CAVA

We had a wonderful experience here! The food was not only delicious but also impressively hygienic. You can tell they prioritize cleanliness in both preparation and presentation — everything tasted fresh and well-balanced. What really stood out was how kid-friendly the service was. The staff were warm, patient, and attentive with our little ones, even offering kid-sized portions and fun table activities to keep them engaged. It made dining out as a family stress-free and enjoyable. Highly recommended for parents looking for a clean and welcoming place to eat with kids!

This was one of the cleanest restaurants I’ve been in. The employees were friendly and the service quick. My falafel bowl was a generous size and quite tasty! And of course I can’t go to Cava without picking up some crazy feta- best side ever invented! Will definitely return next time I’m in Richmond.

Never been to CAVA before, and Grace made the experience wonderful! I had no idea what to get, and she was able to throw me together an awesome lunch! Huge thank you. Service was friendly, place was clean, food was great! Definitely going back.

I usually go to cava for the convenience, but this car stands out in a great way. The staff were super friendly. The ingredients were very fresh and when I left, I was genuinely invited to return.

We needed a quick pitstop in central Richmond while driving through and luckily the parking had a spot. It is VERY busy (and limited in time). The food options made CAVA stand out as something new to try. The restaurant is casual and simply styled. The terrace was actually quite nice to enjoy the food. Food was very tasty and very healthy compared to other fast food options. Portions could be more generous to get to good value level. Still, it definitely deserves more branches around as healthy fast food alternative.

AMAZING!!! First time going to a CAVA and the food is great but the service is PHENOMENAL! Shout out to the lady who helped us and went the extra mile for us. Her name is unique and is similarly spelled like Ethiopia; apologies for how to spell and pronounce but she was WONDERFUL! ❤️

Food was great. It was so loud in the restaurant (ambient noise and LOUD music) that I had a hard time conveying my order to the employees and hearing questions they asked me. Filthy restroom.

Dirtiest cava I have ever been to. Seemed like some tables hasn’t been wiped down in quite awhile. Was hard for me and my friends to find a decent one and even then we still had to wipe it down ourselves. Picture doesn’t do it justice. All tables were very sticky.

My family visited Cava-downtown Richmond...VCU area. Etheria prepared our meal. She treated us like royalty. She suggested items. She explained every single thing that was there to serve including the the type of drinks. She gave suggestions if you were trying to lower your calories. She made accommodations for certain things that they didn't have because it was almost closing time when we came in. This young lady is an excellent server/cashier/customer service rep. Great representation of herself and Cava. I probably spelled her name incorrectly but when you go there ask for her she's great and patient. As I said when we came in it was almost closing time and it was raining. She was very pleasant, answered all questions. I definitely appreciate her patience, time and expertise on the items in the store.

I love coming to this CAVA! Etherea is always super nice and is a true gift to the company! Love her!

Easiest one star I've ever given, also rare that I do. But when one person enters a restaurant, and there are three staff members...but none of those individuals acknowledge the potential patron. Hold this one star. All three of you earned it.

Best food ever love the managers here they are always so nice and willing to go above and beyond for you ! Being able to eat in the patio is a season perk just gives a great vibe off.

By far, one of the most frustrating experiences on the planet, trying to get a catering order done. They do not accept catering orders over the phone for some reason and their website absolutely sucks. You can only request a custom quote for Catering through a inquiry. Wasted almost 20 minutes trying to figure out how to schedule an order for tomorrow afternoon. While I generally enjoy the food at cava trying to order for groups or in advance is literally impossible. Hope someone from cava Corporate is looking at this because they just lost a massive order. This review should not reflect anyone going in person, just those looking to place catering orders. Thanks!

Like sweetgrean but less fresh and tasty. I had a Harissa Avocado bowl. Dried-up rice, overripe avocado, too much sour, thin harissa dressing. A mess. The blueberry-lavender drink was fine though. Fast food can be better than this, but Cava really is fast and it is open late.

