Cava Grill, a chain that started in Washington D.C., has expanded rapidly to the West Coast, bringing their customizable Mediterranean bowls to Los Angeles. In a city where dietary restrictions and healthy eating are the norm, Cava Grill’s fresh bowls are the perfect match.

When you enter, there’s a sign identifying the local farmers which they’ve partnered with to source their ingredients, showing their dedication to supporting the local economy. Much like Chipotle, you order at the counter, choosing a base (salad, grains, greens + grains, pita), a protein, up to 3 dips+spreads, toppings and a dressing, as you move down the line.

The varieties of proteins offered is particularly unusual as they have lamb, in addition to the usual chicken and beef, both braised and as a meatball. Vegetarians can select either the falafels or roasted seasonal veggies as their protein.

The falafels contained bigger chunks of garbanzos, along with the finely chopped garbanzos, giving the balls a fuller texture. The harissa spread, made of tomatoes and peppers, had a kick to it – definitely not for those who don’t like spicy food, but a must for those who do.

I loved my bowl, a mix of super greens and basmati rice and chicken. With the three different dips, every bite tasted a little different. It felt very healthy (but not in a bad way) and was completely satisfying.

As a pastrami-fried-chicken-chili-cheese-fries-lover, I have to say that even I was won over by Cava Grill. For once, I didn’t feel like I was missing out by eating healthy and by the end of the meal, I was already looking forward to my next visit. I’m a believer – may Cava Grill make you one too.

Location – 1073 Broxton Ave., Los Angeles 90024. Additional locations in Culver City, Santa Monica, Irvine, Venice, Woodland Hills and in Connecticut, Washington D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Virginia.
Website – http://cava.com
Kid-Friendly – Yes
Kid’s Menu – No
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly – Yes!
Gluten-Free Options – Yes