Cava

Spanish restaurant · Portsmouth

Cava

Spanish restaurant · Portsmouth

1

10 Commercial Alley, Portsmouth, NH 03801

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Highlights

Mediterranean-inspired tapas, wine bar, tasting menus  

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10 Commercial Alley, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Get directions

cavatapasandwinebar.com

$50–100 · Menu

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10 Commercial Alley, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Get directions

+1 603 319 1575
cavatapasandwinebar.com
CavaTapasAndWineBar

$50–100 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 18, 2025

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Best Restaurants in Portsmouth, New Hampshire | Eater Boston

"You’ll be transported to the Mediterranean when you dine at Cava, where the Old-World atmosphere and wine list complement the prix-fixe four course menu of traditional tapas like patatas bravas and char-grilled baby octopus." - Celina Colby

https://boston.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-portsmouth-new-hampshire
View Postcard for Cava

Alex Seagull

Google
Had a great experience — the food and service were excellent. The menu changes frequently, which keeps things exciting. We’ll definitely be back soon! Just a heads-up: reservations are a must.

Amelia

Google
The food was terrible. Super small portions which would be cool and fancy IF the food was good. But it’s not food was honestly gross. Plus we got charged 10 bucks for legit 5 potato cubes with like sauce on it. Staff was especially rude. Atmosphere was loud and unfriendly. I felt as though the staff was over pushing us to get drinks, by placing extra drink coasters and asking three separate times if we would like to order drinks. Terrible experience. Don’t go here.

Bill Shafer

Google
Had a great dinner here! Sat outside on a beautiful night. Great service and delicious food. Wine was good too!

Dave Gauvain

Google
Cava is a hidden gem in a small side avenue in Downtown Portsmouth NH. Although the food was fantastic, it was surpassed by the 5 star service we received. Anyone looking for a wonderful dining experience it the Portsmouth area needs to give this place a try. There were six of us dining so the gratuity was already included on our bill. The service was so exceptional I felt the need to add a healthy cash tip for the extra effort put forth by the staff. Thank you again Cava for a wonderful memory. We will be back.

Ziyu Zhang

Google
Perfect slow paced dining! The ambience was great, service was excellent, and there was not a single miss on the 80% of the entire seasonal menu we tried. The dishes took a bit longer to prepare but were all delicious and thoughtful even to scrutinizing connoisseurs. The food is modernistic and lighter compared to traditional Spanish/Mediterranean food, not the greatest fit for someone needing something very heavy and hearty with *a lot* of calories.

Mihir C

Google
Love the small atmosphere. Felt very local, and food was really great

Samantha MacKenzie

Google
So exceptional! I had a giftcard here and went for my birthday, is a cozy little restaurant and bar in Portsmouth. The owner and servers were friendly, helpful, fast, made great suggestions, and repeatedly asked if everything was tasting okay. We did the $60 per person 4 course meal for the Spring Menu. You have 3 options to choose from for each course. I had the beet salad, cauliflower, gnocchi, and churros. Everything was so fresh, flavorful and clearly cooked with love. Was insanely good the drinks were really fun and creative too. Would absolutely go back for their summer menu and recommend to anyone in the area. Definitely make a reservation!

Tim Chace

Google
We arrived prior to posted opening time during Restaurant Week, spur of the moment, no reservation. We were greeted by the Owner, who lead us downstairs to an intimate little room. Although we were in first, the room quickly filled up( always a good sign!). Service was excellent, prompt, and professional. Since it was Restaurant Week, the menu featured varied selections, each one magnificent! We were impressed by the chef and team effort! We will be sure to return! Thanks for getting us in!!
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Lori H.

