Taziki’s Adds Chargrilled Turkish Meatballs to Its Menu

<p>Taziki’s Mediterranean Café is adding a smoky new flavor to its menu this fall, borrowing a page from the street grills of Izmir. Beginning November 3, the fast-casual chain is serving Turkish Meatballs, a limited-time addition that reflects founder Keith Richards’ fascination with the simplicity and precision of Turkish chargrilling.

Unlike the sauced or simmered meatballs familiar to most American diners, these are cooked to order over an open flame. The result is a crisp, smoky crust and a tender center that lets the flavor of the lamb come through. The lamb itself is sourced domestically through Wolverine, a Michigan-based partner that supplies the cafés with fresh, traceable meat. It’s a small detail that fits Taziki’s broader mission: to keep its Mediterranean cooking both bright and responsibly sourced.

The new meatballs appear in three forms. The Turkish Meatball Feast layers them over rustic tomato sauce with crumbled feta and fresh basil. Wrapped in warm pita, the Turkish Meatball Gyro offers a portable version with Mediterranean garnishes. For a lighter meal, the Turkish Meatball Salad Topper can be added to a Taziki’s Caesar, Mediterranean or Greek salad.

Richards said the idea took hold during a recent trip to Turkey, where he stopped into several restaurants known for their grilled meats. “On my trip to Izmir, I ate at several local restaurants, including one called Topçu, and the way they chargrilled their meatballs to order really stood out,” he told Escape Hatch Dallas in an email. “The first taste sparked the idea that this technique and flavor profile would fit perfectly within our menu. It’s Mediterranean comfort food at its best — simple, authentic and made fresh.”

That balance of clean ingredients handled with care has been central to Taziki’s since the first café opened in 1998. The brand’s menu draws on the Mediterranean diet’s emphasis on olive oil, herbs, vegetables and lean proteins, a way of eating that U.S. News & World Report has ranked No. 1 overall for eight consecutive years. Richards and his team continue to build on that foundation while keeping the menu lively and seasonal.

Taziki’s now operates more than 100 locations across 18 states, from its home base in Birmingham, Alabama. The new Turkish Meatballs, available through January 25, 2026, are designed as both a nod to tradition and a reason for regulars to return. They’re hearty without being heavy, familiar but distinctive — a small, smoky reminder of how well a classic idea can travel.

Editor’s note: Taziki’s Mediterranean Café has multiple locations across North Texas, including Plano, Southlake, and Dallas.