CAVA

Mediterranean restaurant · Encinitas

CAVA

Mediterranean restaurant · Encinitas

2

1042 N El Camino Real Suite E, Encinitas, CA 92024

Photos

CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null
CAVA by null

Highlights

Build-your-own Mediterranean bowls, pitas, and salads  

Featured in Eater
Placeholder

1042 N El Camino Real Suite E, Encinitas, CA 92024 Get directions

cava.com
@cava

$10–20 · Menu

Information

Static Map

1042 N El Camino Real Suite E, Encinitas, CA 92024 Get directions

+1 442 200 6002
cava.com
@cava
𝕏
@cava

$10–20 · Menu

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations

Last updated

Aug 19, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater

D.C.’s Fast-Casual Cava Announces Arrival Date in Encinitas - Eater San Diego

"Based in Washington, D.C., Cava officially adds San Diego to its rapid expansion plan with an outpost scheduled to open on Monday, October 1 in the Encinitas Town Center. It’s the 67th location nationwide for the brand, which operates 10 branches in Southern California. Founded in 2011 by childhood friends Ted Xenohristos and Ike Grigoropoulos, along with executive chef Dimitri Moshovitis, the popular fast-casual eatery serves a highly-customizable Mediterranean menu of salads, pita breads, or grain bowls filled with more than 50 varieties of dips, proteins, toppings, and sauces. Clocking in at 2,684-square-feet and 52 seats, Cava Encinitas will launch with the brand’s new fall menu, which includes seasonal roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, carrots, and cauliflower and a Greek minestrone soup. Open daily from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m., the eatery is hosting a pre-opening event on Sunday, September 30 and giving away lunch between 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The meals will be free, but diners will be encouraged to make a donation to The Ecology Center, a local nonprofit, which will be on-hand conducting gardening lessons and creating an edible garden pop-up." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/2018/9/24/17896318/washington-dc-cava-mediterranean-fast-casual-encinitas
View Postcard for CAVA
@eater

Booming Mediterranean Fast-Casual Chain Coming to North County - Eater San Diego

"Cava Grill, a rapidly-multiplying, fast-casual chain, is opening its first San Diego location in the Encinitas Town Center. The 2,684-square-foot eatery will seat 52 people and will operate from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/2018/6/21/17486016/mediterranean-fast-casual-chain-cava-grill-encinitas-carmel-valley
View Postcard for CAVA

Kat

Google
Best CAVA you’ll go to. The food here is amazing. The portions are always done right. Recommend the chicken and salads. The cucumber mint lime juice is a hit! Generous military discount. Awesome experience every single time!! 🥗

Sophia Ouahidi

Google
this place is such a nice environment and the people are so sweet and funny to talk to. They always brighten my day when I come in here and they even offered us free pita chips today so sweet of them. The food here is really amazing and just so fresh I love sitting inside because of how nice the area is and how clean it is even their bathrooms are spotless !

Laura Klesper

Google
We're so happy to have CAVA nearby! The food is fresh, made to your liking, generous portions, and good for you. We always share a greens bowl with grilled chicken and some of the best falafel in town. The fried pita chips are to die for! Crispy, salty, chewy all at once. Yum. Definitely worth a visit.

Aubry “AJ” Johnson

Google
I usually enjoy coming to this location and have never had a problem in the past, but today was a completely different experience. The staff member working was unusually stingy with portions, so much so that it felt almost intentional. I was simply trying to order what I always get, but I left feeling frustrated and unsatisfied. I don’t expect over-the-top service, but I do expect consistency, fairness, and a basic level of customer respect, especially as a regular. This experience really left a bad taste in my mouth,literally and figuratively. Not returning to this location.

Noah Acosta

Google
This Cava is excellent, good service, amazing food, and good flavor in drinks. This Cava is the only one I been to with everything on point.

Tim Satterstrom

Google
Food was good. Atmosphere was also good. The notable downside to this restaurant is the service. There were 3 people needed to assemble our bowls as they kept just adding 1 or 2 things then hanging it to the next person…as if they couldn’t add all the ingredients themself. They all also looked miserable. Like they were being forced to work there. Kinda off putting. The foot itself was fine. For a similar type of meal but better service and better food, I’d rather head to SweetGreens. I would eat here again but probably wouldn’t be my first choice.

