Mediterranean Quick-Serve Spot Cava Is Heading to Rittenhouse Square

The 1700 block of Chestnut Street in Rittenhouse is about to gain three new eateries, joining dozens of lunch and dinner options in the neighborhood. The sign for Paris Baguette — a cafe selling coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, and salads — at 1717 Chestnut Street has been up for a while, and now Cava announces it’s moving in next door. Philly.com reports Ochatto is also opening on the block.

Paris Baguette is a chain with locations from New York to California. In Philly, there’s another one in Chinatown at 923 Arch Street. The menu has breakfast options, like egg and cheese on a croissant, a long list of lunchtime sandwiches and salads, savory breads, and sweet pastries. You can also pick up a mini-cake in a cup, a slice of cake, or a whole cake.

Next door, going into what was Buffalo Exchange (moved to 1520 Chestnut), is Cava, a Washington, D.C.-based chain serving Mediterranean fare. It’s a build-your-own spot, where you choose a base of salad, grains, or pita and add in proteins, veggies, and spreads.

The Rittenhouse location (1713 Chestnut) will have seats for 29 diners and be open 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. There will also be a second, bigger Cava just outside the city in Ardmore’s Suburban Square.

Cava [official photo]

To get a sneak peek of Ochatto, head to the University City location at 37th and Chestnut to check out the restaurant’s Chinese dishes, including hot pot.

Paris Baguette and Ochatto should open first, Philly.com reports — by the end of this year. Cava on Chestnut Street plans to start stuffing pitas early next year. The Ardmore location is shooting for a summer 2019 opening. Look for an announcement of a day of freebies at Cava ahead of the opening.

Paris Baguette / Facebook

• 3 eateries are set for Chestnut St. in Rittenhouse