I really like Mezeh, so when I heard that Cava was much better than Mezeh, I had to try it. They are equally good. It's the same formula as Mezeh: fresh ingredients, healthier options, juices, etc. Mezeh serves eggplant, but Cava has warm pita bread. Mezeh has a cozier decor, while Cava is more industrial. Mezeh is to the right of the mall, while Cava is to the left. But I digress... Cava is a great option for a quick, healthier, tasty meal. read more

Hearty portions of fresh and healthy food, with many veg-friendly options! This Cava recently opened in front of the Short Pump mall. I enjoyed the roasted vegetables over the super greens base with a bunch of their toppings. The greens were a little tough and fibrous, but there was a lot of toppings relative to the greens so it didn't really bother me. The feta is really yummy! I liked the variety of roasted veg - zucchini, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, etc. You also get a fresh-baked, warm pita with every entrée. I used the app to order ahead. I thought there would be a designated spot to pick up online orders, but instead you just go up front near the cashiers and wait to pick up your order. It's a little confusing but they are attentive and friendly! read more

CAVA - Roasted vegetable salad with many toppings! - Mediterranean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I'm back here again... I wanted a quick but healthy meal... I love the fact that it is simple and clean food that I'm eating. The other great thing about Cava is that the portions are generous, so I take the rest home, then I have lunch or a light dinner... I love that the salads are fresh, there are a variety of grains to choose from, and the proteins are delicious! Yum! read more

CAVA - It's complicated, but once you are at the counter, you'll figure it out!! - Mediterranean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Well of course I saw everyone was going so I had to as well! I love Cava! I was surprised when reading the reviews as many people chose Mezeh over Cava. I like them both, they are both very similiar and have great qualities but, have only been to both places once and I got a great impression on both. The staff was very friendly and offered options, I'm picky so I do ask a lot of questions to make sure I'll be able to eat it and it's not too spicy! I will say, if you go on lunch, allow yourself some time because they don't have a whole lot of people working and the line moves pretty slow! Just an extra thing I would recommend, download their app! You can get a discount on your first purchase and save a few dollars! Can't wait to return! read more

It has been impossible to review Cava without comparing it with Mezeh. For starters, as some people have said before, Cava is a restaurant with the same concept as Chipotle/Qdoba but for mediterranean food (hummus, falafel, pesto, tzazikis, etc). Cava looks fancier (even more hipster) than Mezeh from the moment you step in. You can choose the type of bowl you want (base of greens, based of rices or mix of both), add some dips (hummus mainly), the protein and unlimited toppings (onion, cabbage, veggies, pesto, etc), all with a complementary pita bread. How does the food taste? Incredible. Even better than Mezeh? No. Not even close. At least for me (and I was born and raised in the mediterranean). Not only have I missed some tabbouleh, couscous or kebap but also the quality of the ingredients does not taste as fresh. For me, who looks the quality of the food more than the environment (specially for restaurants whose meal is under $10), Mezeh has a clear win. Having said that, I will eventually give it a second try just because I love this kind of restaurants. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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This is the best Cava in the Richmond area. Their ingredients are always fresh and in stock, and the staff are friendly and fast. Cava is my favorite fast-casual restaurant and we eat here probably once a week. I had to leave a review today because we just had the nicest server and he totally made my day. read more

I'm not a fan of Chipotle but I do like the idea of controlling my food options and "building" my meal. Cava is a nice alternative and has plenty of great choices for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike. Rice, grains, veggies, sauces (feta, tzatiki, hummus) meats and pita. You build your bowl with your preferences. It's a hearty size bowl (maybe 2 servings?). The staff was nice and friendly and the food was good quality. The restaurant was clean and open. My only complaint is that the iced tea (all the teas and sodas are healthy, natural options) was a little weak. Cava is a nice alternative at Short Pump - it balances out the indulgent, over priced restaurants and offers a healthy, satisfying meal. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Fun place - good food - have been a few times - had lamb meatballs which are Great- staff is great, things move a little slow at times because lots of "tasting" - Much better than mezeh - just down the street. Only suggestion for company is try not to be sexist by putting the "baby changing" icon/door decal only on the woman's bathroom - can't men change diapers too? Try for the unisex bathrooms if you gonna go that route! I'l be back. read more

Try this out for lunch today, it was very busy around lunchtime with several young professionals and families eating. Very similar set up to Mezzeh which is also located right down the road. The interior feels very modern. The staff was fast and friendly, helped to explain different options and their own preferences. The portion felt larger than what others have shared about their experience. I had a stuffed pita with lamb meatballs, spicy hummus, tabouleh and picked onions. They have several delicious soda options I wasn't familiar with, along with juices and teas. The turmeric lemonade was refreshing. Pro tip, download their app for $3 off your first meal and a faster checkout process. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

