CAVA: A Guide to Fresh & Healthy Mediterranean Cuisine in NYC

CAVA Introduce

Introduction / Overview

In a city as dynamic and fast-paced as New York, finding a meal that is both delicious and genuinely healthy can be a challenge. CAVA, a popular Mediterranean restaurant located in the heart of Midtown East, has perfectly met this need. The concept is simple yet brilliant: to provide fresh, flavorful, and wholesome food inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean. CAVA has become a beloved destination for New Yorkers seeking a quick, casual, and nutritious dining experience. The restaurant operates on a build-your-own model, allowing you to create a personalized meal from a wide array of high-quality ingredients, from hearty grains and vibrant greens to savory proteins and unique, house-made dressings and dips.

CAVA's reputation is built on its commitment to freshness and a customizable menu. The moment you step inside, you're greeted with a vibrant and trendy atmosphere, and the sight of an impressive lineup of fresh ingredients. This "build-your-own" approach gives you the freedom to craft a meal that perfectly suits your taste and dietary preferences, whether you're a vegetarian, a vegan, or a meat-eater. The menu features standout items like the Harissa Avocado and Spicy Lamb + Avocado bowls, as well as a variety of classic pitas and salads. Customers consistently praise the friendly and efficient staff who guide them through the process, making the experience not just about the food, but about the service. CAVA is the perfect spot for a solo lunch, a quick dinner, or a healthy alternative to traditional fast food, offering a satisfying and guilt-free meal that never disappoints.

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Location and Accessibility

CAVA is ideally situated at 708 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017, a prime location in Midtown East. This central spot is easily accessible from a variety of nearby office buildings, residential areas, and transportation hubs. Whether you're commuting to work or exploring the city, its location on 3rd Avenue makes it a convenient and practical dining destination. For those who choose to drive, paid parking garages and paid street parking are available, though they may require some navigating in a busy area like Midtown. The restaurant's popularity means there can sometimes be a wait, particularly during peak lunch hours, which is a testament to its quality and demand.

The restaurant is committed to being accessible to all customers. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring ease of access for individuals with mobility challenges. Once inside, the amenities include a wheelchair accessible restroom, making the space comfortable and convenient for everyone. For services, CAVA is as flexible as its menu. Customers have the choice to dine-in and enjoy the casual, trendy atmosphere. For those on the go, takeout is a fast and efficient option, perfect for a quick bite. The restaurant also offers delivery and no-contact delivery, bringing their fresh and healthy food right to your doorstep. This combination of a strategic location and comprehensive accessibility and service options makes CAVA a top choice for a convenient and enjoyable meal in New York City.

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Services Offered

Dine-in: A casual and trendy atmosphere for customers who wish to eat in. The counter service model is fast and efficient.
Takeout & Delivery: Provides quick takeout and reliable delivery services, including a no-contact option for convenience and safety.
Catering: While not explicitly listed on the provided data, a popular chain like CAVA often provides catering services for office meetings, events, and other group gatherings.
Lunch & Dinner: The menu is available for both lunch and dinner, making it a great option for a healthy meal at any time of day.
Dietary Options: The restaurant offers a wide variety of healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, catering to a diverse range of dietary needs.

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Features / Highlights

Customizable Meals: The build-your-own bowl, pita, and salad concept allows for complete personalization of your meal, ensuring every dish is tailored to your preference.
Fresh and Healthy Ingredients: The menu is built on a foundation of healthy, fresh ingredients, from various greens and grains to savory proteins and unique toppings.
Unique Flavor Combinations: CAVA offers a variety of signature dips and dressings like Crazy Feta®, Harissa, and Lemon Tahini that elevate the flavor of every dish.
Friendly and Efficient Staff: Customers consistently praise the friendly staff and quick service, which makes the dining experience pleasant and efficient, even during busy hours.
Dietary Inclusivity: With a focus on healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options, CAVA is an accommodating choice for a wide range of diets.
Casual & Trendy Atmosphere: The restaurant's modern and casual vibe makes it a comfortable and enjoyable place for a quick meal.
Convenient Location: Situated in a bustling part of Midtown East, it's a prime location for both locals and tourists.

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Contact Information

Address: 708 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017
Phone: (332) 345-2438

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What is Worth Choosing?

