Cava
Last inspected: Mar 19, 2026
86
Score
Across the available record, Cava has 10 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 19, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around three violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot”, showing up five times.
Cava scores about where you'd expect for a Boston restaurant. The record reflects steady performance over time.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 19, 2026
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: There is a minor water leak near the three compartment sink and near the gas cylinders causing water to pool on the floors; repair or replace broken or defective equipment so that it no longer allows leaks and water to pool on the floors.
590.004/4-501.11-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Floors underneath equipment in kitchen are soiled with debris; clean and sanitize floors.
590.004/4-601.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: The doors at the rear of the building are damaged and do not fully close or lock; repair or replace the doors.
590.006/6-501.11-C
86
Dec 18, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Broken door sweep and seals on rear exit door leading to trash area. Repair/replace with pest proof materials.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Maintaining refuse areas and enclosures (c)
Inspector notes: Bags of trash strewn about the trash storage area trash receptacles uncovered attracting birds and vermin. Remove trash from the area and store trash properly.
590.005/5-501.115-C
Frequency-removal (c)
Inspector notes: Trash overflowing in rear of business. Increase pickups as needed.
590.005/5-502.11-C
86
May 2, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Warewashing machines manufacturers’ operating instructions (c)
Inspector notes: Dish machine inoperable. Repair. Quats sanitizer @ 3 compartment sink @ 200PPM for alternative means to sanitize equipment in place.
590.004/4-501.15-C
95
Apr 10, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Warewashing machines manufacturers’ operating instructions (c)
Inspector notes: Dish machine inoperable. Repair. Quats sanitizer @ 3 compartment sink @ 200PPM for alternative means to sanitize equipment in place.
590.004/4-501.15-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Sink is leaking from pipe under sanitizer bay. Repair.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Anti-choking
Inspector notes: No choke save certificate. Provide. (A) Anti-choking Procedures in Food Service Establishments. (1) Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 94 § 305D restaurants with a certain seating capacity are required to have one or more employees trained in a manual choke-saving procedure in accordance with 105 CMR 605.000: Approved Choke-saving Procedures. (2) Each food service establishment with a seating capacity that conforms with M.G.L. c. 94 § 305D shall: (a) Have on its premises while food is being served an employee trained in manual procedures approved by the Department to remove food lodged in a person's throat; and (b) Make adequate provision for insurance to cover employees trained in rendering such assistance.
590.009(E)
86
Feb 27, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cold hold rice in open cooler is 44F. Product out for 30 minutes placed on indirect ice to cool. It is recommended to use metal pans in open cooler and supplement indirect contact with ice when needed. Unit is holding at 37F per inside thermomemeter.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Food prep area hand sink no signage. COS.
590.006/6-301.14-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Dry spice containers not labeled. Corrected on site.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Gate between common area and food service line where exposed foods are in refrigerator has been removed. Reinstall.
590.003/3-307.11-C
74
Nov 3, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (pf)
Inspector notes: Low temp 0 PPM Chlorine Dish company contacted machine placed out of service and all ware washing is being performed in 3 bay sink
590.004/4-501.114-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: No proof of a full time on site certified food protection manager
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Equipment and utensils air-drying required (c)
Inspector notes: Nesting clean and sanitized equipment - Discussed the proper method of airdrying with PIC
590.004/4-901.11-C
78
Feb 28, 2023
Routine
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 11 violations
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple employees leaving/returning to work stations without washing hand prior to resuming duties and/or touching clean equipment Observed multiple employees not washing hands before donning on clean gloves PIC took immediate corrective action during inspection
590.002/2-301.14-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Refrigeration unit on wall with open front 55 F When closed the unit maintains 41 F or below once open this unit fluctuates rapidly as high as 55 F with in seconds This is a repeat violation - Unit has been place out of service and will not be used until it can maintain proper temperature and is approved by the BISD - Health Inspector Mixed romaine 58 F Mixed Kale 51 F Mixed Spinach 48 F Food items taken out of service
590.003/3-501.16-P
Cleaning procedure (p)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple employees not lathing for 20 seconds drying hands and turning off hand sink with barrier PIC took immediate corrective action during inspection
590.002/2-301.12-P
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Food item stored in front of hand sink on line - PIC took immediate corrective action during inspection
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Prohibiting animals (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed dog in establishment - PIC did not address this until I brought it to their attention Information provided and discussed with PIC
590.006/6-501.115-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Mulitple repeat Priority Priority foundation and Core violations noted on inspection Proof that employees are not trained in food safety and sanitation as it relates to their assigned duties per code by the certified food protection manager Proof that the PIC is not overseeing day to day operations taking corrective action and performing duties per code