Yelp
Visited Cava last night on the later side. The host still welcomed last minute diners and even sat us at the "chef's table" which are bars tools at a counter overlooking the prep of the wonderful small plates they are so famous for. We ate about 7 different tapas all very inventive and flavorful. The combinations were unique but worked wonderfully. The staff could not have been nicer and were so helpful while navigating the menu. Being gluten-free was no challenge for this place because When you have good, wholesome, natural fresh flavors coming together there is little room for flour and processed "stuff"... I was in heaven at all of the options...even dessert !! If you skip the almond torte you have not lived to the fullest! Chef Gregg talked to us for a while and it was clear that his ideas and passion for good tastes blending together come through exquisitely by the food that leaves their prep space. Will Definitely revisit and highly recommend this restaurant to anyone passionate about good food.
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Orrin E.

Yelp
We arrived in town on the eve of our 24th anniversary for an outdoor festival - tired and hungry - thankfully the kitchen was still open but they were only offering a course tasting menu - which was great- as we love tapas and the opportunity to try different dishes. We had a seat at the bar - and enjoyed a wonderful meal. There was a nice selection of dishes and everything we chose was very good. We were later told by friends that it's one of the best restaurants in town- and we can understand why. The bartender was friendly and funny - overall it was a great experience. We'll have to return the next time we're in town.
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Jor R.

Yelp
Had an early Winter Prix Fixe last Friday night before a show . A cozy spot in a good location. Every dish was curated in a way that got the most flavor out of the most modest ingredients. That plates were indeed small but the flavors were large and elegantly presented.The wine list is also well curated and fairly priced. The service was outstanding. The server introduced herself and took out coats. She returned with the wine list, offered samples and made recommendations based on our stated preferences. (The cocktails included some nice rum brands which I hope catch on in other places). She was well versed on the preparation and flavor profiles of all the offerings. Little things like keeping the water glasses topped, changing plates and silverware after each course and generous attention were much appreciated. She simply was the best part of an excellent evening.
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Krista R.

Yelp
Delicious food, knowledgeable and approachable servers, fantastic wine list and pairings, and perfectly timed courses. Truly a gem and so glad we finally made it here. We will be back soon! Despite the excellence, the restaurant looks dated - lots of rustic finishes and shades of beige/earth tones as the color palate. The shrimp in the third course was unfortunately quite overcooked, and I'd love even more seafood options for next time! Mussels, oysters, fish entrees... Delicious!
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Dean D.

Yelp
My wife and I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this place. We ate at the bar downstairs and really enjoyed our dining experience. My favorite was the octopus and I'd highly recommend giving that a try. Some of the other plates we ordered were good but the place is pricey and the food is average. The service was also just average. They forgot our dessert, like I really needed it:) By the time we finally got it, I'd of thought they would have comped it but they didn't. Overall, I'm giving them four stars for atmosphere, food and service. Aside from the dessert issue, the service was actually pretty good. I'll definitely give them another try. I would not recommend the paella. I'd give that plate three stars at best. The octopus, however, was to die for...yummy! Bon appétit
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Kelsey M.

Yelp
The drinks were delicious, small inside so reservations are pretty much needed. Portions are of good size for the multi course dinner, great service.
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Vanessa A.

Yelp
I don't know where to begin. This was a new experience for us, seasonal menu. For the first time in my life I had scallop crudo. I had no idea that this would be uncooked and I do not eat sushi. It was amazing, a plate of art that actually was tasty. My spouse and I both ordered the steak that was in the entree selection and we did not regret it. Cooked to perfection. The dessert was good but we really don't care so much about that. The wine selection was impressive, and the suggestion that the server made could not have been paired any better. We sat in the lower level, basement, fieldstone foundation and intimate. Upstairs a is busy and a bit loud for us. You have more space in that lower level. We look forward to trying the spring menu.
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Tricia P.

Yelp
This was my first venture to this restaurant. Overall I had a very decent meal and a nice time. I love tapas but the lack of selection is a bit problematic for me. My husband and I made sure we got different items so we could try as many things as possible. The strawberry salad was good but so small I am not sure it was worth the overall price. My husband liked the scallops but again it was barely a taste. The next section was the Patatas Bravas and that was probably the best thing in the entire meal. The potatoes were crispy and the sauce was amazing. My husband got the asparagus. I really found it to be lacking in flavor. The waitress said it had a strong vinegar base but honestly I found it boring. My husband got the paella and I got the sirloin. Both had amazing flavors but neither were warm. I felt like they sat waiting to be delivered entirely too long. We both got the strawberry biscuit. It was okay but nothing to rave about. I know they change the menu seasonally but there is not enough selection to keep me coming in on a regular basis. I'll try their other seasons but I wish they had an overall broader menu.
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Michael R.

