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    CAVA

    3.9 (88 reviews)
    ModerateMediterranean, Salad
    Closed 10:00 am - 10:30 pm

    Order CAVA Takeout or Delivery

    CAVA Photos

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    CAVA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Trendy
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - CAVA

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    Reviews With Photos

    Chicken Shawarma
    Dona P.

    I did an uber eats delivery because I needed something healthy fast... I was skeptical as to the level of freshness or quantity or quality ... but I was very pleasantly surprised. At first glance it looked scant and the side dip mountain my salad bowl were quite small- but the amount of freshness veggies and chicken was really nice. I also asked for two other toppings they left off so wasn't sure if they were out of it ? Was just glad to get a fresh salad that was gluten free dairy free and healthy and flavorful!

    Create your own bowl
    Anthony B.

    I ordered a create your own bowl and as my protein chose to get spicy lamb meatballs and chicken. Not only were they both flavorful but the slight spice from the lamb paired with the crazy feta and garlic dressing was magnificent! Love the portion size as well and the fact that I was able to mix lentils with my rice

    my build your own bowl!
    alyssa u.

    Great service! The line moved quickly and the lady that took my order was super fast and efficient! She got me through quickly and got me rung up asap! The food was soooo yummy, i wish the portions were bigger but i definitely could have asked for more chicken so that may be a me problem. Cava always hits, so no complaints from me!! There is plenty of seating in the facility and the vibe is a bit industrial but welcoming. I took my food to go though.

    Sutona S.

    I wish I took a better picture but I was starving and this bowl didn't stand a chance. People always compare to chipotle and after my first time I understand why but there's comparison Harissa bowl no avocado 10/10.

    Build Your Own Bowl
    Jacques I.

    We really need a Cava in the Seattle area. I mean, really. So every time I visit the DC area, I gotta get my Cava on and this location at the Navy Yard is a solid one. It curbed that Cava craving. I visited Cava during the lunch hour and it was busy, with a line that basically curved around the room. I will say though that this location is not the largest in the Navy Yard neighborhood. But most people were getting takeout here versus dining in, so at least there were tables available despite how busy it gets during the lunch hour. I created my own bowl of Mediterranean goodies, and it was tasty. There's a lot to choose from in making your own Mediterranean bowl, with different proteins, sauces, veggies, etc. I also advise trying one of their housemade fruit beverages. I've tried all of them and love them all. Glad to know that there's a Cava in the Navy Yard neighborhood, right next to the metro and baseball field.

    Not what I ordered!!!
    AL G.

    I work too hard for my money to receive a messy unfinished order. I ordered and paid for a long list of extras for s chicken bowl. It was a carry out order and my first time using this location. I did not receive half of what I paid for then there was feta cheese sprinkled on top like it was a damn masterpiece. What if I was allergic. Really?@#¥?!!! Do better #ZERO STARS

    DIY Chicken (+every veggie) bowl
    Alexia H.

    This is a good Cava location, I come here pretty often for bowls and I've yet to be disappointed. I'm a lady that pays attention to cleanliness of a restaurant, and this one passes all my internal critiques. The service is always fast and friendly and the food is fresh and tasty. The best part of it all is there's always parking on the side or right in front of the building.

    Half of my order is in here. The bowl is 1/4 full, what a waste of $15.

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    3 years ago

    This place is awesome!!! Me and my wife had date night there for the first time... We will be returning!!!

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Very good wholesome food, nice staff as well. Having never been there they were really patient in explaining everything.

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    9 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Very friendly and engaging staff. Food was delicious and fresh! The store was very clean and social distancing guidelines very visible.

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    4 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Holy S***! This place is AMAZING! Huge portions! A TON of options and fresh delicious food!

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    Customer Experience T.

    Thanks for the high praises, Katie!✌️

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Come here at least once a week! I usually do half salad half grains with all the toppings. It's always great!

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    8 years ago

    The food is normally fresh and tasty. I was very disappointed yesterday the salad was fresh however the chicken was tasteless and hard.

