Reviews Cava Mezze - Olney

We came here for brunch, left for another activity, and came right back for dinner! Brunch was fantastic and our server, Kai, he was the best! We ate a little bit of everything, as you can see from the many pictures... and then we can't back at dinner and got the platter to share... and although they ran out of lambchops (how could you!?) We ordered a steak to share...and all was fine. That lemonade drink was delicious, by the way!

Cava Mezze Olney, nestled in downtown Olney, Maryland, is truly a hidden gem. Despite being in operation for nearly 8 years, this restaurant somehow managed to elude our radar until today. The name "Cava" derives from the Greek term for 'high-end' table wine or wine cellar, while "Mezze," also known as "Meze," signifies a taste or a bite. Meze-style cuisine, akin to Spanish tapas, offers an array of small plates served alongside beverages or as appetizers—a culinary tradition prevalent in Greece and Turkey. With a moniker like that, one can expect a high-end establishment specializing in Mediterranean Mezze dishes. While some patrons opted for rather formal attire, the majority appeared to be locals from the neighborhood, contributing to an overall casual and welcoming ambiance. The presence of a sizable bar bench within the restaurant added to the lively atmosphere, with patrons reveling in spirited conversation and laughter, creating a festive, party-like atmosphere. Opting to sit outdoors beneath an umbrella, we relished in unhurried conversation amidst the gentle fall breezes. To kick things off, I ordered a meticulously crafted Passion Fruit Margarita, comprising silver tequila, passion fruit, lavender, and agave. It arrived adorned with elegant garnishes in a unique and stylish glass. To experience a comprehensive sampling of Greek flavors, we heeded the waiter's suggestion and selected the "Chef D Platter." This traditional Mediterranean meze platter presented a tantalizing assortment of Greek delights beautifully arranged on a generously sized serving platter. Our feast included two succulent lamb chops, 2 delectable chicken souvlaki skewers, 4 savory grilled meatballs, gyro meat, pork belly, a side of fries, along with pita, onions, and tomatoes. The crowning touch was the Tzatziki dipping sauce, featuring Greek yogurt, cucumber, mint, dill, garlic, and pickled beets. Suffice it to say, it was an ample spread, as humorously indicated on the menu: "serves 2-3 people or 1 animal, LOL." Nevertheless, I relished every bite. Notably, the restaurant's owner, Gus, is a remarkably friendly individual. He personally approached our table, introduced himself, and engaged us in pleasant conversation. Gus's warm and familiar greetings to other patrons, akin to a local villager, added a heartwarming touch to the dining experience. In sum, our dinner at Cava Mezze Olney was a delightful affair that we wholeheartedly endorse. With a bill of slightly over $50 per person, it represents excellent value for a memorable Mediterranean dining experience.

I can't believe it's taken me so long to visit here. I think part of the reason was I thought the food was similar to a different restaurant called Cava, boy that is wrong. The food, atmospheres, and service is fantastic. We came on a random Wednesday night an hour before closing and it was packed, that tells you what you need to know about the service and quality. Highly recommend the mini gyros, zucchini fritters, and hush puppies. They were all fantastic. Will be back again soon!

The bartender Charles made this drink called The Falling Apple and The Prickly Panther (love the name) and the presentation and taste were truly incredible. The manager with the gauges was so sweet and recommended the drinks to us and honestly I wish they were consistently on the menu. Also the calamari is 10/10 worth trying.

This place is excellent. It's not often you get a "city chic" restaurant in a strip mall [WITH PARKING!]. The door to enter is a bit hidden, but once inside you realize it gives you a vibe of exclusivity. Leave behind the parking lot and enter a place of great decor, good tunes and it feels like you're in DC or LA in an instant (unless you opt for an outdoor table - HA!). Enough of all that... what did we eat and how was it? Went for dinner. Had the lollipop chicken, crispy pork belly, spicy lamb sliders, and the mini pita (mini gyros). Everything was EXCELLENT. We will be back, and there will be a full list of new thing to try when we go. There are places where you spend a little more to get that extra attention to detail when it comes to your food; this is one of those places. The people preparing your meal cares about what comes out of the kitchen. I'm interested in the brunch, but when it comes to dinner, this is a great date spot. Not sure how lively it gets at night, but our Sunday mid-day experience was magnificent.

Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Really attentive especially with respect to food allergies, sensitivities, and restrictions. The head chef goes above and beyond and makes amazing food. Would recommend their brunch and in general.

Now that's a lamb chop. Back again for dinner this evening (Saturday). Guess what? I ordered the lamb chops and had a wonderful conversation with some guy named Constantinos. Great fun only outdone by the great food and good company.

Any evening when we’re too tired to cook Cava Mezze is our go-to place! We love the steak and chicken kabobs with salad, rice and tzatziki. But when we ordered baklava for dessert, it was burnt to a crisp! Baklava shouldn’t look like this. But other than that our meal was wonderful. We will be back - especially on half price Tuesday if you’re still doing that for wine.