First Miami Cava Mediterranean Restaurant Opening in Hialeah

One of the most popular Mediterranean chains in the U.S., Cava, is opening in Miami on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

April 3, 2025

Three Cava bowls with feta and tzatziki Cava photo

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Just a few weeks after our readers went wild over the news that Cava will open in Plantation in 2025, word on the street is that the popular Mediterranean food chain will first head south to Miami.

The first Miami location of Cava, the popular fast-casual Mediterranean chain, will open in Hialeah Gardens on Tuesday, April 8.

In September 2024, a New Times source confirmed that Cava was set to open at the Shoppes at Highland in Hialeah Gardens. The official opening announcement and contract were contingent on the company obtaining the necessary licenses and permits to operate in Miami. Months later, it appears that all the requirements have now been met, making April an exciting month for Cava fans in Miami.

click to enlarge

This is one of the pictures used on Atlantic Retail's website showing Cava as one of the tenants at The Shoppes at Highland.

Screenshot from Atlantic Retail's commercial listing

How The Rumor of Cava Miami Began

In September 2024, New Times stumbled upon an Instagram post from Nick Pena (@thefoode) saying, "Looks like Cava is coming to Hialeah Gardens." He shared a floor plan showcasing the space of Cava's new restaurant, so New Times did some digging.

While there was no confirmation at the time, New Times linked the Instagram story to a commercial listing website called Atlantic Retail, a company that specializes in commercial retail sales. The listing showed Cava would soon be part of the Shoppes at Highland strip mall, located between NW 138th Street and NW 97th Avenue in Hialeah Gardens.

The property was being developed in Hialeah Gardens, which has stores such as Publix, Ulta Beauty, Burlington, Panera Bread, and Panda Express. Near Cava's slated location, the retail plan showed a Tropical Smoothie Cafe and First Watch Cafe.

click to enlarge

Cava allows customers to choose from a variety of bases like bowls, salads, and pita wraps, topped with proteins such as grilled chicken, spicy lamb meatballs, and falafel.

Cava photo

Why Do People Love Cava?

Cava is a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant chain known for its flavorful and customizable menu inspired by Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine. Founded in 2011, Cava offers a build-your-own meal experience, allowing customers to choose from a variety of bases like bowls, salads, and pita wraps, topped with proteins such as grilled chicken, spicy lamb meatballs, and falafel. The restaurant also features dips and spreads like hummus, tzatziki, and harissa, along with a selection of vegetables and grains.

Cava has grown rapidly across the U.S., appealing to those looking for Mediterranean-inspired meals.

This story was originally published on September 3, 2024.

Rachel Costa is a Coconut Creek-based contributor who covers the food scene in South Florida for Miami New Times. She was born in Brazil and is a graduate of Florida International University. In addition to New Times, her work has appeared in Coral Gables Magazine and the Miami Times, and on WLRN.

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