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    8 years ago

    Excellent food - quick, tasty, locally sourced. Ambience was nice and quiet. Clean establishment.

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    6 years ago

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    Page 2 of 3

    CAVA Reviews in Other Languages

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    Review Highlights - CAVA

    I ordered a create your own bowl and as my protein chose to get spicy lamb meatballs and chicken.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Zaytinya

    Zaytinya

    4.2(6.3k reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$$

    This place is in a great corner location, the food was delicious, and the staff were friendly…read moreoverall. We had a reservation to make sure we got a table, and the restaurant was completely full when we arrived. The only downside was that after being seated outside, we felt a little forgotten for the first 30 minutes or so. No one came by with water or to check in, and it seemed like the staff may not have realized a new table had been seated until we flagged down the outside host. There were also swarm of flies hovering around the outdoor tables, which another table pointed out and then we started noticing too. Aside from that, the experience was good overall. The inside dining area definitely had a dressier vibe compared to the patio seating, and once we were helped, the food made up for the slow start.

    Placed a large order via Uber Eats since restaurant will not accept takeout orders directly…read more Restaurant does not allow any specifications when ordering through Uber Eats - for example, one person wanted one ingredient held from her salad. Uber Eats lacked description for Zaytinya's food items (such as the ounces of the drinks) and some items (such as the horta salata) were not as pictured. There were no extra napkins in our bag. The Coke came in bottles but we didn't receive any bottle openers. To top it off, we had three food items missing. I called the restaurant again to let them know about the missing food - they were unapologetic and didn't know what the proper protocol was to fix the situation. The service was subpar and the servings were small. Won't be back. The next day we had food delivered from another local restaurant where both the food and service were outstanding, unlike at Zaytinya. UPDATE: After writing the Yelp review, a general manager at Zaytinya emailed me the following: "..."The restaurant normally offers takeout, but the location was actually closed that day for a private event. However, since the order had come through, we tried to honor it. The mujadara and 2 orders of rice were missing because we hadn't prepped those items, as they were not offered for the buyout..." The restaurant knew on Friday what I was ordering for Tuesday. They had plenty of time to reach out to me and tell me they would be closed and wouldn't be able to fulfill the order. Instead, they knowingly sent out an order without all of the food for our group and charged as if we received everything. This shows a lack of professionalism and is disrespectful.

    Photos
    Zaytinya
    Zaytinya
    Zaytinya - Spreads & Bread

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    Spreads & Bread

    Gypsy Kitchen DC - Assortment of Small Plates & Cocktails

    Gypsy Kitchen DC

    4.3(1k reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$
    Happy hour specials
    Rooftop seating

    We came to Gypsy Kitchen for our anniversary, and it was the perfect spot! The service was speedy…read moreand kind, and the decor/ambiance was beautiful. We ordered a bottle of the Cava, and four small plates, which was plenty of food. The mussels, labneh and Patatas bravas were all very generous portions. Labneh: 5/5, delicious, served with plenty of pita Patatas bravas: 5/5, with great flavor and crispy roasted potatoes Mussels: 4/5, generous portion size, and the sauce was very good but I wished the sauce was more white wine-based Tuna crudo: 5/5, not a ton of food but the flavor was absolutely delicious, very citrusy and fresh Labneh cheesecake: 4/5, served with a sauce that was a bit like cough syrup but otherwise absolutely delicious

    We paid $130 with tip for croquettes, lamb skewers, tuna crudo, hummus, and two 50 Shades of Purple…read more(drinks with butterfly pea gin). We sat outside on the patio and it was a gorgeous day. The decor is perfect and I love that they've added plants to cover the staircase. Drinks were delicious and the food came out quickly. Our water glasses were rarely empty. Service was kind. Food wise if I were to stack rank I would say the hummus is the best of what we ordered. The pita bread is thick and garlicky and oily and massive. The croquettes would be at the bottom of my list simply because they're dissimilar from any I've had before and a little bit underwhelming. The tuna was fresh but it's a small dish and not much to write home about. The lamb skewers have a subtle kick to them and they're pretty substantial. I'll definitely be back to try more! Highly recommend on a warm summer day as you're covered by the canopy above, if you're looking for a rooftop vibe.

