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CAVA
$ · Greek, Middle Eastern

1318 Second Street, Suite A, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (213) 228-3387
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Outdoor Dining Mediterranean in Santa Monica Best Middle Eastern in Santa Monica Best Greek in Santa Monica

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

CAVA 7.8
Santa Monica
Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Healthy Haven Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
This fast-casual Mediterranean chain delivers customizable bowls and pitas with fresh ingredients and bold flavors at accessible prices. The build-your-own format lets diners mix proteins, dips, and toppings for healthy, quick meals perfect for beach-day fuel.
Must-Try Dishes: Harissa Avocado Bowl, Spicy Lamb Pita, Greens + Grains Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.9 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8.4 Food Quality: 7.6 Atmosphere: 6.5 Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Mediterranean Chipotle with unlimited toppings
Who should go: Quick lunch seekers, budget diners, vegans
When to visit: Off-peak hours to avoid lines
What to order: Harissa avocado bowl, crazy feta, pita chips
Insider tip: Load up on all the dips - same price regardless
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Second Street, paid lots nearby ($2-4/hour), walk from beach lots
Dress code: Come as you are - beachwear, workout clothes, anything goes
Noise level: Busy fast-casual buzz - fine for casual conversation
Weekend wait: 15-20 min line during rush (5-7pm)
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min line (noon-1pm), no wait other times
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - falafel, roasted vegetables, all sides and dips
Vegan options: Yes - falafel, hummus, tahini, most toppings (skip feta/tzatziki)
Gluten-free options: Yes - bowls instead of pitas, most proteins and toppings safe
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual lunch dates than dinner - quick, affordable, but not particularly romantic with cafeteria-style ordering
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations - it's counter service with first-come seating, grab any open table after ordering
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids meals available, build-your-own format works great for picky eaters, casual atmosphere welcomes families
Best For
Better for: Healthier fast-casual than Chipotle, more customizable than Tender Greens, fresher ingredients than typical Mediterranean takeout
Skip if: You want table service, intimate ambiance, or authentic family-run Mediterranean experience

Hours

Monday10:30am - 10:30pm
Tuesday10:30am - 10:30pm
Wednesday10:30am - 10:30pm
Thursday10:30am - 10:30pm
Friday10:30am - 10:30pm
Saturday10:30am - 10:30pm
Sunday10:30am - 10:30pm