We've ordered food from this location 3 or 4 times now, always To Go. Every time the order has taken 15-30 minutes longer than quoted, so we hadn't tried them in awhile. Gave them another try tonight, but that was a mistake. At 45 minutes after the food was supposed to be ready, they finally informed me that they were out of steak, and it "was going to be awhile" unless I switched the protein to something else. I cancelled our order, but since it was an online order, and no one there knew how to cancel an online order or issue a refund. They just said "Call CAVA." There is a Sweetgreens in 4S, five minutes away. Save yourself the aggravation, go there instead read more

This is the 2nd time that we ordered ahead of time and had an extremely long wait. This time we waited 35 minutes after it was promised. When my husband firmly asked the cashier to speak to a manager, she wouldn't get one and said, "You're yelling at an 18 year old girl." Instead of potentially diffusing the situation, she tried to humiliate him. What's already humiliating is watching dozens of people walk in, order, and eat while you thought to order ahead of time and had to wait. read more

Consistently the worst service in any restaurant here in SD/North County. Literally never have any toppings and I stand there for 20+ minutes every time just waiting for the workers to finish a single order. There's no sense of urgency in anyone including what looked like the shift manager. One girl looked like she was playing Operation just trying to replace what toppings they had left. It's actually ridiculous. San Marcos location is 1000000x better. I keep coming here to give the benefit of the doubt every few months but they just keep getting worse. Do better yall read more

Bryan was the most awesome & welcoming employee i've ever encountered. He was friendly and fast! We live over an hour away and would come back just for his upbeat energy. He is dedicated and you can tell he loves his job! He made our day! He definitely deserves a raise! read more

Auri is the goat, very caring and provided great customer service. Give her a raise. The food was limited as it was before close but she was very helpful read more

Great, healthy and delicious food! I was happy that they had great service, and friendly employees. I'll go back again!

What happened Cava?!? Love going to your locations and this one is a lunch spot for my mom and I. Out of produce. Mainly feta. Falafel wasn't even cooked! It was soft and mushy rather than firm and a satisfying outer crunch. The person building our bowl- I wish she had a name tag... gave the impression we were a burden to order lunch. The tables were dirty. I don't know what's going on but this isn't the cava I take people to and talk highly about. I hope this gets resolved, quickly. The customer service was lacking and so was the options for our favorite bowls! read more

The food absolutely amazing! I usually don't write reviews like this, but I felt it was mandatory to call attention to the despicable condition that these tables and dining room were in. Every single table I tried to sit in was sticky and dirty as if they hadn't been cleaned all day. For such a thriving and busy restaurant, management should really think about hiring another staff member in order to clean the areas where such busy clientele are eating and enjoying their dining experience. The poor high school students were obviously being overworked, unable to attend to the tables because of such large crowds coming in. Great restaurant,food, and concept. Another example of corporate chain cheating out. Hire another person don't cheap out! I'll definitely be back maybe next time or order takeoutz thanks! read more

CAVA - dining room - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

went to this cava at 9:30 on a saturday (they close at 10:30) their entire front line was pulled up so you couldn't see any of what they had (and it was disgusting under there), they told us the "only thing they're out of is lentils" only to then say they also no longer carry sweet potato, my mom tried to order the new salmon strawberry whatever they apparently replaced all their sweet potato dishes with (? according to the manager) but was told oh they're actually also out of the red pepper hummus that goes on it. they removed all their signature fountain drink jugs (the lemonades &whatever) like right as we were walking inside even though they all still had liquid in them ?? the woman who seemed like the manager or lead was aggressive and rude and the teenage boy attempting to take our order was clueless and apathetic. we literally just left. sucks because i had just talked cava up to my mom on the way there and this is the first one i take her to lmfao. read more

So glad to have Cava in this shopping plaza ! The restaurant indoor and outdoor dining is amazing, the staff was friendly and welcoming and I love how there's a great amount of options to choose from the menu along with building your own meal, though I did get lettuce added to my bowl and part of it was browning other than that I enjoyed it anyway. read more

CAVA - Build your own bowl - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Went in at 1:00pm, during a busy lunch rush. Brian was amazing at keeping the line moving and had a great attitude while doing so. GO BRIAN! Carrying cava on his back. read more