    Photos
    Gypsy Kitchen DC
    Gypsy Kitchen DC - Hummus, Lebnah, & Flatbread

    Hummus, Lebnah, & Flatbread

    Gypsy Kitchen DC - Rooftop Patio

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    Rooftop Patio

    Albi - Brussel sprouts

    Albi

    4.6(467 reviews)
    0.4 miNavy Yard
    $$$$

    I don't even know where to start with this. Last friday, I had a remarkable dinner here, and I was…read morewowed from the moment I stepped inside. As much as I love the cocktail bar next door, I had no idea this epic place was here. The inside is a bit dark, yet so welcoming and cozy. It's the waiting area if you are either early for your reservation or waiting for others in your party. They are kind enough to give you a glass of water and the cocktail menu in case you want to get started. We were fancy and did the hearth table and WHAT a journey it was. From surprise drink tastings and bites to pretty much trying all new food items and combinations, I would absolutely do it again. I could name the things that I had, but you may or may not know what they are. All I can say was that it was seven delightful courses that left me just right. The friendly, professional staff made it even better. Check the reservations and to the hearth table. Do it.

    KenScale: 8.5/10 Visit: March 2026…read more My wife Jun and I have been to Albi multiple times already and on every visit we end up ordering the exceptional lamb kebabs for our final savory dish. Earlier this year, I saw that the restaurant started offering a large duck rice dish on the menu and, knowing how much Jun loves duck, tried to see if I can book a table. We had a reservation in January but we had to cancel that due to a last-minute trip to New York, and really struggled to find an open seating on a reasonable hour (we just had no appetite for a dinner past 9 p.m.) until recently last month. As we opened up the menu, we were very sad to learn that the duck was no longer on the menu (our server couldn't give a definitive time on when the dish will be back), but that didn't dampen our enthusiasm for another outstanding meal at Albi. Since my last review of the restaurant was in 2023, I figured a re-review was in order, especially given that this visit was our 10th total. When it comes to Middle Eastern spreads, it's hard to beat what Albi offers along with a giant pita bread. At this point, Jun had tried the mushroom hummus with confit egg yolk multiple times, and yet she couldn't again stop marveling how addictively delicious the hummus was with alluringly smoky flavor of mushroom. One new spread that we saw for the first time and decided to order was msabaha with embered firefly squid and white peas covered in tahini; not surprisingly, it was another standout dish even if squid is not an ingredient one would ordinarily see in these spreads. Another item on the menu that we tried for the first time (and really liked) was malfouf, a wrap of cabbages stuffed with smoked beef cheek and red shatta condiment. By now, we have seen multiple variations of the lamb kebabs at Albi and every time we walked out of the restaurant happily stuffed. For the current season, we were greeted with loin and smoked belly shish accompanied by vegetables of charred turnips and brassicas. The lamb's texture as usual was quite outstanding, and the charred vegetables (as well as a side dish of Fattoush salad with orchard fruits and smoked feta) also offered a wonderful complement to the meat. If someone asks me to list the most iconic dishes in DC, I won't hesitate to include the lamb kebabs from Albi. During our trip to Jordan in February, we fell in love with a popular dessert called knafeh (made with pastry dough layered with cheese and soaked in syrup); we never had a chance to try the same from Albi until this visit, and Jun remarked that the delightful knafeh was just like how she remembered from a restaurant in Petra, except the pomegranate sorbet that was placed in the middle. It seems like getting a reservation at Albi is becoming more and more difficult over time. The reservation window opens on the first day of each month and once past that first day, it is really challenging to find a seating during early and prime-time dinner windows, especially for the main dining room. This visit was the first time we had to be seated at the bar as we were slightly late to the reservation party, but the bar seating actually wasn't bad at all, as we chatted with the friendly bartenders from time to time while enjoying the food. As always, the beverage list at Albi is outstanding, featuring many Middle East-based cocktails and wines. As we increasingly find ourselves in our culinary journey together these days visiting our old favorites more often rather than checking out new places all the time, Jun and I are very thankful that Albi is in DC. It still is firing on all cylinders even after being around for several years in the DC dining scene, and deserves to be one of the best restaurants in the city.

