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    The Clever Koi

    4.2 (2.2k reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order The Clever Koi Takeout or Delivery

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    THE CLEVER KOI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
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    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - The Clever Koi

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    Pork Belly Bun, Hot Chicken Bun, BBQ plum meatball bun
    Vern G.

    Seated immediately, great spot on the patio, Keith was our server Caiparinha Cachaça, lime, Demerara Immediate refreshment, the flavors are subtle but build as you drink Mojito White rum, lime, simple mint Exactly the right amount of mint flavor, despite it not having been muddled, and the rum comes through perfectly, finished the drink in 3 pulls through the straw Moscow Mule Vodka, ginger syrup, lime, bitters I never miss a chance to have a mule, but I should have skipped this one; it was served in the same tall glass as the mojito, first sip was WAY too sweet, even after swirling it up it was still too sweet, and a mule is not supposed to be sweet, do not recommend Lemongrass swizzle Monopolowa vodka, lime, lemongrass syrup, cucumber water, yuzu Right off the bat it's a bit on the sweet side, but nearly as bad as the mule, but the cool refreshing cucumber follows right behind and tells you this was a good choice, finished this almost as fast as the mojito Wife ordered the overnight, which comes with a small scoop of green tea ice cream, which is divine Chorizo wontons Fried wonton, green Sriracha crema, jalapeno, gastrique onion, cilantro, lime The presentation is nice, the actual chorizo is delicious, but the wonton as a whole just tastes like "fried" The pickled onions are amazing Ordered a pork belly bun, a hot chicken bun, and the bun of the moment, which was the BBQ plum meatball The buns were so soft and pillowy, and the right kind of neutral flavor Pork belly Hoisin, pickles, peanuts, cilantro The sauce is pleasant but finishes a bit on the bitter side, the pork belly was excellently cooked Hot chicken Pickles, crispy shallots The bite was lined up just right to get a little bit of pickle with the chicken, the heat from the chicken was great without being overwhelming, the sauce was present without taking over BBQ plum meatball Beef meatball, barbecue plum sauce, soy marinated Fresno, crispy shallot, scallion OMG the sauce is the first thing you taste, and you need more, the meatballs are a good size for the application, perfectly cooked to a tender bite, the ginger and Fresno coming in at the end Char Siu Pork Bahn Mi Noble hoagie roll, Vietnamese giardiniera, black pepper aioli, cilantro, side house pickles The pork was relatively thinly sliced which unfortunately can lead to overcooking, which was slightly true here, the sauce is tasty but a little sweet, the roll was perfect Thai salad Napa cabbage, red bell pepper, celery, carrots, cilantro, crispy wonton, peanuts, bang bang dressing The salad is the sum of its parts, which is fine, but not nearly enough dressing Great patio, mostly great drinks, great buns, previously had wife's leftover ramen which was otherworldly; 4 out of 5, would recommend, would return but I would be more inclined to stick with the buns and ramen

    Pork Tonkotsu Ramen
    Terri R.

    We came here for a work dinner and had a nice dining experience. The hostess was not as friendly as the rest of the employees we encountered but other than that service was good. We sat out on the patio which although against the street, they have created a cool, cozy atmosphere. Good vibes for a relaxing dinner. Our server was great and answered all our questions and checked on us often. They have a menu of their house cocktails and I think most of the group ordered off of it. I had the Thai Berry Soda with was perfectly refreshing. It's gin based with strawberry, basil, and sesame sochu soda. I had the Pork Tonkotsu Ranen which is absolutely delicious. The pork belly, bean sprouts mushrooms, and scallions all together with an amazing broth was so good. It's a good size portion and filling. Everyone in the group enjoyed what they ordered. I would return next time in town.

    C H.

    Food--amazing! Service--great! Drinks--awesome. The only reason there's no 5 stars is because sometimes service is slow and prices do seem a tad high. That said prices aren't unreasonable especially on happy hour for food and drink. Great ambience. Will return again.

