CAVA in River Forest, IL brings a fresh, modern approach to Mediterranean dining, serving thoughtful food that is both satisfying and easy to make your own.
Located at 7211 Lake St, this restaurant is known for its customizable greens and grains bowls, pitas, and salads, giving guests the freedom to build meals that fit their tastes, routines, and dietary preferences.
Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch, settling in for dinner, or grabbing something nourishing on the go, CAVA makes it simple to enjoy food that feels wholesome without sacrificing flavor or convenience.
What sets CAVA apart is its ability to balance speed, quality, and flexibility. Guests appreciate the fast service, counter service, and welcoming dine-in experience, along with the option of takeaway, delivery, no-contact delivery, and on-site service for added ease.
The menu includes comfort food alongside healthy options, organic dishes, vegan and vegetarian choices, a salad bar, and quick bites, making it a strong choice for individuals, families, and anyone looking for a meal that suits their day.
With table service, dessert, seating, and a quiet, casual, and trendy atmosphere, CAVA creates a space where solo diners, lunch crowds, and dinner guests can all feel comfortable.
Accessibility and convenience are also clearly prioritized, with wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating, and toilet facilities designed to make visits smoother for more guests. The restaurant accepts reservations and offers multiple payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, helping make every part of the experience straightforward.
Backed by a strong 4.70-star rating from 1,061 reviews, CAVA has earned a reputation for dependable quality and customer satisfaction, making it a trusted destination for Mediterranean-inspired meals in River Forest.
Our Specialties
Every dish tells a story. Explore our carefully curated menu featuring seasonal favorites and signature creations.
Our chef's signature creations featuring locally-sourced ingredients and innovative culinary techniques.
We partner with local farmers and suppliers to bring you the freshest seasonal ingredients every day.
Every plate is prepared with attention to detail, combining traditional recipes with modern presentation.
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Our warm, fluffy, and perfectly chewy pita is made exclusively for CAVA by Brooklyn-based Damascus bakery.
A Greek spin on a traditional North African spicy chili pepper paste with a vibrant tomato flavor.
Made in-house in small batches, our pita chips are meant for big dipping. Crispy outside, soft inside.
Made with the best Greek yogurt, fresh shredded cucumber, and dill. Thick, creamy, and brightens everything.
Something magical happens when fresh roasted red peppers are puréed with chickpeas, tahini, and garlic.
Chickpeas puréed with tahini, lemon juice, fresh garlic, salt. No oil here! A guest favorite and CAVA classic.
Feta whipped with jalapeño, onion, and olive oil for just that right level of spicy. A CAVA signature.
Roasted eggplant that's emulsified with olive oil and lemon juice. Plus, parsley, onions, garlic. Sleeper hit!
Barbecue meets the Mediterranean. Our classic pita chips mixed with a kick of cayenne and a blend of spices. A little spicy, a little smoky, and a tiny bit sweet.
Intensely chocolatey brownie, with a fudgy, almost-gooey inside. Handcrafted by Greyston Bakery for CAVA.
If an oatmeal cookie and a salted chocolate chip cookie had a baby. Made in partnership with Whisked.
A blondie with a super soft, almost-gooey inside. Handcrafted by Greyston Bakery for CAVA.
Grilled chicken, hummus, tzatziki, pickled onions, tomato + onion, cucumber, feta, arugula, brown rice, Greek vinaigrette
Glazed salmon, Crazy Feta®, hummus, fire-roasted corn, tomato + onion, cucumber, rice, arugula, and yogurt dill dressing
Choose your greens: arugula, SuperGreens, baby spinach, romaine, or SplendidGreens®.
Grilled chicken, tzatziki, hummus, feta, tomato + onion, cucumber, olives, romaine, arugula, Greek vinaigrette
Glazed salmon, Crazy Feta®, hummus, avocado, pickled onions, tomato + cucumber, fiery broccoli, saffron basmati rice, Greek vinaigrette
Grilled steak, traditional hummus, red pepper hummus, fire-roasted corn, pickled onions, feta, Power Greens, strawberry sesame dressing
Mix and match your favorite greens and grains to build a bowl just the way you like it.
