As a student navigating the culinary scene in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the search for diverse global flavors can sometimes feel limited. While options abound for classic Southern BBQ, fried chicken, and Mexican fare, finding authentic Turkish food proved to be a challenge. My quest to locate a dedicated Turkish Food Restaurant nearby left me initially disappointed. Even inquiries with individuals from Turkey yielded no results, emphasizing the apparent absence of a full-fledged Turkish dining establishment in the vicinity. However, my research unveiled a promising alternative: Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, a local gem serving Turkish-inspired cuisine within its broader Mediterranean menu.
My curiosity piqued, and encouraged by positive reviews, I ventured to Taziki’s, a chain with roots in Birmingham, Alabama, established in 1998 and expanded to Tuscaloosa in 2011. Despite its franchise structure, each Taziki’s location operates under local ownership, fostering a strong connection with the community. This particular Taziki’s embraces the local spirit, particularly the fervent football culture, by offering game-day catering deals and proudly displaying support for “The Tide.”
Strategically situated in Midtown Village, a bustling hub for shopping and dining in Tuscaloosa, Taziki’s enjoys a prime location. My visit was preceded by browsing through stores like Old Navy and Kinnucan’s in Midtown Village, working up an appetite before dinner. Stepping into Taziki’s, the ambiance was reminiscent of a more spacious and cleaner Chipotle, with a similar order-at-the-counter setup leading to drink stations. The added convenience of table service allowed for a relaxed dining experience from the moment you choose your seating.
Arriving around 6 PM, the restaurant was comfortably uncrowded, with patrons spread throughout the dining area. The typical clientele seemed to include college students and young couples, though the presence of a kids’ menu suggests it’s also family-friendly. My friend and I opted for a window-side table, and considered the patio for people-watching had the weather been warmer. Taziki’s offers a pleasant, casual setting, less study-focused than a Panera, but ideal for a relaxed dinner with friends or a casual first date. The gentle hum of conversations created a laid-back atmosphere, allowing for unhurried menu exploration and ordering.
Driven by my initial search for a turkish food restaurant, I carefully examined the menu for Turkish dishes. After consulting the friendly cashier, who provided helpful descriptions of various items, I decided to try the hummus and dolmas. While hummus isn’t typically my go-to choice, the cashier’s recommendation prompted me to step outside my usual preferences. The dolmas, described as grape leaves wrapped – a classic Turkish preparation – particularly intrigued me. My friend selected the grilled chicken basil pesto gyro, a menu item that had garnered positive online feedback.
After collecting our drinks, we engaged in pre-dinner chat about Fall Break as we awaited our meals. The food arrived promptly and boasted an appealing presentation, reminiscent of professional food styling. The hummus was accompanied by warm pita bread and seasoned tortilla chips for dipping. The pita bread was wonderfully light and airy, providing a perfect counterpoint to the denser hummus. While the hummus itself was subtly flavored, the spiced tortilla chips added an enjoyable zest. Perhaps a different hummus variation might have been more impactful, as this particular one leaned towards blandness for my palate. The texture was slightly grainy, leaving a lingering feeling after a few bites. Seeking a more pronounced flavor profile, I turned my attention to the dolmas.
Accompanying the dolmas was a refreshing garden salad, a welcome palate cleanser after the hummus. The grape leaves encasing the dolmas had a slightly oily exterior, but the first bite unleashed a delightful burst of savory filling. A well-seasoned mixture of chicken, vegetables, and rice filled my mouth. Served warm, the chicken was perfectly cooked and combined with al dente rice – a culinary balance often missed in restaurant dishes. The savory filling was a welcome contrast to the milder hummus. After enjoying a couple of dolmas, I opted to focus on the flavorful filling, finding the grape leaves somewhat unnecessary for my personal taste. However, despite the enjoyable dolmas, the standout dish was undeniably the gyro.
Generously, my friend shared a bite of her gyro, keeping the rest for herself – a testament to its deliciousness. The pita bread had beautifully absorbed the pesto sauce, creating a harmonious blend of bread, sauce, chicken, and vegetables in each bite. The pesto sauce was exceptionally flavorful, elevating the chicken with a vibrant zest. While I didn’t sample the vegetable medley served with the gyro, it appeared fresh and appetizing.
Close-up of Dolmas, grape leaves stuffed with seasoned chicken and rice, a Turkish-inspired dish at Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe.
Would I return to Taziki’s? Absolutely. The food quality was commendable, and the prices were reasonable, especially for a student budget. Would I order the hummus and dolmas again? Probably not. While the dolmas were flavorful, I would prefer to simply enjoy the filling on its own. I might be open to exploring different hummus flavors, but not the original one I tried. Overall, my dining experience at Taziki’s was positive, and I definitely plan to revisit soon, specifically for the pesto gyro. While it may not be a dedicated turkish food restaurant, Taziki’s offers a pleasant taste of Turkish-inspired dishes within its broader Mediterranean menu, making it a worthwhile option when craving those flavors in Tuscaloosa.
