Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe in Simpsonville: Fresh Mezze and Grilled Specialties

What to expect at Taziki's Simpsonville location

Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe in Simpsonville serves the same wood-fired grilled meats, fresh mezze platters, and house-made hummus that define the regional chain, but in a casual neighborhood setting on Grandview Drive. The menu centers on Mediterranean flavors—lamb, chicken, and seafood grilled over open flame, paired with seasonal vegetables, feta, and olive oil–based sauces. You order at the counter, find a seat in the dining room or on the patio, and the kitchen brings food to your table.

The space itself is bright and unpretentious, with exposed brick, simple wood tables, and a view into the open kitchen. It's the kind of place where families with young children sit next to groups of friends, and nobody feels out of place. The patio is particularly pleasant on mild evenings, with string lights and enough space to breathe.

Key Takeaways

• Taziki's grills lamb, chicken, and seafood over open flame and serves them with fresh vegetables, feta, and house-made sauces rather than heavy cream-based dressings.
• The mezze platter—a spread of hummus, baba ganoush, dolmas, and grilled vegetables—works well for sharing or as a light meal on its own.
• The Simpsonville location has both indoor seating and a patio, with counter ordering and table service.
• Lunch runs roughly 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays; dinner service extends into the evening, with hours varying by day.

Signature dishes and what to order

The lamb kabob is the dish most regulars return for—cubed lamb marinated in olive oil, lemon, and spices, then grilled until the outside chars and the inside stays tender. It comes with grilled tomatoes, onions, and a side of tzatziki. The portion is substantial without being overwhelming.

If you're less adventurous with meat, the chicken souvlaki offers the same grilling technique with milder flavor—chicken breast marinated in oregano and lemon, grilled and served with the same vegetable sides. Both can be ordered as a platter (with rice and salad) or wrapped in pita.

The mezze platter is designed for sharing or for anyone who wants to taste several things at once. It includes hummus, baba ganoush, dolmas (grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs), grilled vegetables, feta, and warm pita. The hummus is made fresh in-house and has a noticeably lighter, more vibrant taste than store-bought versions.

Seafood changes with availability, but grilled salmon and branzino appear regularly. Both are simply prepared—seasoned, grilled, and finished with lemon and olive oil—which lets the quality of the fish show.

Pricing and what a meal costs

Entrees (platter format with rice and salad) typically range from the mid-teens to low twenties in dollars. Mezze platters and lighter sandwiches run slightly less. Appetizers and sides—hummus, baba ganoush, grilled vegetables—are priced individually and work well if you want to build your own spread without committing to a full entree.

The restaurant does not have a liquor license, so there's no wine or beer list. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are available. This keeps the overall bill lower than a full-service Mediterranean restaurant and makes it a reasonable choice for a casual weekday lunch.

Hours, location, and how to find it

Taziki's Simpsonville is located on Grandview Drive in the Simpsonville area, roughly between Greenville and Mauldin. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours shift seasonally and by day of the week—it's worth checking their website or calling ahead before making a trip, especially on Sunday or Monday when some locations have reduced hours.

Parking is available in the lot shared with neighboring businesses. The restaurant is accessible by car from I-385 and is close enough to downtown Simpsonville that you can combine a meal here with browsing nearby shops or galleries if you have time.

When to go and what the crowd is like

Lunch (roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on weekdays) draws office workers and families. The line moves quickly because counter ordering keeps things efficient, and most people are in and out within 45 minutes. It's a good time to go if you want a fast meal without lingering.

Dinner is quieter and more relaxed, especially on weeknights. Weekends bring families and groups of friends, and the patio fills up on warm evenings. There's no reservation system, so you order when you arrive, but waits are rarely long unless you come right at peak dinner time (around 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.).

Dietary considerations and customization

The menu is naturally accommodating to vegetarians—the mezze platter, grilled vegetables, and hummus-based dishes are all meat-free. The kitchen can also build vegetarian plates with rice, salad, and grilled vegetables if you want something more substantial than mezze alone.

Gluten-free diners should ask about bread and marinades, as some items may contain gluten. The staff is generally knowledgeable about ingredients and can point out which dishes work best for dietary restrictions, but it's worth confirming directly rather than assuming.

Why Taziki's fits into Simpsonville's dining scene

Simpsonville has grown significantly in recent years, and Taziki's represents the kind of casual, ingredient-focused restaurant that appeals to both longtime residents and newcomers. It's not fine dining—there's no tablecloth or wine list—but it's not fast food either. The food is made to order, the ingredients are fresh, and the flavors are genuine rather than Americanized.

For people exploring Mediterranean food for the first time, Taziki's is approachable: the menu is straightforward, the portions are reasonable, and nothing feels intimidating. For people who already know Mediterranean cuisine, the quality of the grilling and the freshness of the mezze keep them coming back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my food to go?

Yes. You order at the counter the same way whether you're eating in or taking out. The staff will pack everything in containers, and the food travels well—the pita stays warm, and the sauces don't separate during a short drive.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes, there's a patio with tables and string lights. It's weather-dependent, so it's most comfortable during spring, fall, and mild summer evenings. In winter or during rain, indoor seating is the better option.

What if I don't eat meat?

The mezze platter is substantial and satisfying on its own, and the kitchen can build custom vegetarian plates with grilled vegetables, rice, salad, and hummus. Several appetizers and sides are also meat-free.

How long does a meal usually take?

At lunch, expect 30 to 45 minutes from ordering to eating, depending on how busy it is. Dinner is usually similar, though it can stretch longer if you linger over conversation. There's no rush to leave once you're seated.

Is this a chain, or is it local to Simpsonville?

Taziki's is a regional chain with multiple locations across the Southeast, but each restaurant operates independently and sources from local suppliers where possible. The Simpsonville location has the same menu and philosophy as the others, but the staff and regulars give it its own character.