Yelp
One of Portsmouth's finest and among our favorite places to dine. We've been coming here since they opened and have enjoyed the consistently excellent food and service. Our most recent visit was just as good as always. Due to COVID, they are offering a 4 course prix fixe menu, and it included many of our favorite dishes. The plates are not only delicious, but beautiful as well. Service is always on point and attentive with excellent timing/delivery from the kitchen so that all of your food is well timed and piping hot. Not to be missed dishes are the paella, stuffed piquillo peppers, short rib and the churros for dessert. That said, explore all the options as you will find that they are really all very very good. Personally, I have too many favorites! Cocktails here are great, but the wine list is all highly curated. I usually trust my server to guide me, and they usually are spot on as they have come to learn what I enjoy over the years. This is a small and intimate space with a few tables and bar on the first floor, and tables and bar on the lower level. Outdoor dining is available on their beautiful patio with heaters as weather permits. There are a few things I miss due to the pandemic, such as being able to sit at the chefs table, and the menu is limited to a prix fixe option, but these are small concessions to make, and I'm delighted that they appear to be thriving through these difficult times. If you are visiting Portsmouth, Cava is a must.
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Olga S.

Yelp
Such an incredible date night! We got a seat outside in this picturesque alley, and had a long, leisurely dinner, with amazing food and perfectly paced courses. The tasting menu had several options to pick from (3 courses plus dessert), and even though you do the picking, what arrives is always unexpected and exciting! My absolute favorite was the artichoke, which was baked and came with this amazing sauce, very unlike the artichokes I've had before! The desserts were incredible, and we even learned that they make their own dulce de leche on site, as it's somehow milder and more balanced that the sweet explosion we're used to. The service was great, we never felt abandoned, and all the courses came out well paced, with plenty of time to talk in between. You definitely need a reservation in advance here, and you have to put down a credit card, but it's worth it!
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David V.

Yelp
Great menu, quick service, fun crowd, convenient location. The quick brown Fox jumped over the yellow dog.
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Kevin O.

Yelp
Ambiance is great; we had a nice dinner sitting in the small side street outdoor dining area. Wine list was extensive and good. However, the prix fixe menu was overpriced and underwhelming at best. Food quality was lacking, and for nearly $200 I expected more. Perhaps once great, Cava didn't live up to the hype.
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Samantha L.

Yelp
I came I saw and I didn't feel like I conquered. Had dinner with my cousin in a cold Wednesday evening. Making reservations as they are a small cozy restaurant was odd cause they required a CC on file, even if you give advance notice to cancel they stated they will still charge you is, well not okay to me. Anyhow, food, the moment I walked in there was this strong fishy aroma. And while I knew scallops crudo is on the menu, it should not smell like that. Nonetheless I ordered it and the smell truly overwhelmed me even though it definitely tasted and looked fresh. The octopus as fine, paella fine. But my biggest disappointment since there was built up anticipation? The churros. First, the tiny portion and torn chocolate sauce I think was burnt, as it was off putting. My cousins dessert was superior and I was tragically disappointed in being the loser (we compete to see who orders the best menu items). Drinks were delicious, atmosphere fun, but just not wowed considering price point, and ease (lack there of) making a reservations
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Kendrick R.

Yelp
Always a pleasure dining out at Cava as I have been many times before. Cava is one of my favorite restaurants in Portsmouth as the menu is constantly changing and they consistently deliver amazing dishes. The staff are still as friendly and extremely attentive. Having gone many times I have come to make friends with many of the staff including Danny, their bartender, Greg and Rory, the chefs, and John, the owner. The cozy atmosphere and open kitchen are inviting and makes you feel as though you truly part of the restaurant. Currently, they are doing a four course menu with multiple options for each course. Highlights of this are the tuna crudo, artichoke hearts, paella, stuffed piquillo peppers, and the short ribs. And, you can not forget about dessert which includes their classic homemade churros. Also, definitely explore the wine menu and find a nice glass of Spanish wine which will pair nicely with you meal. Unfortunately due to COVID, the chef's table is not open. But, once this table is available make sure to book it as it gets you right next to the kitchen and the chef which makes your meal more interactive and enjoyable.

