What CAVA Is and How to Order

CAVA is a fast-casual restaurant chain where you build your own bowl, wrap, or salad by choosing from stations of ingredients. You move through a line, point to what you want at each station, and the staff assembles your meal in front of you. Payment happens at the end of the line, either in person or through a mobile app if you order ahead.

The ordering process is straightforward: start at the base (grain, greens, or both), move through protein and vegetable stations, then add sauce and toppings. You can see every ingredient before it goes into your container, and you can ask for more or less of anything. If you order through the CAVA app or website, you pick your ingredients the same way online, then pick up your order at the counter or have it delivered.

CAVA locations are typically in urban areas, shopping centers, and some airports. You can find a location and see its hours through the CAVA website or app. Most locations are open for lunch and dinner, with some offering breakfast items in the morning.

Key Takeaways

  • You build your meal by moving through ingredient stations and pointing to what you want, with staff assembling it as you go.
  • CAVA offers bases like rice, quinoa, and mixed greens, proteins including chicken and chickpeas, and dozens of vegetable and sauce options.
  • You can order in person, through the app for pickup, or through delivery services, and prices vary by location and ingredient choices.
  • Dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available because you choose each ingredient yourself.
  • The app shows nutritional information for each ingredient, so you can track calories and macros before you order.

Menu Structure and Ingredient Stations

CAVA menus are organized by station rather than by dish name. You start by choosing a base: white rice, brown rice, quinoa, farro, mixed greens, or a combination. Some locations rotate seasonal grains, so what is available may change.

Next comes protein. Standard options include grilled chicken, lamb, falafel, and chickpeas. CAVA also rotates seasonal proteins — these change every few weeks and are listed on the menu board and app. Vegetarian and vegan proteins are always available.

The vegetable and topping stations include items like roasted vegetables, fresh vegetables, pickled vegetables, and hummus. You can load your bowl with as many vegetables as you want, and the staff will not charge extra for quantity. Cheese, nuts, and seeds are also available at this stage.

Finally, you choose a sauce. CAVA offers tahini, harissa, cilantro-lime, and several others. Sauces are drizzled on top, and you can ask for light, normal, or extra. The full menu and current offerings are shown on the menu boards in each location and in the app.

Pricing and Payment Methods

CAVA prices vary by location and by what you choose. A basic bowl with one protein and vegetables typically costs between $10 and $15, though this range depends on your city and the specific protein you select. Premium proteins like lamb cost more than chicken or falafel. Sides like hummus or extra toppings may have small upcharges at some locations.

You can pay with cash, credit card, or debit card at the register. The CAVA app and website accept credit and debit cards, and you can save payment methods for faster checkout. Some locations accept mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Delivery orders through third-party services like DoorDash or Uber Eats include delivery fees and service charges on top of the food price.

CAVA has a loyalty program called CAVA Rewards that you join through the app or website. Members earn points on purchases and can redeem them for free items or discounts. The program is free to join, and you earn points whether you order in person or through the app.

Ordering Ahead and Delivery Options

You can order through the CAVA app or website for pickup at your nearest location. The app shows wait times and lets you choose a pickup window — usually 15 to 30 minutes from when you place the order. You build your meal the same way as in person, save it, and pay through the app. When you arrive, you give your name or order number at the counter and pick up your food.

CAVA also partners with delivery services including DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and others, depending on your location. You order through those apps, and the restaurant prepares your meal for delivery. Delivery times and fees vary by service and location. Some CAVA locations offer their own delivery through the CAVA app in certain areas.

Catering is available at many locations for groups. You can order through the CAVA website or by calling a location directly. Catering orders are usually prepared in advance and picked up at a scheduled time.

Dietary Accommodations and Nutritional Information

Because you choose each ingredient, CAVA makes it straightforward to follow dietary restrictions. Vegetarian bowls skip the meat protein and use falafel, chickpeas, or other plant-based options. Vegan meals exclude cheese and dairy-based sauces — you can ask staff which sauces are vegan, or check the app. Gluten-free bases like rice and quinoa are available, though you should confirm that sauces and other toppings meet your needs.

The CAVA app shows nutritional information for every ingredient: calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, sodium, and fiber. You can build your bowl in the app and see the total nutrition facts before you order. This is useful if you are tracking macros or have specific calorie targets. Allergen information is also available in the app and at the counter.

If you have a severe allergy, tell the staff when you order. They can use clean utensils and avoid cross-contamination, though CAVA kitchens are not allergen-free environments. The app notes common allergens for each ingredient, but you should always confirm with staff if you have a serious allergy.

What Happens When You Order in Person

Walk into a CAVA location and join the line at the counter. The line moves in one direction through the ingredient stations. Staff stand behind each station and serve you as you point to what you want. You do not order everything at once — you move through the line and make choices at each stop.

Start at the base station and tell the staff which grain or greens you want. Move to the protein station next and choose your protein. Then go through the vegetable and topping stations, pointing to each item you want. You can ask for more of something or skip items entirely. At the sauce station, tell the staff which sauce you want and how much.

Once your bowl is complete, you move to the register. Staff ring up your order, you pay, and you receive your meal. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes during off-peak hours and longer during lunch or dinner rush. If you are in a hurry, ordering ahead through the app is faster.

Seasonal Menus and Limited-Time Items

CAVA rotates its menu seasonally, introducing new proteins, grains, and sauces every few weeks. These limited-time items are advertised on the menu boards, the app, and CAVA's social media. Seasonal items may cost more than standard options and are available only while supplies last.

The app notifies you when new items arrive if you have notifications turned on. You can also check the CAVA website or call your local restaurant to ask what is currently available. If you find a seasonal item you like, order it while it is available — it will not be on the menu permanently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund or change my order after I pay?

If you are still in the restaurant, tell a staff member right away and they can remake your bowl or adjust it. If you ordered through the app for pickup and have not picked it up yet, you may be able to cancel through the app, depending on how far in advance you ordered. For delivery orders, contact the delivery service directly.

What if I do not like something in my bowl?

If you are eating in the restaurant, go back to the counter and ask staff to remove or replace an ingredient. If you ordered for pickup or delivery and discover a problem when you open it, contact the location or the delivery service to report it. Most locations will remake your order or offer a refund.

Does CAVA offer any discounts or promotions?

CAVA Rewards members earn points on every purchase and get exclusive offers through the app. The app also shows current promotions, which vary by location. Sign up for the free loyalty program to see what discounts are available near you.

Can I modify the size of my bowl or get extra protein?

CAVA bowls come in one standard size. You can ask for extra vegetables, sauce, or toppings at no charge, but extra protein may have an upcharge depending on the location. Ask the staff when you order if you want more protein than the standard portion.

How long does food last if I order ahead and pick it up later?

CAVA prepares your order close to your pickup time to keep food fresh. If you pick up within 30 minutes of your scheduled time, the food should be at its best. If you pick up significantly later, the quality may decline, especially for items with dressing or sauce.