Mezeh and CAVA are almost identical restaurants. Same Chipotle-style format, same ingredient categories, both started in the DC area. CAVA even sued Mezeh twice in 2014 claiming trademark infringement. Mezeh won.
The macro differences are less obvious than you'd expect. Here's a full breakdown using official nutrition data from both chains.
Build either order: Mezeh Macro Calculator | CAVA Macro Calculator
Quick Comparison
| Mezeh | CAVA | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest protein per serving | 32g (chicken shawarma) | 28g (grilled chicken) |
| Highest protein base | 8g (bulgur pilaf) | 18g (black lentils) |
| Lightest dip | 40 cal (tzatziki) | 30 cal (tzatziki) |
| Heaviest sauce | 230 cal (caesar/greek feta) | 180 cal (garlic dressing) |
| Halal | Yes (all proteins) | No |
| Locations | 52 | 400+ |
Proteins: Mezeh Wins Per Serving
| Protein | Restaurant | Calories | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Shawarma | Mezeh | 260 | 32g | 14g |
| Chicken Kebab | Mezeh | 280 | 32g | 17g |
| Steak Shawarma | Mezeh | 280 | 32g | 16g |
| Grilled Chicken | CAVA | 250 | 28g | 13g |
| Harissa Honey Chicken | CAVA | 260 | 26g | 14g |
| Braised Lamb | CAVA | 210 | 24g | 12g |
| Shredded Lamb | Mezeh | 220 | 22g | 14g |
| Grilled Steak | CAVA | 170 | 23g | 9g |
| Falafel | Mezeh | 310 | 10g | 17g |
| Falafel | CAVA | 350 | 6g | 26g |
Mezeh's chicken shawarma and steak shawarma both hit 32g of protein. CAVA's grilled chicken is 28g for 250 calories. Across most proteins, Mezeh comes out ahead per serving.
Falafel isn't close. Mezeh's is 310 calories for 10g of protein. CAVA's is 350 calories for 6g. If you're plant-based and tracking protein, Mezeh is the better pick.
The exception: CAVA's grilled steak at 170 calories for 23g is the leanest protein on either menu.
Bases: CAVA Has the Edge
| Base | Restaurant | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Lentils | CAVA | 270 | 18g | 37g | 7g |
| Brown Basmati Rice | Mezeh | 280 | 3g | 34g | 14g |
| Saffron Basmati Rice | CAVA | 290 | 5g | 54g | 7g |
| Brown Rice | CAVA | 310 | 7g | 48g | 10g |
| White Basmati Rice | Mezeh | 330 | 3g | 38g | 18g |
CAVA's black lentils are the standout item on either menu. 270 calories, 18g of protein, real fiber. Nothing like them at Mezeh.
On rice, Mezeh's brown basmati is 280 calories versus CAVA's 310 for brown rice, but CAVA's is lower in fat. Mezeh's white basmati at 330 calories and 18g of fat is the heaviest base on either menu. CAVA's saffron rice at 290 calories is middle ground but mostly carbs.
Going greens-only drops 280 to 330 calories from your bowl at either chain. Biggest single lever if you're cutting.
Dips and Spreads: CAVA Runs Much Lighter
| Dip | Restaurant | Calories | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tzatziki | CAVA | 30 | 2.5g |
| Red Pepper Hummus | CAVA | 40 | 1.5g |
| Hummus | CAVA | 50 | 2.5g |
| Crazy Feta | CAVA | 70 | 6g |
| Tzatziki Dip | Mezeh | 40 | 2g |
| Spicy Feta Dip | Mezeh | 130 | 13g |
| Classic Hummus | Mezeh | 190 | 14g |
| Spicy Hummus | Mezeh | 200 | 11g |
Mezeh's hummus is house-made and scooped larger. At 190 calories it is nearly 4x CAVA's 50-calorie hummus. That is the single biggest per-item calorie gap between the two menus, and most people don't notice it.
Tzatziki is the low-calorie pick at both chains. Under 40 calories at either restaurant.
CAVA's Crazy Feta at 70 calories is worth knowing about. More flavor than plain hummus, half the calories of Mezeh's spicy feta dip at 130.
Sauces and Dressings: Watch the Heavy Ones
| Sauce | Restaurant | Calories | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yogurt Dill | CAVA | 30 | 2g |
| Tzatziki | Mezeh | 35 | 2g |
| Lemon Herb Tahini | CAVA | 70 | 6g |
| Skhug | CAVA | 80 | 9g |
| S'hug | Mezeh | 100 | 10g |
| Harissa | Mezeh | 110 | 11g |
| Greek Vinaigrette | CAVA | 130 | 14g |
| Garlic Dressing | CAVA | 180 | 20g |
| Lemon Garlic | Mezeh | 200 | 21g |
| Mezeh Caesar | Mezeh | 230 | 24g |
| Greek Feta Dressing | Mezeh | 230 | 25g |
Mezeh's lemon garlic is 200 calories and 21g of fat. It is the most popular sauce at Mezeh. CAVA's garlic dressing is 180 calories. Both are fine if you know what you're getting into; both are surprises if you don't.
Tzatziki at Mezeh (35 cal) and yogurt dill at CAVA (30 cal) are the safe picks at each chain.
Best High-Protein Build at Each
Mezeh: Chicken Shawarma Bowl
Mezeh High-Protein Bowl
CAVA: Grilled Chicken + Black Lentils Bowl
CAVA High-Protein Bowl
The CAVA build hits 51g of protein. The lentil base is doing 18g of that before the chicken is added. The Mezeh build peaks at 43g. Both are around 600 calories.
Build either order and adjust from there: Mezeh Calculator | CAVA Calculator
One Thing Mezeh Has That CAVA Doesn't
Every protein at Mezeh is halal-certified. Mezeh also makes everything in-house daily including sauces, pita, and dips. CAVA uses a production facility for its dips and sauces.
For halal-observant diners this is not a close comparison.
It also explains why Mezeh's hummus has a different calorie profile than CAVA's. Larger house-made scoop versus a standardized production portion. Different products.
The Verdict
| Goal | Better pick |
|---|---|
| Most protein per protein serving | Mezeh |
| Highest protein overall bowl | CAVA (black lentils) |
| Lighter dips | CAVA |
| Halal | Mezeh |
| More locations | CAVA (400+ vs 52) |
| Lightest rice base | Mezeh brown rice (280 cal) |
| Best falafel for protein | Mezeh |
The common mistake at both chains is the same: a heavy sauce plus hummus plus a rice base adds 400+ calories before you've picked a protein. Stick to tzatziki or yogurt dill, skip double dips, and either restaurant works for a macro-friendly meal.
All nutrition data sourced from official Mezeh Spring 2025 nutrition PDF and CAVA's published nutrition information. Values may vary by location.