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    Clever Koi

    4.1 (712 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Clever Koi Takeout or Delivery

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    CLEVER KOI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

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    Recommended Reviews - Clever Koi

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    Food and drinks were great! Our table got a lot of different dishes and drinks so we could as many as we could. I personally got the kimchi carbonara and two drinks, the Zenitsu Zour and the Sunburst. Both were great, but I liked the zour the most. The carbonara was also really good, and pairs well with the alcohol. The other dishes were also extremely delicious, though some of the Thai tea drinks tasted interesting, not bad, but just not something I enjoyed. Great interior and great service. This place is great if you want a bit of a nicer dinner night, as the dishes and drinks are a bit more on the expensive side.

    Bar area
    April A.

    Was in the area for work and stopped in since I have never been to this location. I sat at the bar love that happy hour is on weekends also. I got the special bun which was called southern something it had friend chicken and a pork belly gravy so good. The crab avocado rangoons was really good also. The bar service was great and attentive. This location is larger than the central location.

    Clever Koi is a regular Sunday haunt for us.  Always amazing service, food and drinks.  Can't go wrong here.
    Jeff B.

    Weather was perfect for ramen so we went to our favorite spot. Clever Koi is our go-to for tasty drinks and food. They had a bao special going where the Sonoran Bun was bao, filled with spam, beans, cotija, pico, and avocado, super tasty. I had the Midnight Oni Highball which is a favorite cocktail with whisky, plum whiskey and a plum cordial with club soda, super tasty. The ramen always hits the spot. Delicious tonkatsu pork broth with noodles, lots of tasty pork belly, mushroom, soft egg. Scallions, bean sprouts and of course ramen noodles. Just the thing for chilly weather. Service is always friendly and attentive, you can't go wrong! Highly recommended.

    Chicken katsu sandwich
    Naomi N.

    This may not be a super authentic/traditional Japanese joint, but the flavors of the food we ordered was delicious! I came here with my boyfriend for lunch on a Sunday morning and we had a great time. We were able to find parking in a nearby garage, but there is also decent lot parking outside the restaurant. When you walk in, there is outdoor patio seating, bar seating, as well as indoor seating. We were greeted and seated very quickly, and our waiter was attentive and gave great recommendations. It is fairly large, with Asian-inspired/Japanese-inspired decor. It was also decorated for Halloween, which was very cute and there is one tv near the bar that was playing a sports game. I wasn't too hungry but my boyfriend ordered the Thai tea and the chicken katsu sandwich while I ordered the cauliflower kimchi bao (one bao was around $7). His Thai tea was good, but definitely not as strong as I'm used to. The chicken katsu sandwiches were also decent, but the chicken katsu itself was more toasty and dark brown instead of the classic golden katsu that I am used to. The fries that it came with, however, were out of this world! My bao was also very impressive - I loved the texture of the bao and the flavor of the cauliflower kimchi was subtle but the perfect blend. We would love to come by on a Saturday night, as the vibes really sold us on this place!

    Outside patio area
    Lina L.

    So sad to leave this review as I love the name, and both service and the vibe of this restaurant is great. Where they completely fail is the taste of the food. We ordered 3 bao buns- 3 for $18 or $7 each. We ordered 2 pork belly and 1 shrimp. I was really looking forward to it but as soon as I bit into the pork belly bun, I realized it was not edible. It was extremely tough and I just could not chew through it. The shrimp bun was ok, but it only had 1 small piece of shrimp and it didn't have much flavor. We also ordered the chicken katsu sandwich with fries. The fries were very good but the sandwich was extremely underwhelming. It didn't taste like anything?? Hubby even made a comment about how it was possible to take the flavor out of chicken? This restaurant has so much potential but their food needs a serious overhaul. It's like they don't even know about the basic flavor composition of Asian food!The concept is great but the execution is so far from being an Asian fusion restaurant.

    French 75
    Colleen C.

    Loved this place! The food, drinks, ambiance and service were all amazing. Will have to go back to try the rest of the menu.

