dressings on top of our bowls but it looked so amazing that we just mixed it all together and so we couldn't tell what was what but either way it was so yummy. Also, it could have been an ILLUSION but the "To-go" bowls looked like they got more food than to stay bowls so we talked about getting the to-go bowls next time and just eating there. read more

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On the recommendation of my son my best friend and I went to CAVA. From the outside,​ I saw the modern design common in many new restaurants. My son described the concept as being similar to other new "upscale you build it" fast food restaurants. We have come a long way from customizing subs. Knowing how much I love Mediterranean​ cuisine I was excited. He recommended the spicy lamb meatballs. Why drag this review on...it was great. It's​ an open and inviting space. The light wood on the dark walls is nice. The half wall guides the line to the front to order. There are folded menus the size of postcards​​ on the wall for those of us who are more comfortable reading or maybe circling our choices. You can also read the options on the wall over the ordering station. You may like to know where your food is sourced the names of the farms are also on a small board. You begin with a "base" where you choose if you want a salad, grain bowl, pita or pita and soup. You can customize what type of salad you would like as well as the grains. Next,​ pick your dips or spreads. You can choose up to three and if you don't know what you'd like, ask for a sample. My best friend sampled the harissa. Which is spicy but tasty. However, if you like your food mild then this may not be an option. There are five other options to choose from ranging from tzatziki (of course), feta (a little​ spicy also), to hummus. Choose a protein from vegan options to various meats to ​make it your own. I choose the spicy lamb meatballs and I was not disappointed. Interestingly, I am not a big fan of lamb but I really liked these. I think the harissa masked the gameness I disliked in the past. Unlimited toppings await. I'm currently obsessed​ with pickled onions. I also added diced cucumbers. For my dressing choice,​ I went with yogurt dill. My best friend picked a ​spicy apricot which was delicious. I stopped Chris Blake to share how awesome I thought the food was. He shared with us the history of the restaurant. How three brothers and a​ wall street investor established this growing phenomenon. His enthusiasm​ and belief in their quality is​ contagious. We had only ordered water but Chris encouraged to try the juice options. He described the making of the watermelon mint and I was sold. Peeling watermelon, breaking it down with a large blender, adding mint, and organic sugar is a time-consuming​ process. It is worth it, I was impressed as everything is made fresh daily. I want CAVA to expand and hopefully, they will come to Eastern, NC. Thank you so much, Chris,​ for spending time with us and explaining the background. Thanks for a great offering. While my son is attending UNC he should eat there on a regular...or WORK there (get a job son. Give him a job Chris :) read more

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I hate to give them such a low score because the flavor of the food is amazing, but there's more to a restaurant than that... My first time eating here was the end of March. A friend suggested this as the perfect place for me to try out as a vegetarian. As far as flavor they are completely unmatched! Cons- The food is always lukewarm! I've gone right when they open, right when they close, in the middle of the day, the weekends, weekdays and every visit their food has been consistently lukewarm. I hate using microwaves but I'm forced to with this. Good Customer Service is obviously not a skill required to become hired. On every occasion, all of the staff is just terrible! They barely greet you. They always move extremely slow whether they are busy or not, they make it clear that you are on their time. Do not ask them any questions about the items they sell! They will respond with an attitude or have no knowledge about what you're asking them; So apparently knowledges of menu isn't a requirement either. All the staff acts as though they are not interested in being there every time I visit. I expect a friendly environment when I walk into Cava but honestly it seems like they hired the McDonald's staff from down the street,. I'm going to take a break from Cava for a few months in hope that they will improve their customer service skills, otherwise I won't be returning,. If you are willing to put up with piss poor customer service and lukewarm but absolutely delicious food, then this is the place for you., read more

This is a perfect healthy option for lunch or dinner! The super greens and the numerous veggie options make this a win in my book! Fall veggies were cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and brussel sprouts! I would recommend going online to their menu beforehand. The restaurant was busy, loud, and fast paced during the Monday lunch time that I went in. It could easily be overwhelming for anyone to go in unsure of what they want beforehand! Parking is easy as it is in a mall-type plaza with a large parking lot. They have seasonal veggie options for the vegetarians and several different sauces and dips that are yummy! read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Great super healthy cafe. Even though it's healthy, the food taste really, really good. The drinks are to die for. The customer service is great. Shhh, don't tell anyone how good it is. I don't want it to get crowded. Also I second everything McCielan said and Martha G said. Delicious food and great service. They offer online ordering and pickup, as well as their usual lunch-line style ordering. They have social distance markers on the floors and seating. I've been to the University location more times than I can count and have always had a great experience. CAVA always knocks it out of the park. It's our go-to for a quick dinner order and my kids even request it for their birthdays. Everything we've tried is delicious, flavorful, perfectly cooked, consistent, and fairly healthy. Their house-made drinks are amazing, too. read more

