Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe in Columbia — What to Order and What to Expect

What Taziki's serves and where to find it

Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe is a fast-casual restaurant in Columbia that builds bowls, pitas, and salads around grilled chicken, lamb, and seafood, with Mediterranean spice blends and fresh vegetables. The menu draws from Greek, Lebanese, and Turkish cooking traditions — expect flavors like za'atar, tahini, and pomegranate alongside grilled proteins and house-made sauces.

The Columbia location sits on Devine Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area with other restaurants and shops nearby. Taziki's operates as a counter-service restaurant: you order at the register, pay, and pick up your food at the counter. The space has indoor seating and a casual atmosphere suited to lunch, dinner, or a quick meal between errands.

Key Takeaways

• Taziki's builds customizable bowls and pitas with your choice of protein, base, and toppings, so you can shape the meal to what you want.
• The menu includes grilled chicken, lamb, shrimp, and falafel, paired with Mediterranean vegetables, grains, and house-made sauces like tzatziki and hummus.
• Prices run moderate for a sit-down meal — entrees typically fall in the $10 to $15 range depending on protein and add-ons.
• The Five Points location is walkable and open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by season and day of the week.

How to order and customize your meal

Taziki's operates on a build-your-own model. You start by choosing a base — rice, pita bread, or salad greens — then select a protein. The most popular proteins are grilled chicken and lamb, but shrimp and falafel (a chickpea fritter) are also available. You then choose vegetables from a line that typically includes tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, and lettuce.

After vegetables, you pick a sauce. Tzatziki (a yogurt and cucumber sauce) and hummus are standard, but Taziki's also offers tahini, a garlic sauce, and a spiced yogurt sauce. You can ask for multiple sauces or request them on the side. The staff will also add feta cheese, olives, or other toppings if you ask, though some may incur a small upcharge.

If you prefer not to build your own, Taziki's has preset combinations on the menu — named bowls and pitas that come with set proteins, vegetables, and sauces. These are faster to order if you want a recommendation or don't want to make choices at the counter.

What the food tastes like and what to expect

Taziki's food is Mediterranean in flavor but not heavy. The grilled proteins are seasoned with spice blends that lean toward cumin, sumac, and oregano rather than heat — the food is flavorful without being spicy unless you ask for it. The sauces are the backbone of the meal; tzatziki brings cool, tangy flavor, while tahini adds nuttiness and richness.

The vegetables are fresh and crisp, and the portions are generous — a bowl or pita will fill you up. The pita bread is warm and soft, good for wrapping around the fillings. If you order a bowl instead of a pita, you eat it with a fork, and the combination of warm grains or rice with cool vegetables and sauce creates a balanced, satisfying meal.

The falafel is a good choice if you don't eat meat or want a lighter protein. It's crispy on the outside and soft inside, and it pairs well with the yogurt-based sauces. Shrimp is less common on the menu than chicken or lamb but shows up regularly and cooks quickly.

Pricing and what you'll spend

A single entree — bowl, pita, or salad — typically costs between $10 and $15, depending on which protein you choose. Chicken is usually the least expensive option, while lamb and shrimp cost a bit more. Falafel falls in the middle. Add-ons like extra feta, olives, or hummus may add $1 to $2 to your total.

Taziki's also sells sides like hummus, tzatziki, and pita bread separately if you want to take extras home or share. Drinks and desserts are available but not the focus of the menu. The price point makes it accessible for a weekday lunch or casual dinner without being budget dining.

Hours, parking, and how to get there

The Five Points location is on Devine Street, a few blocks from the University of South Carolina campus. Street parking is available along Devine and on nearby side streets, though it can fill up during lunch hours and early evening. There is no dedicated parking lot, so plan to walk a short distance from your car.

Hours vary by season and day of the week, but Taziki's typically opens for lunch around 11 a.m. and closes in the evening. The restaurant is closed on some Sundays and may have reduced hours on certain holidays. Check the location's phone number or website before visiting if you're going outside typical lunch or dinner times.

The Five Points neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly, and Taziki's sits near other restaurants, a bookstore, and shops, so you can combine your meal with other errands or activities in the area.

When to go and what the crowd is like

Lunch hours — roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — are the busiest time, especially on weekdays. The line moves quickly because the counter-service format keeps things efficient, but you may wait 10 to 15 minutes during peak times. If you want to avoid a crowd, go early in the lunch window or in the mid-afternoon.

Dinner is quieter than lunch, and the restaurant draws a mix of students, professionals, and neighborhood residents. The casual atmosphere and counter-service setup make it easy to eat alone or with a group. The space is not designed for lingering over a long meal, but it's comfortable enough for a relaxed lunch or dinner.

Dietary options and restrictions

Taziki's menu accommodates several dietary needs. Vegetarians can order falafel or build a vegetable-only bowl with hummus or tahini sauce. The restaurant uses olive oil and can make meals without dairy if you ask, though some sauces contain yogurt by default.

If you have allergies or strict dietary requirements, ask to speak with a manager or call ahead. The staff can tell you which dishes contain nuts, dairy, or gluten, and whether they can modify a meal to fit your needs. Pita bread contains gluten, but you can substitute a salad base if you need to avoid it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online or do I have to go in person?

Most Taziki's locations accept online orders through their website or third-party delivery apps, though availability varies by location and time of day. Call the Columbia location directly to confirm whether online ordering is available, or ask at the counter when you visit.

Is there a kids menu?

Taziki's does not have a formal kids menu, but the staff can make smaller portions or simpler bowls for children. Ask at the counter what options they can offer — most kids do well with grilled chicken, rice, and mild sauce.

What's the difference between a bowl and a pita?

A bowl comes in a container with rice or greens as the base, and you eat it with a fork. A pita wraps the same fillings in warm bread, so you eat it with your hands. Both come with the same proteins and toppings — it's just a matter of preference.

Do you have vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. Falafel is vegetarian and works well in a bowl or pita. For vegan meals, order falafel with a salad base, vegetables, and tahini or garlic sauce — ask the staff to hold any dairy-based sauces. Hummus is vegan if made without yogurt, so confirm with the staff.

How long does it take to get my food?

During slow times, you'll have your meal in 5 to 10 minutes. During lunch rush, expect 15 to 20 minutes. The counter-service format keeps things moving, but the food is made to order, so there's always a short wait.