My boyfriend and I stopped by for lunch for the first time. We ordered the spicy hummus with fresh veggies as an appetizer. He chose a lamb burger for his meal, while I opted for the lamb gyro since we like to order different entrees and share. The hummus was delicious! It was a bit spicy for me, but I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to spice. The portion was larger than expected, and the veggies were fresh. However, I do wish there had been more cucumbers than celery. The gyro was fantastic; the lamb was cooked perfectly, and the portion was generous. The only thing I would change is that I prefer a little more sauce, and I like it poured on top of the meat rather than directly on the pita because it tends to get soggy. I also ordered a cucumber salad as a side; it had more tomatoes than cucumbers, but it had great flavor nonetheless. The lamb burger had two patties and was topped with excellent sauce and just the right amount of tomatoes. I felt it was missing a certain flavor or spice, but I couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. Additionally, the bread was a bit too soft for my liking, but overall, it was a great burger. My boyfriend chose pasta salad as a side, which also had a good portion and great flavor. We will definitely eat here again! The employees were very friendly and helpful. Bryan took our order and checked on us a couple of times. The dining area and restrooms were very clean.
Taziki's Mediterranean Café
Excerpts
My boyfriend and I stopped by for lunch for the first time. We ordered the spicy hummus with fresh veggies as an appetizer. He chose a lamb burger for his meal, while I opted for the lamb gyro since we like to order different entrees and share. The hummus was delicious! It was a bit spicy for me, but I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to spice. The portion was larger than expected, and the veggies were fresh. However, I do wish there had been more cucumbers than celery. The gyro was fantastic; the lamb was cooked perfectly, and the portion was generous. The only thing I would change is that I prefer a little more sauce, and I like it poured on top of the meat rather than directly on the pita because it tends to get soggy. I also ordered a cucumber salad as a side; it had more tomatoes than cucumbers, but it had great flavor nonetheless. The lamb burger had two patties and was topped with excellent sauce and just the right amount of tomatoes. I felt it was missing a certain flavor or spice, but I couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. Additionally, the bread was a bit too soft for my liking, but overall, it was a great burger. My boyfriend chose pasta salad as a side, which also had a good portion and great flavor. We will definitely eat here again! The employees were very friendly and helpful. Bryan took our order and checked on us a couple of times. The dining area and restrooms were very clean.
Just a heads-up if you’re expecting a solid portion like other spots. 1st and last time here. I don’t know if it was because I ordered to go but the meat portions were sad to say the least. (Pics attached) I was visiting and looked up places similar to another favorite in Austin. This place doesn’t even come close. Or other Mediterranean/Greek places I’ve tried. Chipotle gives bigger portions for less! I honestly should’ve just gone there — I’m still hungry after eating this. Girl at the cashier was nice though. Gave 3 stars for atmosphere only because the cooking area is raised — other places let you actually see your food being made, which I prefer. You’ve been warned.
Just a heads-up if you’re expecting a solid portion like other spots. 1st and last time here. I don’t know if it was because I ordered to go but the meat portions were sad to say the least. (Pics attached) I was visiting and looked up places similar to another favorite in Austin. This place doesn’t even come close. Or other Mediterranean/Greek places I’ve tried. Chipotle gives bigger portions for less! I honestly should’ve just gone there — I’m still hungry after eating this. Girl at the cashier was nice though. Gave 3 stars for atmosphere only because the cooking area is raised — other places let you actually see your food being made, which I prefer. You’ve been warned.
I’d say this — not as a critique, just some straight talk from me. Beautiful spot. Clean, sharp, friendly crew behind the counter. No argument there. But that alone doesn’t make it a Mediterranean café or a Mediterranean restaurant. If you’re gonna serve lamb, make sure it tastes like lamb. Same goes for the beef. And please — add fries to that menu. I get it — somebody probably said, “Hey, let’s toss in some chips.” Okay. Keep your potato chips if you really want to. Just make them a side choice, not the default. When I open my tray and see chips scattered next to a gyro, it feels more like a sandwich shop than a real Greek café. Fries, y’all. Hot, crispy, a touch salty. Fries that belong next to a juicy gyro wrapped tight in warm pita. They’re not optional — they’re part of the whole experience. And please, don’t come at me with the “healthy option” talk. Fries and gyros just go together. Always have. Always will. Now — I did notice they offer roasted red potatoes. Okay, nice touch. But so what? That’s still not fries. Totally different ballgame. Fries belong with gyros. Red potatoes belong next to a Sunday roast. Now, about those salads. We tried the pasta salad and that cucumber-feta-tomato mix. Both were… fine. Fresh enough, not bad, but just not flavorful. Nothing that made me reach for another bite. Not terrible — just out of place and out of their league. Honestly, even if you handed me a free gift card, I probably wouldn’t order either again. And just to be clear — the restaurant isn’t out here calling these things “pairings.” That’s me doing that. They list them as “options,” but hey, in my book, an “option” still means you’re pairing it with something. So if we’re pairing, let’s pair right. Now we gotta talk tzatziki. Hey. No breaks here. That gyro is begging for some real sauce — the kind that makes you stop talking for a second. Right now, it’s just okay. Needs some pop. Add more yogurt, sour cream, dill, mint, vinegar, cucumber, garlic, and a little lemon. Let it rest a day or two. That’s when the magic happens. Pita bread? You’re close. I like it a bit more doughy — that soft kind with a little flour dust on your fingers, but still sturdy enough to hold its own. You drop that gyro, it’s over. Now picture this: a fat, well-stuffed gyro on a real plate, hot fries on the side, bold tzatziki, and a tall glass of Texas sweet tea. That’s what brings folks back — and keeps ’em talking. Do that, and you’ll light up FM 306. So ditch the deli trays, finger-food sides, and sub-shop vibe. Focus on pairing — or “optioning,” whichever you prefer — pair, pair, and then pair some more. You’re close. Real close. I see promise here. That’s it for now. Got questions? Hit me up. I check messages about once a week. Still recommend this spot. Go try it for yourself. Nothing wrong here that a few easy fixes won’t fix. Just my opinion. — Tom :)