CAVA Fort Lauderdale brings custom Mediterranean bowls and pitas to South Harbor Plaza on SE 17th Street. The restaurant opened on 10 August 2026. It is a practical option near Port Everglades and the marina district.
Our visit showed a bright dining room, an open service line and a menu built around choice. This CAVA Fort Lauderdale review explains the ordering process, menu prices, atmosphere, value and practical details. All photographs in this article were taken during our visit.
CAVA Fort Lauderdale at a Glance
- Address: 1344 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Location: South Harbor Plaza
- Format: Fast casual Mediterranean bowls, salads and pitas
- Current listed hours: Daily from 10:30 am to 10 pm
- Current listed telephone: +1 561 973 3082
- Price at our visit: Build your own bowls and pitas started at $11.55
- Website: Official CAVA location directory
The official directory confirms the Fort Lauderdale address. Current business listings provide the hours and telephone number above. These details can change, so check again before travelling.
Location and First Impressions
The Fort Lauderdale branch opened on 10 August 2026 after two community preview days. It sits in South Harbor Plaza on the SE 17th Street corridor.
Inside, the design uses pale wood, warm tiles and plenty of planting. Booths and individual tables make the room suitable for dining in. The long counter remains visible from most seats.
Large digital boards make the ordering steps clear. The room felt modern and informal during our visit. A short queue formed at the counter, but the layout gave guests enough space to read the menu first.
How the CAVA Menu Works
CAVA offers chef curated choices and a build your own route. The photographed board listed a bowl or pita from $11.55. A custom order follows five simple steps:
- Choose greens, grains, both, or a pita.
- Add up to three dips.
- Select one main, or choose two half portions.
- Add as many toppings as you like.
- Finish with one or two dressings.
This structure gives plenty of control. It also helps diners balance rich dips with fresh vegetables, grains and a chosen protein.
What We Ordered
Our photographed order was a custom grain and greens bowl. The visible mix included cucumber, broccoli, leafy greens, lentils, rice, a protein and a creamy dressing.
The exact build was not recorded. For that reason, this review does not guess at the protein, dips or tasting notes. The photographs still show how many ingredients can fit into one bowl.
Chef Curated Bowls, Pitas and Prices
The menu photographed during our visit included both regular and limited choices. Price examples included:
- Veggie Falafel Crunch: $11.55
- Chicken and Rice: $11.55
- Greek Chicken pita: $11.55
- Greek Goddess Steak Salad: $15.25
- Steak and Harissa: $15.25
- Harissa Avocado: $15.95
- Spicy Lamb and Avocado: $16.75
Greek Goddess Salmon was a limited choice at $15.80. These were October 2026 menu board prices. Seasonal dishes and prices can change.
Ingredients and Dietary Choices
The official CAVA ingredient guide lists mains such as falafel, grilled chicken, grilled steak, spicy lamb meatballs and roasted vegetables. Current toppings include cucumber, olives, pickled onions, corn, feta, greens and pita crisps.
Falafel and roasted vegetables are marked as vegan and vegetarian on the official guide. Dressings range from Greek vinaigrette to lemon herb tahini, skhug and yogurt dill.
Anyone with an allergy should check the current nutrition and allergen guide. Tell the team about any allergy before ordering. Shared preparation areas may matter for sensitive diners.
Drinks, Sides and Desserts
The self service drinks area had CAVA lemonades, seasonal juices, tea and Maine Root fountain drinks. During our visit, small house drinks and fountain sodas were $3.35. Large servings were $3.65.
The menu also listed pita chips at $2.65, a side dip at $3.45 and side Crazy Feta at $4.15. Packaged cookies, brownies and blondies sat beside the checkout.
Portion Size and Value
Value depends on how the bowl is built. The $11.55 starting point includes several stages of customisation. Extra cost is more likely with premium mains or avocado.
The main advantage is control. Guests can combine grains and greens, use several dips and add many toppings. That makes the entry price competitive for a filling fast casual meal.
Chef curated bowls remove the decisions, but several cost more than $15. Check the final price on the board or app before confirming an order.
CAVA Fort Lauderdale Highlights
- A clear five step process for custom bowls and pitas
- Plenty of fresh toppings, dips and dressings
- Vegetarian and vegan choices listed by CAVA
- A bright dining room with booths and tables
- Preparation takes place in view of guests
- Calories and prices displayed on the menu boards
Things to Know Before Visiting
- Menu items and prices can change with seasonal promotions.
- The queue may build while guests choose several ingredients.
- House drinks and fountain drinks are collected from a self service station.
- The CAVA app is promoted for ordering ahead and rewards.
- Guests with allergies should speak with staff before ordering.
- This is counter service rather than a traditional table service restaurant.
Practical Ordering Tips
- Decide between a bowl and pita before reaching the counter.
- Mix grains and greens if you want both texture and freshness.
- Use the chef curated bowls as a guide when building your own.
- Ask for dressing on the side when you want more control.
- Review the official allergen guide before visiting if needed.
- Check the app for the latest menu and current prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is CAVA Fort Lauderdale?
It is at 1344 SE 17th Street in South Harbor Plaza, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316.
What are the current opening hours?
Current listings show daily opening from 10:30 am to 10 pm. Confirm on the day because business hours can change.
How much does a CAVA bowl cost?
At our visit, a build your own bowl or pita started at $11.55. Chef curated choices on the board ranged from $11.55 to $16.75.
Does CAVA Fort Lauderdale have vegan food?
Yes. CAVA marks falafel and roasted vegetables as vegan and vegetarian. Check every selected dip, topping and dressing before ordering.
Can you order ahead?
CAVA promotes ordering ahead through its app. Availability and collection times should be checked for the Fort Lauderdale branch.
More Healthy Bowl Reviews
For similar South Florida options, compare our reviews of Vale Healthy Kitchen Fort Lauderdale and Naked Farmer Fort Lauderdale. Our Sweetgreen Coconut Grove review is another useful comparison for custom salads and grain bowls.
The Brief Review Verdict
CAVA Fort Lauderdale offers a clear and flexible fast casual format in a polished setting. The build your own board makes the process and starting price easy to understand.
The main reason to visit is control. Guests choose the base, dips, main, toppings and dressings. Those wanting full table service may prefer another restaurant.
For a quick bowl or pita around SE 17th Street, CAVA is a practical option. The broad ingredient range should suit mixed groups, while the published nutrition guide adds useful clarity.
CAVA Fort Lauderdale Review Photos
All photographs below were taken during our visit to CAVA Fort Lauderdale.