We happened to go this pass Sunday at their Soft Opening - meaning everything was free. Yay! I thought that to be quite generous. I got the braised lamb in a pita and wow. It was delicious. The rest of the fam got chicken pita and a lamb bowl and also said their food was really good. I ate in the store so I would say that if my pita would have sat long enough, it probably would have been a bit soggy. In that case, if taking it to go, I would maybe ask for less dressing or just maybe get it separately. Service was excellent and everyone was very nice. I think it was the manager who was walking around and greeting guests. Looked very professional and left a great impression. Well done. We'll be back! read more

Ordered online, get there and it's still not ready. There's no line, just not ready. They tend to have long times with hardly any employees. I ordered online to avoid waiting. I got my food at 11:30, and then ice machine is empty. A visiting employee named Alex was very disrespectful to us. I asked about our order, he said they'll make it and turned his back while I was talking. I asked why he's ignoring me. read more

The food is outstanding. You can choose your part. Service is 5/5. Ambiance is pretty much okay. read more

Not sure why this place is so highly rated. We paid $40 for two bowls, drenched in sauce and humus. Protein was on the skimpy side and for $2.87 you can add half an avocado to your bowl. You can add as many toppings as you want but the volume of them r little. I felt like it couldn't be that healthy with how much sauce and humus in it. Service was friendly but the dinning table was so sticky. Its something I would try once but not again. read more

I am not one to leave reviews at all! I always think that my next visit to this store will be better than the last, but unfortunately they just keep getting worse and worse. The restaurant was filthy. The tables had food and trash all over and were sticky! The food prep area was disgusting and full of dishes, the employees were touching their faces with their gloves on and then touching food that was being served to customers. The rice was extremely under cooked and steak was mushy. I understand being in the customer service industry can have its pains, but every time I come in to the Cava in CM the workers are incredibly rude (with the exception of a few) and ALWAYS understaffed. It's unfortunate because people just want to get their food and move on with their day. I would recommend going to a different location if you are considering going to the CM Cava. read more

The dining experience at the Cava Poway tonight was extremely poor, the service was horrible, and I even felt humiliated by the staff. According to the TV menu, I chose the $12.05 Grains Bowl. For the protein, since the Grilled Steak was sold out, I followed the store's instructions and selected half spicy lamb meatballs and half braised lamb. Since half the lamb meatballs cost an additional $2.50/2, and half the braised lamb cost an additional $3.80/2, the total should have been $15.85 + tax.(check the attached picture) However, when I went to pay, the cashier charged me between $18 and $19 (I can't remember the exact amount). I asked her to explain why it was this amount, but she kept saying that the main protein was 1.5 portions, which I found unacceptable. I requested a new bowl, but she put me aside and started handling the next customer's payment, leaving my bowl sitting at the register uncovered, while she swiped cards and interacted with customers directly over it. I stood there for nearly ten minutes, feeling embarrassed for holding up the line over a price difference of just a couple of dollars, but at the same time, I didn't want to be overcharged without a clear explanation. I repeatedly asked them to create a new order for me so that the bill could be clear. The cashier ignored me and called the manager. When the manager came over, they reiterated that they had given me 1.5 portions of protein. I told them I didn't want 1.5 portions, just one portion was enough. The manager arrogantly said, "Fine, you can pay for just the spicy lamb meatballs according to the TV menu," then added condescendingly, "Next time, you need to learn how to place your order." This remark was incredibly hurtful. To avoid holding up the customers behind me and to prevent further embarrassment, I reluctantly agreed to pay. In fact, I had hoped the manager would offer to make a new bowl for me. I didn't want to accept their arrogant offer, nor did I want to feel like I was taking advantage of the store--I just wanted fairness. Furthermore, my bowl had been left uncovered for so long, and the cashier and manager were speaking and handling transactions directly over it. How could I be sure no saliva or dirt had gotten into it? But to avoid further awkwardness, I compromised and let it go. This meal left me feeling deeply uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally. I felt a lump in my chest, and even over an hour after finishing the meal, I still felt something stuck in my throat. I hope the Cava store in Poway learns to respect its customers. Not every location handles or humiliates customers like this. If such incidents continue to happen at the Poway location, people will choose to dine elsewhere. read more

CAVA - Order - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

Loved the new Chicken shawarma pita, the different than ordinary drinks, great vibe and friendly team at this location.

