Three Cava bowls with feta and tzatziki, which can be ordered at Cava Hialeah in Miami and soon at Cava Brickell
Cava photo
Cava is keeping the momentum going in South Florida. Hot off the heels of its Hialeah Gardens debut earlier this year, the buzzy build-your-own bowl chain has opened in Brickell. The restaurant has opened at 801 Brickell Ave., a high-profile spot already home to Komodo, Ludlow Coffee, and a forthcoming PopUp Bagels spot.
This is Cava’s third South Florida outpost, following openings in Hialeah and Plantation earlier this year. At the Cava opening in Hialeah on April 8, Cava mega fans like South Florida blogger @notcamilacevedo took to TikTok to express their excitement over the Hialeah location. She says in a TikTok video, “Not only are they the best Mediterranean restaurant, but they’re also the best [make your own] bowl place ever. With the nicest locations and staff, it’s about time they opened in Miami.”
The brand new Brickell location features both patio seating and digital pickup options. Whether stopping in for a quick lunch between meetings or enjoying dinner outdoors, guests can expect a convenient and flavorful experience. Daily hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., making it an easy addition to any weekday or weekend routine. Food blogger @maxeats.miami even says in his TikTok review below, “Chipotle is out, Cava is in.” Now, that’s a bold claim.
How the Cava Hype Began
Back in September 2024, New Times picked up on early signs of a Miami arrival when food influencer Nick Peña (@thefoode) posted a sneak peek at a floor plan showing Cava among the tenants at the Shoppes at Highland.
Though unconfirmed at the time, further digging led to a commercial listing by Atlantic Retail, which indicated Cava was indeed on deck for Hialeah Gardens, pending permits and final approvals. Those boxes are now checked, and the new space is officially serving as of this week.
Cava is popular for its delicious make-your-own bowls with unique flavors
What’s the Big Deal About Cava?
For those unfamiliar with the chain, Cava was founded in 2011 and quickly gained a following for its fast-casual take on Greek- and Middle Eastern-inspired eats. Dubbed the “Chipotle of Mediterranean food – only better,” guests can build their own bowls, salads, or pitas layered with proteins like grilled chicken, falafel, or spicy lamb meatballs, plus grains, greens, roasted vegetables, and a selection of bold dips and dressings – think creamy hummus, zesty harissa, and tangy yogurt-based sauces.
That formula has fueled the brand’s rapid growth across the U.S., with dozens of new locations popping up.
According to Cava, the restaurant chain aims to operate 1,000 restaurants by 2032 – and it opened a whopping 58 new restaurants in 2024. Hialeah Gardens was the first location in Miami-Dade, followed by Plantation, and now Brickell. It won’t be long before more neighborhoods across South Florida get a taste.
Cava Brickell. 801 Brickell Ave., Miami; 645-400-8502; cava.com.
Dining and Cooking