Cheap Eats 2008: Cava

Reviewed by Rina Rapuano , Dave McIntyre , Ann Limpert , Cynthia Hacinli , Todd Kliman

Cava

9713 Traville Gateway Drive
Rockville, MD
Phone: 301-309-9090

Cuisines:
Greek/Mediterranean, Tapas/Small Plates

Opening Hours:
Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Sun:
Evening: 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri:
Afternoon: 11:30 AM - 02:00 PM
Fri,Sat:
Evening: 05:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
Rockville

Price Range:
Inexpensive

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
Rowdy

Reservations:
Not Accepted

Special Features:
Kid Friendly

Website:
Click here to open in new window.

Price Details:
Mezze, $3.95 to $10.95.


Why go: The all-mezze menu ranges from faithful renditions of Greek classics to inventive modern interpretations, and the high-energy dining room and bar dispense with Zorba the Greek clichés.

What to get: Cubes of feta with clover honey and fresh mint; a refined taramosalata; saganaki, the salty Greek flambéed cheese; village sausages and meatballs grilled over charcoal; the cinnamon-braised beef dish known as kokinsto, with a side of olive-oil fries for catching the juices; honey-drizzled Greek doughnuts called loukoumades.

Best for: Celebrations and group-dining—mezze are meant for sharing, and these small plates are often generously portioned.

Insider tip: Cava takes reservations only for lunch and on Sunday. Monday is $5-martini night, Tuesday half-price-bottle-of-wine night.

Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner.

See all 2008 Cheap Eats restaurants