Clio is a mezze-focused Mediterranean restaurant in the Old Market district of downtown Omaha. It’s the kind of place built for passing plates to be shared with family and friends alike.
The menu has great items like hummus and warm pita, salads, grilled meats and vegetables. The food is bright and herb-y, with textures and flavors that leave everyone wanting just one more bite.
When the hummus platter arrives, it sets the tone for the meal. The hummus is smooth, lightly topped with olive oil and sumac, and accompanied by labneh, smoky baba ghanouj and sweet-pepper muhammara. Warm, homemade pitas come straight from the Dutch oven — soft and easy to tear — so the table eases into a natural share-and-pass rhythm for the meal.
Crispy potatoes follow the hummus, earning their spot as a must-order. They’re hot and crackly on the outside, soft in the middle and balanced by an amazing lemon aioli. A little bit of za’atar is added, and a sprinkle of a little bit of cheese gives the potatoes that savory, herb-filled flavor that keeps people going back for just one more. They’re the kind of side that behaves like an entrée. Order a second plate just to be safe!
Chicken kabobs round out the spread with straightforward grilling done well. The meat is smoky with a gentle char, seasoned without being overpowering. The meat exudes hints of garlic, coriander, and possibly, paprika and citrus. This dish is paired with rice, a simple tomato–cucumber–herb salad and a tzatziki-style dipping sauce that is very similar to what is served with Clio’s other meat options. The plate tastes satisfying and fresh—a main dish that fits the shared-plate aesthetic.
Clio’s atmosphere and interior design match the food: relaxed, friendly and unhurried. The servers guide their guests with great advice on what to order and what they might like based on their — or the group’s — personal preferences, all without crowding. Smart suggestions are offered and keep things moving at a comfortable pace. By the time someone mentions dessert, you’re doing that familiar calculus — one last piece of pita, a final potato, a final scoop of hummus — already talking about when you’ll come back.