How fun! We are vacationing and looked up to find something new and different than what we have at home. This sure did not disappoint our expectations. The staff were friendly and walked us through the steps. Offered taste test for the meats. The beverage offering is pretty unique too. Great variety in sodas, teas and juices as well as can and bottle options. We will be back for sure when we visit again. read more

Messy counter, food quality non existent, had to ask for refund. Won't be going back. A real shame looks like they spent plenty on the space but not on ingredients or employee training. Awful read more

I made a second visit to CAVA on 7/25/18 at about 1:45. I wanted to order in the store, to see how it worked, and to give it another chance. My first impression was that every inside table was dirty. The floor was littered. It is a little confusing because there are no directions/explanations as to how it works or how many toppings you can have. I find it odd there are no prices listed. I ordered a salad. I looked down and the entire length of the "kitchen" counter was gross-food particles, hand prints, smudges, just dirty. Nobody working the line offered to explain anything. I asked how the chicken was season. The response from a very bored young woman, "I don't know, not my job." I ordered an iced tea. It rang up as fruit juice. There were no trays because they were all dirty. There was a guy, perhaps a manager, he was wearing a black t shirt, sitting in front of a computer in the corner. Don't good managers help out in a pinch? A good manager models the behavior expected. I found the cleanest dirty table I could. I ate. I won't go back. read more

Food is really guide but service sucked and place was not clean at all every table was dirty

The first time I tried CAVA was at the UCLA location and since i've been to the Irvine location and now the Costa Mesa spot. I love CAVA, the food is delicious, but this location is the worst out of the three I've eaten at. This location they were not friendly at all, the guy putting my bowl together looked pissed off and mumbled things so I couldn't hear what he was saying. They also don't give you a lot of toppings I got like 3 pickled onion pieces. I don't eat a lot but I do expect more than 3 small slices of pickled onions when I ask for it. I don't know i'm not from OC but maybe people just don't like to eat here? Finally the cashier who rang me up was just rude and after she took my card and gave it back she just left my food sitting there and then proceeded to talk to one of her coworkers I didn't know if I could grab my food or if she was going to put it in a bag since I said I wanted it to go. I had to ask her and she rolled her eyes at me and said I could take my food. I'm not sure if this is common for workers in customer service but i'm pretty sure she should have offered me a bag or at least handed me my food. I'm not super picky about things and usually easy going, however this location could be a bit more friendly and work on their customer service skills. Next time I order I will use the app, so I don't need to talk to any of the people who work there. Also I just realized they never offered me the pita that is supposed to come with the bowl..... read more

A M A Z I N G! We went today for a late Saturday lunch, when we walked in it was busy, and we had to wait, but it was worth it. The service was great and the staff made it up for the wait, awesome customer service and even better food. We ordered two bowls, very generous portions, yummy and good quality ingredients, 2 pita bread and 2 drinks. The drinks they have are also really good! Cucumber lemonade, beet lemonade, mexican kola, cherry soda, among other really good and original options. The place is spacious and clean, they use biodegradable forks, oh! and they had great music too. We loved this place! read more

The food is great but overall customer service and staff is terrible. They ran out of forks, ice machine wasn't working and we're out of a lot of their condiments/sides. Overheard the staff complaining that the manager just up and left and the morning crew did nothing which is why it was so terrible... not a good first impression. read more

I love Cava. I'm so glad that it's in Costa Mesa now. It's a great place for a quick but healthy meal. This location has great service and friendly employees. I will definitely be back. read more

Love love love this place. If I could eat here everyday I would. It's got a great selection of options and it tastes great!