Nicole G.

Yelp
The food was so flavorful, the course menu was perfect. The shrimp was TO DIE FOR. The people were so nice and accommodating for allergies and preferences. I cannot wait to go back and try more of their dishes.
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Tiannan Z.

Yelp
Great find in the commercial alley for a prefixed four-course dinner (three options to choose from for each course). Second course was piquillo pepper stuffed with goat cheese, very good! Main course was cod, tasty and fresh. Dessert was the most amazing as they were not too sweet, and full of details. The spiced pumpkin cake is perfect for the fall, soft while topped with enough crumbliness. The valrhona chocolate cake had dark chocolate as base which is very classy. Highly recommend.
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Alli D.

Yelp
What an amazing place for a date night. We did the tasting menu and sat at the bar downstairs. At first i was a bit bummed to do bar seating but it ended up being the best way to share all the plates and enjoy the whole meal easier. The tasting menu was beyond delicious and we thought was a very fair price for how special the dishes were. Favorite dishes; Tomato Gazpacho & White Corn Soup, Patatas & Steak, Cava's Paella, and the Almond Torta. Reservations are a must and you are required to put your credit card down
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renje g.

Yelp
- 10 stars - make that reservation - don't show up early - great food - great suggestions - fantastic service - portions are kinda small - gazpacho is good - tuna needs more flavor - steak and potatoes is good i'd appreciate more steak - I liked the peppers I missed the steak and potato peppers with the steak potatoes and it was great peppers is like 'lasagna' without the noodles - scallops was delicious - short rib was good altho I'd like a bigger portion - chocolate cake was delicious - churros were alright - beautiful date night spot you're definitely getting some tonight
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Stephanie H.

Yelp
Unbelievable food and experience. Took my mother here to celebrate her 75th birthday, and the prefixed 4 course menu had wonderful options for each us. The host and waiters could not have been kinder or more on the ball. 4 courses was spaced out so we never felt rushed...we just enjoyed. Every. Single Bite. We left fat and happy! HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place!!

Mike P.

Yelp
The food was amazing. Each course was unique and delicious. We sat and the bar and Danny took care of us. Danny was helpful with pairing wines and a lot of fun to talk with. We will definitely be back.

BJ T.

Yelp
Danny from the bar waited on us, and he was the perfect level of chatty and friendly. The food was amazing, every bite and course was eye-rolling good. The owner also stopped by several times to make sure we were happy with our food. Cute little place that makes you feel like you're almost in a private club. We will be going back seasonally as the selections change, a new favorite for us!
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Marc B.

Yelp
When I think about my favorite restaurants in Portsmouth, Cava is one restaurant that comes to mind. In my opinion, the small plates craze is getting tiring and dull, however, Cava reinvigorates the whole idea of small plates in a variety of ways. For starters, the facility that Cava is in is beautiful. It's rustic. It's charming. It exudes a sense of warmth. You can sit at the exposed kitchen and watch and interact with the chefs as they make various dishes, or you can sit at one of the two bars (upstairs or downstairs), OR you can sit any one of the cafe tables situated throughout. Regardless, be sure to make a reservation, or go on a random weeknight, as Cava gets busy with long waits. Another quality that sets Cava apart from other small plate establishments is the food. Everything. Is. Amazing. Honestly, there hasn't been a dish that I have had that wasn't exploding with flavor or that didn't have unique flavor profiles. My standouts are the patatas bravas, the chickpea fries, and the paella. One of the negatives I typically correlate with small plate establishments is that they are typically expensive dishes with extremely small portions. Cava is not like that. Though the dishes are small-er, there is still an abundance of food. Also, I am not typically a dessert guy when going out to eat, but GET. THE. CHURROS. You will thank me. The chocolate sauce that they come with...it's just indescribable. Cava also considers itself a wine bar, so naturally they have unique and vast selections of wine to choose from. One of my favorite parts is that you can get Copa pours where you can get a couple of different wines to taste and pair with your dishes. There is nothing bad I can say about Cava. The place is cute, the food is amazing, the service is attentive...it's definitely a place to check out when you are in the Portsmouth area.