Deb Simpson

Google
We’ve only been in San Diego for a week and it’s our second time here! We love the healthy options and everything is flavorful. The employees are friendly and they take care to make everything right. We will definitely be back!

Anna Przybylo

Google
Cava is amazing first time trying it and I love it wish Temecula had this company too . The cucumber &mint drink was amazing employees are amazing too just need a little bit of cleaning around . I want to sit inside but most of the times had crumbs from other people plates before me so I decided to take it to my car overall is a good restaurant just the cleaning need a little more practice.

Maria N.

Yelp
Awesome workers, they put so much on my plate, love this cava and going EVERYTIME now.
google avatar

SoCal G.

Yelp
Spicy Greens Bowl!!! So good. So thrilled for delicious healthy options!!! Love the drinks as well.
google avatar

Brittany F.

Yelp
First time and not the last! Very impressed with the selection and even more impressed that the staff was so friendly. To top off the great experience the food was fresh and vibrant in flavor! Love love the meatballs Btw the manager I would hire again hard working making sure the tables are clean but kindly engaging with the customers. Very sweet guy! People like him need to be recognized.
google avatar

I. S.

Yelp
Two extreme disappointments about CAVA's customer service, particularly at the Encinitas location: 1) When making a delivery order (e.g, DoorDash or Post-mates), CAVA does not seal their to-go bags like other reputable restaurants do. I have no idea why CAVA doesn't seal and secure their food for delivery. It's a bad practice in the world we live in. 2) Encinitas-CAVA has canceled my order several times now when the to-go order was made around 9:15/20pm on DoorDash and similar platforms - even though the time cut off clearly states 9:30pm. That shows a reluctance and laziness in their evening shift employees to prepare your order because it's near their online cut off (9:30pm), even though they close at 10pm. Imagine coming home tired from work and ordering way before the cut off time, and they decide to cancel your order - not at 9:15 when you ordered it, not at 9:30pm when it's the cut off, but at 10pm when your dasher walks in and they say "sorry, we canceled the order...." Honestly, the service at this location is below par and I don't have the confidence in ordering from them - and I know that I'm not alone in this.
google avatar

Calvin I.

Yelp
Not one but TWO bones in my chicken that were so hard I almost chipped my tooth. I love CAVA but this location is a mess. Trash all over the floor, the bathroom was out of paper towels and everywhere you looked it was dirty, trashcans overflowing. What a mess. Be careful what you eat here you may need to see a dentist afterwards.
google avatar

Siria F.

Yelp
Walked in when they were close to closing and the cashier was friendly and attentive. I ordered the Mediterranean bowl and loved it! I will definitely be back when I'm around town
google avatar

Didi A.

Yelp
This was a take out So cannot comment on the store it self The spicy green salad YUMMY If u like veggie and spicy this is for u Love it and will order it again
google avatar

Magdalena P.

Yelp
Cava is amazing first time trying it and I love it wish Temecula had this company too . The cucumber &mint drink was amazing employees are amazing too just need a little bit of cleaning around . I want to sit inside but most of the times had crumbs from other people plates before me so I decided to take it to my car overall is a good restaurant just the cleaning need a little more practice.

Jennifer A.

Yelp
Generally I like cava. It tastes good and is a good portion of food. It's not cheap that's for sure--3 bowls for $50. At a recent visit though, I was definitely thrown off by the service and upkeep of the restaurant. There were approx. 8 people working, no line and 1 customer eating when I arrived. We were not acknowledged for nearly 5 minutes. Not the end of the world, just interesting. What I didn't love though was that the shop was a mess. There was stuff on the floors and every station was unclean. It's unappetizing. It was really hard for me not to say something when a meat scooper was used for the vegetables and meat ended up in my vegetarian bowl. If the stations were better cared for this wouldn't have happened. The staff really needs to be careful for those with dietary restrictions & especially those with allergies.
google avatar

Hannah H.

Yelp
We love this cava! Generous servings and very friendly staff. Can get busy during lunch time but otherwise has the freshest and most delicious good. We live 20 mins away and try to stop by at least once a week
google avatar

Layah S.