So within the past few weeks! I have been obsessed ever since one of my friends introduced me to this place! And have to say I think as of today I've been once a week! I have to say for the amount of food for the price you pay here is a deal! Everytime the food has been fresh and taste delicious! But I really have to give a shoutout to Monica, Max, and Paula for providing the best experience by far! If you want quick and yummy Mediterranean food thats not to pricey this is the place to go! I would compare the setup they have inside similar to Chipotle but obviously way better than that! (since Im not crazy about them!) :) read more

Amazing food! Bryan, Pablo, and Francisco were incredible helpful and friendly. Great people, casual vibe, and delicious food. Highly recommend for all dietary preferences. read more

My daughter and I were excited to try Cava and we were not disappointed with the food, however, we will be getting it to go from now on. It took us several attempts to find a table that was not covered in food left from the previous occupants, the trash area was a disaster and the ice machine was either empty or broken. Again, the food was great, but the dining experience was not. read more

It's a better Chipotle but for the same price. I didn't understand all the hype over this place but now I know.. There is really nothing they can do to make this place better. 10/10 would highly recommend and I never say that!! read more

Your bowls are the best! Been there twice in 2 weeks and I live an hour away. My favorite is the Greens and Grains with 1/2 chicken and Half spicy meatball. read more

Good. But why is the chicken so fucked and nasty, like every piece is disgusting. Aside from that everything else is fine. Chicken makes me sick thinking about it though read more

Vegetarian friendly, healthy, and flavorful. Great value. I hope they don't change anything !!

I just moved here from Thousand Oaks and this is one of my go to spots. The staff is always incredibly friendly and the food is on point. I'm a super picky eater and this place is perfect for folks like me. Try this place once and you will be hooked read more

Best place ever I've came here three days in a row after my first visit. This place is essentially a healthier much higher grade quality Chipotle with all fresh ingredients. read more

I only give this 2 stars instead of 1 because I usually love this place but today was enough to make me not come here again. We ordered pickup 30 minutes before we planned on arriving because we were in a huge rush and did not want to wait in line to order when we got there. We placed our order and picked it up 10 minutes past when we said we would be there (giving them even more time) and they had no recollection of our order. That was annoying in and of itself, and then said they would have to start making it now. Instead their team was chatting and not working at all on our order. I have never seen people move so slow. Wouldn't you get on it so quick upon realizing that you made this mistake?! And then, to make it even worse, the manager came out and said can I see your confirmation again, and then looked at it and said we will have to start on it now. I'm like you haven't even began yet?! Unbelievable. If you are going to dine here never order pickup. It is unreliable and will take even longer than just waiting in line to order when you get there. Absolutely unacceptable. read more

Came here for the first time today and I was completely satisfied! I'm Vegan and the menu was very direct on the vegan options which is a plus! It's like a Chipotle but mediterranean style, love how I'm able to tell them what I want as I go. They have inside and patio seating, style; industrial. Definitely going to be one of my weekly spots to eat! read more

This place is Amazing! Customer service is off the chain 5 stars. I often eat at Cava and this one is awesome the store manager i believe her name is Elisa im bad with names and may be wrong but she is awesome! She has customer service that surpasses 5 star restaurants! Awesome read more

My new favorite place to eat fabulous delicious healthy food. The service from Max, Monica & Bernard was exceptional. The concept & choices are. Amazing!!! read more

This place is amazing. I've fallen in love with the food (fresh ingredients) and atmosphere! They have a very friendly staff, Justin was patient and kind and took great care of me! Cava has instantly become a fav and will be their new "regular" :) read more

Cava is like Mediterranean Chipotle, which is a concept I appreciate as I love Mediterranean food and this makes it super easy. You go in a line selecting what you want in your bowl. I've eaten from Cava 7 or 8 times now and each experience has been pretty much the same as the others, which is something I appreciate. Sure, sometimes there's little bits of food mess on the countertops where it is before it goes in your bowl but it really doesn't affect me in any way. Sometimes they are 5 or 10 minutes away from having a new batch of vegetables ready or they might be out of some particular meat or something. But there are so many options to choose from that it really is fine. One thing I've picked up on as I've gotten more Cava-experienced is to NOT put a little bit of everything into one bowl. It seems better to be a little more selective and make a cohesive flavor profile as it all kind of blends together if you're not careful. I still go back so it can't be that expensive but it does seem a little pricey, YMMV. It's worth a shot for sure. read more

Yummmmm if you like healthy food and a way different take on a chipotle style bowl this is the spot

Wow. Great. Staff was so cool and patient after working a long day and dealing with us cause we were those jerks who didnt know anything and asking all the questions. Food has so much flavor with so many options beacuse im someone who loves portions. Defiantly going back and bringing friends! read more

Like chipotle, but fresh! I went my first time in Boston, and absolutely loved it. Was so excited to see it coming to Costa Mesa, & they did not disappoint! Great portions of fresh, hot, healthy food! Satiating and delicious for a great price.. I'm in! read more

Awesome healthy food the whole family loves! Great service from Diane and Julianne, thank you ladies so much we will be back soon!

