Cleo, located inside Mondrian Seoul Itaewon (몬드리안 호텔), is a must-visit spot for those craving a taste of the Mediterranean in the heart of Seoul. With its stylish interior, warm atmosphere, and a menu featuring everything from fresh seafood to perfectly grilled meats, Cleo brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to the trendy Itaewon dining scene. In this post, I’ll share my experience at Cleo and why it should be on your list of restaurants in Itaewon to check out!
Location
Itaewon
Cuisine
Mediterranean
Meal Type
Lunch
Date of Visit
30 Jan 2025
Table of Contents
About Mondrian Seoul
Mondrian Seoul in Itaewon is a stylish hotel that was originally known as Capital Hotel. The building underwent a major transformation and was remodeled into Mondrian Seoul in 2020, bringing a trendy atmosphere to the Itaewon area and has become a go-to destination for many tourists. The hotel gained even more attention when Girls’ Generation (SNSD) celebrated their 17th anniversary here, sharing glimpses of their stay on Youtube.
Map
22-76 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul
클레오 (몬드리안 이태원)
Menu
Cleo’s menu had a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes influenced from Greek, Italian, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines. You’ll find an assortment of mezze (small plates) like hummus and tzatziki which are perfect for sharing. Their seafood and meat dishes highlight fresh ingredients with bold flavors, while pasta and pizza options add a comforting Italian touch.
What I Ordered
1.Trio of Dips with House-Baked Juju Bread
The Trio of Dips was a perfect way to start the meal, featuring three classic Mediterranean dips—a mix of hummus, labneh, and baba ganoush—served with Cleo’s signature house-baked flatbread. The bread was warm & fluffy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, making it ideal for scooping up the creamy dips. Each dip had a distinct texture and taste, ranging from the garlicky richness of hummus to the smoky depth of baba ganoush and the refreshing tang of labneh.
2.Zucchini Gamberi Pizza
This was a unique pizza with a thin, crisp crust topped with zucchini and shrimp. The zucchini slices added a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to the well-seasoned shrimp, while the melted cheese and slightly spicy tomato sauce tied everything together.
3.Cuttlefish Ink Pasta
This pasta was a standout dish with its squid ink pasta, which imparted a deep seafood flavor. The cuttlefish was incredibly soft and moist, almost as if it had been delicately parboiled. The garlic-infused sauce coated each strand of pasta really well, enhancing the dish with a rich and savory depth.
Vibe & Atmosphere
Cleo is located on the 1st floor of Mondrian Seoul Itaewon, offering a chic yet inviting Mediterranean ambiance. The stained glass ceiling adds a unique vibe, while the spacious layout and stylish open kitchen add a lively touch to the ambiance. During my visit, I noticed that most of the guests were families, creating a lively and comfortable dining scene. I was also there to celebrate my brother’s birthday, and the restaurant’s cozy setting made it perfect for the occasion. With a mix of lounge-style seating and refined table settings, Cleo seems like a great spot for both casual gatherings and special events.
Cleo is about 650m (a 15-minute walk) from Exit 4 of Itaewon Station. While parking is validated, I strongly recommend taking a cab or public transportation instead. I had a disappointing experience with the parking lot’s extremely narrow entrance and exit, which made it nearly impossible for my SUV to maneuver in and out. If you’re driving a larger vehicle, be prepared for a challenging parking situation.
4/5
Overall
Cleo at Mondrian Seoul in Itaewon offers a delightful Mediterranean dining experience with its flavorful dishes, inviting atmosphere, and elegant interior. From the zucchini pizza to the perfectly cooked cuttlefish ink pasta, every dish showcased rich flavors and thoughtful execution. While the parking situation can be tricky, the convenient location and impressive menu make Cleo a restaurant in Itaewon well worth visiting. If you’re looking for a chic yet comfortable spot to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, this is definitely one to add to your list!
If you’re looking for a more casual and vibrant bar near Mondrian Hotel, you can also check out my post on Itaewon Gyojiphap!
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