Glazed salmon, tzatziki, red pepper hummus, cucumber, feta, tomato + onion, sumac slaw, brown rice, spinach, and strawberry sesame dressing
Spicy lamb meatballs, avocado, Crazy Feta®, red pepper hummus, pickled onions, cucumber, tomato + onion, Super Greens, lentils, lemon herb tahini
Harissa honey chicken, Crazy Feta®, hummus, avocado, corn, cucumber, feta, pickled onions, basmati rice, Super Greens, harissa vinaigrette
Half falafel, half roasted veggies, hummus, Crazy Feta®, cucumber, sumac cabbage slaw, romaine, pickled onions, tomato + onion, pita crisps, rice, lentils, skhug
Grilled steak, Crazy Feta®, red pepper hummus, tomato + onion, cucumber, feta, sumac cabbage slaw, brown rice, Super Greens, harissa vinaigrette
Choose your grain bowl base: saffron basmati rice, brown basmati rice, black lentils, or RightRice®.
A kid-sized, build-your-own meal with a half-serving of one main + grain, one dip, one dressing, and up to three toppings. Choose three classic pita chips or a side 1/4 pita, and small juice or milk.
Harissa honey chicken, Crazy Feta®, avocado, pickles, corn, feta, pickled onions, harissa vinaigrette, pita
Grilled chicken, tzatziki, tomato + onion, olives, feta, romaine, yogurt dill dressing, pita
Fill our fluffy and perfectly chewy pita with your unique combo of ingredients. Made with sprouted grains.
Grilled steak, Crazy Feta®, red pepper hummus, pickled onions, feta, pickles, romaine, garlic dressing, Greek vinaigrette, pita
Organic 1% milk.
Made in-house from a purée of blueberries and lavender.
Open Water sparkling water is made in aluminum cans, the most recycled packaging in the world.
Real-squeezed lemon juice meets Argentinian black tea in this pitch perfect pairing. Crisp and refreshing.
A strawberry + raspberry drink with a hint of lively ginger to keep things interesting.
Organic apple juice from Honest Kids. No sugar added.
Unsweetened black tea brewed in-house for a refreshing, balanced sip.
Open Water still water is made in aluminum cans, the most recycled packaging in the world.
A cure to any midday slump. Sweet and refreshing, balanced out with fresh lime juice. Made in-house.
Sparkling lemon water that tastes like the real thing—because it is! There's real lemon juice in each can.
This iced green tea offers just a hint of pleasant floral notes. Made in-house daily.
Organic 1% chocolate milk.
A sweet lemonade that's never cloying thanks to the clear fresh lemon taste. Made in-house.
Hear from our valued guests
This was my first time at CAVA, and from the moment I walked in, I felt incredibly welcomed. I was greeted by three friendly ladies, which set a positive tone right away. I mentioned to one of them, Maritza, that it was my first time, and she was not only patient but super helpful. I told her I love spicy food, and she gave me three amazing recommendations to try—each one was spot-on! The food was fresh, flavorful, and definitely a great value for the price. Maritza took the time to explain the options and offered her personal favorites, which I really appreciated. When I checked out, I was helped by Kassey, who was an absolute joy. She noticed I was interested in the drinks and even gave me a refresher recipe to try at home. I ended up going back three times just to try all four of the drinks she mentioned—and they were all delicious! I didn’t catch the manager’s name, but she was also attentive and clearly runs a great team. The atmosphere was friendly, the service was top-notch, and everything I tried was outstanding. I’ll definitely be back, and I’ll be recommending this location to all my friends. Great food, great drinks, and even better people!
