Cava Restaurant & Bar

We requested an outdoor table for an afternoon cocktail. It was offered tactfully by the hostess to sit at the bar and appetizers were offered free during happy hour. We chose this option. 1. We were not greeted by the bartender. After ordering our drinks there was no mention of the free appetizers. We had to request them and the bartender did not seem knowledgeable or forthcoming with a menu or options. Frankly, he seemed bothered that we asked. I wondered if he was a new employee, later on we realized this was not the case. 2. Our drinks were served with no cocktail napkins (this may seem petty, but keep reading.)Our appetizers were thrown on the table by a server, not offered napkins or silverware (we had to ask) After we had finished our appetizers and drinks the empty glassware/dishes/silverware sat for a good fifteen minutes in front of us. He never came back to check once on our drinks, or appetizers or if we wanted any thing else. 3. We will say he was talkative to a couple on the corner. There was very few people at the bar and several servers hanging about. We waited to be asked if we wanted anything additional, it never came. 4. Ready to leave, we put money on the bar to which he never acknowledged. When we did request a bill he pulled the tab from a shot glass in front of us and said, "It's here." and tossed in front of us and walked away. The restaurant is beautiful, the hostess courteous and kind and the paella smelled and looked delicious. With all that being said, we would be willing to give it another try as we are locals. But we will not come in for happy hour or sit at the bar again.

Excellent beef fajitas!  All the sides were excellent, the drinks were perfect, service was friendly and fast, kid friendly, and great atmosphere.  Best Mexican food I have had in a long time.

My review seems to be gone. Grrrr. I wanted to update and no time for repeat.

I was thinking, actually, anyone who cares about his or her reviews should probably print because they can disappear....

Anyway, it's a great place. I have been coming for many years, sometimes regularly, sometimes more intermittently. But my boyfriend adores that lamb shank over orzo and greens, which truly is a phenomenal meal.

I love the booths, cozy and spacious. The patio is okay but I prefer indoors. People who live in places the weather sucks on a regular basis get very excited about patio dining. I've never understood this, unless it's a patio like the Ivy or Michael's, or perhaps Suzanne's in Ojai, where they labored over the landscaping.

In general, for fine dining I prefer eating indoors as some they've spent time and money making it look beautiful and I can sit outside whenever I wish.

But I wanted to say: the enchiliadas suiza are not suiza!

I didn't have a bad meal--and the green rice is *amazing*--but that bore no resemblance to enchiladas suiza. None. Zip. Zilch.

I don't know why they even call it that. I will mention it next time I'm in.

I like that at an upscale place, they have an 8 dollar glass of Tempranillo/Syrah.

But it was not a very inspired dish