Cleo's: Experience Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine in New Orleans

Vegetarian platter = yummmmmmy Highly recommend! If you are a baba ganoush and/or hummus fan, this is the place! I only wish they had a few proper tables to eat at. Looks like they had tables at one time, but it’s all boxes of individually packed grocery items now.

This is not a sit down restaurant, more like a convenience store with a few chairs about. We were told that it used to be dine in though. That said, I had the lamb shawarma plate with hummus. To say it was delicious is an understatement. The lamb was tender and seasoned well. The pita was pillowy soft, and the hummus was smooth, with just the right amount of garlic. Everything was so good, and the staff were nice. I look forward to having it again the next time and every time I visit NO.

After trying a few local spots around New Orleans, I decided to switch things up and explore something more on the ethnic side. Cleo’s, advertised as Mediterranean, seemed like a good place to enjoy a taste of Lebanon. In reality, the menu reflects a broader Middle Eastern mix, featuring classic dishes such as kebabs, hummus, and baba ghanoush, blending familiar favorites from the region. The restaurant is quietly tucked off the main street yet remains very accessible. The décor follows a Moroccan–Arabic style, with arabesque-inspired patterns on the tables and walls. The lighting is warm and pleasant, creating a comfortable atmosphere without being harsh or overwhelming. Service was provided by a very kind lady who appeared quite busy that day, yet she remained friendly, attentive, and professional throughout the meal. Prices are noticeably affordable compared to other restaurants in the area. I ordered the chicken kebab, served with rice, hummus, and complimentary pita bread. The plate was well presented, and portions were reasonable, neither too small nor overly large. Several side options were available as well. The chicken itself was cooked perfectly. It was marinated in a special sauce that gave it a distinct and memorable flavor. The addition of marinated onions added an extra layer of taste that complemented the dish beautifully. Overall, Cleo’s is a clean, pleasant, and welcoming restaurant with very reasonable prices. It’s a solid choice if you're looking for Middle Eastern comfort food in a relaxed setting right off Canal Street.

Was not at all sure what to expect with a restaurant/convenience store but the food was delicious. Once we walked in and looked confused the cashier offered us menus and we picked some of the things that looked extra tasty. It wasn't particularly cheap considering it's takeaway but it was all worth it. Lots of great veggie options on the menu. Loved the veggie moussaka, spinach pie and french fries. Loved the halloumi too but the portion of halloumi was rather petite. Also worth a visit if you'd like to try a new soft drink or candy item, the shelves were bursting with interesting items.

Chicken shawarma plate was amazing. Super well seasoned chicken, delicious hummus, and perfect pita bread. Baklava was also amazing. Not sure the shawarma needs to be $22, but other than that it was perfect

This location is inside a convenience store but dont let that scare you. Best hummus I've ever had. Chicken Shwarama was great, Gyro was delighted. Will definitely be back.

We had our trip to New Orleans for Christmas holidays. We have tried local food but we wanted to have smth different from seafood too. It was a pleasure to see the Mediterranean cuisine on the heart of French quarter - Cleo restaurant. The place is very quiet, service is fast, portions are huge, food is fresh and tasty, price is affordable and they have authentic fresh pita bread! And food is HALAL! We have enjoyed it a lot and we will be happy to visit this restaurant in our next trip to New Orleans! Thank you for a great food and service

I know New Orleans is known for its Soul Food, but this was without exaggeration the best Mediterranean food I’ve ever had. I got the vegetarian platter. While I’m normally not big on baba ghanoush, I was licking the plate it was so good. The falafels were prepared perfectly, and the grape leaves melted in my mouth. Edit: it’s been five days and I’m still thinking about this meal