I love cava, it's a quick and fresh option with wonderful flavor choices. My go to is mixed grains (lentils) and greens (arugula) with half roasted vegetables and braised lamb or chicken. The three sauces/dips are flavorful and taste like they are freshly made all day. Be warned the spicy red dip, forgetting the name, is sooo spicy... I love spicy but my nose started running lol. The fresh juices and teas are also great. Overall quick service and fresh food for a quick lunch! Will be returning. Forgot pictures, will post next time. read more

This location of Cava Grill is like any other but it is relatively new, so perhaps a little better run and more inviting. Cava basically is a variation of chains like Roti or Chipotle and offers salads or bowls which you can customize with a variety of proteins, dips/spreads, toppings, and dressings. The food quality is good and everything seems very fresh. It's quick service so there isn't really much to say about the service, but the staff seems friendly enough. Overall, worth a visit for a casual lunch or dinner and there is ample seating to dine in if you'd like to do so. read more

Service was amazing and food was delicious!! I was a couple cents short for a drink and the employee was kind about it. I will go here forever and ever!! read more

Love this CAVA location. The dining area is spacious and the long line moves quickly. I frequent the location in DC as well, as this my favorite new place to eat. Pitas, bowls with all sorts of fresh healthy ingredients to choose from for an affordable price. read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

I don't normally write chain reviews, because I feel the expectation is low and standardized. However, Cava is one of the new (to me) businesses I am happy to see popping up, especially in my neck of the woods! I'd be happy to tell more people about it, and hopefully sustain business. Take Chipotle's concept, and give it a savory Mediterranean twist. There's several basic sets you can order, for example a pita, a salad, or a greens and grains bowl. You can customize the bases with your preferred type of greens, or seasoned rices and legumes. (I like the black lentils, my husband loves the aromatic saffron rice). My go-to is the greens and grains bowl, with mesclun mix for the greens and black lentils as the grain. From there, you can choose up to three dips. They have staple flavours, such as traditional hummus, as well as seasonally revolving flavours. My favourites are the Harissa- think a smoother, more savory Sriracha- and the Crazy Feta, which is not all as crazy as it sounds. It has a bit of spiciness to it, which I like. After you choose your dips, you choose a protein- which vegetarians can rejoice, as there are a few different options! They have tasty, crispy falafel, as well as seasonal veggies. Carnivores can get their fill as well with beef-lamb meatballs and grilled chicken. Top off your creation at the last station, which is packed with a selection of fresh and pickled vegetables, cheese, and dressings. If you get a lot of spice in your dips, I recommend cooling it down with the greek yogurt and dill dressing. Or heck, build up some more spice with the Harissa dressing! At under $9.00 a bowl, you definitely get your money's worth for the amount of food you get. I am always stuffed upon leaving. The beverage bar is worth mentioning too- you'll want to pay for a soft drink! They have all kinds of fresh seasonal juices and teas, made with real fruit. Some are unsweetened, some are sweetened with agave nectar. In the summer, my favourite is the Watermelon Mint; now that we've hit Fall, I enjoy the apple-pumpkin blend. The cucumber mint is a classic, especially to cut the spice. Not only is the food really good- surprisingly good, for a chain- but a lot of it is locally sourced. Check out the map when you come in, and it will tell you where all the selections on the food bar were brought from. That's a concept I can get behind! I'm really happy that this location in Columbia opened, so I needn't venture to DC to get my fix. I hope it does really well and sticks around for a long time. Why only 4/5 stars? Like any chain restaurant, the staff are in a part-time and fast-food mind set, not especially dedicated to the cause or product either way. I've never had especially welcoming or attentive customer service at any of the restaurants. Newcomers often seem daunted by the range of options and flavors, but there is no one to greet guests and offer answers to any menu-related questions. This can hold up the line a little bit, and I can tell the constant questions irk the staff a little. The staff often seem rushed and flustered, but then again, they are always busy. But no fast-service restaurant can be perfect, right? read more

This was our first time here and it did not disappoint! I had a brown rice bowl w/chicken and my boyfriend had the pita w/ lamb. We both loved our dishes. I'm a huge sauce person so I really liked all the different dips and dressings they have. The service was fast and friendly, and the food was filling and tasted extremely fresh. Not to mention the mouthwatering lemonades and teas. I could have taken a jug of the strawberry and watermelon one home. I am definitely excited to make this my go to restaurant. read more