    Bun Trio of Steamed Buns / (3) for $20
    Jessica B.

    Had the pleasure of coming here last week! Amazing server Gary, was great!! He definitely knew his stuff! We started off with the mocktail sideline view! They were so good me and my best friend loved them. Then we had an appetizer of the buns. The bun in the moment was the softshell crab. It was 10 out of 10! We also had the eggplant soft bun and that was actually amazing especially as a vegan option! We both got Ramen. I got the chicken Ramen. It was so yummy. This place is happy hour is amazing!! the patio was so pretty, it was a great day to sit on the patio! Highly recommend if you've never tried this place before. The food sounds unique, but it is very good when you try it! Fresh too!

    Menu as of May 2026
    Amy J.

    Service from Gary and Q behind the bar as great and they had some really good recommendations. Cocktails were all delicious. Food was tasty. If you're looking for traditional Thai food, this isn't the place for it. It's more of a fusion with a heavier concentration on Thai flavors. I loved what they did with the space, the vibe, and the dishes and cocktails. Solid spot!

    Shaking beef rice bowl
    Jenn N.

    My experience here was average, despite the hype about this being the best ramen in the city. I came with a group of friends and we all ordered different items. I ordered the shaking beef and a steamed bun. The steamed bun was just okay and overpriced for the size. The shaking beef was $23 and came with rice and only a few pieces of beef that were tough and hard to chew. Not sure if it was the cut of beef or it was overcooked. The flavor was decent, but not worth the price. Portions overall were small for how expensive the menu is. One of dining guests ordered spicy Kim chi ramen and sent it back due to very little broth and a grainy texture. The restaurant has a trendy atmosphere, good service, and convenient parking for a downtown location, but the food did not live up to expectations. I would not return.

    Nori Basil Pesto
    Zoya A.

    I loved this place! The ambiance was nice and dark and fancy. The service was quick and our waiter was really nice giving us tons of recommendations. The food was just so good, so many unique flavors. The pasta and the bun were amazing! The crab Rangoons were not super avacado-y but we finished them still! Definitely recommend this place to anyone in the area looking for some good food fusion !

    Dining area
    Sarah S.

    I have been craving Asian food ever since I moved to Phoenix and haven't found a good spot yet, until now. Clever Koi was so delicious and had some nice vibes going on! My friend and I decided to check Clever Koi out on a Sunday evening (after our first choice was closed) and we didn't consider that we should make reservations. Luckily since it was a Sunday they were able to seat us but it was a pretty small table outside on their adorable patio. There were other more comfortable spots available but they told us there were reservations for those spots. The outside chairs were slightly uncomfortable I noticed one guy came in who was very large and ended up moving because the chair was too small. We really wanted their buns -- Sunday Bunday!! But unfortunately they have dairy in them and my friend has a dairy allergy. I will definitely come back to try the buns though (you normally get 3 for $18 but on Sunday Bunday you get 4 for $18). We wanted to go family style so we ordered the vegan potstickers, the dan dan noodles and a side of orange chicken (batter is dairy free). The dan dan noodles were so amazing, flavorful and creamy. The orange chicken was also delicious -- I normally don't eat chicken but I had to try it!! It didn't disappoint. The only disappointing item were the potstickers -- they just really didn't taste like anything. Overall though I thought the meal was very flavorful and the music in the restaurant was setting a great vibe. I will definitely be back to try more dishes.

    Beef Short Rib Dumplings
    Trinny T.