    Photos
    Albi
    Albi - Rosewater meringue + walnuts in honey syrup

    Rosewater meringue + walnuts in honey syrup

    Albi - Mocktail

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    Mocktail

    Agora DC - Cauliflower**

    Agora DC

    4.0(1.8k reviews)
    2.9 miDupont Circle
    $$$

    Was able to do a walk-in on a recent Thursday evening…read more I had been many times before, but it had been a while, so it was great to dine at Agora again. Everyone in my group loved the assortment of small plates that we had. We considered getting the lamb chops, but it only comes with 2, and there were three of us, so we opted against it. The dishes we got instead (an assortment of vegetables, meat, and seafood) were all delicious, and we would all be happy to get them again.

    I've been here twice now and have had a great experience. I recommend getting a spot on the outside…read morepatio if the weather is nice. It is covered and you can watch all the Dupont atmosphere pass by on the street. I'm a big fan of Mediterranean food. And it didn't disappoint. They were also really good with kids as my partner and I have 5 year olds. They not only have kids menus but crayons and unique coloring activities that were perfect for our son and daughter. We ordered the dip sampler, the grilled chicken and manti, which are dumplings stuffed with meat and topped with cream. The kids loved the pita bread, as did their dads. The pita was so delicious and we kept dipping it in the complimentary olive oil with black olive tapenade. The dip sampler was good, but we didn't love all the options as part of that mix like the red pepper dip or the fishy roe. Finally, the wine selection is unique here. It consists of a lot of Greek and Turkish wines. We aren't as familiar with this regions o appreciated our server allowing us to taste the wine before committing. Overall, service was attentive and they did a great job checking in with our family. I'd definitely recommend this spot. It's a higher end place on the strip!

    Photos
    Agora DC - Inside/Bar

    Inside/Bar

    Agora DC - Weekend Bottomless Brunch

    Weekend Bottomless Brunch

    Agora DC - Mocktail çiçek

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    Mocktail çiçek

    ilili DC - pita pillows

    ilili DC

    4.4(727 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$$

    Dining with my friend on Lebanese cuisine was a delightful culinary adventure filled with surprises…read moreand delights. Moussaka: A classic Lebanese dish. Eggplant and hummus were simmered until soft and flavorful, with a subtle smoky aroma. The addition of mint leaves enhanced the flavor. Bone Marrow: Beef tartare with bone marrow and pomegranate seeds--how interesting! The first two provided a rich, fatty texture and intense aroma, while the latter burst in your mouth occasionally, juicy, tangy, and refreshing. Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts with grapes, walnuts, fig jam, and mint yogurt--a whimsical yet magical combination... The Brussels sprouts offered a fresh, vegetal aroma and a slightly roasted aroma; the walnuts provided a nutty richness and crunch; the fruit provided a fresh sweet and sour taste and plenty of juice; and the yogurt acted as a binder between the flavors while adding a touch of minty coolness. Duck Shawarma: My friend and I thought: ...Peking duck? The skin was soft, the meat tender, not gamey, with a subtle smoky flavor; the fig and lemon sauce was sweet and refreshing; the small pita pillows held the meat securely, better than the lettuce what might have been too cold. Lamb Stuffed Grape Leaves: Black rice was wrapped in grape leaves and simmered with minced lamb. The rice absorbed the fragrance of the grape leaves, similar to lotus leaves (my friend and I thought: lamb version of sticky rice chicken糯米雞...?). The lamb, however, was served separately at the bottom of the pot and didn't absorb much flavor; overall, it was intensely sour. In short, this dish was a bit oddly designed, and it was the only one we didn't finish because the sourness was unbearable. Pita Bread: The bread was thin yet chewy, with a rough, slightly powdery surface, making it substantial and satisfying. I especially loved the "everything wrapped in a big pancake" style! This restaurant is located on the wharf near the Potomac River and boasts beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows. The spring sunlight streamed in softly.