CAVA is an outstanding choice for anyone in New York City looking for a meal that is both delicious and genuinely good for you. The most compelling reason to choose CAVA is its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and the power of customization. The "build-your-own" model allows you to create a meal that is exactly what you want, from a refreshing salad bowl with your choice of greens and toppings to a hearty grains bowl with your preferred protein. A customer review highlights this, noting how the unique choices like pickled onions, salt-brined pickles, and Skhug elevate a simple steak salad into an "enjoyable" dish. The creativity in the kitchen, from the "brilliant" Hot Harissa Pita chips to the unique flavors of the house-made dips, ensures that every bite is exciting.

In a city where time is often a luxury, CAVA’s efficiency is a major draw. The concept of a fast-casual format combined with a healthy menu is a winning formula, perfect for the lunch rush or a quick solo dinner. The staff is consistently described as "very friendly" and "helpful," contributing to a positive and welcoming experience. This makes a huge difference, turning a simple stop for food into a pleasant encounter. The restaurant's appeal extends to a broad audience, with a variety of healthy, vegetarian, and vegan options that cater to different dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a satisfying meal, CAVA delivers on its promise of fresh, delicious food in a convenient and friendly setting, making it a truly worthwhile choice for anyone in the New York area.

CAVA Menu

Desserts
Greyston Blondie $3.63
A blondie with a super soft, almost-gooey inside. Handcrafted by Greyston Bakery for CAVA.
Greyston Brownie $3.63
Intensely chocolatey brownie, with a fudgy, almost-gooey inside. Handcrafted by Greyston Bakery for CAVA.
Salted Chocolate Oat Cookie $4.37
If an oatmeal cookie and a salted chocolate chip cookie had a baby. Made in partnership with Whisked.

Sides
Side Crazy Feta® $5.35
Feta whipped with jalapeño, onion, and olive oil for just that right level of spicy. A CAVA signature.
Side Roasted Eggplant $4.61
Roasted eggplant blended with lemon juice, parsley, onions, and garlic. Sleeper hit!
Side Tzatziki $4.37
Made with the best Greek yogurt, fresh shredded cucumber, and dill. Thick, creamy, and brightens everything.
Side Hummus $4.37
Chickpeas puréed with tahini, lemon juice, fresh garlic, salt. No oil here! A guest favorite and CAVA classic.
Side Harissa $4.37
A Greek spin on a traditional North African spicy chili pepper paste with a vibrant tomato flavor.
Side Red Pepper Hummus $4.37
Something magical happens when fresh roasted red peppers are puréed with chickpeas, tahini, and garlic.
Side Pita $3.14
Our warm, fluffy, and perfectly chewy pita is made exclusively for CAVA by Brooklyn-based Damascus bakery.
Classic Pita Chips $3.63
Made in-house in small batches, our pita chips are meant for big dipping. Crispy outside, soft inside.

Kids Meal
Kids Pita $12.18
A mini version of our build-your-own pita with a side of pita chips or carrots sticks. Choose milk or juice.

Drinks
Kids Milk $3.87
Organic 1% milk.
Open Water Sparkling $4.00
Open Water sparkling water is made in aluminum cans, the most recycled packaging in the world.
Kids Chocolate Milk $3.87
Organic 1% chocolate milk.
Pineapple Apple Mint $0.00
This super refreshing juice is made in-house with pineapple, apple cider, fresh mint, and lime juice.
Blueberry Lavender $0.00
Made in-house from a purée of blueberries and lavender.
Unsweet Tea $0.00
A refreshing pick-me-up of iced black tea. Brewed in-house and unsweetened for a balanced, smooth taste.
Open Water Still $4.00
Open Water still water is made in aluminum cans, the most recycled packaging in the world.
Jasmine Green Tea $0.00
This iced green tea offers just a hint of pleasant floral notes. Made in-house.
Cucumber Mint Lime $0.00
A cure to any midday slump. Sweet and refreshing, balanced out with fresh lime juice. Made in-house.
Spindrift Half Tea & Half Lemon $4.00
Real-squeezed lemon juice meets Argentinian black tea in this pitch perfect pairing. Crisp and refreshing.
Kids Apple Juice $3.87
Organic apple juice from Honest Kids. No sugar added.
Spindrift Lemon $4.00
Sparkling lemon water that tastes like the real thing—because it is! There's real lemon juice in each can.
Classic Lemonade $0.00
A sweet lemonade that's never cloying thanks to the clear fresh lemon taste. Made in-house.