    I wanted to get Asian fusion for brunch and this place came up. My first impression is how cute the restaurant is. Sadly it looks pretty empty. There are plenty of parking on the side and in the back as well. We sat outside with the nice weather. The server was nice and attentive. He refilled water too, though not consistently. Krazy fries 4/5. I think the fries were basic with sauce and short ribs on top. They were filling though. Berry berry drink 5/5 was tasty, sour, alcoholic but also not strongly bitter like other alcohols I had. Kimchi carbonara 5/5. The udon was al dente. The kimchi doesn't overpower the sauce. In fact I would hate to taste pickled and sour udon and did not taste it here. Meat toppings were plenty. Pork ramen 5/5 came with two big pieces of cha siu. The broth was herby, sweet, and fresh. Short rib dumplings 4/5. The dumplings were delicious and juicy. But the onions made the broth too sour for me. Overall definitely recommend this place for the cute and great food. It should be more trendy and hyped.

    Daddy daughter date
    Aaron W.

    Came with some new friends after church, this place not only is consistently bringing high flavor they have daily happy hour till 6 and this dad of 3 needs a little help from time to time. We all placed orders and the food began to come out as we chatted and all got pumped as the smells are intoxicating! I was only able to snap a few photos as my kids were starving but we all really enjoyed our food. I got the HH special of ordering 3 Bao buns get the 4th free my wife got the XO noodles and my daughters food stole the show though with the kimchi carbonara! I only got a little bit at the end but WHOA! Every single flavor came together so perfectly, it was an absolutely perfect dish. So glad this place continues to blow everyone we come with including us away by the amazing service great options and amazing flavor experiences!

    Desiree F.

    Passed the vibe check. The energy in the dining room was vibrant and the service was good. The food was flavorful and creative.

    Miso Shoyu Chicken Ramen - among the best in town. I don't want the winter to be over, I'll be back soon for more. Enjoyed with a Paloma
    Zvonko N.

    One of my favorite hangouts in Phoenix, Clever Koi consistently delivers excellent Asian-inspired food paired with genuinely great service. The menu is flexible and accommodating across dietary preferences, and their ramen is especially well-known for good reason. Cocktails are thoughtfully crafted and standout, with solid alcohol-free options as well. Right next door is their sister restaurant, Across the Pond, which focuses on high-end sushi. It offers a smaller, quieter, and more refined experience--and is, unsurprisingly, even pricier than Clever Koi. Both are worth a visit, depending on the mood you're in.

    Vegan ramen
    Jacob M.

    One of the things I love about Clever Koi is their vegan options, and how delicious they are. Their vegan ramen is one of my go tos while in downtown Phx. The price is right on given the portion and the amount of flavor in the bowl. The atmosphere is trendy and nice. The service is always great. My last time I went I also tried the pesto Dan Dan noodle dish, and that was so unique and delicious!

    Chow Mein with Lemongrass chicken

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    The food is good the restaurant is small. The service was ok. The prices are more on the higher side.

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    3 years ago

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    Joshua J.

    Thanks for the great review!

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    7 months ago

    Service and food have both been in a steep decline at this restaurant since the pandemic. Went again (and for the last time) last week.

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    Joshua J.

    Thanks for the great review! We look forward to seeing you soon!

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    9 months ago

    Obsessed with this spot! Those hot chicken boa buns and their pina colada(with spiced rum, thank me later) is the ultimate combo!

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    Page 3 of 55

    The Clever Koi Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Clever Koi

    Is there gluten free noodle options?

    Do you have parking for guests?

    Hey Margie! We have a lot behind our restaurant that is well lit with plenty of parking. You can… Read more

    Any plans to open back up for lunch Mon-Fri like the good old days? I miss getting that Pork Ramen for lunch.

    I haven't eat lunch there. Definitely a good one.

    Is the seafood hot pot ever coming back?

    Thanks for reaching out Matt! What a great dish, huh!? We are currently working on a Pho that… Read more

    Can I buy a bottle of the green sriracha anywhere?? I'm addicted.

    Unfortunately they are not sold at stores, but we have them at both of our Clever Koi locations! Order online through our website for fast pick up and/or delivery.… Read more

    Looks like the number listed isn't in service. Is there another number I can call?

