May 12, 2025 - News

We tried CAVA's new chicken shawarma specials

Two images side by side, one showing a bowl with greens, veggies and sauces, the other showing a pita with veggies peeking out in front of a bag that says "CAVA." — The Garlicky Chicken Shawarma Bowl and the Chicken Shawarma Pita. Photos: Yacob Reyes and Kathryn Varn/Axios

CAVA, the fast-casual Mediterranean chain, rolled out chicken shawarma as a protein option at some of its Tampa Bay restaurants late last month.

We stopped by the Carrollwood and St. Pete locations to try it.

Yacob's thought bubble: I went with the Garlicky Chicken Shawarma Bowl, a hodgepodge of colors and smells. The chicken tastes rich, and the pungent blend of skhug and garlic dressing lingers on your breath well past lunch.

My only note: It's too leafy.

Kathryn's thought bubble: The Chicken Shawarma Pita was just ok. It wasn't gross or anything; I just couldn't taste the chicken amid the other flavors. It was also super messy and fell apart halfway through.

If you want some truly flavorful chicken shawarma, go to St. Pete's new French Moroccan spot, Cybel.

If you go: You can find Chicken Shawarma at the St. Pete, South Howard, Carrollwood, Water Street, Brandon (Regency Square), Seminole (Seminole City Center), and Trinity (SR 54 & Little Road) locations.

Add Axios on Google

We tried CAVA's new chicken shawarma specials

More Tampa Bay stories