    Nayla G.

    Went today for a special dinner! We got the chicken and pork ramen, both were amazing. Get the spicy bomb, it gives it a great kick. Also got the chicken katsu sandwich. It has good flavor but the bread is stale and tastes like normal white grocery bread- no authenticity. But the service and ambiance was great! Would come back!

    Cheers!
    Joyce W.

    Clever Koi, you Koi-mplete me. Feeling koi-ful today! We ordered two trios of baos (mine with pork belly, kimchi tempura cauliflower, and the featured steamed bun of fried shrimp), duck ramen, and a golden myth cocktail. Did we over-order? We sure did! The portions here are generous. Share a trio of baos, share the ramen, but don't share your cocktails because they're seriously good. I really enjoyed all my baos and I think these baos are definitely worth ordering. Each version was interesting and delicious. I especially liked the kimchi tempura cauliflower. As for my duck ramen, as much as I like duck, I found my ramen to be super rich. It was thick, packed full of sodium, and lacked a certain balance. I mainly ordered the ramen because our waiter spoke highly of their ramen, even saying that they're known for it. I do want to rty their other noodle dishes though. All in all, I had an amazing time here! The vibes were vibin' and the interior is just completely gorgeous. In a world full of fish, be a koi.

    Pork Belly Bun and featured bun of the month
    Damilola L.

    I was first introduced to Clever Koi at a prior Yelp event and my first experience was a pleasant one and I wanted to give it another visit. They're located near a parking garage so parking wasn't an issue. We were able to make a reservation for 7:45 pm dinner. We were seated promptly. The atmosphere gives off a cozy, warm and inviting atmosphere. Shortly after being seated we were provided with water and greeted by our friendly server. He was knowledgeable about the menu and provided great recommendations. On this visit we ordered 3 of their steamed buns (2 pork bellies and 1 featured steam bun). We also shared their orange chicken and chilled sesame noodles. All the dishes were fantastic and full of flavor. I also ordered one of their ube'be pina colada mocktail which was also delicious. My nine year old stepson was also with us. He ordered their fried rice and pork belly Raman. The portions were generous, but not full of a ton of flavor. Overall a great place for dinner and would visit again.

    Long Thailand
    Greeshma R.

    How did I miss this place for so long! You gotta have this on your list of restaurants in downtown Gilbert. Located near the garage this place is a fresh take on Asian restaurant. They have bao buns, ramen, drunken noodles. So it caters to all your likings. Their cartoon drink menu is a highlight and the cocktail selection is endless. To start off with I went with long thailand, crab dumplings and assorted bao buns with chicken, pork and kimchi. The drink was absolutely yummy and was delightfully good. The crab dumplings were delicious, crispy and flavorful. My favorite were the bao buns, all were excellent and I could just eat them all day. I tried the vegan ramen, which was decent and the tofu was the highlight, it was grilled and had a good texture. Overall an awesome experience with exceptional service. The ambiance is chic and modern. I'll be back soon!

    My super nice craft cocktail and unique menu
    Gregory B.

    Following up on a recent Yelp Elite Week visit to Clever Koi in Gilbert, took my daughter and her fiancée there for dinner. Despite living in Gilbert and frequently dining in Gilbert heritage district, they had never been. Great visit. Had reservation, but probably didn't need it on weeknight at 6 pm. I just want to ensure we had an inside table for Luna since it was 104' out. Promptly seated and then visited by our server who explained the Clever Koi unique vibe (Asian food representing dishes from the whole area) and then the very inventive craft cocktail menu. I love it. We started with some the Shrimp Shoyu taco's, and the moved into an order of steamed buns. Then it was entree time while I enjoyed my very tasty and unique Golden Myth cocktail. Having worked and lived around Asia, I can say the dishes are a pretty darn good representation of the originals. We sampled the Pad See Ew with pork belly; the Chow Mein with bulgogi; and the Drunken Noodles with bulgogi. Service was nice, several servers teamed up on our table and the bartender even came out with our cocktails and said both Phoenix area Clever Koi locations were going to be developing their own unique cocktail list (they currently share the list). Coolio. I'll drop in for a happy hour cocktail just by itself. They really are a star of the Clever Koi experience. In addition to Golden Myth, we tried the Kanagawa's Great Wave and the String of Pearls cocktails. All three were refreshing and unique. Nice outdoor, shaded patio with misting fans will keep you cool as a cucumber if at height on summer heat. Everything was about $50 pp with appetizer, craft cocktail and entree ex tax and tip. I think a pretty good value. Both my daughter and her fiancée loved it. The reputation deservedly grows