Had the steak harissa instead of the chicken and rice for the first time and it was delicious. 10/10 would recommend

Oh no! I ordered on the CAVA app earlier this evening. The promise time on the app was 7:30, but the food wasn't ready until 7:42. I'm normally patient, but i've noticed that this location tends to lag a bit when it comes to online orders. Additionally, when i got home, i noticed that my order was completely wrong. I'm assuming they mixed mine up with someone else's because half of the ingredients I ordered were not added to my bowl -- no chicken, broccoli, pita crisps, or roasted vegetables. I love CAVA, but I don't think I'll use their online app again. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

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I've been to 4 different Cavas over the past couple of years and this was so disgusting and disrespectful. Management should be ashamed with how this place is going. Just close early rather then need to make a profit under these conditions. No greeting, not even a hello. Clearly the workers are mad someone came in after 9. Not even a "what can I get for you?" What just stood with an angry face waiting for me to give my order. Whatever that I don't care about. Just shows the overall attitude. Maybe they are understaffed or expecting these kids to work through rushes, of course underpaid. They don't even allow tips so maybe this why.. There were utensils all over the place, resting in the food containers, food spilled everywhere. Not like your typical mess that comes with this type of serving, because obviously it does get messy. But this was just lack of care and hygiene. My bowl came out wet and soggy even after I said "please go light on the dressing, only one line please." But nope she just did her zig zag. Nothing tasted fresh. Out of almost everything. The workers don't care at this location to keep things clean. I spoke to a manager and let them know the stores condition and also how my food wasn't even edible. He seemed annoyed and I wasn't even mad! Saying I'm a loyal patron that LOVES Cava and is so disappointed. He did not care at all which is what is making me leave this review so maybe someone will care because I want to come back!! I Wasn't offered a refund or replacement, just told "these things happen" Subway and Chipotle have higher standards in cleanliness then at this location. Trust your gut or you will end up sick! read more

We tried Cava for the first time this afternoon and we're in love. Brian not only greeted us when we came in, but he also started our order, checked on other guests, and cleaned tables in the short period of time we were there. It's obvious he cares about the quality of the food and your experience. The food was excellent but Brian is why we'll definitely be back. read more

Dylan and Nikora are super nice and funny, quick, and gave good recs. Got a very yummy bowl thanks cava and crew

The combination of flavors was Absolutely delicious! Ordered online. Service was timely. Fresh and healthy food. Clean atmosphere. Excellent service. read more

This place never disappoints. The food is so flavorful and delicious. It is set up like a chipotle so it is quick and easy. Definitely go before 12:30 or after 2pm to beat the line cause that's lunch line can get pretty crazy. But it is totally worth it if you want good eats! read more

Brian was absolutely amazing! Such friendly staff, and really clean eating area! Loved the food and the lemonade.

I went here last night around 8pm (close at 10pm) and MULTIPLE ingredients were out. Chicken, steak, very little lamb, and no garlic dressing . ALSO the refrigerator with the kid's milk and water was NOT WORKING. How can they sell the milk? It felt room temp. There was no sign about it. Ambiance: the tables weren't wiped down and floors were not swept. The tables were sticky. STICKY. It took over 30 minutes to get our orders. The line was at the door. It would have been nice if they told us about their shortage while we were waiting in line. Overall very disappointing. I would go somewhere else. read more

They give you a 1/2 of a cold pita with a bowl? Why do cheap? The bowls are already over $13... that rubs me the wrong way. Might as well get a large Mediterranean burrito for that price somewhere else. read more

Do not order online. Longest wait ever. Order multiple times online now and it's the worst. I placed an online order and it gave me an eta of 15 minutes. Got there a little after the 15 minute wait and I noticed there was nobody in line and my order still wasn't ready. I waited another 20 minutes and there wasn't anyone else waiting for an online order. Not sure what was the issue but this happened the last 3 times. read more

Love coming to this Cava is my go to lunch spot when I am craving tasty Mediterranean food! The staff is always friendly and welcoming ! Shout out to Carolina who helped me make the best bowl !! read more

Micheal was the best! Customer service is out of this world and made my experience phenomenal. Will be returning!! read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - San Diego, California