This was my first time at Cava and the two workers Jaylynn and Zach were VERY patient helping me with the menu ! They didn’t rush me and I was being very inquisitive like a mystery visitor and they truly shined! Mgmt pls congratulate yourself on having great employees like those two. They were professional and really made my experience one to remember! I will be back! Well done
This is my first time here the food is so good. Associates are nice, bathrooms clean, everything just flowed keep up the good work… also,manager Monique jumped in when needed for her lines
This was my first time here and it did not disappoint. I would come back tomorrow if I lived in the area. With the selection to make my own or pick a plate sort of option, the possibilities go on where every visit can be different. The flavors are fresh and invigorating, having me in a constant loop. The drinks were amazing and I want to take them home! The service was inviting and the restaurant and serving area was so clean I felt like I should remove my shoes! Haha. Even those with allergies can eat here, and I truly appreciate it. Overall, I'd recommend this location, and I will be returning.
I had the most incredible experience here at Cava. Marcos the GM is such a wonderful and kind human being. He and his staff are so helpful. The food is some of the best Mediterranean I’ve had in Chicago! Will continue to come back here time and time again. Don’t miss the chance to go here!
Clean, open, bright space, staff was so was amazing, great service. Food is amazing. If I could, I would have this at least 3x a week for lunch. Staff was very helpful walking me through as my first time. They slowed it down for me, letting me know what came on it, to see if I was ok with everything. I worked with a gentleman named I believe a Chris, he is there training for a few new openings in Ohio, great small talk while I waited for fresh pita chips. I got the steak harissa bowl.
Here’s a classy, heartfelt Google review you can post for Marco and his team at CAVA — even if you don’t remember the other team member’s name: ⸻ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had such an amazing experience at CAVA thanks to the General Manager, Marco, and one of his team members whose name I wish I could remember — they both deserve major recognition! From the moment I walked in, the energy was warm, professional, and genuine. You can tell Marco truly leads by example — he was on the floor, engaged with his team, and ensuring every guest felt taken care of. The food was fresh, the atmosphere was spotless, and the service was beyond what you typically find in fast-casual dining. Even though I can’t recall the other associate’s name, their kindness stood out — they were patient, attentive, and had the kind of positive energy that makes you want to come back again. It’s clear this location takes pride in what they do and values great hospitality. Thank you, Marco and team, for setting the bar high for customer experience — I’ll definitely be back!
One of the best things about CAVA is the outstanding customer service. The staff is always friendly, patient, and welcoming, making every visit a pleasant experience. They take the time to answer questions, explain menu options, and make sure each order is made correctly. Even when it’s busy, the team stays professional and efficient while keeping a positive attitude. Their attention to customers and commitment to providing excellent service really sets CAVA apart and keeps people coming back.
Absolutely amazing cava location! Easy parking and the staff are all very sweet, attentive and kind! Kasey the team shift lead working when I was there took care of me very well and had great recommendations! 10/10 service and food!
First time trying out here and Maritza is SUPERB! Excellent customer service, she was very friendly and helpful with me and my 2 friends in deciding which main protein, dip, sauce , toppings to try. She was so patient with us first timers and the food is AMAZING! Many choices for drinks that is not common in other dining places. Place is very clean and spacious, Will come back for sure! Shoutout to Maritza for being an amazing staff🥰
Common questions about CAVA
CAVA is located at 7211 Lake St, River Forest, IL 60305, United States, River Forest, IL, United States.
You can reach CAVA by calling +1 708-834-2197.
CAVA has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 1061 customer reviews.
CAVA features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
CAVA features the following service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in.
CAVA features the following highlights: Fast service.
CAVA features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
CAVA features the following offerings: Comfort food, Healthy options, Organic dishes, Quick bite, Salad bar, Vegan options, Vegetarian options.
CAVA features the following dining options: Lunch, Dinner, Counter service, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
CAVA features the following amenities: Restroom.
CAVA features the following atmosphere: Casual, Quiet, Trendy.
CAVA features the following crowd: Family friendly, Groups, Tourists, University students.
CAVA features the following planning: Accepts reservations.
CAVA features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
CAVA features the following children: Good for kids, Has changing table(s), High chairs, Kids' menu.
CAVA features the following parking: Free parking lot, Plenty of parking.
Business Features
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