CLEO MEDITERRANEO
SHARABLE PLATES NEVER TASTED SO GOOD

From the sbe group and its founder Sam Nazarian has come some of L.A.’s most popular eateries such as The Bazaar by José Andrés, Katsuya, and Umami Burger to name just a few. Another of the group’s most popular dining destinations includes Cleo for mighty Mediterranean cuisine.

The group owns Cleo restaurants in Las Vegas, New York, Baha Mar and Kuwait. The L.A. Cleo is on trendy Third Street in The Orlando Hotel and caters to hotel guests and locals alike. The award-winning restaurant concept features a menu by Executive Chef Danny Elmaleh and offers a warm, social setting for dining on sharable dishes that combine local flavors with modern accents, inspired by diverse cultures.

Cleo’s patio area offers a great vantage point to people watch along the chic boulevard. Start with a drink, perhaps the Mediterranean Margarita with Casamigos blanco tequila, almond, fig and lime, and prepare for a fine time to ensue. Or opt for the Cleo Martini with Absolut Vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, basil, cucumber serrano, lemon and your night will really be a revelry as this drink is nice and boozy—think dirty without being too potent.

Wonderful starter items include the hummus prepared “masabacha” style with chickpeas, cumin and lemon, and the Spicy Cigars with brik pastry, spiced beef, lebaneh, and feta, which is an absolute favorite.

Other small plate (orektikos) winners include the Lamb Sliders served with feta, piquillo peppers, harissa aioli, pickled shallot, and challah, and the absolutely divine Grilled Octopus with smoked paprika, celery, lebaneh, and grilled potato. I want another one right now! Great healthy side dishes include the Brusels Sprouts with caper almond vinaigrette, and the roasted cauliflower.

There’s a variety of Kebabs to choose from, including tandoori chicken, lamb, shrimp, and filet mignon, among others, however, I say go for the American Wagyu, which is so tender, tasty and tantalizing. It’s the priciest of the bunch but for good reason.

If you’re looking for hearty large plate options, your choices include rack of lamb, hanger steak, and branzino, but we opted for the Filet Mignon, and Chilean Seabass. The Filet Mignon is USDA Prime, dry-aged four to six weeks and it’s so tender and flavorful. Pair with a glass of red wine and your taste buds will thank you. I’m a big fan of Chilean Seabass and this dish is prepared with citrus, ginger, basil, cilantro and chili ponzu. It is light and fresh and pairs delectably with a nice glass of white wine. Either of these two dishes will be a great way to top off an evening of fabulous fare.

Cleo Mediterraneo is located at 8384 W. Third Street. Open every day with daily Social Hour from 4pm to 7pm. Call 323-579-1600.

Story By; Jose Martinez

Photography Courtesy Of: Cleo Mediterraneo