Cleo Miami Beach Elevates Eastern Mediterranean Dining in South of Fifth

June 6th, 2025 – A refined new chapter in Miami Beach dining has arrived with the opening of Cleo, a restaurant that reimagines Eastern Mediterranean cuisine through a fresh, contemporary lens. Located inside the historic Balfour Hotel in the city’s exclusive South of Fifth neighborhood, Cleo invites diners to gather over sun-soaked dishes rooted in the culinary traditions of Greece, Morocco, and the Levant—all presented with modern flair and timeless hospitality.

At the helm is Executive Chef Camila Olarte, whose 15-year culinary journey spans some of the world’s most celebrated kitchens, including The French Laundry, The Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller, and Los Fuegos by Francis Mallman. Her training at Gato Dumas in Colombia and Le Cordon Bleu in Lima honed a style that’s both technically precise and deeply soulful.

Olarte describes Cleo’s mission as:

Her dishes are crafted to engage the senses and create meaningful conversation around the table—reflecting the kind of generous hospitality one might experience at a long lunch in Athens or a late-night dinner in Tel Aviv.

Cleo’s mezze-style menu sets the tone for connection. It begins with house-baked Jou Jou Pita Bread, warm and fluffy, paired with Miza Dips like Moutabel—smoky charred eggplant blended with tahini and pomegranate—and Walnut Muhammara, a bold blend of chilies, tomatoes, and pomegranate molasses. Dishes like the Spicy Cigars (crispy lamb pastries with labneh), Lamb Köfte, and Wagyu Skirt Steak Kebabs reflect the restaurant’s commitment to vibrant spices and quality proteins.

Seafood lovers will gravitate toward the Grilled Branzino, which channels the essence of the Mediterranean coast with its simplicity and finesse. And the menu doesn’t shy away from indulgence—desserts like the Baklava Tower and Pomegranate Granita offer elegant endings to a generous feast.

Cleo transitions seamlessly throughout the day, beginning with a sunny breakfast service that includes Turkish Eggs with chili oil and manchego toasties, or Nutella French Toast made with brioche, cornflakes, and Greek yogurt. The Mediterranean Breakfast features house-baked flatbreads with savory spreads and seasonal vegetables, ideally enjoyed with the restaurant’s signature tea blend.

As the afternoon unfolds, happy hour from 3–6 p.m. daily invites locals and visitors alike to unwind with $5 Mythos beer, $10 signature cocktails, half-off wines by the glass, and special pricing on select mezze. These specials are available throughout the bar, dining room, courtyard, and wraparound terrace, offering multiple settings to sip and socialize.

The beverage program, rooted in the flavors of the three Mediterranean coasts—France, Italy, and Spain, mirrors the culinary philosophy with thoughtful twists. The 3 Coasts Martini blends French vodka, Italian aromatized wine, and Spanish sherry washed in Greek olive oil. The Que Syrah Syrah, a fruit-forward take on sangria, mixes Syrah with wild strawberry cordial and pink peppercorns. And for something truly transportive, the Basbousa Ramos—inspired by the North African semolina cake—layers gin with saffron, almond, coconut, and Amalfi lemon.

Cleo’s interiors, designed within the 1940 art deco framework by Anton Skislewicz, exude understated elegance. White linen drapery, terrazzo floors, and natural stone accents are softened by personal touches, including oil paintings and artifacts collected along the Mediterranean. An olive tree stands at the heart of the dining room, evoking a sense of rooted tradition.

Outdoors, the courtyard and terrace are finished with terra-cotta mosaic tiles, neutral-toned seating, and an easy flow between indoor and outdoor living—perfectly suited for Miami’s al fresco culture.

Cleo is open seven days a week, serving breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to noon, lunch from noon to 3 p.m., and dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.