CAVA in Huntsville

Mediterranean food has always been one of my favorites. From discovering new and exciting hummus flavors to topping off salads and grain bowls with feta cheese, I regularly crave Mediterranean food’s fresh, zesty and bold flavors. As a result, I was excited when I learned CAVA was coming to Huntsville and made sure to stop by during their opening week. 

When I walked in, I was drawn in by the assembly line setup and the view of fresh ingredients being used to create various bowls, salads, and wraps. With so many options, my mind immediately lost control as I imagined what I should try, but I found solace after glancing up at the menu and seeing the Chef-Curated Bowls. 

While they all sounded delicious and perfectly paired, I settled on the Harissa Avocado Bowl. This bowl consists of Harissa honey chicken and hot harissa vinaigrette, Feta cheese, hummus, fire-roasted corn, avocado, pickled onions, Persian cucumber, basmati rice, and Super Greens and is a literal explosion of flavors. Every bite was better than the previous causing me to eat more than planned from the massive grain bowl. When not consumed by the deliciousness, these bowls are big enough for 2-3 meals or even sharing with a date. 

Outside of the curated options, the possibilities for creating a unique bowl fitting your tastes are plenty. CAVA offers several greens and grains for your base, for mixing and matching, a handful of dips (crazy feta and harissa top the list for me), and various toppings and mains such as chicken, lamb, falafel, and roasted vegetables. Whether creating a grain bowl, salad bowl, or pita wrap, CAVA has something for everyone. 

Before my visit, I’d heard a lot about CAVA’s fresh, house-made drinks. I tend to stick to water most of the time, but when I saw the drink combinations, I knew I had to try one. I purchased my cup and sampled all the drinks with my 4-year-old, who decided “we” should have the Blueberry Lavender. I enjoyed them all, so I didn’t oppose his decision, but the cucumber, mint, and lime drink complimented the spice from my Harissa Avocado Bowl best. 

No Mediterranean meal is complete without a side of pita chips and hummus for dipping. CAVA’s house-made chips have the perfect amount of crunch and stand up to dipping like a pro. They’re also delicious on their own or for scooping up your food from your bowl. 

Thank you to CAVA for satisfying my ever-growing craving and doing so in style. I’m looking forward to returning to try more offerings from the menu and creating unique bowls on my own. 

CAVA, fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant, is open seven days a week from 10:45 am – 10:00 pm and is located at 4800 Whitesburg Dr. Ste 42, Huntsville, AL 35802 (formerly Zoes Kitchen). 

To check out their menu before visiting or ordering online, visit www.cava.com. Be sure to join the rewards program to earn free food!