Mary P.

Yelp
Fantastic dinner. Great service and the dishes were fresh, creative and delicious. A real pleasure to select from a line up of choices, all of them shared, to sample the delightful flavors. Have been coming here since they first opened and always walk out completely raving about the experience.
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Scott S.

Yelp
Two couples split two of the $45 four course dinners. The small plates were enough for a light dinner and each one had a perfect combination of flavors. The menu was very unique and inventive - not typical items one would consider to combine - yet they were worked really well! The wine options (3 or 6 ounce pours, or by the bottle) were varied and included a wide range of prices, generally from $8 and up for a glass. Cava is a small restaurant along Commercial Alley, so reservations are recommended. However, we came without one and were immediately offered an outdoor table (one of only a few), which was very pleasant during a midweek evening. If looking to share tapas and enjoy some nice wine, I recommend a stop at Cava.
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Jennifer F.

Yelp
Lovely site and a great restaurant. We ate outside (with heaters) which has a nice European ambiance as restaurant is located on an alley. Prix fixe menu that was well assembled and delicious. Have the stuffed peppers. Have the paella. Have it all. Nice wine list with interesting choices--we had a Slovenian white that was delicious and perfect with meal. Excellent service. Highly recommend!
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Karen C.

Yelp
A foodie's dream, and if you are into wine, then this is paradise. Everything we ate was fantastic. Each item that came out, we said was our favorite, until the next item came out. LOL. The wine and drink list is expansive and there is something for everyone. The restaurant is wonderful, but if you can get in, the underground bar is the place to be. I can't wait to go back.

Chad R.

Yelp
My only complaint is the price, it's definitely not cheap but the food is always good and fresh.

Dulcet K.

Yelp
I love this place. Food was innovative, fresh and delicious. A nice variety of options as well.
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Caroline F.

Yelp
Incredibly tasty fit for foodie dishes. The summer small tapas 4 course menu was a perfect amount of food for us, not too much. John one of the owners was kind and accommodating. Great service and fabulous food.

Sara P.

Yelp
The ambience is nice, and the patio is lovely. However, I was really disappointed with the food at this restaurant, especially given how expensive it was. The restaurant requires the customers to get 4 courses, which increases the cost. Unfortunately, 3 of the 4 courses did not taste good to me. The food just didn't feel fresh or of good quality. It bothered me to spend $100 on a meal I just did not like. I have spent that much money at restaurants, but, when I have, the food is of a very high quality. This felt like fast food on a gourmet budget. Very disappointing!
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Stephen S.

Yelp
A truly exceptional four course meal at Cava. Outdoor seating on a beautiful Saturday night completed the experience. Felt like we were in Europe. Food was delicious. Service was great.
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Daniel C.

Yelp
We keep coming back to Cava. Their current reservation system requires that you call 30 minutes ahead of time. We were sat at the downstairs bar, very cava like. We started with cocktails. The Caipirinha was strong but flavorful, billed by our bartender as the "national drink of Brazil". Served in a tall glass with ice, it was lots of rum with lime and some sugar. Spiced Paloma might have been better, certainly more interesting with tequila and a fiery infusion of ancho pepper. Foodwise, we ordered well. -Tomato and garlic bocadillo was toasted sourdough with a peppery tomato spread, a tangy Spanish cheese and lots of garlic, yum! -Chickpea fries, the usual deep fried packets of felafel-like deliciousness. -Artichoke hearts, slightly underflavored, tasted a bit like deep fried marinated artichoke hearts placed on a red pepper sauce. -Char-grilled baby octopus, my favorite dish of the night, an amazing flavor combo, both tangy and spicy. All in all, another great and atmospheric meal at Cava, such a consistently excellent Portsmouth eatery!
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Dave G.

