If you find yourself in Brickell after a CorePower Yoga class, studying at a café or just exploring the neighborhood for the afternoon, the new CAVA at 801 Brickell Avenue is an easy and worthwhile place to grab a meal.
The fast casual Mediterranean chain, known for build-your-own bowls, pitas and salads, brings fresh flavors and quick service to one of Miami’s busiest neighborhoods.
I went on Saturday around 8 p.m. with a friend, and even in the evening there were about ten people in line and most of the tables were full.
The space feels bright and modern, clean with neutral colors and a simple layout that makes it easy to move through. Inside, there are about eight tables and a high-top counter with stool seating.
The crowd was a mix of locals, students and people coming from nearby offices. It was busy but calm, the kind of steady flow that fits the Brickell atmosphere.
From start to finish, it took maybe fifteen minutes before we got our food. Everything is made right in front of you, and the process feels efficient.
The staff moved quickly and kept things organized, though they seemed a little tired toward the end of the night.
I ordered a half-rice, half-greens bowl with grilled chicken and steak, avocado, feta, corn, persian cucumbers, tzatziki, lemon herb tahini and pita crisps. My friend got a chicken bowl with onions, tomatoes and tzatziki. We also tried the blueberry lemonade and an apple-pineapple juice.
Everything tasted fresh and well-balanced. The cucumbers were especially crisp, the avocado creamy, and the pita crisps stayed crunchy until the end.
The chicken and steak were both flavorful and tender, with none of the chewy or fatty texture you sometimes get at other fast-casual spots.
According to CAVA’s website, the proteins are marinated in Mediterranean spices before grilling, and that flavor really comes through. The temperature was also just right, with cool vegetables and warm grains that tied everything together.
My bowl with double protein, avocado and a drink came to be about $21 since both the steak and avocado are premium add-ons. My friend’s bowl and water were around $12.
The price is slightly high for students, but the portions are generous enough for leftovers, and the quality makes it worth it.
CAVA also has a $6 kid’s meal that comes with a protein base, two toppings and a dip or spread, making it a good option for a smaller appetite or a tighter budget.
Brickell isn’t always the most student-friendly area, but this CAVA makes it feel more accessible. It’s close enough to the metro for an easy trip from campus and adds another reliable, healthy option to the neighborhood.
The menu offers balanced choices that fit a range of fitness and protein goals while still tasting great. For days when you can’t make it to Brickell, CAVA is also on Uber Eats – a convenient upgrade from on-campus dining options.
For anyone who already loves CAVA back home or just wants a quick meal that feels fresh and satisfying, this new location delivers exactly what it should: flavorful Mediterranean food, efficient service and a clean, welcoming space.
Four out of five stars for quality, convenience and giving students one more reason to hop on the metro and explore more of Miami.