This is my favorite place to eat in the West End. It's like a chipotle for Mediterranean food. Kinda looks like chipotle on the inside too. I get the grains and greens bowl with the braised beef and roasted vegetables. I absolutely love their Greek dressing. The portion is enormous. I always walk away with a full belly or food leftover. Their falafel is delicious too. I get a side of that when I go there to snack on. I recommended it to my coworkers and now everyone goes there on the reg. It's delicious. read more

I love CAVA. This location is conveniently located in Short Pump, and I've always had good customer service from their team. People have mentioned they are a little pricey, but a standard bowl of food could easily be split into two meals. read more

Ordered the Greens and Grains at CAVA. Friend had Gyro. Found lunch to be an excellent light lunch that was filling, satisfying and and remarkable. read more

CAVA - Greens and Grains - Mediterranean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Delicious, clean and light! The concept is similar to meza which is by the short pump center too but I feel like the options are healthier here. My salad with half roasted veggies and falafel was filling without being too heavy. The sriracha Greek yogurt dressing was delicious and I appreciate all of the vegetarian friendly options. Whenever I am back this way I will definitely be stopping by to try out the rest of their menu. read more

I really enjoy Cava and the very healthy options (and the not so healthy pita chips option). Its like the Mediterranean Chipotle. I LOVE their falafel, when it hasnt been sitting under the warmer for an hour. I will often request a fresh batch be made when I go in, unless its super busy and they are fresh. The greens are always fresh and never wilted. read more

I used to go to Meze every day for lunch. But I now prefer Cava. Though it is very similar, the devils in the detail. Slightly larger portion sizes, better taste, very similar price, and most importantly, the team is very friendly, and the manager, Braxton, walks around and mingles with customers when he has time. Not seen this in any other place I go for lunch, especially not in Meze. This restaurant is a well oiled machine. Also, being on a strict diet (Keto) I find there is a larger variety of super greens offered, which I found was limited at Meze. read more

I love CAVA, but this the worst CAVA I have ever been to. They gave very small scoops for servings. I had to ask for another scoop at each station. They literally tried to give me only 4 of the crunchy strips...if I didn't ask for more I would have hardly gotten enough to last a few bites. They don't even look to see how much they give you. Not to mention they had an issue with me looking at the food and taking time to decide. The other CAVA in Richmond is smaller but better. They are just as busy as this CAVA but the workers are polite and give regular portions. read more

Love Mediterranean and this is very good. I usually get a salad with chicken brown rice super greens 3 different hummus and the free jalapeño dressing. Have half for lunch and save other for dinner. Costs $10 but get 2 meals. read more

Healthy food. Easier to get gluten free vegan eats here. I love the tahini dressings.

We just ordered and picked up curbside. We split the family meal option. I feel like I'm going to pop, but there is still enough for lunch tomorrow. The kids are singing the praises of CAVA. This was a much needed meal that we didn't have to cook. It was also delish and ready right on time. read more

Great food!! Love the falafel, and yummy pita! Really good alternative then the regular Mexican style bowl. This is different and delicious! The only thing is that they need more locations read more

Vegetarian friendly restaurant. Delicious food. I got the falafel wrap and it was amazing. Many choices for sauces which is great. My only complaint is that the food did not taste fresh. Pita bread was a little hard and falafel balls were not warm. read more

Cava is probably one of my fave restaurants! I love this location! The staff is always so friendly and the food is always so fresh!

Alright, but lacking in choice, quality, and flavor. A poor competition for Mezeh. Take your time and money there. It is way better. Wouldn't return to CAVA unless Mezeh closed down or something. read more

Went to CAVA for the gluten free food and now I return for the food PLUS the Maine Root Blueberry Soda. They recently changed some of the veggie toppings and I miss the banana or peperoncini-type peppers I used to get there. But everything else is great, and seriously-- try the soda. It's made of good stuff and is absolutely addictive! read more

Despite being a more established and well known competitor to Mezeh, I was not impressed. My wife and I visited and ended up speaking to the manager about how we usually go to Mezeh and he gave us our meals for free. Although this was very generous, the food just wasn't that good. One of my favorite toppings are the pickled onions and these were not good. They were too sweet and mushy unlike Mezeh where they are crisp and bright. I don't know if we came at a bad time, but the majority of the ingredients tasted old. Not planning on going back. read more

Terrible experience with Cava this evening. They were out of almost everything. Ridiculous.