Really good and healthy options! Only complaint was the burnt roasted veggies that made the bowl taste burnt. Hope they get it right on the roasted vegetables and I'll be back! read more

This was my first time visiting this new restaurant in our neighborhood. I enjoyed the food, it was really good, fresh and flavorful. The choices were excellent. I would have given this five stars except for the fact that this restaurant is the noisiest restaurant I have ever been to. I couldn't understand anything the staff member asked me. The noise was tinny and very uncomfortable on the ears. Add to that the screaming kid, and my friend and I couldn't hear each other speak, even though we were yelling, which was not good either, we had to leave to be able to carry on a normal conversation. Unfortunately, whoever built this building had no idea about acoustics. You really need to do something about the noise. read more

What a great addition to our 17th Street eateries! Just officially opened and we tried an online order for pickup for lunch! It was super easy to set up an account and their menu is easy to navigate. Choose either bowls with salad, grains (or a mixture of both) or a pita. Then choose a protein and tons of add ons and sauces. The online menu has pictures which helps in making choices. Parking in the back or side alley is a breeze and all the online orders are organized for easy pick up on shelves on the side wall by the register,(don't wait in line with people making orders). Since you've already paid for it online,you just grab and go. I asked the nice girl how I tip, and she said they don't take tips , and thanked me! Got home and our complicated pita orders were perfectly executed. Everything was delicious. We both had the meatballs....delish! Next time, which will be very soon, I'll try the chicken or falafel as they looked equally yummy and fresh!!! I highly recommend Cava! read more

Always great tasting food! Very fresh tasting. The service is always friendly. restaurant is clean. Plenty of seating. Thank you cava!

When they first opened up...i ate here probably 28 out of 35days...some times 2X a day... It coincided with trying to eat a healthier diet... it worked in losing some fast food lbs... It's fast food but healthy and tasty!...all the employees are really friendly and hard working... Hardest worker and super friendly is Adrian who seems to live there...works all the time...and keeps the place on point... Their juices are legit!...especially their seasonal ones...i was super bumbed when they took away the Watermelon Lime...but the Blueberry Lavender they replaced it with is crazy craving good!... I've always had the Chix and grilled veggies...but tried a beef meatball today...it was like eating a portion of steak in its charred flavor...super tasty!... Also they make fried pita chips...w olive oil and salt and pepper...a must have w any meal... The Spicy Harissa dip w the Crazy Feta w Jalapeno and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus rocks!... It's All Good!!!... Love this place and the peeps who serve it... Glad for 17th st!!! read more

I had lunch at Cava yesterday for the very first time. When I got to the front of the line, a very nice man named Francisco helped me. I let him know it was my first time and I wasn't sure how the place worked. He explained to me that Cava is similar to a Mediterranean version of Chipotle and took the time to explain each and every station of building the bowl and gave me recommendations as well. He was so kind and patient with me and didn't hesitate to take his time to make I was understanding everything and didn't feel rushed. I ended up adding almost every topping and add-on to my bowl. Once I got to the register I was ready to leave him a really nice tip for being so helpful. However, he beat to the kind gesture by telling me my bowl was on the house and that he was the manager and really wanted to make sure I had a positive first experience. He didn't even let me tip him!! He only asked if I could possibly leave a kinda yelp review, which I was more than happy to do. Francisco's kindness made my week! I loved my first experience at Cava and would definitely recommend to anyone considering visiting! read more

Soooo good! First time of many Fresh healthy verity friendly. Like it so much came home and told my son. Went back 1/2 later and bought him lunch. He too loved it! Will be back!!! read more

Very tasty food and great value. Soup is good and bowls are so yummy. Service good and quick. Great lunch option.

IM SO EXCITED. My absolute favorite! I go to the Irvine one all the time and this just opened down the street from my house and couldn't be more stoked. Amazing food, top notch friendly service, trendy ambiance, not more more you can ask for. read more