Pitas
Chicken Shawarma Pita $18.94
Chicken shawarma with hummus, romaine, pickles, garlic dressing, tahini, and more. Feeling spicy? Add harissa.
Spicy Chicken + Avocado $21.96
Harissa honey chicken, Crazy Feta®, hummus, avocado, pickles, feta, corn, pickled onions, hot harissa vinaigrette.
Pita $15.93
Fill our fluffy and perfectly chewy pita with your unique combo of ingredients. Made with sprouted grains.
Steak + Feta $20.48
Steak, Crazy Feta®, red pepper hummus, feta, pickles, romaine, garlic dressing, Greek vinaigrette.
Greek Chicken $15.93
Grilled chicken, hummus, tzatziki, pickles, tomato + onion, olives, feta, romaine, Greek vinaigrette.

Bowls
Falafel Crunch $15.93
Falafel, roasted veggies, hummus, Crazy Feta®, pickled onions, pita crisps, lentils, rice, greens, skhug, more
Harissa Avocado $21.96
Harissa honey chicken, Crazy Feta®, hummus, fire-roasted corn, avocado, rice, SuperGreens, harissa vinaigrette, more
Garlicky Chicken Shawarma Bowl $18.94
Chicken shawarma, red pepper hummus, Crazy Feta®, corn, onions, broccoli, rice, skhug, garlic dressing, more.
Salad Bowl $15.93
Choose your greens: arugula, SuperGreens, baby spinach, romaine, or SplendidGreens®.
Greens + Grains Bowl $15.93
Mix and match your favorite greens and grains to build a bowl just the way you like it.
Steak + Harissa $20.48
Steak, Crazy Feta®, red pepper hummus, tomato + onion, cucumber, feta, slaw, brown rice, greens, harissa vinaigrette
Greek Salad $15.93
Grilled chicken, tzatziki, hummus, feta, cucumber, tomato + onion, Kalamata olives, romaine, arugula, Greek vinaigrette
Grains Bowl $15.93
Choose your grain bowl base: saffron basmati rice, brown basmati rice, or black lentils.
Spicy Lamb + Avocado $22.82
Spicy lamb meatballs, avocado, Crazy Feta®, red pepper hummus, pickled onions, lentils, lemon herb tahini, more
Chicken + Rice $15.93
Grilled chicken, brown rice, tzatziki, hummus, feta, pickled onion, tomato, arugula, Greek vinaigrette, and more.

CAVA Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Healthy options
Quick bite
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Paid parking garage
Paid street parking
Parking

CAVA Photos

CAVA Location

CAVA

New York New York County New York 3rd Avenue

708 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017, USA

CAVA Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 952 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I live in CT and work in the city. I love the concept of a steak salad, but find the choices to be a bit mundane in CT and upstate NY.When in the city, I enjoy the choices.If you look at my salad, with choices like Tzatziki, Pickled Onions, salt-brined pickles, Skhug etc , that made the entire dish so enojoyable.Also, the new Hot Harissa Pita chips were just brilliant!Love Cava!
August 16 · Laks Narayan
Delicious and nutritious! Very friendly staff. Don’t miss out!!!
September 15 · Holly Talir
My favorite chain ever! Such a great value for the price and always tastes delicious. Employees were friendly & environment was clean.
May 10 · Senah Park
Grilled chicken rice bowl is very good to begin with, and you can always do your own customization with it. I did the eggplant side instead of classic hummus. That was light and mild. The servers also offered us free pita bread, which was a nice touch.
March 28 · Mengting Huang
This particular CAVA location exemplifies exceptional service that goes beyond expectations. The staff here, from the first interaction to the last, displayed an unparalleled level of attentiveness and professionalism. They patiently guided us through the menu, taking the time to highlight items that might be too spicy or ingredients like cilantro that some diners may prefer to avoid. Their proactive communication demonstrated a genuine care for customer satisfaction.What truly set this branch apart was a simple yet impactful act of kindness. After we were seated, a staff member noticed the sunlight streaming in and, without being asked, thoughtfully came over to adjust the curtains to ensure our comfort. Such attention to detail and customer care is incredibly rare, especially in the fast-casual dining industry in the U.S.If you’re looking for not just delicious Mediterranean-inspired food but also an exceptional customer experience, this specific CAVA location is a standout. The team here truly deserves recognition for their outstanding hospitality.
November 15 · WM Li