Great new addition to short pump! Happy to have you out here Cava! It is very clean, friendly staff, delicious choices. The falafel was good, the white beans and lentils were my favorite ! I had the salad bowl and had lots of good healthy choices to add in the bowl. I was already a fan of their harissa, which you can buy at Whole Foods. I love the new Mezeh, which is almost next door. Both are great. Mezeh has more options without limits. Cava less bowl toppings and they limit you in how many humus/veggie options. About the same price at each place, but Mezeh I can get two meals from their bowl Cava was smaller portions. The drinks are good - fresh mint and basil drinks. I like that Cava has a board on the wall indicating where all their meat and produce come from locally. The locally sourced is a nice touch and that will keep me coming back for more. Both are good, Cava 5 stars, Mezeh 5 stars too me because of the choices at the latter. I'll frequent both places as I do love Cava's harissa - both the red and green harissa. Soooo good and spicy. Both give you a nice slice of pita on the side for dipping. Delicious, healthy - my kind of food. Great quality enjoyed it a lot. Photos attached :) read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Love Cava eat here all the time the BEST place for bowls! One helper in particular Tyler was amazing and very helpful! Will be returning because of him! read more

I have been to CAVA several times and they never disappoint! Always fresh and delicious. The servings are large enough to take home half and the leftovers are still yummy the next day. Two meals for the price of one is a big deal to me! And their fresh juices are creative and delicious, too. A great place for lunch with friends or for a quick takeout. read more

Alissa, working near the cash register was amazing! She accidentally added something my wife cannot eat and she gladly fixed it and made her a new one. The staff here is super fast, extremely kind, and accommodating! I'd come to this one every time if I could! read more

CAVA is the best. I use to be a die hard chipotle girl, but CAVA changed me for the better. I love their layout of food and their food in general. Their service is great too. I had ordered to go, but when we got there they were really backed up so they gave us free tea! I love that they did that. It really shows they care and that's what makes them stand out in the sea of other food chains! Give them a try! I guarantee you'll love it! read more

This review is more on the customer service (or lack thereof) at Cava. Why do so many young people feel this need to fake customer service, or even just being courteous? Food overall was good, less options than Mezeh, so Mezeh wins out on that fact. I like the Mezeh pita better as well. Also, the bowls seemed light for the price. read more

I love this place. It's a Mediterranean Chipotle minus the food poisoning. The food is fresh and delicious and the staff is always super friendly. I like that they don't give me the stink eye when I ask for an extra serving of a veggie or when I need to separate the meat into a different container. They definitely could bw more diligent about cleaning the tables but overall a great experience. FYI they make pita chips in house and they're amazing. read more

Vegan friendly! People are nice, and very helpful in answering any questions you may have about their menu. Food is great & fresh. No hiccups & I never feel rushed! I always get the greens & grains bowl with veggies & falafels. Great place. read more

I simply cannot resist the food here....I been here many times and it never disappoints. I really like the "build your own meal" concept. I am always craving for the hummus. They provide good portions and it is sooo tasty....i am always satisfied when I leave the service is quick and they have seating inside and outside which is nice. I am not a big fan of their drinks....its colorful but the taste is not what I hoped for. But the food is what matters most so water is sufficient enough for me since the flavors is all in the meal :) read more

There is this space between euphoria and heaven and that is where my tastebuds go after dining here. The setup is similar to chipotle, but the options are much, MUCH better. I must admit, I was intimidated the first time I went, but after trying variations you cannot go wrong. My favorite is the grain bowl with saffron basmati rice, one scoop tzatziki dip and two scoops crazy feta, chicken, cauliflower quinoa tabbouleh, crumbled feta, tomato and cucumber, seasonal veggies for extra oomph, and top it off with a small portion of the lemon herb tahini dressing. Just thinking about it sends me into daydreams. They also have this neat drink bar where there are sodas made with real sugar (much better) and then drinks mixed in with herbs. Rosemary Lemonade? I'm down. read more

Finally tried Cava after hearing so much about it. It is very similar to Mezeh. I think they have slightly fewer options. Also, the amount you get for the price is a bit on the light side. The food is still very good. My bowl was tasty. I left full. There was nothing unpleasant about the dining experience. The decor is very industrial. I do agree with a another reviewer that there should be more people cleaning the tables. I know I'll be back. read more

Delicious! This place is awesome. I'm vegan and this is my new favorite place. It has so many options! Yummy! Great customer service too!

Nice job, very healthy, and tasty. Loved the dips (crazy feta, red pepper, harissa), yummy grains, and attentive service.

I like the choices but they were very chintzy with the toppings. It felt like I was eating a big bowl of rice and I would find a few toppings once in a while. There toppings were very sparse. read more