Yelp
This is the first time l've tried Cava. They have a good quality and taste food. I like the chicken bowl it was amazing. Everything fresh, the stuff are helpful with a huge smile. I have to mention the manager Sam, he's a great person and helped me too much. I like his recommendations. Absolutely I'll be back always here. Thank you guys for everything.
google avatar

Audrey L.

Yelp
I was starving and decided to stop in for some Cava. I got up to the counter and the staff greeted me right away. I ordered a grains and greens bowl with spicy lamb meatballs with saffron rice and arugula. The tzatziki and spicy feta are my favorite. It makes it so easy to add your toppings and be out of the restaurant in just a few minutes!
google avatar

Andrew J.

Yelp
Love CAVA but this location has the worst service. Stood there for like 5 mins while 5 employees stood around the cashier chatting. Finally one of them helped me and just half assed everything. They don't give a F about the customer and are just doing bare minimum. Place was trashed too, clean up if you don't have a line. When I went to pay the cashier kept chatting and had his back turned to me the entire time. Pathetic.

Brynn K.

Yelp
after trying cava in Orange County i took my family here twice. The first time they messed up the order and the second time were just straight up out of ingredients for main meals and said they were not restocking despite the store being open for another 4 hours. Was really hoping this would be a repetitive spot but on top of the poor experience twice, the customer service from the staff here is terrible.
google avatar

Araceli A.

Yelp
We love Cava for their healthy selections and hearty portions. last Thursday (8/15) we ordered a salad and a bowl. I have never seen a salad with literally 10 pieces if not less of lettuce. It barely covered the bottom. I asked for more lettuce and she added 4 more. My bowl was literally the same with the rice. Cava is not cheap to get a sprinkle of lettuce or rice for bowls. Hesitant to return. *and the usual always out of the popular drinks
google avatar

Jonathan J.

Yelp
Amazing food BUT longest lines ever during peak periods. Also messy working area. If they can fix all that then perfect!

brad s.

Yelp
The food tasted good but it was cold because of the poor service. Even my 15 year old told me they should have two chicken sections so the servers don't run out so quickly.
google avatar

Larry C.

Yelp
Victor is amazing! This cava is so clean and service is so friendly! I am proud to be a regular here

Athena M.

Yelp
Best cava location! I've been to others and the service was horrible. Every time I come into the Encinitas location I'm greeted and the staff is so friendly ! The food, presentation and portions are great ! Cava has become one of my faves and this location will always be my go-to! My fave post workout meal!

Joel K.

Yelp
Great experience at the Encinitas CAVA, Victor specifically was very hospitable and helpful :)
google avatar

Zachary A.

Yelp
I've been waiting for the chance to go to Cava as soon as I saw it on social media. I was so excited to get the opportunity to go there last night and was a bit disappointed that on a Saturday night at 8pm they were out of so many options that they offer and when initially asked if was given eye rolls and blank stares. "Oh we are out of that" was the phrase of the night. That being said what Food i did receive was very good and flavorful. I will give Cava another chance but might end up going a little bit further to the Del Mar location for maybe better service and a full menu and not just what's lying around.

Landon R.

Yelp
Joe G.E.M if you get him as your server get ready to be starved. He gave me nothing worth of food. Just so you know this is what double beef 4 scoops of corn and 4 of cucumber look like. Joe needs to be fired just overall a rude person too, I tried to have some small talk with him and he obviously ignored me. 0/10
google avatar

Dcd O.

Yelp
Awesome food!!! Will come back . Great service!!! Always soo fresh and friendly workers
google avatar

Freddy K.

Yelp
Base - white Rice, Lentils, Super Greens Dip - Harissa, Taziki, Hummus Protein - Chicken, Brasied Lamb 1/2 & 1/2 Topping - Get everything Sauces - Harissa, Dill yogurt, little bit of the Green Get this and you will be loving this place. This place is good eats and will keep or get you lean without the mean. Love this place and the drink selection is a fun combination of good and interestingly weird.
google avatar

Julie K.

Yelp
Always tasty! I got the steam bowl and it was delicious! The GM is very friendly, and the team works hard to keep things moving.
google avatar

Sylvia H.