Yelp
Cannot say enough good things about this place. Great service and the 4 course meal for $45 was just perfect. Every bite was just delicious. We initially weren't sure we wanted to do a 4 course meal but the price is a true bargain for what you get. Don't give it a second thought. Limited outdoor seating so make a reservation. Enjoy!
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Mia S.

Yelp
Honestly, the life changing Negroni here is simply not to be missed. Made with Barr Hill Gin, it is so special it will keep you dreaming of a return. Kudos to Danny for an extraordinary take on a favorite drink. Then, onto the food. Lovely prix fixe menu of 4 delightful courses. Soups are always unique, flavorful and artfully presented. Food is both beautiful and prepared with a fresh spin that makes for a delightful meal and an exception evening. Small with limited seating so plan ahead with a reservation. Sweet little alley location that will remind you of being in a European city. But be sure to have that Negroni. Salut.
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Jennifer Y.

Yelp
Atmosphere: 5 Food: 3 Service: 3 Value: 4 Oh how I wanted to love this restaurant! It was one of my top three researched list of new restaurants to me to try during my stay in Portsmouth this fall! I fell for the look of Cava as soon as I laid my eyes on it when I walked down the alley! So romantic and cozy it is! Charming patio and intimate inside! Purposefully there early on a Saturday evening, got seated immediately! Waitress took our drink order and disappeared for some time! When back with drinks, we immediately put in our order of 4 tapas! Well ...... the taste was there! Special touches like saffron and sofrito ink enhancing the small plates! But at the end, I was oh so disappointed! Their fresh "Catalonian Prawns" being the only one outstanding tapa we received! While over-cooked were the rest: the baby octopus tough and chewy, the pork belly dry and hard to cut, and the medjool dates' wrapped Serrano ham charred to the point of impossible to taste and eat! Enough already - went elsewhere for dessert! Cheers!
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Ana D.

Yelp
We went to Cava yesterday to celebrate my fiancées' birthday. I'm pleased to say that food was great, our server was very nice. They have a great selection of wines and interesting cocktails. I don't drink alcohol and our server made a delicious non alcoholic drink for me. The atmosphere is very cozy and enjoyable. We're visiting Portsmouth and we are definitely coming back some time in the future to enjoy more of this delicious food. He had the summer tasting menu and was delicious. Great combination of flavors and freshness. Thank you!
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Greg W.

Yelp
Cava delivers an upscale dining experience while maintaining an intimate and quiet feel. The food is excellent, the wine list was superb, and the staff was extremely friendly. After about 7 shared plates, a bottle of wine, tip and tax the bill was about $150 - which compared to similar meals in Boston is about 2/3 to half the cost of something similar. We loved this restaurant and the plates were creative, delicious, and beautiful. Everything was fresh, full of flavor, and good portion sizes for the price paid. I will definitely be back next time I'm in Portsmouth!

Hod P.

Yelp
We were here for the first time for a birthday dinner. When I called for reservations they only had seating at the bar but we were not disappointed. We were seated in the bar on the lower level, the Wine Cave. Atmosphere was welcoming and warm. We appreciated that reservations were taken to allow for spatial distance seating. The staff was welcoming and very attentive. We had the pice fixe 4 course menu. Everything was delicious Tuna Cruda, Potato Leek Soup,Brussel Sprouts, Grilled NY Sirloin and dessert. I went with the Jerez Cream Tart & my husband chose the Valrhona Chocolate Cake. Yum! Definitely will return & recommend to friends dining in Portsmouth!

Christian G.

Yelp
I'm sure the foods good but I thought you guys were the real cava but you're just an off brand. I think for your overall success you should change your name. Be better.
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Kenji G.

Yelp
It was great before the price fix menu. Not so great now. Can you really say your a tapas place if you do t do tapas?
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Bethany R.

