CAVA

Reviews

• CB

  Crafton Bryant

  3 days ago
  2.0
  I’ve always been a big fan of CAVA, especially the Howard location. It’s one of my go-to spots for a workday lunch or an easy family dinner, and I’ve recommended it to countless friends because I genuinely think it’s one of the best fast-casual restaurants in Tampa. Unfortunately, tonight’s experience was incredibly disappointing. I ordered three bowls for my family, just like I have many times before, and asked for extra Greek Vinaigrette. When I was told they couldn’t provide any additional dressing, I said I was more than happy to pay for it and they still said they couldn’t give me more (kind of laughable). Instead of trying to find a solution, I was simply told they couldn’t do it. After asking to speak with a manager, the only accommodation offered was one additional serving, and I was told that was the most they could do. What made this even more frustrating is that our bowls are actually pretty simple. My son and I don’t even get many of the available toppings, so asking for a little extra sauce didn’t seam unreasonable, especially when I offered to happily purchase it. After spending many years in the multi-unit restaurant industry, I know policies are important, but great hospitality is about finding solutions instead of creating unnecessary friction over something so small. I’ll continue to eat at CAVA because I genuinely like the food, the convenience, and I’m not telling people not to go. But I do hope the leadership at this location and the region invests in coaching their team on how to make customer-first decisions. Tonight was a disappointing and, frankly, embarrassing representation of a brand that has built such a strong reputation.
• SN

  Sara Newberger

  Jul 1, 2026
  1.0
  It’s very hot in there and the employees seem so bothered by you even being in the building. The lentils my husband got were undercooked and the bowl was so small! We had to ask specific questions about how much we were supposed to get bc we were only getting one scoop of hummus and then found out we could have gotten three scoops?! Won’t be returning… there are so many better Mediterranean spots around Tampa to try instead.
• DC

  Dr. Yvonne N. Crawford

  Jun 30, 2026
  5.0
  Caroline, Ms. T, and Tati provided some of the best customer service we have experienced! They were welcoming, friendly, attentive, and made sure our visit was enjoyable from start to finish. Their positive attitudes and genuine care for every customer are exactly why we will be coming back to this CAVA location.
• JB

  John Bowden

  Jun 27, 2026
  2.0
  There is a place I've deployed to - the chow hall is made of three Conex shipping containers placed together. As you walk inside, you're directed to wash your hands in this vestibule and then you may proceed to the food line. Walking into CAVA yesterday took me back to that transition area. I walked in, the swamp cooler was loud and pushing air, not necessarily cool, so unsure of the need for it (unless to provide for the kitchen staff, then it should be moved to a more effective area). The air was cooler than outside, yet dense. Passing the swamp cooler, I caught the aroma of the food, and mixed with that humid air - I was back into a transition area, finished washing my hands, about to get a meal. Difference in the meal? I was hoping ... The black lentils were hard, either from sitting out all day or having not been cooked long enough. The veggies were whimpy... got one quarter sized dollop of hummus and two falafel balls. Two. not 'allowed' to get the full number because I asked for veggies. Ok. Well. I'm glad I didnt push the request for 4, those things were rough. hard, rubbery exterior, mush interior. In a bit of fairness, the swamp cooler made it difficult to order and hear the employee. And my connection to a previous experience was my problem. My wife had felt disrespected from the interaction from a different employee while asking what the standard number of scoops and falafel were... All-in-all - may have been a tough day. A/C may not be working, irritability might be high. The food may have been on the verge of being swapped out. We may have come in at the wrong time and not have been able to enjoy the experience that it seems others have had. This was our second time that we've chosen to eat from here; this was the last time we will. Hope better quality arrives.
• KZ

  Keith Zirkle

  Jun 25, 2026
  2.0
  Repeatedly amazed at the lack of efficiency or customer service here. It’s cava so the food is great (it’s all cooked the same), but I live near here and am every time confused and confounded how you can be standing at the counter watching five attendants do nothing but stand idly, perhaps making eye contact with one another, yet failing to engage the living customer before them. I would hazard that they are working online orders because two may be on the back assembly line, at least touching utensils and ingredients to craft something, but I have online ordered in vain to thwart this system and found the food is rarely ready even then when you show up on time. Yet I might return because the food is as consistent as the service.

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