A new Mediterranean spot has opened up shop in the neighborhood. Called CAVA, the fresh arrival is located at 82 Ames St. in Kendall Square. There are multiple CAVA across the East Coast, Southern California and Texas, making this outpost among the latest to open. The restaurant was established by three childhood friends who were inspired to bring their traditional Greek and Mediterranean family cooking into a “casual modern” restaurant.
CAVA offers a build-a-meal option. Select your base, from grain bowls, pitas, salads and others. There are then several dips and spreads to add such as harissa, feta and hummus. From there, any protein can be chosen, such as falafel, grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. Lastly, add toppings and dressings. For example, try a grain bowl with saffron basmati rice, harissa, feta, braised lamb and complete it with cabbage slaw, romaine, pickled onions, carrot and some yogurt dill sauce.
CAVA has gotten off to a solid start thus far, with a four-star rating out of three reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Jessie H., who reviewed it on Dec. 3, notes, “I'm excited for this new Kendall lunch spot. I tried the salad with falafel. It was delicious. The falafel are light and in a doughnut/fritter style, so it's like eating a salad with donuts! All of the sauces and toppings were delicious.”
Nancy C. added, "This CAVA is just as good as the others, with build-your-own bowls, seasonal ingredients/specials, drinks and more. They cater to a wide variety of diets since they have so many options, including paleo, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc."
Intrigued? Stop in to try it for yourself. CAVA is open from 10:45 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