Blaine is always quick and very pleasant when I come here .. normally he serves me. I like the fact he keeps fresh food , the line moving , and very social with customers ! I have had nothing but good experiences at this location and the service is still A1. I truly appreciate coming to an environment that not only feels good but serves delicious food & CAVA IS THAT !! Thanks again Blaine , you and your team never disappoint

The food was so good and the place was very clean. The staff is very welcoming, will be returning and recommending to friends and family.

the food was good the service was good but the location can be a little crazy in the middle of downtown. very limited parking.

Food was delish, great staff and quick service. Happy we decided to try it and know we will return.

Food is actually really good, but service sucks. I don't eat carbs so I asked for additional greens and was denied more than once and unfortunately, this was by management. I was having lunch and dinner there due to my very strict diet. It's funny bc when at one spot they have no issues with giving me extra lettuce, but here it's a nightmare. I just went next door to chipotle. There's too many options out there to have this type of service. So for that, no I wouldn't recommend. Very unfortunate.

Great spot on the VCU campus to grab a quick lunch or dinner! If you've never had Cava before, think of it as a Mediterranean style Chipotle. You can choose from their pre-selected menu options or you can create your own bowl or pita. There are quite a few options for each section as you go down the line, so it can be a little overwhelming the first time you try it out, but don't be afraid to ask questions! The staff at this location is usually friendly and knowledgeable and can make could recommendations for first-timers. They also offer kids meals, a few pre-packaged desserts and a wide variety of drink options. The majority of the seating is upstairs at this location, which also includes a rooftop deck that is great to take advantage of on those gorgeous sunny days! The only major drawback to this location is the parking. There is a small parking lot in front, but it is shared between Cava, Panera & Chipotle. The spaces are pretty narrow too. There is street parking on Grace Street as well. I would also advise ordering in person at this location. I've ordered delivery as well as order ahead for pick up and have had orders be incorrect multiple times. I think they get rushed as pick up/delivery is utilized heavily at this location and they get a little rushed and don't pay attention all the time. But customer service is always good about taking care of things if you email them and let them know what happened!

I've been sitting on this review for a while. Was SUPER disappointed, if we lived in town, we would not return, just cause of the service. Food was good. -situation- all four of us came in to eat, my sons didn't realize it was Mediterranean so they walked over to Chipotle. We ordered. As we we were going through the line, a girl walked in with a cup from another restaurant, filled up her cup and then left. While she was filling up her cup, the cashier said "ahgm excuse me...?" But that was it. She stole a drink and walked out. She had a domineering presence, he didn't do anything. We paid, got our food and sat. About 3 min later, our sons showed up with their food from chipotle, we all began eating. There was only one other table occupied in the restaurant. After we were eating for about 5 min, the cashier came to our table and said "we have a no outside food policy, you need to leave". I thought he was joking, but soon realized he was not. He made it obvious that he wanted us to leave. After my family left, I went back in to confront him, asking him why he was okay being stolen from (the drink) but he was going to ask paying customers to leave. It was a very ridiculous situation, he kept giving me some bunk about cross contamination (?) and gluten free(?) they aren't a completely gluten free place anyway. Psh.

upper echelon service! there was an attendant named Etheria who's customer service was something you just don't get anymore these days. love the food as well!

welcoming and helpful staff, fast service, and delicious food. best CAVA in Richmond.

We popped in here before getting some things done in Richmond. It was so good- even hours later while on our ride back to Suffolk. I found out we have one over here at Greenbrier, so I'll be checking the out soon! The staff was all very friendly & nice, and they knew what they were doing with their foods.

Great food. However. Boujie attitudes as if this place is unaffordable to minorities you would think the way staff and patrons pritzy around there and give off "that look" particularly from the "l'll sit in my car til they leave" karens who appear every once and a while . My food was just handed to me with no bag. multiple items i had to carry out of the store. Will sadly most likely not come again.

Amazing food. I thought because there was so many people coming in the food was gunna room temp at best but they managed to keep everything nice and hot. The service was great. And the atmosphere was nice. If you want nice healthy food give it a try.

Literally the rudest people that work there. Y'all can't say welcome in or smile or tell me where you're going when you walk away the food taste like a mess this time. I get it it's a shitty job and you probably don't get paid well but you don't know what someone's going through or you can at least smile.

