CAVA, the Mediterranean chain that just bought Zoes, now open in Park Road Shopping Center

This is CAVA’s third Charlotte area location — others are in University and Huntersville. In addition to these locations, CAVA also has restaurants planned for Atherton Mill and Waverly.

CAVA’s menu features dozens of greens, grains, dips, spreads, proteins and toppings used to create customizable bowls and pita wraps.

Locally, the closest comparison would be Yafo (although I think Yafo tastes materially better) which also just expanded into Plaza Midwood and will open a Dilworth location in December. Both concepts feature eastern Mediterranean staples like falafel, hummus and harissa.

Ordering at CAVA is similar to ordering at Chipotle — without signature menu items, it’s up to you to build your own.

For a CAVA first timer, the customization options are pretty overwhelming. You’ve got about 59 million possible ingredient combinations.

I’m a signature menu item guy (shout out Yafo Schwarma bowl), so I wish I didn’t have to pull all the right flavors together myself. I always add too many toppings.

Here are all the CAVA Charlotte menu options:

Base: Greens + grains bowl ($9.37), grain bowl ($9.37), salad ($9.37), large pita ($8.75), mini pita ($3.95), mini pita + soup ($7.92), kids meal mini pita ($5.95)

Greens: Arugula, SuperGreens, baby spinach, romaine, SplendidGreens

Grains: Saffron basmati rice, brown rice, black lentils

Dips & Spreads (up to three): Tzatziki, hummus, eggplant + red pepper dip, crazy feta, harissa, roasted red pepper dip

Proteins: Grilled chicken, falafel, grilled meatballs, seasonal roasted vegetables, spicy lamb meatballs (+$1.45), braised lamb (+$1.45).

Toppings (unlimited): Shredded romaine, pita crisps, cabbage slaw, tomato & onion, diced cucumber, tomato & cucumber, Kalamata olives, cauliflower quinoa tabbouleh, pickled onions, lemon wedge, fresh mint, pickled banana peppers, crumbled fetal, sumac radishes

Dressings: Yogurt dill, lemon herb tahini, Greek vinaigrette, sriracha Greek yogurt, green harissa, spicy lime tahini