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Kitava

4.5 (70 reviews)
Open • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

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Photo 1: Montage of images from Kitava
Ed U.

I never made it here when it was Boss Burgers, but it was probably for the best since my occasional carnivorous cravings would've increased my red meat consumption. That's what makes Kitava a welcome presence in this space. I've happily patronized their original Mission location (review: https://yelp.to/fIpNlGxiIC) and their outpost in North Oakland (review: https://yelp.to/sbMKWwWm7M), so I already knew how healthy the food was going to be. I was glad to see a lot of dining space in here, including roomy booths. On my first here, I tried the $14 Kimchi Mushroom Bowl, a hearty delight with chimichurri mushrooms, kimchi, roasted asparagus, arugula, and wild rice mixed in chickpea miso dressing (Photo 10). Made with coconut sugar, the $4.50 Dark Chocolate Brownie (Photo 6) was a guilty pleasure, and the $4 can of Ollipop Classic Root Beer was surprisingly satisfying. It provided a healthy alternative to soda. On a follow-up visit, Jamie W and I came here for lunch. He was conscientious and went with the $14 Guac & Greens Salad, a healthy mix of farmer's greens, roasted zucchini, black beans, red cabbage, pickled onions, and guacamole, topped with cassava tortilla strips and jalapeno lime dressing (Photo 9). He was quite pleased. I had the heartier $16 Sesame Chicken Bowl with crispy, breaded chicken. They sat on jasmine rice with charred broccoli florets, sesame togarashi, and chopped green onion, accompanied by ginger ponzu sauce (Photo 8). Even though mine had a higher calorie count, it was quite delicious. We split the $4.50 Chocolate Chip Cookie which was plainly gluten-free but still satisfied our need for something sweet (Photo 7). Solano Avenue has an impressive variety of worthwhile eateries, and Kitava will definitely be part of our rotation. FOOD - 5 stars...I think they've perfected their healthy recipes over the years AMBIANCE - 5 stars...really spacious, usually not busy SERVICE - 4 stars...pretty cordial TOTAL - 5 stars...this mini-chain is really holding up well RELATED - Exploring Solano Avenue? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/NTHwFpRbbS

Sesame Chicken Bowl
Gina G.

Exciting news for Solano Ave. with a Kitava location opening. We've ordered to-go before from this specific location, but finally had the opportunity to taste in-person. Def. have been a fan of Kitava since the Buck Wild Brewing days ~ thankful it's back closer in the East Bay (there's an Oakland location too!) Love the look/feel of the restaurant ~ clean, minimal, all the positive vibes while you're eating clean as well. I love the flavored water and I'm a sucker for a warm bowl. Convenient, mixing in all the food groups, and health forward. This go-around we did the Sesame Chicken Bowl which comes with charred broccoli, crispy chicken in cassava flour breading, jasmine rice, served with a ginger ponzu sauce on the side. With avo added, perfection (although that's extra, but would be a great permanent addition). We did a side of the crispy chicken (a healthier nugget), sweet potatoes, and charred broccoli for the kiddo. A win all-around. Service is quick and efficient ~ this is a fast casual location where you order at the register, grab your number, meal is delivered to you, and you bus your table upon exit. FYI, for those looking for a different dinner approach. Adding this spot to our monthly "where should we go" nights ~ love the mission, love the food philosophy, and company values. I guess I love the bowls so much I wish there were a few extra scoops per serving, but maybe that's the parental hunger in me ;) Metered parking can be tough on Solano, but not impossible. Just noticed they have Brunch now as well ~ Butternut Squash Fritter Tacos are calling our name!

Inside
Tracy D.

Came here for dinner. And we each had a sesame chicken bowl. Very tasty and satisfying, I only wish the serving size was bigger! We had the brownie and chocolate chip cookie too, neither were my favorite. Service is easy. Order at kiosk or at register. Take a number, find a seat and they'll bring the food to you. Service was friendly. Clean and bright spot. I know my GF-free friends would appreciate this place. Looking forward to coming back.

Main dining room
Victor G.

Kitava opened in Boss Burger's space. Similar infrastructure. Change of seatings, decor on walls. Menu similar to Oakland. No table service. Order at counter or kiosk. Food/drinks brought to table 10ish minutes. Bus own trays. Pricing up $1 + 5% health surcharge. Business robust. Business model working. Offerings: signature bowls & salads, drinks, beers, wines, desserts, snacks, kombucha, hard cider. Bites: kimchi mushroom bowl(14) -wild rice blend, argula, kimchi, & soy-free chicken pea miso dressing were evidently fresh & 'Liz, they were outclassed by the main ingredients: -braised thinly sliced chimichurri mushrooms exuding much Unami & juiciness. -roasted thinly diagonally sliced young asparagus juicy & crunchy. *Fwiw decided not to mix ingredients in one clumb. Ate each ingredient individually and dipping each into miso dressing. Singular best. **tastes better than power bowl previously are. 5 stars worthy quality/guantity

The main reason I cannot give 5 stars - this place has a problem with flies.
Jeremy C.

The food is healthy and delicious, and the atmosphere is generally very Feng Shui. The one thing I must mention that is in need of more attention is the issue with flies. Take-out orders, you're probably fine. The issue I have is that i like to study and eat, nibbling on some food and writing - yet this location always has at least one little gnat or fly trying to insert itself into my green goddess dressing. You see a bunch of them at the self bussing station. Generally speaking the Bay Area doesn't seem to have that many bugs... but they've certainly found a home in this location. Its a shame, because I'd probably bring someone here with me to eat on a regular basis if I wasn't afraid of grossing someone out. The staff are really good. I think they just need to do some troubleshooting on the insects. I noticed someone else mentioned this and I'll second it: SWEETGREEN is the spot! You get more food for the money. I still like Kitava, however.

Herb Ranch salad with Crispy Chicken
Pat P.

A very pleasant surprise! If you are someone (like me) who does not typically go for these type of health food/salad places, I would say to give this one a try. Twice I've orders the herb ranch salad with crispy chicken, and twice I have devoured it. The dressing is creamy but tangy, and there's enough to fully coat the whole salad. There's also enough textural intrigue from the radish and croutons so the dish feels very balanced. The egg is overcooked but not very noticeable in the context of a salad. The crispy chicken is surprisingly moist on the inside, and the outside is crispy enough. But the crispy brussel sprouts truly live up to their promise, they are almost like brussel sprout chips and come with what I think is a cumin aioli. The salads are reasonably priced before adding a protein, but a protein really is needed for most of them to feel like a true meal. So yes, it ends up being a fairly pricey salad, but that is to be expected of this sort of place. Also, if you are not a dressing person, make sure to tell the cashier you want your salad completely plain, as they automatically add a little lemon juice & oil otherwise. Order at the counter and food is brought to the table. Water and silverware is serve yourself. The large windows bring a lot of light into the space and it's quite a pleasant spot to hang out and enjoy your meal.

Flavorful dish all around

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6 months ago

It was okay. I didn't think the food was great. The staff was very nice and the place was clean.

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3 months ago

Good healthy take out option. Not inexpensive or huge portions, but tasty! Has the power bowl, and a byo.

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7 months ago

Best soup and best soft serve (go for the roasted cashew) I've ever had. Love this place!

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1 year ago

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Hi Noelle - thanks for your supportive review, it really means a lot!

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Kitava - gluten_free - Updated May 2026

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