It use to be good when it first got here. The white isn't saffron but white tbh... Could be so much better.

customer service is spot on. love the food. friendly and welcoming environment. I eat here once a week. #favorite

A unique spot with some ready selected portions to create a salad bowl. Rice, greens, grains, meats, falafel, spicy lamp meatballs, grilled chicken, spicy honey chicken with choices of sauces, a great salad spot with a Mediterranean pick of your create your own too.

The service I received today at the Cary St location took me back to when Cava first opened her in Richmond. The gentleman helping me was friendly, pleasant and didn't make it feel like a hostile situation. I actually didn't mind spending $26 with a drink included. Also I added the pita chips and the gentleman offered me a dip and even suggested one. The lunch crew is amazing here!!!!

Cava is by far better then chipotle. Their staff is friendly and I had the privilege to meet their amazing GM Blaine, he took care of me from start to finish. He did not rush me and allowed me to sample some of the items. They have seasonal juices and proteins. Clean store which is always a plus! Definitely coming back!

When this cava first came to Richmond they were really good, they had excellent service the workers would crack jokes and make you smile, the food portions would be more than filling always being able to bring some food home for a snack later on. Although it's a bit pricey, it was always worth the trip to go there! I just went back today for the first time in awhile and the whole vibe of the restaurant was off, I don't know what it was but it seemed like the workers didn't want to be there," I payed near 14$ with no extra add ons for a bowl they only filled half way which I finished under 3 minutes. They also gave me a pita sized bread the size of my iPhone that costed me an extra dollar. Although I do love their food, after this experience I'm gonna have to put it on the back burner again until they are able to turn things around.

This is always a favorite of mine. I love how you can build your own bowl and the pitas are delicious. The service is always amazing and the restaurant itself always looks pretty. They always keep it pretty clean and it's a great place to dine in. However, if you are on a budget, I would advise maybe not coming because sometimes the meals can add up.

After reviewing my reviews from 3 years ago, I will say that there has been a change in possible staffing and management and I have found more consistency in the quality of my meal. I appreciate the young lady who always goes above and beyond to greet me when I enter. It startles me but I like it lol.

Good food and quirky soda machine. Ceiling was leaking and bathroom code was not very secure. Also one too few 9/11 references.

Cava hit every single time. It took me a while to figure out the perfect grain bowl however, it leaves me more than satisfied every time. The location is right on VCU campus however, even if there is a line there's never a long wait. The staff is very nice as we'll

This is a good cava. Always fresh ingredients. Bathrooms always clean. If i could make one complaint: bring back sweet potatoes!!!!

Amazing! I'm a rookie, and I'm a meat and potatoes guy, this isn't the norm for me, but I was talked into giving this new chain a try; sure glad I tried it! I understand this is run by x Chipotle leadership and it shows, lots of fresh ingredients, served right in front of you, and well trained staff to explain to a novice like me what this place is about. The staff explained things very well, and were patient when I asked a bunch of dumb questions! They get an A for sure! They gave me a sample, and really took care of me and I really needed taken care of, most,of my reviews are BBQ so this is a departure for me! I had braised beef, it was just right, popping with flavor, but not too spicy had both kinds of meat balls, and they were both good, one mild, one spicy. Also had lots of little toasty things that were great! Their fruit drinks are amazing too! I'll be back, hope they come to the Pittsburgh area soon!this place would be packed near Pitt/CMU/East Liberty area!

If you've never heard of this I call it Mediterranean Chipotle, you get you pick your greens, your grains, protein and toppings. I did not like this at first but you just have to find what flavors work with your pallet. It's a very healthy vibe, they have vegetarian options and different humus' to choose from. They don't have your traditional drink fountain, which I like. They have different juices to choose from, for instance I chose strawberry mint lime juice. The juices are not always the same they change based on season and location, which is pretty cool. There isn't one in HRVA so I go every chance I get!

I had to wait an thirty (30) minutes for two (2) salads (Total time from order placed online to it being ready was forty-five (45) minutes). That's unacceptable. If you can't make the the orders--don't take the orders. I would have gotten lunch elsewhere. For people who have schedules they have to keep this is disrespectful.