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Worst experience tonight. I have been to other locations and enjoyed a more upscale fast-food place with healthy options, but not tonight. We should have walked out as soon as we walked in and noticed the overflowing trash receptacles inside and on the patio, a filthy floor, and sticky, littered tables. When we went to order, we were told that chicken and rice options were unavailable. The only protein options were steak and spicy beef or lamb. We ended up choosing the steak, which cost several dollars more. When we spoke with the manager, they basically told us, "Too bad." Not even an apology. The only positive aspect of the whole experience was the young men serving the portions. Although they were unorganized, they were pleasant. Oh, and by the way, we spent $91 for our family, but we will definitely not be coming back. Overall, the place was filthy, unorganized, and had terrible customer service. read more

Food is decent but many things irk me about this specific place. My thought is that management doesn't really know what they are doing or they need retraining. I'm probably going to remove this place from my weekly lunch rotation for a while and hope they figure it out. There are cleaner more efficient operations in the area for the same price point: Kebab shop, chipotle, the habit, in and out, chik-fil-a, etc. Cons - Nobody is in charge of maintaining the dining areas. At 11:30 today there was hardly any napkins stocked. All the big tables were dirty (This is basic opening restaurant stuff). - There is no rush to make food when the line is out the door. Teamwork doesn't seem to be happening. - The pita warmer at the main line has been broken for like three weeks so whoever is taking orders has to walk to the online order prep area to warm it up and stand there awkwardly until it finishes. This is probably costing ownership money because when I drive by and see a line out the door I avoid this place knowing I will stand in line for 30 minutes before I get to place an order just to sit at a dirty table. -Staff violates cross contamination rules every time I go in! Dumping new food on old and not swapping containers or utensils. Surprised they haven't got in trouble for that by the health department. Should be replacing 1/3 pans as they go. -I had a cashier sell me a fountain drink a few weeks back. The fountain was broken. They didn't even tell me. I didn't want to make a scene, but I was kind of pissed about it. Pros: -interesting soft drinks and teas -Food is decent for the price. -Good variety of items. -I like their eco friendly food containers. -Staff means well and are generally nice young adults. read more

This location is just going down hill. I am a frequent loyal customer ever since they opened but lately everytime I order online the wait is about 30min-1hour after my pick up time! Beware of ordering through the app, the store will not refund you and force you to complain on their website. Their manager was rude and basically did not care that I waited an hour after my pick up time of only ordering 2 kids meals! On top of that they ran out of a couple of things that I had in my order!! At 6 in the evening! This has become more and more frequent at this location and I sure did complain multiple times to corporate. Good luck next time you order from the app at this location! read more

CAVA is one of my favorite spots however I was disappointed that my order was not 100% accurate. I placed my order via mobile app and 2 toppings were missing. Had I not checked before I left and not asked the staff, I would have thought they had forgotten. I shared with 2 employees (one was the shift managers), that those topping was forgotten and they shares that they ran out completely. I suggested that those items they run out off should be turned off on their mobile app. Their response was they are not able to and they have shared this with their manager. I find deceiving as a customer and will be requesting for a full refund. I'm not sure if they were short staffed but customers were not being greeted. The area where you select your food, the kitchen, and the floor was a mess. In regards to the staff that I did speak, they were kind and helpful. read more

Excellent customer service. Paradise and Evelyn were professional, well organized and mindful of my food allergies. The food is fresh and the place is very clean. read more

This is the worst Cava location in San Diego. Never have these same issues with Del Mar or La Jolla but this is probably the 5th & last time I will order from this location. I placed a pickup order and was given a scheduled time--but ended up waiting 45 minutes past that for my food. No updates, no apology, just a frustrating and unnecessary delay. If the kitchen was backed up, a quick heads-up would have gone a long way. No apologies are ever given...poorly managed location. I understand things happen, but this was poorly managed and shows a lack of respect for customers' time...especially during lunch hours when you have a job to return to. Disappointing experience. read more

love this place and the food they offer. really can't say enough about how well the staff treats you. Will return

I ordered online and set the pickup time for 6:15, but didn't receive my order until 7:00. Granted, it was pretty busy inside, so I gave them the benefit of the doubt and decided to wait for a bit. About 25 minutes passed, and my order was still not ready. I finally decided to ask one of the workers about it, and only then did they start working on it. It ended up taking an extra 45 minutes to get my one bowl and drink. By the time I got my order, everyone in line had already received theirs. I would not recommend ordering online at this location. read more

They barley put any lettuce in the bowl and wanted to upcharge when asked for more. Didnt even cover the whole bowl. Super weird.