Believe the hype. This place is good, damn good. Casual dinning without being hovered on by servers and having to tip. Plenty of diversity and fresh options. I am truly a fan. All kinds of food options. Multiple meats, including lamb. Veggie options as well. You can have it any way you want it. On a pita, on a salad, whatever. Then toppings such as pico and similar. All kinds of amazing sauces, especially the green sauce. On top of all that some pretty great flavored teas. I'll be back and I'm bringing friends. One side note. The line moves fast. If you are bringing grandma, please talk to her about what she might order ahead of time, maybe even look into the menu. It seems to be a lot for the older people to comprehend. read more

Cava Solid fast casual addition to the offerings in this university area for the lunch and dinner crowd. It seems that Cava will be many places around Charlotte in the coming months. Do you want a meal that is colorful, flavorful, has nice textural variety, and leaves you feeling good? Cava is your spot and is a very well executed grain bowl/salad place. Similar to other brands, the bread is one of the few weak spots; it just doesn't hold a candle to the laffa at Yafo. Stopped in on a random weekday and was pleas d with the efficiency and cleanliness. I'm not up this way that much, but this would be a solid place to keep on rotation. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Delicious and healthy! We are always impressed when we go to this Cava. Highly recommend! There were so many customers on our Sunday afternoon visit and the employees were in good spirits and working efficiently. Regardless of the line, we had our food in no time and witnessed the dining area cleaned MULTIPLE times while we were there so you could easily find a clean space waiting for you. The food is LEGIT! I'm able to eat my vegetarian preferences with no sacrifices and usually I either stuff myself or go away with leftovers for a second meal later in the day. They are super nice about me always wanting ALL the toppings. My husband has a big appetite and lifts so he is very happy when we go to Cava and we have never left this location unhappy whether dine in or take out. Go to: Greens bowl for me with black lentils, half falafel, half roasted veg. For him: grains and greens, full servings of roasted veg and falafel. Roasted red pepper hummus for the win, the eggplant spread as well. The harissa sauce is Delicious but spicy so be in the mood (luckily on the side too). Any sauce with garlic or tahini is bomb. read more

I'll start with saying I was super excited to see this chain coming to the Charlotte area. Another healthier, quick dine spot... YAY! This style restaurant is stand in line and order toppings as you go. They build your bowl or pita in front of you. They need better signs for the food so it's easier to order. I also think they really should offer a few side choices with at least one or two combos that are "most popular" choices. My fiancé wished that they had some preset choices for the pitas because he said he didn't know some of the ingredients and was unsure of matching flavor profiles. Other than the pointers and feedback listed above we had a great experience. My pita was huge but I did wish that I could have had a little side of veggies. The restaurant is very modern and simple in its design. The staff was very friendly and patient with us (first timers with tons of questions). The restaurant was very clean and bright. They offer some outdoor sitting with umbrellas on the side of the restaurant. Hoping for one to end up in the uptown area eventually! read more

CAVA - Our eats! - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

After reading several reviews and hearing about CAVA from some Yelp friends, I decided to give it a try for lunch today and it was great! More and more places are going with the "customize everything" method and if you can keep things fresh and delicious then I'm a huge advocate for it. Clean, minimal dining area with friendly staff. They have little tasting spoons beside the proteins so don't be shy to ask for a sample if you wish. Today the line of customers was massive, yet I wouldn't say they were understaffed, just a ton of customers. There's a point where adding more staff to a line-style service counter will just create chaos, so I'm not blaming them at all for the wait, they were moving crazy-fast anyway. If anything it shows how successful they already are and can handle a massive lunch service in stride. For my first visit I decided on the grain bowl that's served with your choice of several starches. I went with brown rice and lentils. The proteins all looked great but the brazed Lamb looked so moist and fresh, I couldn't resist. Top it off with lettuce, pickled onions, feta, mint, and a dill yogurt sauce, I'm allset. They also had some Tzatiki dip and feta spread (2 of their 6 "spreads") that was added to the middle of the bowl which I thought was a little odd, but ok! Upon digging in, I realized why the line was nearly out the door: Fresh, Filling, and Fast Mediterranean cuizine that's delicious as well! The braised Lamb was so juicy and tender, great lentils and rice, all of the toppings had a cool, crisp texture. Everything about this bowl screamed Quality. The only thing that was lost were those Tzatiki and Feta dips they added in the middle. Why the middle? There was nothing wrong with them, I just wasn't able to ID them individually in a bowl with so many other flavor profiles going on. Apparently you can order ahead on their app as well. While worth the wait, I'll definitely be doing this next time. Can't wait to explore this menu more, a great addition to an already diverse collection of restaurants in the University area. read more

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I had one of my best times with the server Shay today she had one of the best dispositions that I've seen in a while she was great to communicate with, and she got my order correct without any problems I love to have serve me whenever stop in she has great customer service read more

CAVA always knocks it out of the park. It's our go-to for a quick dinner order and my kids even request it for their birthdays. Everything we've tried is delicious, flavorful, perfectly cooked, consistent, and fairly healthy. Their house-made drinks are amazing, too. I recently ordered just a side of roasted vegetables (Brussels Sprouts, sweet potatoes, etc.) for a snack on the road and I feel like I hit the jackpot. I'll never stop at a convenience store again. If you're eating with kids or sensitive to heat, ask before you order things, because we have accidentally ordered some sauces that were too spicy for the kids. And my husband orders harissa even though it melts his face off every time. read more

Delicious!!! Courteous!!! Perfect dining experience!!! My wife and 8 live eating here!!!