One of my favorite Falafel bowls place in Columbia. Great topping options and all ingredients are super fresh every time I have been here. I wish the drinks weren't as expensive as they are else it would have been absolutely perfect for a regular lunch place for me. read more

Visited this location for lunch twice in three days and they just opened this week. Very healthy. Very clean eating. I will NEVER go back to Chipotle after eating at CAVA. This us a game changer. Eating healthy food can be fun. Try it! You will not be disappointed! You can thank me later. read more

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We love Cava. Stop through here at least a couple times a month and always enjoy the meal. Chipotle doesn't have crap on Cava. Fresh, filling, food porn, friendly, and gratifying. read more

I go to a church in the area and this Mediterrenean fastfood joint is a gem! Yes, its very similar to Chipotle in the style of service and the use of fresh ingredients but then it is waaay better! First, it appeals to an elevated palate. The ingredients are more flavorful, complex, and expensive -- yet a great dining experience on a shoestring budget. From the arugula and superfood greens to the hummus and spicy lamb meatballs, Cava promises an unparalleled and healthy fastfood meal like no other. I also love their selection of fresh juice/ tea combos that you can dispense and mix by yourself. Simply, ahmazing! read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

The service was very fast, even though the line was long. Everyone was very helpful and willing to answer all of my questions. The menu was easy to read and offered so much information. Overall great experience read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

Cava Grill exceeded my expectations. I thought I would be disappointed in my choosing a different sort of bowl w grains and protein having opted out of yet another lunch spent at Chipotle, nope! Cava was on point w the flavors and tastes everyone is raving about. After spending a decent part of my lunch break in line, there was a sensational rush once I was working on my order w the person behind the glass. So many options!! We had plenty of time whilst in line to decide but I swear to you that didn't help. I chose spicy meatballs bowl w all sorts of spicy, flavorful goodness inside! I savored the contents of the bowl as long as I could, and still had leftovers! I love it here and will be back, very hip and forward thinking fast casual dining. Glad to have a location in Columbia. read more

How yummy! If you don't know what you're ordering, it may be a little confusing but no worries because the servers will be there to assist. At least they all helped me! I ended up getting the greens and grains bowl with falafel, some vegetables and eggplant red pepper dip. The sauce and dip choices might be tricky if you've never heard of them before but they are definitely healthy options. The parking is horrible which is why I don't like coming here often but Cava is worth the trip! Can't wait to come back and try some more! read more

4.5 stars. The Mediterranean Chipotle as previously stated and ironically in the same shopping complex as a Chipotle. Everything tastes fresh, good portions, friendly staff. I recommend the grains and greens bowl even for people opposed to salad in their meal. The braised lamb, lamb meatball, and the falafel were all delicious. They have a variety of juices/teas/sodas to choose from as well. Don't forget your included side pita with the bowl. Fresh(er) Chipotle without the food coma and regret. read more

One of my friends recommended this place since I like Mediterranean food. This place is similar to chipotle but has more options compare to it. It's not as expensive as other places and if you like to quench your appetite with lots of Mediterranean food then I would definitely suggest you to try this. read more

I went there at about 9:00 PM on a weekday when everything was empty. I was looking for a Mediterranean dine in nearby and found this one so thought of trying out. I did the Grain Bowl with grilled chicken and spicy lamb meatballs with cilantro rice, roasted red pepper hummus, harrisa dips, some veggies and topped it off with green harrisa and greek vinaigrette. The portion was big to overfill the belly, the combination was hot and spicy but overall very flavorful. I would say it's a fusion than authentic Mediterranean but great. The lamb was very juicy, flavorful and succulent while the dips were great. However be mindful of the high spice levels of red pepper hummus. I would try this again with different combinations. read more

Bad customer service and many hidden fees. They don't tell you about all the extra charges and then refuse to acknowledge the problem