Yelp
This place gets two stars because of service, and what there was of food, was not that great. it was good, but not good enough to put up with someone being obnoxious to me. The young man that was working at 7 PM this evening and serving the rice/greens and protein was incredibly rude. He gave me attitude, and did not want to explain or share the options that came with a 'build your own bowl. And it was not easy to build a bowl since a lot of the options were empty containers. This was my first time at cava and because of the service by server, it will be my last time at cava. When I asked the young man to explain the build your own bowl, he pointed to the sign. So when I asked for feta sauce, his ice cream scooper is hitting metal because the bin is empty, and he scrapes a partial scoop. When I said, I wanted a full scoop, he had the nerve to say he was going to charge extra if I wanted more. I asked how can you charge extra when you haven't served a full portion? Additionally, some of the protein bins were also empty. There was only chicken, vegetables and falafel. So I asked him, so more bins are empty and that's it, and he said yes, that's it. And when the next customer asked for steak, the kid told him there was no more. Fortunately, another employee doing something else leaned over and said, if he wants steak, it'll be ready in a few minutes. The man said yes, he would wait. I don't understand how someone could put this kid behind the counter. I opt to spend my money where food and service are enjoyable. Sorry Cava, you get a thumbs down.
google avatar

Audrey R.

Yelp
Great ambiance, the line was quick and efficient! The portions this time around were pretty hefty, which is great! The general manager is really sweet and kind!
google avatar

Arman D.

Yelp
Cava is very delicious! The food is very fresh and the braised lamb is my favorite! I would love if Cava would open a location in OCEANsIDE, CALIFORNIA. Also, if cava made the change to ORGANIC GREENS that would make it even better. Thank you!
google avatar

Jessica B.

Yelp
I've ordered a salad bowl via DoorDash twice and both times my salad had maybe 10 pieces of lettuce. I am sad because I do like the food but sorry to say I won't be ordering takeout again. Cava please stop being cheap and putting one handful of lettuce in your "salad" bowls.
google avatar

Kathryn T.

Yelp
The food is always amazing. Payten took care of us...she must be your best employee. Definitely coming back!
google avatar

Dea S.

Yelp
My first time here was amazing, for sure I'll be back. The food is really good and also the workers are super friendly, I strongly recommend.

Patricia T.

Yelp
I ordered three Greek salads with chicken and the beef salad w/spinach. From what I was told from others dining with me, chicken salads were very good. Beef salad was flavorful but really chewy/tough and I did not eat most of it. Everything else in salad was very good. I really like the portion size and freshness of ingredients. The employees were super and listened to and answered my questions in a very positive manner (this was my first time there). Will I return? Absolutely yes and try different options.
google avatar

Priscilla C.

Yelp
Food was okay but the serving trays looked so messy. Steak was overcooked. More than anything the workers move at a glacial speed oh my gosh. It seemed like everyone took a hit before their shift and had zero sense of urgency or quality customer service.

Gene E.

Yelp
We had no way of paying for the food. I had no wallet or card. We tried to pay for it by plugging in the card manually via photo on my phone. Nothing worked, didn't have Apple Pay. It didn't work and so they just let me take the food. Incredible staff and amazing customer first service. Very grateful and dinner will taste a little different with such a kind gesture. thank you Cava staff!
google avatar

Max G.

Yelp
Food is outstanding, I got the Greek chicken pita and it was amazing. The person who took my order had great energy and made me feel very welcome. My experience was awesome. I highly recommend to anyone.

Wesam E.

Yelp
Very good food. Great service. Everyone is helpful with a big smile. The vibe of the place is great. I would recommend it to try.
google avatar

Daphne A.

Yelp
Food is tasty. But, I got here 30 minutes after opening, at 11:15 AM. The tables were sticky and dirty, the utensils were sparse. Some of the cups holding forks were filled with liquid. They could be short-staffed. I hope this is not a sign of things to come for Cava.
google avatar

Jessica M.

Yelp
Worst customer service. I stood there for 5 minutes without any acknowledgement while Briana wiped down the counters slower than my toddler cleans up cheerios. Food is great but the employees are rude and oblivious.

Anita A.

Yelp
I love CAVA so much-- but this location unfortunately will not receive my business ever again. I have had the best experiences at the Carmel Mountain and Del Mar location, but today when I came to the Encinitas location I was severely disappointed. The customer service here was truly so sad... that is the best way to put it without just being mean. The employees looked absolutely miserable to be working there, from the way they greeted you to the way they made your bowl. The bowl I received was quite pathetic-- it was smaller than any bowl I've received before, so that combined with the bad customer service? I'll drive farther next time and get the usual Cava experience I look for!
google avatar

Eddie L.

