John H.

I wasn't happy with my experience at Cava today (see my receipt). Full disclosure: This was my first visit to this Cava in Ventura. Six months ago, I was a customer (once) at the Topanga Canyon Blvd. restaurant. I ordered a chicken bowl and felt extremely rushed through the line. The time I ordered was 10:49 a.m., and there was only one other customer seated. I understood the chicken bowl was priced at $12.95 plus tax. When I checked-out, I was charged $16.05. When I asked why, I was told it was due to me ordering the Honey Harissa Chicken along with the regular chicken. I wasn't told that was extra. In my opinion, there's no reason to rush a new customer through the ordering process at ANY time, especially when no one else is in line waiting. "Patience is a virtue." ~ William Langland John Howard Oxnard, Calif.

Diana L.

This is basically Mediterranean fast food that serves precooked selections where you pick what you want. If you've tried Hummus Republic before, this is very similar. My first visit I went directly there. The line was very long, but moved pretty quickly. That is until they run out of things, then the line stops moving and had to wait around 5 minutes for the things to get replenished. Because of that I now just do the mobile order for pickup as they do get quite busy during lunch. While the protein options had more flavor, everything else was kinda bland so definitely need the dressing. The Harissa honey chicken was too spicy for me, to me it seemed like a high medium spice level. I love their garlic dressing, it's taste just like toum. So good! Both their bowls and pita starts at the same price and I've tried both to see which I preferred. The bowl comes with a quarter piece of pita bread, so if you prefer more bread then opt for the pita option. I prefer the bowl because it was easier to eat and less mess. I also think the portion is a bit more compared to the pita. Overall food is decent and is close to work, so will keep in my lunch rotation.

Vee V.

Total Ventura vibes! Tried CAVA in Ventura today and WOW -- it totally reminds me of Chipotle but Mediterranean style (which I love!). I had the Greek Chicken Pita and it was SO delish -- perfectly seasoned, fresh, and super flavorful. We also tried the sumac sour cream pita chips with tzatziki and... chef's kiss! Absolutely addictive. It was busy -- like out-the-door busy -- which you know is always a good sign. Fresh ingredients, fast service, and great vibes. Definitely recommend and will 100% be back!

Elletha D.

CAVA has always been one of my go-to spots whenever I'm in LA. My favorite location has always been the Huntington Beach one because I spend time there every summer, so I've always associated CAVA with those trips. Now that a location opened just five minutes from my house, I was super excited... and a little sad at the same time because it almost takes away that "LA craving" feeling I used to have for it. For anyone who hasn't tried it, CAVA is basically a more elevated Chipotle with a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern twist. You build your bowl with fresh ingredients, tons of flavorful toppings, and everything is well seasoned. The African in me definitely appreciates how bold and fresh the flavors are -- nothing tastes bland here. I visited this location on grand opening day after seeing on Instagram that they were giving away free bowls. When I got there that wasn't actually the case, but I still decided to stay and order because I was excited to check it out. A few things stood out during my visits: * Portion sizes: I'm not sure if I got a bowl or half a bowl. I understand restaurants need to manage portions, but baby portions aren't the move. If something costs extra, just say that upfront instead of making customers ask multiple times for more. * Staff attitude: The lines here are constantly out the door, so I understand it can get overwhelming. I've worked in the food industry for five years myself, so I try to give grace. But the energy could definitely be a little warmer. * Online ordering system: Please fix this. Canceling an entire order because one ingredient is out of stock is crazy. A quick text, call, or substitution option would make way more sense -- especially for customers who are on a time crunch. With that being said, the food still speaks for itself. Everything is fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, which is why CAVA has such a loyal following in the first place. I've visited this location twice so far and since it just opened, I'm willing to give them time to work out the growing pains. I'll definitely come back and update my review in a few months. Picture below for your enjoyment. For now: 3 stars. Pro tip: Order ahead, get there early, or make sure you're not in a rush.

Justyne J.