    Calamari Fries
    Erica R.

    This is one of my favorite Asian fusion restaurants. Controversial but they have the best ramen in town. We had the calamari friend for an app and the dumplings and they were soooo good. We usually ge the crazy fries but this was a good switch up and we were not disappointed. We always end up with the pork belly ramen- it is FIRE and a must try! We also had the orange chicken and rice which had such good flavors as well. The bartenders are always super friendly and make such bomb drinks. This place is an 11/10 in my book.

    Trio of Steamed Buns / (3) for $20 Catfish, tempura cauliflower, pork belly
    Carissa P.

    Hubby and I checked out Clever Koi for date night for the first time last night and were not disappointed! Our server Maya did an excellent job making some recommendations and was so nice and attentive! We started with the avocado rangoons and a trio of steamed buns. The rangoons were super crispy and full of flavor and the pineapple chili sauce and hot mustard were perfect compliments. We were even dipping the cabbage garnish in the pineapple sauce, we couldn't get enough! For the steam buns we went with the tempura cauliflower, the pork belly, and the seasonal catfish. The cauliflower had a great texture and the sauce was delicious, just a little hard to eat as it's one big, round piece of cauliflower in an oval shaped bun so some bites are all bun and others is a big bite of just cauliflower. The pork belly was delicious and flavorful and the hoisin sauce and peanuts were a great addition. Lastly the catfish was perfectly done and the yuzu aioli on top was *chefs kiss*. For entrees I went with the tonkatsu ramen and hubby had the miso chicken ramen. Both were delicious. The broths were phenomenal and the toppings plentiful. Our noodles were just a little under done so a little chewy still and my soft egg was covered in a goopy, almost still translucent egg white. I'm all for a jammy egg but I just prefer the egg white a smidge more cooked/firm. Overall, a great meal with great service inside a beautifully designed dining room. The decor is very pretty with flowers and lanterns artfully placed and good music for the perfect vibe for date night or gathering with friends.

    Pork Belly Bun Hot Chicken Bun

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    so good, would definitely visit again. You can taste the flavor in every dish. Service was quick and the staff are great as well.

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    Page 1 of 18

    Ask the Community - Clever Koi

    Are there gluten free substitutions available?

    Are any of the broths for the Ramen vegetarian or chicken broth?

    They do have a Vegan Shoyu Ramen and a lemongrass broth shiitake tare. They carry other vegan friendly options as well.

    Is the patio dog friendly?

    You bet! We love having dogs. All we ask is that you have a leash if need be. Thanks so much!

    Open Thanksgiving (11/23/17)?

    Hey James, Hope you’re having a great day. We will be closed for Thanksgiving, but open Friday and… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    4.6
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    I came to this restaurant after spending all day at the hospital across the street for my daughter…read moreso I was hungry and emotionally drained. When I walked in, I was promptly directed to where I should go so I could place a takeout order. The genuine courtesy of the staff here was just what I needed after a long day. Lots of great options for sushi but ramen sounded amazing on a chilly winter day. I ordered a couple options and requested for the toppings to be separated so my picky eater could pick out what she didn't like. The food was out promptly and packaged with such care. Once I got it back to my daughter's hospital room, we were able to feast on the best meal we had all day. I will definitely be coming back to this place again and I am grateful for their kindness just when I needed it. Highly recommend!