Yelp
Hands down one of the best meals ever in Portsmouth (or the world tbh). The food was absolute perfection. I can't even describe the perfect balance of flavor in every dish. The paella wasn't quite what I expected as it wasn't what I have gotten at more traditional Spanish restaurants. However, the flavor was wonderful and the ingredients fresh. Service was impeccable- thanks to Danny. We will be back soon! The only weirdness is the seating. We researched they didn't take reservations and when we checked in with the waitress she said she could seat us but it would have to be in the wine cellar. We said we'd wait for a table as long as she needed so she went to talk to manager. She came back and sat us in the dining room but I wish I understood their process for next time.
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Andrew T.

Yelp
Absolutely divine! An ever changing tapas menu with locally sourced ingredients. I would highly suggest trying to get a seat at the chefs table to watch the kitchen in action. Truly a well oiled machine!!
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Daira R.

Yelp
Highly recommend. Stumbled upon cava when finding a date night spot and I am upset that we hadn't eaten here sooner! Everything we had was absolutely delicious and the service was top notch. We tried so many different menu items and really enjoyed them all. My favorites were the dates and the paella. I also ordered the spicy Paloma (extra spicy) and loved it. Cannot wait to return and are hoping to be able to get a spot at the chefs table! Also, shout out to Daniel the bar tender who made our experience so enjoyable!
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Kerry H.

Yelp
What a find! My husband and I were looking for an early dinner spot when we came upon Cava via Yelp! We did know of the chef and owner from a TV program I just don't know which one. The chef is an award wining James Beard chef and it shows. The restaurant while not large felt intimate and romantic in a NYC Village way. Loved the location in an alley filled with great stores in turn of the century brick buildings. Now the food, one word OUTSTANDING!! Tapas with a kick! We started with the Gazpacho and corn soup, served chilled in a clay pot- think of a perfect design of a soup! Both sides were delicious and tasted so well together. Stuffed dates, grilled calamari with a black, truffle oil were so wonderful. Grilled prawns melted in our mouths. Only tasty , but missed the awesomeness of the other dishes was the daily empanadas- ham and potatoes filled was missing something. Dessert which I have forgotten the names were delicious as well. Get them all and forget the calories. Service was as outstanding as the food! Run to Cava! We will be back...
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Janet M.

Yelp
I think I started this review pre-COVID, so I can only speak to what it was like before the pandemic. It was, in a word, stellar. Everything (food, drinks, service, environment, location) is truly outstanding. We've been there 2-3 times when in the area and it makes the must-do list every time, and it always will.
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Thomas Z.

Yelp
We had an exceptional night at Cava. Food was delicious, service was awesome, John, the chef and owner, took the time to say hi. Going back again soon
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mindy g.

Yelp
Truly a dining experience. Service was top notch. I was at first reluctant to commit to menu. But it was an exciting meal. I hope to return soon. Thank you!
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Lindsey D.

Yelp
Came here for my last night in portsmouth. Was not disappointed. We sat at the chefs table and was greeted by chef Chris, he was amazing and explained the dishes to us. 15/10 recommend the croquettes! This place was unreal!
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Karen A.

Yelp
Boy oh boy, was this a delicious meal!! The spring menu is prix fixe at $48 per person for a 4-course meal of scrumptious proportions! There are 3 choices for each course. My husband and I decided to each pick a different option for each course and share each dish. One course was more delicious than the next! It was obvious that each dish was meticulously thought-out by a creative chef. The portions were just right and I left feeling just the right amount of full. We were lucky enough to get a table outside in the cozy alleyway. The staff was friendly and very attentive. I highly recommend this wonderful restaurant!
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Nitant S.

Yelp
Not kid friendly. I spoke to I guess the owner John when I called for a reservation for 4. He informed me that it was a fixed menu for 48$. I told him I was fine with that but only my wife and I could get it. My kids are both below 3 years old and obviously cannot have a pre fix menu. He made some lame excuse that somebody else had called some time back and were deciding whether to make a reservation . I hate this kind of attitude. I'd rather hear it straight.