Yelp
I LOVE Cava. Been to many different locations and the food is always delicious. Although, this cava is always slow, the stations are messy, they don't give as much toppings, and the employees look miserable.
google avatar

Berenice N.

Yelp
My fav Cava! Ive been to many but this one has been the cleanest and always has the items im looking for!! Staff is always very friendly!
google avatar

Christopher L.

Yelp
The crew here does a great job making their bowls. I'm a pretty frequent visitor and will confidently say that the bowls are made much better at this location compared to other locations. Great job to Victor and his Cava crew members.
google avatar

Grace S.

Yelp
Came here right before heading to the San Diego Botanic Gardens' Lightscape show as it was not that far down the road. Neither my partner nor I had been to Cava before and we had always been interested in trying out, so we felt this was a pretty good opportunity. When we arrived, we weren't sure upon walking toward it whether it was going to be open for long. This was because the majority of the seats were all turned upside down onto their tables, what it normally looks like when a place is closing down soon for the night. We checked the hours and they had several hours to go. I am guessing maybe they were short staffed and didn't have enough people to clear that many tables and wanted to just have people sit in the few tables that were open? Not sure. I decided to build my own CAVA bowl. I can't remember all the elements - but I remember getting most of the toppings - tomato+cucumber, fire roasted corn, pickled onions, crumbled feta, pita crisps, cabbage slaw, with base of basmati rice and braised lam and arugula. I chose tzatziki and yogurt dill as my dips and dressings. It was DELICIOUS. I wish I had made an exact note of what I got because I would most absolutely eat it again. This place is very much like a Subway/Chipotle/Poke style where you walk down the options and watch them build what you request as they build your bowl with all the ingredients you have chosen. I would not hesitate at all to come here again. I will say I was absolutely STUFFED after eating it - the braised lamb was flavorful and tender and the one thing I would say is I might have preferred having the dressing on the side as I might have waited to finish it had it not had all that dressing (as it would keep better and microwave better without it on the side). It would probably also make it slightly healthier. One thing it definitely does is leave you full for a long time, so that's a win! This specific CAVA location is a bit out of my way but as there are so many locations now I'd be happy to drop by any time I need a quick eat and I am starving. For the amount you get for the price you have to pay, it is definitely fair especially given inflation. Very reasonable. If you are like me and have been waiting to check it out - just GO :)
google avatar

Riley B.

Yelp
I love CAVA! There are so many options to build a healthy bowl. The location and team is great. Olin was super helpful helping me choose!
google avatar

Craig W.

Yelp
This food wildly exceeded my expectations. Yes, it's a chain restaurant in a mall. I don't care. The food is crazy fresh and delicious. Is it healthy? It seems very healthy. I'm not sure it's low in calories, though. You basically have two options: a pita sandwich or a bowl. They have suggested ingredient combinations or you can pick your own. I suggest making your own creation. If you get a pita, it's freshly made and it's amazing. Whatever you get, make sure you get the braised lamb. You have to pay a little extra but it is off the charts delicious. There are a ton of different sauces you can add (or get on the side). Experiment. Go crazy. Your dish will have a ton of flavor. But don't use too many sauces--the flavors will muddle together. This place has been bookmarked forever and I've passed it a thousand times. That's my loss. It's very good.
google avatar

Wendy H.

Yelp
Love this place for healthy and easy. Prices are affordable at apx 12 a bowl. I love the little pita and use the spicy eggplant spread on it and it's incredible!! I've been twice and will be signing up for the rewards system. Looking for healthy FRESH ingredients come here!!
google avatar

Grant S.

Yelp
Victoria is amazing! Great people, great food! Thank you so much for making my day! Will be back 100%!
google avatar

Maddy C.

Yelp
I just love everything here. The staff is so kind and the food is so fresh. Would highly recommend. Thanks Austin!!

Daniel K.

Yelp
Quality and freshness of the ingredients are great! Harissa honey chicken is addicting and all those veggies make it a nice lightweight meal. Some of the add ins have some hidden spice so ask before just in case. Charles and Austin were friendly and helpful in making our selections! The crispy pita chips had an interesting texture and definitely worth a try.