    Wow, I love this spot. The inside was clean and inviting, with plenty of seating and shades that…read moremade it feel a little more intimate. Our server was attentive, happy hour was good and everything came out quickly. The cucumber salad was super refreshing and gyoza were yummy with a delicious sauce. We ordered sake bombs, and I absolutely love that they serve them with frosty chilled glasses. We tried two different ramen bowls and both were packed with flavor. The spice levels felt pretty accurate, the eggs were cooked perfectly, the meat was tender, and the noodles had a great texture. Each bowl had its own flavor profile, but both were equally delicious. We also tried the takoyaki (octopus balls). I was already getting full, so I wasn't as excited about them, but my boyfriend described them as a BBQ pancake bite. Overall, this is a great spot for ramen. I did notice the music was all girl bands and no boy bands. Clean restaurant, good service, flavorful food, and a fun atmosphere. I'd definitely come back.

    Photos
    Spacious and clean
    Spacious and clean
    Regular Tonkotsu Ramen
    Regular Tonkotsu Ramen
    Sashimi Combo with fresh Wasabi.

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    Sashimi Combo with fresh Wasabi.
    Kazu Ramen

    Kazu Ramen

    4.2
    (285 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    Kazu Ramen is one of my absolute favorite spots and conveniently close to home -- and after finally…read moresitting down to dine in for the first time after years of ordering to go, I can confidently say this place is a ten out of ten either way you experience it. Growing up in a Japanese household, Japanese food and authentic flavors are deeply personal to me. I know what the real thing tastes like, and Kazu Ramen delivers. The flavors are genuine, comforting, and done with care -- exactly what a great bowl of ramen should be. The sushi rolls are equally impressive and hold their own alongside the ramen. The ambiance is warm and inviting, the customer service is consistently on point every visit, and the place is always buzzing -- which tells you everything you need to know. A busy restaurant with great service means they're doing something right. My only minor note is that the selection of additional sides could be expanded -- I'd love to see more options to round out the meal. But that is a small wish for an otherwise outstanding spot. Whether you dine in or order to go, Kazu Ramen is absolutely worth the visit. If you haven't experienced a bowl here yet, do yourself a favor and go.

    I live nearby this restaurant and always pass it when I'm out. I am a new Arizona resident (less…read morethan one year in) and I have been discovering new places, restaurants, and experiences of different kinds so I was curious about this restaurant. Looking at their (limited) menu, the only dish that was appealing to me is their Shoyo Chicken Ramen Bowl and here's my honest opinion: * I was so disappointed that the chicken are only (3) small pieces, bite size like, which doesn't compliment the bowl overall. Normally, one would think that a lot of chicken mixed with the ramen. * The taste of this bowl was so bland. No seasonings, no flavor whatsoever. It was probably one of the worst tasting foods I had ever eaten to a point where I even tried to add additional seasonings at home to try to enhance some taste. It still didn't taste good and I couldn't even eat it much after a few bites and ended up tossing it. Some pros to note, the staff was nice but somewhat lacking in service. When I came into pick up my online order at the time it was due, they were still another 15-20 minutes late to have my food ready. I'm not sure if this commonly happens but it did for me the night I tried this place. I don't care to return to this restaurant after my less-than experience. I can't say that my review will also be or is your experience but for me, I've moved on. Better luck next time.

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    Kazu Ramen
    California Roll
    California Roll
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    Hawaiian BBQ Nishikawa Ramen

    Hawaiian BBQ Nishikawa Ramen

    3.9
    (819 reviews)
    2.8 mi
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    We recently tried Hawaiian BBQ Nishikawa Ramen and it instantly became one of our favorite ramen…read morespots in town. We ordered the Beef & Chicken BBQ Plate, Nishikawa Black Ramen, Curry Ramen, Chicken Katsu Curry, and a Musubi. Every single dish was fantastic. The flavors were rich, portions were generous, and everything tasted fresh and well-prepared. One thing that really stood out was the customer service. The staff was incredibly friendly and even let me sample the Tonkotsu ramen broth after we ordered. After trying it, I honestly wish I had ordered that ramen--it was outstanding! The restaurant itself was also impressive. The dining area was open, clean, and inviting, making for a very comfortable experience. My only criticism would be the pork chashu. While it was tender, it was a bit plain and could use more seasoning or flavor to match the rest of the dishes, which were excellent. Overall, this was a great experience from start to finish. Between the delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and friendly staff, Hawaiian BBQ Nishikawa Ramen has definitely earned a spot on our regular restaurant rotation. Highly recommended!