AHhhh-mazing. I'm upset I didn't come here when it first opened. When I'm craving something fresh and flavorful, this is the place to go. I just fill my bowl up with micro greens and everything under the sun (and it's awesome!). Only gripe is that the line gets held up at the topping section and that your little scoop of harissa can potentially get lost under all the other toppings (that's going to be a painful but tasty occurrence when you bite in) --- We went in at 9p and it seemed like the employees were annoyed we came in because they started cleaning. This is just uncomfortable for someone.. anyone I would think to spend your money somewhere and feel bad you're there. read more

Good food option- for a fast food joint. I got a healthy bowl with some grain and lots of veggies. I recommend this place for anyone who needs a quick meal that's not loaded with calories. read more

Excellent. I'm mad I didn't try this sooner. Basically Chipotle for Greek food aka a dream. I had a chicken pita. Excited to come back and try a bowl or salad. read more

Soo good! I could eat this every day. Greens + Grains bowl. Welcome to HoCo Cava Grill! read more

CAVA - Mediterranean Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

Really nice option. You can build your own plate with many available options. Tasty, healthy and good quantities. Definitely recommend it. read more

Was a huge huge fan of all other locations and when this place first open, I was literally ecstatic and came here a few times a week! As time as passed, I've sadly been taken away from this establishment, maybe due to this location or maybe due to the over indulging of eating it nonstop for months? Who knows... But my drop in stars is solely due to this location and problems I have seen. Stars off due to 1) the chicken not being as good as other locations? For some reason, their chicken just doesn't taste as good as sister establishments??? It's like more soggy, less grilled to perfection? Please please fix this. 2) the staff... I've had some great experiences and some really really bad. When there is a line of folks, and only one or two people on the line while everyone else is just chatting it up and slowly taking their time to cook or refill items, that makes no damn sense. Like get it together. 2a) there were no paper towels in the restrooms and when they were told, they just said ok and no one went to resolve this, on an off peak time with no one in line... Fix your ish Cava Columbia! Bc I live for all things coming to Columbia and this location is just not up to par. read more

It's like a Mediterranean Chipotle...u can choose grains, meats, greens, sauces, even falafel. They have a variety of fruit juices which I haven't tried yet. Bowl was pretty substantial. I didn't finish it all in 1 sitting so got some leftovers. Plenty of seating available n parking. The harrisa sauce was good, the red pepper hummus, the green topping sauce was good too. read more

Definitely a great place for a healthy lunch/dinner. I went for dinner and the salad I got was filling, didn't leave me hungry an hour later. You can chose to make a salad, pita, or bowl. I like the unique twist of having different hummus to choose from. I would advise to only get 2 scoops though- it comes with 3 but I found that was too much. The restaurant was clean and the staff were friendly and welcoming. I will say, I don't like that you have to go all the way up to the front to see the menu options. That definitely congests the line, especially if you haven't been there before and don't know what you want. Overall, you can make what you want, so hopefully you're happy with whatever you put together! I'll definitely be back next time i'm in the area! read more

Cava is great, wonderful heathy food... but they have a lentil problem. Second time I've been here and had the "greens and grains" and both times a significant portion of the lentils were rock hard. I made it through the meal but each bite was a fearful experience wondering if I'd chip a tooth. read more

This location does not have good customer service and their serving amount is way too small. Been to other locations like Bethesda and their portions are generous. This place gave us less like half and we were still hungry after. We came back three times and each time was very disappointing. The staff was not friendly, would be in a hurry to close at 8:30 when they're closed at 9:00 and packed our food for carry out because they said they're getting ready to close. read more

Very yummy nom nom the delacasy of when you place the soft pita in your mouth, your mouth start watering and you feel the soft texture of the pita read more

The ambience is kind of cold and unwelcoming but the food is tasty and at least feels like a healthy choice! My bowl was enough for 2 meals and cost just under 10 dollars. Please open one near Owings mills! read more

Food was delicious ! I wish there was a location closer to my home! I did go here on two separate occasions. The first time the line was so long I had to leave unfortunately. The second time I placed the a mobile order which seemed great but the order never processed. Thankfully this time there were no lines. The staff was friendly and helped explained there processes. This place has a compost bin which is a plus and the inside was clean and fresh. read more