Ever since Pita Pit closed down in Valencia, I have been wanting a comparable establishment to dine. This place is where it's at! The harissa chicken is on point, their Greek dressing is delicious, and their staff is super friendly. I'll definitely be a regular here

Amber R.

Stopped in on a Thursday evening. We got in just before the line was wrapping around the restaurant. We ordered two build-your-own bowls. Ingredients were all fresh, a little disappointing that they were out of olives. The line quickly got backed up with just one person working all food stations, but Adriana did her best to keep it moving and keep patrons happy. Overall enjoyed our meal, but felt like portion sizes were small compared to other Cava locations. Parking is available right in front, but lot gets busy with other restaurants nearby.

Juan C.

I'm a regular cava customer in Los Angeles, so when I found out it was coming to my home town I was very excited, but unfortunately the cava here in Ventura isn't the same.. they are very stinge with the portion sizes they need to go back to training because i don't understand why they only half scoop the portion. I've come in 3 times to this new location hoping I would get better outcome each time but unfortunately it's always the same, and every time I do come in there always something unavailable, which doesn't make sense where is the sense of urgency from the team? I work in food service so coming in as a customer I would expect a decent service and a quality experience.

Anita C.

So happy we finally have Cava! I really enjoyed the amount of choices they offer and the price!! It's very reasonable and affordable! The food is fresh and very flavorful! Definitely give it a try!

Tanya S.

I used to be a frequent guest at the Cava in Pasadena, so I was excited to have one near work but was quickly disappointed. I ordered for pick up for 12:15 and my order had already been out and waiting when I arrived a little after 12. My food was thrown in a bowl. My falafels were cold and they missed my pita crisps. I persuaded a friend to join me and she wasnt very satisfied either. We go to all the local establishments for lunch and the portions here were small, especially for the price. She had to open her wrap just to find some chicken. I dont think I would return any time soon. I do hope they work out the kinks to maybe try them again in the future.

Karen A.

I've heard of CAVA before and decided to give it a try. This specific bowl was a "fan favorite" and I can see why. I'd probably add the sweet potatoes if I ordered again. Would recommend!

john a.

Gave them a second shot a week later. Went inside this time and loaded up the bowl. Rice was under cooked, they skimp hard on the meat(possibly race motivated since the lady behind me got double the chicken I got for essentially the same order except she was white). Overall food was very meh, protein portions are still a huge problem for places like this and chipotle, they need to start portioning out their protein by weight so we know they're being honest. Will never spend a dime here again.

I was very excited to try CAVA. I ordered the harissa avocado, add sweet potatoes and a harissa chicken Power bowl. The bowls were so spicy I could not eat it. I went in with my uneaten bowl and asked what is spicy on there is it the vinaigrette? They said yes it's the vinaigrette. They also said the chicken has the same spice on it. I explained that it was my first time and I couldn't eat the bowl and I asked, could they make it again without the spice? They looked at me like I was crazy and then I said does Harrissa mean spicy? One of the men preparing the food said yes I stood there looking at them, them looking at me. No one offered to help so I said OK thanks and walked away after spending $50 on two bowls and a cookie. Seriously, get a manager in the spot for quality control. This could be resolved by adding a chili pepper next to the menu, asking people is it your first time? This is a spicy dressing. adding what harissa is I just thought it was the name of the bowl. could be named after a Cook for all I know? I didn't know that harissa meant spicy. Here is my receipt I would really like a manager to contact me. I can't even review the food as I have no idea what it tastes like other than too spicy to eat.

Erin W.

Excited to have tried Cava! It's definitely the new spot in town because there was a non stop flow of people, but never a line that didn't move. They are fast and efficient. We tried the Harissa avocado bowl and Harissa chicken bowl. The lingering spice was just enough kick. Lots of amazing flavors that all gelled together well. It was a bummer because the were out of the broccoli that went with the chicken bowl (even though here was a sign posted, we missed it). Not really a good substitution offered. I liked that while you can build your own, there are menu options. All the different inclusions can be a bit overwhelming, so it's nice to just choose something off the menu. The inside was clean, decent amount of seating and comfortable. The also have a patio option which is perfect for sunny so cal days!