    Stopped in for late lunch. Ordered the Nishikawa ramen & chicken karaage. The service was friendly…read more& efficient. On the other hand the ramen did have not have depth of flavor and the karaage was not breaded well, so it was not crispy. Unlikely to stop in again.

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    Hawaiian BBQ Nishikawa Ramen
    Hawaiian BBQ Nishikawa Ramen
    Hawaiian BBQ Nishikawa Ramen

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    Sushi Rock & Grill

    Sushi Rock & Grill

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    5 stars all around. We absolutely love this place and share it with all of our friends…read more Food - great quality fish, big portions (the fish itself as well not just the dish), amazing taste. You literally can't go wrong with anything on the menu from appetizers to entrees to bento boxes. The boat is perfect for any and all celebrations and definitely feeds up to 4 people. Your bellies will leave happy Service - the friendliest group of people ever. They are quick and professional and ALWAYS a smile on their faces. Even though they're busy, they turn the tables quickly without ever making you feel like you're being rushed out Atmosphere - nice and cozy. Beautiful decor and it doesn't feel too crowded inside At the end of the day, you honestly just can't beat all day happy hour on Sundays. Simply the best!

    Tried this place over the weekend and the sushi is fantastic! I loved it so much that I went the…read morefollowing day to order some more. The sushi quality is nice and fresh, and the servers are kind and attentive. I also love that the solo fish rolls like the salmon roll or yellowtail are huge! I took off a star due to the lady with the silver chain around her neck, who was handling seating people/to go orders up front. She had an attitude towards me and other customers, and I heard her distinctly yell at one of the waitresses because she made a mistake. Not a good look for your business to have such a disgruntled worker.

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    Inside
    Inside
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    Tampopo Ramen

    Tampopo Ramen

    3.9
    (963 reviews)
    7.3 mi
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    Went after seeing a movie at az mills. Rarely on that side of town so wanted to check this off the…read morebookmark list. It didn't disappoint. Greeted upon entry and seated right away. The place is narrow and long with bar seating to view kitchen. We started with the potstickers and they were very well cooked and full of flavor. Then came our ramens. Both had a terrific broth base. My extra spicy was a 6.5/10 on spice so it just looks like lava but is totally edible. My wife's spicy miso was terrific and I'd totally go that way next time. This spot is up there in places I'd recommend for ramen in phoenix.

    I had been craving ramen aaaaalll day, and did a Google search for ramen places near by. Tampopo…read morecame up in the search results, and so I decided to give it a try - I was NOT disappointed. First of all, we walked in just before 8pm last night (Friday) and although there were quite a few patrons, we were still seated right away. There were no individual tables, so we sat at the long communal table in the center. The service always wonderful! Prompt and courteous. 10/10 there. My fella got their Miso ramen and I got their Tonkotsu. My dish was exactly what I wanted - flavorful, hot, and a plentiful portion (so plentiful I took 3/4ths of the meal home). I will say that it was pretty warm inside the restaurant, so the only thing that could have made the experience better is if they had turned the AC on higher. All in all, I will 100% be back. This was a great experience with awesome service and wonderful food.

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    Tampopo Ramen
    First time takoyaki = last time takoyaki.  As far as I'm concerned, DeAngelo Vickers can juggle these ball to his heart's content
    First time takoyaki = last time takoyaki. As far as I'm concerned, DeAngelo Vickers can juggle these ball to his heart's content
    Ika geso karaage ($8.50)

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    Ika geso karaage ($8.50)

    Clever Koi - asianfusion - Updated June 2026

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