Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe in Greenville: Fresh Flavors and Family Recipes

What to expect at Taziki's in Greenville

Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe is a casual counter-service restaurant in Greenville that serves Mediterranean food built around grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and house-made sauces. The menu centers on bowls, pitas, and salads—you choose your protein (chicken, lamb, beef, or seafood), your base (rice, greens, or pita), and your toppings. The restaurant's signature item is the taziki sauce, a yogurt-based sauce made from a family recipe that appears on most dishes. The space is bright and unpretentious, designed for quick meals rather than lingering, with a few tables inside and outdoor seating when weather permits.

The Greenville location sits in a walkable area with parking nearby, making it convenient for lunch breaks or casual dinners. Prices run moderate—most bowls and pitas fall in the $10 to $14 range—and the portions are substantial. The restaurant also offers sides like hummus, falafel, and Greek salads, plus desserts including baklava and Greek yogurt parfaits.

Key Takeaways

• Taziki's uses a build-your-own-bowl format where you select protein, base, and toppings from Mediterranean ingredients.
• The house-made taziki sauce—a yogurt-based condiment from the owner's family recipe—is the restaurant's signature and appears on most dishes.
• Lunch and dinner are both counter-service, so expect to order at the register and pick up your food within minutes.
• The Greenville location has indoor and outdoor seating and is located in a pedestrian-friendly area with accessible parking.

The menu and how to order

Ordering at Taziki's follows a straightforward path: start with your protein. Grilled chicken is the most popular choice and pairs well with almost any topping combination. Lamb, beef, and shrimp are also available, along with a vegetarian option of falafel or grilled vegetables. Each protein is seasoned and cooked to order, so there is a short wait—usually under five minutes—between ordering and receiving your food.

Next, choose your base: white or brown rice, mixed greens, or a pita bread. Rice bowls are the most filling option and work well if you plan to eat at the restaurant. Pitas are better for taking food to go. Greens-based bowls appeal to diners watching their carbohydrate intake. Once you have selected your base and protein, you build the rest of the bowl with toppings: cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese, olives, and the house taziki sauce. You can also add extras like hummus or a fried falafel ball for a small upcharge.

Salads follow the same logic—pick your greens, protein, and toppings—and come with your choice of dressing. Greek salad, Mediterranean salad, and a house salad are all available as standalone orders or as a base for protein. Sides like hummus, tzatziki, and warm pita bread can round out a meal, and the baklava or Greek yogurt parfait work as dessert.

Signature dishes and what makes them stand out

The Taziki Bowl is the restaurant's namesake dish and the best introduction to what the restaurant does. It comes with your choice of protein over rice or greens, topped with the house taziki sauce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta. The sauce itself—creamy, tangy, and herbaceous—is what distinguishes Taziki's from other Mediterranean spots in Greenville. The owner brought the recipe from his family's background, and it tastes noticeably fresher than bottled versions.

The Lamb Bowl is worth trying if you eat lamb; the meat is tender and well-seasoned, and it pairs particularly well with the taziki sauce and feta. The Shrimp Bowl appeals to seafood diners and comes grilled rather than fried, keeping the dish light. For vegetarians, the Falafel Bowl uses house-made falafel—crispy outside, fluffy inside—and holds up well with all the same toppings as the meat options.

Timing, location, and parking

Taziki's in Greenville is located on Haywood Road in a shopping area that includes other restaurants and retail. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with hours typically running from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., though it is worth confirming current hours by phone or online before visiting. Lunch rush runs from noon to 1 p.m., and the line can grow during that window, but the counter-service model keeps things moving.

Parking is available in the shopping center lot and is usually easy to find, even during lunch. The restaurant itself is small—seating is limited to a handful of tables inside and a few chairs outside—so on busy days you may eat standing up or take your food elsewhere. The outdoor seating is pleasant in mild weather and overlooks the parking area.

Dietary considerations and customization

Taziki's menu is naturally accommodating to several dietary patterns. Vegetarian diners have falafel and grilled vegetable options. Those avoiding gluten can order any bowl over rice or greens instead of pita. The restaurant can also build bowls without certain ingredients if you have allergies or preferences—just ask at the counter when you order. Feta cheese and yogurt-based sauces are present in most dishes, so dairy-free diners should specify that when ordering.

The restaurant does not have a separate fryer for falafel or other fried items, so cross-contamination is possible if that is a concern for you. Asking the staff about preparation methods when you order is the best way to understand what is safe for your needs.

How Taziki's fits into Greenville's food scene

Mediterranean restaurants in Greenville range from casual counter-service spots like Taziki's to full-service establishments with table service and wine lists. Taziki's occupies the casual, affordable end of that spectrum—it is the kind of place you visit for a quick, satisfying lunch or an easy dinner without ceremony. The food is straightforward and honest, built on fresh ingredients and house-made components rather than shortcuts.

The restaurant appeals to office workers in the area looking for something faster than a sit-down restaurant but more interesting than a chain, to families wanting a meal where everyone can customize their own bowl, and to people exploring Mediterranean flavors without the price tag of a fancier venue. It is also a good option if you are new to Mediterranean food and want to try it in a low-pressure setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online or call ahead?

Most Taziki's locations accept phone orders, and many also offer online ordering through their website or third-party apps. Calling ahead during lunch rush can cut your wait time significantly, since your food will be ready when you arrive. Check the Greenville location's phone number and ordering options on their website or Google Business listing.

Is there a kids menu?

Taziki's does not have a separate kids menu, but children can order smaller portions of any bowl or pita at a reduced price. You can also build a simple bowl with mild flavors—grilled chicken, rice, and taziki sauce—that most kids enjoy. Ask the staff about portion sizes and pricing when you order.

What if I do not like the taziki sauce?

The sauce is central to most dishes, but you can request it on the side or ask for a different dressing instead. Greek salad dressing, olive oil and lemon, or hummus are all available alternatives. Do not hesitate to ask the staff what other options work with your bowl.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

Vegetarian options include falafel bowls, grilled vegetable bowls, and salads with feta and olives. Vegan diners can order a bowl with grilled vegetables, rice, hummus, and olive oil-based toppings, though you will need to skip the taziki sauce and feta. Confirm with staff that your customized bowl meets your needs.

How long does it take from order to pickup?

Counter-service orders typically take five to ten minutes, depending on how busy the restaurant is and how complex your customizations are. During lunch rush, expect closer to ten minutes. If you call ahead, your order will be ready when you arrive or within a few minutes of your stated time.