I always say I visit Nova to see family and friends, but deep down I go up to eat at my favorite restaurants. And Cava is one of them! I was slightly worried that they were opening a location on the VCU campus. This is probably good news to students though. But I LOATHE that parking lot. But I made the trip anyways. This place is like Chipotle style Mediterranean food. I always get the grain bowl since I love carbs. My favorite dips are the red pepper hummus, harissa, and tzatziki. I will warn everyone that the harissa is super spicy but I love it! Then there is the sauce at the end. My favorite is the Sriracha Greek yogurt. Everything here tasted fresh and delicious. Staff was also extremely friendly. I know they are newly opened, but I just hope that it doesn't go down hill like the Chipotle on campus did :(

Please come to HRVA! I cannot express how much I love this food! My first time here I was quite hesitant because I'm really not an out-of-the-box eater nor was a fan of build it yourself joints. Seriously, I've never even been to Chipotle... I am now OBSESSED with CAVA and really wish it were local to Virginia Beach! Everything about the fresh ingredients just pulls you in. The colors, the smells, the TASTE! It's like a kick in the face but in a great way. They are not your typical fast food chain (are they even a chain??) as they have a hipster vibe and friendly staff ready to make your bowl fresh to order. I have now been twice and I try to mix it up because there are just so many topping to choose from! It makes you think skinny thoughts without the indulgence of grease and fat other joints include. Please open one in Norfolk or VB! I could see myself here a whole lot!

Why do you have to be so far away CAVA?! This spot gives me the idea in my head, that it may give most people, that I could make this at home since it's so simple. Then again, that's a large number of things you can toss in a bowl! I typically get the greens and grains with random things mixed into it. They have so many things to choose from it was a bit overwhelming during my first visit but the staff walked me right through with their full attention. The upper outside eating area is pleasant. The different teas you can choose from are excellent (and I always get a refill out the door). I'd eat here probably 5 days a week if I had one near me.

Love Cava. Been to the location in short pump and willow lawn. Staff friendliness varies. Food is consistently good at both locations.

I love CAVA. They are basically a Mediterranean-style Chipotle. The set-up is the same: you go through the line, picking the things that you want, and they build your bowl/pita/whatever you choose in front of you. You can also order in advance using their mobile app which is very convenient, but the line typically goes quickly. The falafel here is super good, and it's my go-to choice of protein. It's not too dry and is seasoned very well. Depending on the spreads/dressings that you choose, you can create a great combination that is full of flavor. They also give you a free pita with your bowl! There's a seating area upstairs that also leads outside to a balcony where you can sit and eat and hang out with friends which is nice.

I don't know if I'm a fan yet... My coworker tells me all about CAVA and I went to try it out. It's like chipotle except it's Mediterranean. Seems healthy so I was intrigued. I made the staff aware that I was a newbie - and they were quite accommodating, taking the time to explain to me what each thing was, how many toppings I can add, etc... I preloaded the app and wanted to claim my $3 off incentive but I couldn't because the app requires a card to be in the app and I didn't want to hold up the line by adding the card in that moment. I chose the spicy lamb meatballs. Overall, the food was "ehh okay". Meaning not terrible, but nothing I can describe as good. My coworker always gets the braised lamb so the next week I went back to try one more time thinking this will make the difference right? Wrong! And this time there was just one staff person , I went around 11 and she wasn't customer friendly. But whatever. Either way, I certainly wasn't impressed with that experience although the first experience was a little better. 3rd time's a charm?? Maybe! I'll check them out one last time to re-review.

When you are looking for quick, healthy, and Mediterranean, this franchise in VA hit all the points. I was introduced to this restaurant by friends from MD, who met me in VA. This is a build-your-own type of eatery so do read the menu options before getting on the ordering line. Another plus is that you can sample the ingredients if you're really undecided.