Cava is my go to fast casual place. I eat here at least once per week. It's nice to be able to get a fast meal that is healthy (or at least, you can make it a healthy as you choose.) They never run out of ingredients and are super reliable. They do have a long line at peak times, but it moves quickly. They use local and seasonal ingredients. They are also friendly to those who are gluten free. They're falafel is to die for, but please make it gluten free so I care share its deliciousness with my family. My only complaint is that the tables can get dirty, and they don't seem to regularly wipe them of during the day. The seating also isn't very comfortable. The parking lot can also get a bit crazy. read more

YUM!! If you've never been, just imagine a Mediterranean Chipotle. It's so tasty! The first time I went I had the regular pita with braised lamb. Delicious. But, I noticed that my 5 year old seemed to have more food than me. The kids plates have a mini pita, rice, pita chips & a drink. Plus a dipping sauce and I had the sauce for her pita on the side. I got the kids plate the second time with extra meat to share with my 1 year old. It ended up being so much food. I was so full! Plus I got a cup to fill up with one of their fruit juices. I think it might be my favorite restaurant! read more

Don't get me wrong, the food is pretty great! BUT there are definitely issues with this place. First, service is pretty bad- mostly muttering teenagers who hate working in food service... I've been there, but still not a pleasant experience. If you don't go during "peak" times, the food tends to sit out for a while. Eh. The prices rival Panera in being on the more expensive end of "fast casual". And lastly, the bathrooms are always a MESS! No paper towels, toilets you'd NEVER want to sit on, and the music is so loud for some reason! Ick. I love the food but I think they need some new management read more

This is by probably my favorite restaurant so far in the Columbia area. Every time my boyfriend and I decide to get dinner out, we toss around a few options but there is inevitably no question that Cava is our first choice. I have many food allergies so eating out is typically pretty difficult for me and Cava has been a breath of fresh air...and delightfully fresh food! Not only is their food absolutely delicious, it is also healthy and they have tons of options for a well balanced meal. Specifically, the spicy lamb meatballs and strawberry mint tea are fantastic. After a long day at work, going to Cava totally makes my day and I don't think I'll get sick of it for quite a while. Lol I could literally eat here every single day. The staff is wonderful as well, and I think this might be the first place I will frequent that I actually end up being able to say "I'll have my regular!" If you haven't been yet, GO! It's like a Mediterranean Chipotle but 10x better. :D read more

My first experience here was amazing! Made a grains and salad bowl with the meatballs and tons of fixings. The meatballs paired well with all the sauces and all the ingredients were fresh and tasty! It was a bit on the pricey side but the quantity of food given made up for this. I also got a cup for the homemade lemonade and mixed their vanilla with watermelon and it was perfect. I wish there was a location closer to me because this is the perfect lunch option and it doesn't weigh you down! read more

Good food. Nice staff. I love Mediterranean and vegetarian food and this hit the spot! I ordered online and they were having troubles with their system so when I got there, there was no order for me. They were very apologetic and offered me a free drink while I waited, how sweet. I ordered the greens and grains bowl with falafel...yum! I will definitely be back. Fyi the parking lot there is horrible, there is also a chipolte, cosi and other establishments in the same area which gets really crowded. Do your self a favor and park on the far side and walk over to avoid getting hit! read more

CAVA - Kale something drink...love. - Mediterranean Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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YES, YES, YES! Fresh Mediterranean fast food and the execution is utter perfection. All the sauces and toppings your heart could hope for at the speed of light (okay, maybe not so much during the lunch rush) and for a decent price. I was also gushing over the different types of drinks they offered. From natural sodas, to very unique flavor combinations for lemonade, tea and such...there really was a little of something for everyone. I literally loved everything about this place. A new workday lunch go-to. Have you haven't tried it yet, you definitely should. read more

Very clean. lots of good/healthy choices :) i am not a big fan of watermelon but loved their watermelon mint juice. Yummm.

I LOVE CAVA! It's a great place to grab a meal for under $10 that's healthy and will fill you up. The best part is the different flavors they have so your meal can taste different. It's not like Chipotle where it always tastes the same no matter what you get. The falafels are so amazing I've never had the meat and I'm not even a vegetarian. read more

The lack of visible signage is a big problem here. There are small signs behind the glass where the food is, but they are constantly blocked by the customer ahead of you in line. It would be beneficial for the restaurant to install a large overhead sign listing the various options next to the sign that tells you the process in which to order your food. read more