Cava Menu Prices: Explore Bowls, Pitas & Sides for a Customizable Mediterranean Feast
Cava has rapidly become a go-to destination for health-conscious diners seeking fresh, customizable Mediterranean-inspired meals. If you're wondering about
Cava menu prices, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the costs of their popular bowls, pitas, and tempting sides, offering insights into what you can expect to pay for your next delicious meal.
It's important to clarify upfront that when most people search for "Cava menu prices," they are referring to the fast-casual chain known for its build-your-own Mediterranean bowls and pitas. However, there are also upscale restaurants named "Cava Restaurant" that offer a completely different fine-dining experience with significantly higher price points. This article primarily focuses on the popular fast-casual CAVA chain but will also briefly address the distinction to avoid any confusion.
Navigating the CAVA Fast-Casual Menu: Bowls, Pitas & More
Cava's menu is celebrated for its flexibility, allowing customers to craft meals tailored to their exact preferences, whether that's a hearty grain bowl, a light salad, or a convenient pita. The core of their offering revolves around these customizable options, along with a selection of pre-designed signature bowls and delightful sides.
Across various locations, particularly in areas like Los Angeles, you'll find that
Cava menu prices for the main dishes generally range from approximately $15 to $22, depending on the ingredients and whether you opt for a signature creation or build your own with premium toppings. Prices can vary slightly by region and whether you order directly or through a delivery service like DoorDash or Yelp, which might add service fees or markups.
Let's break down the general price points for their most popular categories:
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Bowls (Greens + Grains, Salad, Grains): These form the backbone of Cava's menu. Expect to pay in the range of $15.31 to $15.70 for basic signature bowls like the `Greens + Grains Bowl`, `Salad Bowl`, or `Grains Bowl`.
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Signature Bowls with Premium Proteins/Ingredients: Options like the `Chicken + Rice` bowl are typically around $15.31 to $15.70. However, more elaborate signature bowls featuring specialized ingredients or larger portions of premium proteins can climb higher. For instance, the `Spicy Lamb + Sweet Potato` or `Steak + Harissa` bowls hover around $18.33 to $19.93. The `Harissa Avocado` and `Spicy Lamb + Avocado` bowls can reach upwards of $20.97 to $21.96, reflecting the inclusion of premium ingredients like steak, lamb, and the popular avocado.
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Pitas: Cava's pitas offer a delicious and portable alternative to bowls, filled with your choice of greens, grains, proteins, and toppings. Prices for pitas mirror those of the bowls, with options like the `Greek Chicken Pita` or a basic `Pita` generally starting around $15.70. Premium options like the `Steak + Feta` pita or `Spicy Chicken + Avocado` pita can be found around $19.68 to $20.97.
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Sides: To complement your meal, Cava offers simple yet satisfying sides. The `Sumac Sour Cream + Onion Pita Chips` and `Classic Pita Chips` are typically priced around $3.51. These make for a perfect crunchy addition or a light snack.
Signature Bowls: A Deep Dive into CAVA's Favorites
Cava’s signature bowls are crafted combinations that showcase the brand’s vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. These are often a great starting point for new customers or those looking for a tried-and-true favorite. Understanding the
Cava menu prices for these options can help you decide.
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Greens + Grains Bowl ($15.31 - $15.70): A balanced choice, perfect for those who want a mix of fresh greens and hearty grains. It often includes supergreens, specified grains, a protein (like grilled chicken), and a variety of toppings and dressings.
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Chicken + Rice Bowl ($15.31 - $15.70): A classic comfort food elevated with Mediterranean flair. This bowl typically features a base of rice, tender grilled chicken, and your choice of vegetables and sauces.
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Spicy Lamb + Sweet Potato ($18.33): For those seeking a richer, more adventurous flavor profile, this bowl combines succulent spicy lamb with the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, often complemented by various greens and sauces.
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Steak + Harissa ($19.68 - $19.93): A robust option featuring perfectly cooked steak, often paired with the fiery kick of harissa sauce, making for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
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Harissa Avocado ($20.97 - $21.34) & Spicy Lamb + Avocado ($21.96): These bowls highlight premium ingredients, making them some of the pricier options. They often include a generous portion of protein (chicken or lamb), a vibrant harissa dressing, and creamy avocado, offering a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal.