Cava is one of my favorite fast food restaurants EVER! At first I was skeptical of the type of food they offered, since I'm not too familiar with Mediterranean cuisine. After I finally decided to visit, I saw that most ingredients were pretty familiar. The pick-and-choose options are also helpful for anyone who's hesitant to trying new food! Thankfully, I am fairly adventurous, so the pick-and-choose option is also great for anyone who enjoys plenty of sauces and toppings on their meals! I could sum up Cava as Chipotle style Mediterranean food. I appreciate how the fresh flavors (similar to Chipotle) always work so well together, no matter the combination. From tangy to spicy, Cava offers me a fairly healthy meal with a wide range of ways to satisfy any cravings. They offer falafel for any vegetarian friends, rice bowls when I'm craving carbs, and salad bowls for when I'm feeling healthier. (But let's be real - most times, I do both!) This location is definitely a quick service location as their bowls are disposable and can easily pop on a lid to make it to-go. Other locations in the area use plastic bowls and presentation is a little better. Service has always been efficient and super friendly. This location also has upstairs seating and a patio if you want to eat outside! Cava is one of my favorite places in DMV area. Idk what I'd do if they came down south!

I used to enjoy coming to this location because it seem like one of the best locations closer to my home , I order pita chips with my meal and was told that it was going to be a few minutes I decided to wait only to find out the chips were never made while the cook walked around with his phone in his hands.... Cava has really good food however the service is lacking ...

manager made my bowl, he's stingy with the portion sizes, other cavas have not been like this. he was also very unfriendly, won't be coming back to this location

I pick up lunch here several times per week and always have a good experience. Jarrell and the rest of the staff are friendly, attentive, and speedy.

This place gets better ever time I eat here. I love the falafel and the lamb meatballs in particular. The service is always fast and friendly and I am on my way in short order. The only thing that makes this place would be the skinny parking spaces in the always crowded parking lot.

Delicous restaurant!! The employees are very nice and helped me figure out just what I wanted to order! They even personally described their sauces and told me which are their favorite!

Mediterranean Chipotle. I got my brown rice bowl with braised lamb. Lots of options for toppings and sauces--feta, tzatziki, hummus, cucumber, banana pepper... This can be good or bad. I did a pretty good job creating a flavor I liked, but it's easy to overdo it. And the guy making my bowl talked me into spicy sauce... said it wasn't too hot, but it was right at the verge of too hot to enjoy for me. And I like spicy.

I bookmarked this place when I knew I'd have a few lunch hours in Richmond, AND BONUS: it's right behind Rumors, a fun and ft shop your teenager will love! I looked at the menu ahead of time, (recommended! There are a lot of options!), and knew I wanted the power greens and lentils bowl with summer vegetables. (That was my protein choice since many helpers said the falafel was dry... and it looked dry). The summer vegetables were a complete surprise!!! All kinds of veg in there and all of it cooked perfectly. (No mush!) My sauces were harissa, (spicy!) and eggplant/red pepper... mix in the eggplant and use spicy sparingly, but it's a perfect balance.. and ask for pita too! (Soft and thick and warm) Love the quinoa and crunchy toppings too! And my fave: The watermelon mint tea/juice!!! The drinks are the bomb!

Visited 3/20/17 for dinner Ordered: - Green & Grains with a side of pita (power greens and lentils) Dip--- - Eggplant + Red pepper dip- I couldn't really taste eggplant or red pepper. Usually eggplant is also texturally different but this dip wasn't any different from any of the other dips. - Hummus- unimpressive but it helps the items in the bowl blend together - Feta dip- the feta dip was good and actually had a good feta flavor. Protein - Falafel- extremely dry and didn't have much flavor besides being salty - Spicy lamb meatballs- same as the meatballs, the lamb meatballs were SO DRY and so dense. They were super salty. Favorite toppings - Mint- I loved the freshness of the mint when added to the bowl and to complement the otherwise dry and bland lamb meatballs - Pita crisps- There wasn't anything else other than the power greens that offered a crisp texture. These were really yummy! - Tabouleh- this was my favorite thing. It was extremely well flavored and had a good contrast of textures. My Cava bowl was actually quite good and all of the flavors together were cohesive and enjoyable, but there was nothing impressive about each individual component. I think there were certain components that saved the bowl and were enough to overshadow the lesser components.