    Really enjoyed lunch at ilili last week. The service was honestly one of the best parts of the…read moreexperience. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome without being too over the top. The food was good across the board. We ordered a mix of dishes to share and really liked the kibbeh, meatballs, and whole fish. The portions were solid, the presentation was beautiful, and everything came out fresh. The restaurant itself is also really pretty and has a nice atmosphere for a lunch date or catching up with friends. Not quite a perfect experience for me personally, but definitely a strong 4 stars and I'd go back again.

    Photos
    ilili DC - Stylish dining room with greenery.

    Stylish dining room with greenery.

    ilili DC - Duck Shawarma

    Duck Shawarma

    ilili DC - Olive You Margarita and Keraz Carciofo Negroni.

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    Olive You Margarita and Keraz Carciofo Negroni.

    Maydan - Roasted carrots

    Maydan

    4.3(1.4k reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$$$

    Maydan had been on our list of places to try for a while. It can be tough to get a reservation. We…read morewere able to add ourselves on the OpenTable waitlist and receive alerts if a table opened up. Luckily we were able to get a table outside at 6PM on a Friday night for four people. The tawle tasting menu is about $100 per person and it was a great way to try the menu. We were able to pick from a list of spreads, vegetables and meats and at the end we were also able to choose two desserts based on our party size. You start with Mouneh - pickled vegetables, Honey Soaked Dates, and the most delicious Halloumi. You then select 3 spreads - Muhammara, Walnut Casik, and Beet Borani with warm pita bread. For entree we ordered Chicken Shish Taouk, Ribeye, and cauliflower. They had a nice cocktail list so we tried a few cocktails. The espresso martini includes gelato, and there was a green cocktail that was very refreshing. The service was really good. Please be aware that they do add a fee on the bill and guests may not notice this and may tip an additional amount which we did, but the service was outstanding. We were able to walk inside and see the open fire grill where they make the pitas on and go to the bathroom. We really enjoyed sitting in the alley on a nice evening.

    A popular spot near Adams Morgan. The restaurant features Middle Eastern grilled food. In fact,…read morethere were several fire grills in the center of the first floor of the restaurant (it has two floors), and you can see the staff constantly grilling the meats, fish, vegetables and pita. This, together with the dark vibe, made me feel as if I were eating with ppl. from B.C. in a cave. Very interesting. I like that. For food, I got the Carrot Havuc, Omani Shrimp and Halloumi. But first I was served with some freshly made whole wheat pita. They were soft, chewy and earthy. The Carrot Havuc was basically a carrot+garlic puree. Very silky, refreshingly sweet, and a bit sour. The sourness may come from the garlic and lemon. Paired well with the pita and meats. The Omani shrimp came in 5 pieces, each shrimp was ~1oz so it was not very filling. The shrimp were meaty, fresh, juicy, though I wish it could be less salty, even if I already asked for less salt. The shrimp was said to be marinated with dried lime and tamarind but I could only taste the flavor of dried lime. The Halloumi cheese was brushed wild flower honey and topped with Egyptian dukkah, then baked until the outside was golden brown. It was salty and sweet, and the (tons of) sesame seeds added some fragrance to it. However, the peanut was too roughly chopped so that they fell off from the cheese when I slice it, and thus difficult to eat with the cheese. Service was not worth the 20% mandatory tip. For example, when I asked about the sourness of the Carrot Havuc, he did not know why and said he would "taste it and let me know where the sourness came from". Unfortunately, he did not tell me until I asked again when doing the check (I doubt if he tasted it in the first place). Neither did he ask me about the other dishes. Overall, the dishes were great but not impressive, and was mostly heavily flavored. The service could be improved.

    Photos
    Maydan - Wood oven front and center

    Wood oven front and center

    Maydan - Shrimp

    Shrimp

    Maydan - Spiced chocolate mousse

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    Spiced chocolate mousse

    CAVA - mediterranean - Updated May 2026

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