I rarely write reviews but I must in this instance. My toddler and I ate a kid's meal from here yesterday for lunch and as I type we are both sick. We ate the regular chicken and black lentils. She and I both have been suffering from sharp stomach pains and diarrhea. It smells just like the food we ate and my poor baby is passing the black lentils in her stool fully in tact. She has a fever and has been crying bent over in pain. Needless to say, we won't ever eat here again. And if I need to take her to the hospital, I will be contacting corporate to pay the bill. Shame on you. Do better. read more

Loved the food, super fresh. Think Mediterranean chipotle but better! All ingredients laid out in front to choose from down the line. The homemade juices are ahhhhhmazingggg! I had the strawberry mint mixed with the turmeric! For my dinner I had the grains/green bowl - my grains being lentils and the super greens, chicken/hummus and great toppings. Very filling I brought half my bowl home. Hubby had the rice bowl/grilled meatballs with a pita on the side. Will be back!! read more

CAVA - Grains/green bowl with chicken and lentils - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

BLESS IT! Ok, so today was my first time experiencing Cava! I found out about their free pre-opener event from #cltfreebies. So glad I looked into this because the food is AMAZING! Walking up of course there was still some construction outside as the area it self is still remodeling. But walking in to Cava the aroma was so welcoming and the staff was their to greet you with a HUGE smile! Provide you with the cutest little menu and asked if you needed help with selections. I did have a few questions with a young lady assisted me with, then once my friend arrived we proceeded to the line. Of course two health nuts could decide what the wanted we started tasting a little bit of this, getting a side of that, telling them to put a little here and a little there... before we knew it we were finish and with a bowl full! The free entree meal came with a drink as well! \\HERES THE KICKER// I'm not sure if many people recognized this or not but this incredible company not only are giving every person that walks through their doors today and tomorrow free meals, they are donating the price of each persons meals to Charlottes local nonprofit organization SOW MUCH GOOD! NOW if that's not LOVE I don't know what is! And I'm a sucker for community outreach and that's honestly what grabbed my attention and my heart to drive 30minutes from my Home to experience this place. Thankfully I also had a few minutes to chat with Chris the store Manager and hopefully he will be looking to bring location number three to Rivergate or Berewick area! read more

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What just happened today!! I am kind of a fan of CAVA , I have been eating here since 2 years right from Jersey City, NJ. Now, at Charlotte,NC though I have been visiting here for few times often for a takeout , today it was a surprise. One of the persons, who made the bowl for me gave this bowl for FREE!! She says, "your total charges are $0.00". I was wondering that she was kidding me, and offered my credit card. Here she goes that it is paid by them. I did ask so many questions to her that, "does she know me? Is there some discount going on?"(just blabbering curiously to know why, since no one ever buys me food for free unless it's my friend or a family).Finally, It seems they randomly choose one person. Since I had a long day , this did make my day today! I am so sorry , I should have known your name. :) Thanks again, CAVA grill! Impressed with this kind of move. On this note, one suggestion. A points based card by CAVA would be wonderful. This way , for regulars like me can get more free bowl/ lemonade / credits. Etc., read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Oh my! Let me tell you guys how good this place was. Just so happened I was off today when a friend posted about the opening special here where you get to try their food for free. I was absolutely pleased with every bite. Its new location is in the University area right across the street from the boardwalk next to blaze pizza. When I first arrived I was hesitant cause of the line and I was hangry but figured I'd give it a try cause partially my fault for coming a little late but the line moved quickly and they gave menus for you to look at while you wait. This place is def chipotle made to order style. First thing that caught my eye is they point out who their partners are and where they get the ingredients from (love this cause I'm one of the health conscious people that like to know). I ordered the grain bowl with falafel, tzatziki, crazy feta, tomatoes, cucumbers,onions, romaine, mint, cauliflower quinoa, slaw, with the sriracha Greek yogurt to top it off. Oh! And it comes with warm fresh pita bread. They have a good selection of different drinks and partner with Appalachia for their cookies It ended up being much quicker than I expected and by the time I got home I could not wait to dive in. It was all that I imagined, had great customer service, and I definitely plan on returning! I just really hope they can keep it up after the opening. read more

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