Tip: While signature bowls are delicious, remember that Cava's strength lies in customization. If a signature bowl is slightly outside your budget, building your own with similar ingredients, perhaps opting for a slightly less expensive protein or fewer premium toppings, can help manage the cost while still enjoying the Cava experience.
Pitas and Sides: Completing Your CAVA Experience
Beyond the bowls, Cava's pitas offer a delightful, handheld experience, perfect for on-the-go dining without compromising on flavor or freshness.
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Greek Chicken Pita ($15.70): A popular choice, this pita typically features grilled chicken, fresh greens, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, all wrapped in warm, fluffy pita bread. It’s a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.
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Steak + Feta Pita ($19.68): For a more substantial pita, the `Steak + Feta` option combines tender steak with crumbled feta, fresh veggies, and a flavorful dressing, offering a satisfying and savory meal.
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Spicy Chicken + Avocado Pita ($20.97): This option brings together spicy chicken and creamy avocado in a convenient pita, providing a burst of flavor and a good source of healthy fats.
When it comes to sides, Cava keeps it simple yet effective. The `Classic Pita Chips` and `Sumac Sour Cream + Onion Pita Chips` (both around $3.51) are perfect for adding a satisfying crunch to your meal or for dipping into any leftover dressing. They're an inexpensive way to enhance your Cava experience without significantly impacting your overall
Cava menu prices.
Understanding Price Variations at CAVA
It's crucial for consumers to understand that
Cava menu prices can fluctuate. Several factors contribute to these variations:
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Geographic Location: Prices will naturally differ based on the cost of living and business operations in different cities or states. A bowl in a high-rent urban area will likely cost more than in a suburban location.
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Delivery Platforms: Ordering through third-party delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub often incurs additional fees (service fees, delivery fees) and sometimes even slightly marked-up menu prices set by the platform or merchant. Ordering directly from Cava's website or in-store can sometimes be more cost-effective.
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Customization: While Cava is known for customization, adding extra portions of premium proteins (like steak or lamb), avocado, or certain specialty toppings can increase the final price of your bowl or pita. For more detailed information on how customization impacts costs, check out our article:
Cava Prices Revealed: How Much Do Custom Bowls Cost?
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Promotions and Deals: Keep an eye out for loyalty programs, app-exclusive deals, or seasonal promotions that might offer discounts or special pricing.
Always check the current menu and prices at your specific Cava location, whether online or in-store, to get the most accurate information.
The "Other" Cava: A Note on Fine Dining vs. Fast-Casual
As mentioned earlier, there's potential for confusion between the fast-casual CAVA chain and more upscale "Cava Restaurant" establishments. If your search for
Cava menu prices led you to menu items like "Shellfish Tower ($79-$145)," "Maine Lobster Ravioli ($35)," or "Pork Shank Osso Buco ($42)," you've likely encountered a fine-dining Cava Restaurant, not the fast-casual chain.
These upscale Cava Restaurants typically offer a completely different culinary experience, often focusing on Italian or seafood dishes with a sophisticated ambiance and, as expected, significantly higher price points. Their menus might feature elaborate appetizers like "Fig Baked Brie ($23)" or "Mango Fried Calamari ($21)," and entrees such as "Norwegian Salmon ($35)" or "Veal Saltimbocca."
It's vital to distinguish between these two types of establishments to ensure you're looking at the correct menu and pricing for the dining experience you expect. For a deeper dive into the cost differences between these two dining models, read our article:
Cava Menu Prices: Fast-Casual vs. Fine Dining Costs.
In conclusion, Cava (the fast-casual chain) offers a fantastic array of customizable Mediterranean bowls, pitas, and sides at competitive price points, generally ranging from $15 to $22 for main dishes and around $3.50 for sides. Its commitment to fresh ingredients and diverse flavor profiles makes it a popular choice for healthy and convenient dining. Always verify current
Cava menu prices at your local store or through their official app for the most accurate and up-to-date information, and remember the crucial distinction between the fast-casual experience and upscale "Cava Restaurant" dining. Enjoy crafting your perfect Mediterranean meal!