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Warewashing equipment determining chemical sanitizer concentration (pf)
Inspector notes: Low temp dish machine Chlorine 0 PPM Dish machine place out of service dish washing company called and all ware washing will be performed in 3 bay sink with quats sanitizer
590.004/4-501.116-PF
(b)-(d) gloves use limitations (c)
Inspector notes: Employees multitasking wearing disposable gloves - Leaving and returning to food prep/work stations etc. Information regarding glove use has been provided at this inspection and pass inspection
590.003/3-304.15-C
Equipment and utensils air-drying required (c)
Inspector notes: Ware washing area - Clean equipment is being stacked wet not inverted after going through the ware washing facilities
590.004/4-901.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Lid on ice machine broken
590.006/6-501.11-C
Cooking and baking equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Built up soils on grill/cooking equipment
590.004/4-602.12-C
35
Nov 25, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cold holding wall unit thermometer is 50 F Rice 54 F Leafy greens 59 F Salad unit in the side prep Black lentals 47 F Repeat violation
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Hot holding Rice 109 F and 111 F
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of rodent dropping around the hot water heater Provide full extermination and IPM report prior to reinspection
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No written procedures I provided at this inspection and the most recent inspection
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Bulk food containers stored under shelving where items are stored
590.003/3-307.11-C
58
Aug 3, 2022
Routine
3 critical violations. 2 major violations.
View 5 violations
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple food handlers not washing hand prior to donning on clean gloves (PIC spoke with employees during inspection)
590.002/2-301.14-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: D/O area D/O Refrigeration TCS Food with ice underneath food containers Arugula 50 F Spinach 44 and 44 F Luttuce 45 F
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a) gloves use limitation (p)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple food handlers multitasking wearing gloves (PIC talked with food handlers during inspection)
590.003/3-304.15-P
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: All employees must be trained in food safety and sanitation in their related duties per code. Multiple Priorty/Priority Foundation and Core violations noted on inspection
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: Written procedures are not complete and kit is not complete I reviewed and provided the written procedures and kit requirement with the PIC on 07-15-22
590.002/2-501.11-PF
52
Jul 15, 2022
Routine
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 violations
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple food handlers not washing hand prior to donning on clean gloves (PIC spoke with employees during inspection)
590.002/2-301.14-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Salad wall unit 60 F Chopped lettuce 56 F Aruglia 54 F Spinach 64 F Chopped romaine 59 F Rice 59 F Super G mix 47 F Per PIC these items have been placed on unit at 9:30 AM - Items removed and unit placed out of order. D/O area D/O Refrigeration (Salad unit) 55 F Cut tomatoes 46.5 F Feta cheese 47.6 Cut lettuce 61 F Items were removed from service TCS Food with ice underneath food containers Arugula 59 F Spinach 59 F Cut lettuce 59 F Items were removed from service TCS Foods must maintain 41 F or below - Provide refrigeration units that are in compliance and can maintain all TCS Foods at 41 F D/O section and online orders have been discontinued during inspection
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a) gloves use limitation (p)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple food handlers multitasking wearing gloves (PIC talked with food handlers during inspection)
590.003/3-304.15-P
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: All employees must be trained in food safety and sanitation in their related duties per code. Multiple Priorty/Priority Foundation and Core violations noted on inspection
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
(a) (b) and (c)(1) (4)-(16) demonstration (pf)
Inspector notes: No proof of a full time on site certified food protection manager
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No written procedures and kit is not complete
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: No signage reminding employees to wash hands in one of the bathrooms
590.006/6-301.14-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Tongs stored on oven door handles - Cooking line Utensils used to spread condiments are being dipped into a container of sanitizer
590.003/3-304.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths stored on top of counter tops etc and not in a sanitizing solution
590.003/3-304.14-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Refrigeration unit on customer line leaking
590.004/4-501.11-C
Equipment and utensils air-drying required (c)
Inspector notes: Stacking clean and sanitized bowls pots pans etc. Not allowing for proper air-drying Ware washing area
590.004/4-901.11-C
(a) and (c) equipment utensils linens and single-service and single-use articles-storing (c)
Inspector notes: To Go bowls are not inverted
590.004/4-903.11-C
35
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cava last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cava on file is from Mar 19, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cava?
Across the inspection record, “(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Cava.
How does Cava compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Cava most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is about the same as the Boston average of 86.
Has Cava's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cava have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Cava means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Cava inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cava is inspected around three times per year on average.
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