Taking kids out to eat can be tricky. You’re always trying to find a meal that they’ll eat, that’s somewhat healthy, and hopefully doesn’t end in a meltdown. I get it—I’ve been there many times. One weekend, we decided to try the Cava kids menu, to see what it was like. Honestly, I didn’t expect much, but it surprised me—in a good way.
Most of us know the usual spots like Olive Garden, where the kids menu is full of familiar comfort food. But Cava was different. It had a fresh, Mediterranean vibe, and instead of the usual chicken tenders and mac & cheese, they offered real, wholesome ingredients full of flavor.
From the second we walked into Cava, I could tell this wasn’t going to be the typical grab-and-go dinner. And since I’ve tried almost every kids menu under the sun—from Chili’s to IHOP—I can honestly say that what Cava is doing feels new and genuinely better for both kids and parents.
The Philosophy Behind the Cava Kids Menu
Cava’s entire brand is built around customization and clean eating. Their kids menu is no different. Instead of a limited selection, kids get a build-your-own bowl experience much like the adults. This not only introduces children to wholesome ingredients like hummus, brown rice, roasted vegetables, and grilled proteins but also makes them part of the dining decision process.
Highlights of the Cava Kids Menu:
- Build-Your-Own Bowl: Kids can choose a grain, protein, dip or spread, and topping.
- Portion-Controlled for Young Appetites: The servings are perfectly tailored for kids without being overwhelming.
- Balanced Nutrition: Meals are carefully crafted with a focus on fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
- Fun with Flavor: Mild, kid-friendly sauces like tzatziki and tomato-cucumber salad keep things tasty without being too bold.
Comparison Table: Cava vs. Other Popular Kids Menus
| Restaurant | Meal Type | Customization | Health Focus | Typical Meal Example |
| Cava Kids Menu | Build-Your-Own Bowls | High | Yes | Grains + Chicken + Hummus + Veggies |
| Olive Garden Kids Menu | Pasta + Entrées | Low | Moderate | Spaghetti with Meat Sauce |
| Chili’s Kids Menu | Tex-Mex & American | Low | Low | Cheeseburger + Fries |
| IHOP Kids Menu | Breakfast All Day | Low | Low | Jr. Pancake Combo |
| Buffalo Wild Wings Kids Menu | Wings & Sides | Low | Low | Boneless Wings + Fries |
| Applebee’s Kids Menu | Classic American | Low | Low | Chicken Tenders + Applesauce |
| Chipotle Kids Menu | Mini Bowls & Tacos | Medium | Moderate | Chicken Taco + Rice + Black Beans |
| Outback Kids Menu | Steakhouse Fare | Low | Moderate | Mac & Cheese or Grilled Chicken |
Why Parents Are Loving the Cava Kids Menu
- Health-Conscious Without Being Boring: It’s hard to get kids to eat their veggies, but not when they’re mixing and matching in a fun bowl. My daughter now asks for “the place with the white sauce” (tzatziki) every week.
- Perfect for Picky Eaters: Since everything is customized, even the pickiest of eaters can find something they like.
- No Guilt for Parents: Compared to fried or overly processed options on the Applebee’s kids menu, Cava offers cleaner ingredients.
- Balanced Yet Flavorful: While the Chipotle kids menu is similar in format, Cava’s Mediterranean twist brings something unique to the table.
Real Parent Reviews: What Families Are Saying
“My 5-year-old now thinks hummus is a food group. Cava’s kids bowls are a hit at our house!” – Jessica M., Alexandria, VA.
“I was surprised how much my son enjoyed his bowl. He chose brown rice, grilled chicken, tzatziki, and cucumber salad. It felt like a win for both of us.” – David R., Austin, TX.
“Compared to the Chili’s kids menu, Cava’s options are fresher and just feel better.” – Latoya P., Atlanta, GA.
These testimonials demonstrate the significant shift families are making toward mindful dining options that don’t compromise on taste.
Beyond the Bowl: Cava’s Family-Friendly Atmosphere
A great kids menu is only part of the story. The experience matters too.
What Makes Cava Family-Friendly?
- Quick Service: No long waits, which is essential with little ones.
- Modern, Clean Dining Areas: Calm and bright interiors appeal to both adults and children.
- Engaged Staff: Many parents report that staff are helpful with kids’ orders and patient with customization requests.
Cava’s vibe may be more upscale than your average fast-casual chain, but it doesn’t sacrifice approachability.
How Cava Stacks Up Against the Competition
Cava isn’t the only place offering customizable kids meals, but it’s leading in several areas:
- Health-Focused Ingredients: Unlike the Buffalo Wild Wings kids menu or IHOP kids menu, Cava puts vegetables, grains, and lean proteins front and center.
- Custom-Built Meals: Compared to the more rigid Outback kids menu, Cava empowers kids to build meals they’ll enjoy.
- Affordable Pricing: The kids meals are competitively priced while offering better nutrition.
Pro Tips for Ordering Cava for Kids
- Stick with Familiar Bases: Brown rice or white rice is often a hit.
- Choose Mild Proteins: Grilled chicken or roasted meatballs are flavorful yet mild.
- Go Easy on Spreads: A small scoop of hummus or tzatziki usually works best for kids.
- Keep Toppings Simple: Stick with items like corn, cucumbers, or tomato.
- Let Them Taste-Test: Some locations offer samples of dips and spreads—use it to your advantage.
Cava Customer Service:
- Cava Office: 702 H Street NW, Washington, D.C
- Cava Contact Number: 1-844-707-6841
- Official Website: https://cava.com/
- Cava Locations: https://cava.com/locations
- Mobile Apps: Cava App
- Cava Rewards: Official Page
- Cava Support: https://support.cava.com/
- Cava Careers: https://cava.com/careers
Conclusion: The Future of the Kids Menu Is Here
The Cava kids menu is helping redefine what dining out with children can look like. It prioritizes real food, empowering choices, and a flavor-forward philosophy that feels refreshingly modern. As more families grow tired of the same greasy or overly processed meals, Cava offers a better path—one filled with whole grains, lean proteins, and kid-friendly fun.
In a world dominated by standard offerings like the Applebee’s kids menu or Chili’s kids menu, Cava’s take is both timely and refreshing.
Ready to Try the Cava Kids Menu?
Next time you’re out with the family, skip the usual and head to Cava. Let your child experience the joy of building their bowl—and maybe even discover a new favorite food. Have thoughts about your Cava experience? Share your feedback or let us know how it compares to your go-to kids’ menu spots! If you want to taste our other menus like cava-nutrition-menu, cava-catering, and cava-bowl-menu. Then visit those blogs.