    We called and pick'd up food yesterday.The number we called worked - 602-222-3474 Best of Luck!

    Is there still a gluten free noodle option? Gluten free options in general?

    You bet! We have gluten free. Rice noodles to sub in for numerous dishes. As well as, vegan noodles if you chose to go that route. Come on by and we can lead you through a gluten free amazing meal!

    Any gluten free friendly options? Can't be the sushi (I'm pregnant which eliminates sushi from my options at the moment)

    Yes

    Is there a kids menu or options for kids?

    Great question! We don’t have a printed kids menu, but we do have some great options.… Read more

    Do you have keto friendly options?

    Thank you for reaching out with the great question. We can make some modifications to certain… Read more

    Is lunch takeout pretty quick? I only have half hour to pick it up.

    Thanks for the great question! It takes between 15-25 to prepare your meal once it has been ordered.… Read more

    Do you have soup dumplings?

    Do the Asian dishes here taste authentic? Such as the ramen and pad thai.

    Based on my personal experience, I would say it was a play on traditional dishes, but definitely not 100% authentic.

    Are Friday's full?

    Yes! It thins out fairly quick, but during dinner hours on Friday, I would make a reservation.

    Are there any vegetarian ramen options?

    Thank you for asking! We have a very flavorful Vegetable Ramen. It includes a house made tomato dashi, crispy sunchokes, wok roasted corn & chyote, scallions and a House made leek butter. Our ramen noodle has egg and wheat as it’s components, but we… Read more

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    0.6 mi
    $$

    came here for a nightcap w my brother and sister-in-law! this is one of my fav spots to hit in the…read morevalley, they have the best (sonoran-inspired) drinks. there's truly something for everybody. for drinks, my brother got the hot champurrado (basically a spiked hot chocolate, one of my favorite cocktails on the menu, if not ever), my sister-in-law got their whiskey sour (delicious & refreshing), and i got the baja-blasted high baller (mezcal based, mountain dew, there was something else but i can't remember, and an "electric sugar" rim - SO! GOOD! inspired by taco bell's baja blast hahahah). they TREATED us to all three of their current desserts on the menu. it was the most pleasant surprise i could've imagined. my favorite was the flourless chocolate cake! it was like a thick, rich brownie, had passion fruit cream to "lighten it up" and a caramel-like taffy on the bottom my brother and sister-in-law both said their favorite was the gulab jamun (which is basically like little fried dough balls/donuts, influenced by indian flavors and spices). the mille-feuille was also fantastic - the pastry was light and airy, cream wasn't too sweet and also very light, shaved cheese on top made it have a savory bite, and the jam alongside it was strawberry rhubarb. service is always amazing, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable; it seems like everybody working here truly enjoys it. quite literally already have a reservation booked at valentine and will be coming back here beforehand. update: came back for more drinks (fernet & coke, spaghett western, negroni) and their lamb flauta. all AMAZING! and amazing order to whet the appetite before dinner at valentine.

    Second time visiting this bar. To be honest the first time left a lot to be desired. It was about a…read moreyear ago so the details of what we didn't like have been forgotten. Regardless, we gave it another shot and we were much happier the next go around. Record players in the corner and a fireplace on the opposite side of this dimly lit bar created a cozy vibe on a chilly Saturday night. We arrived right at opening and the bar filled up quickly but the volume still made it easy to have a conversation and still have an intimate night out. The drinks, this time, well balanced and delicious. My wife had the the Pantera Rosa and I had the Last Word. Both were delicious and not overly sweet. I love a good "Last Word" but the tea added a welcome and subtle layer. A nicely created cocktail without shaming the original. Servers were attentive, constantly filling up water, and making sure we were well taken care of. We will be back!

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    Bar 1912
    Bar 1912
    Bar 1912

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    Valentine - Squash Sticky Bun

    Valentine

    4.3(578 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    I was really excited to bring my parents here while they were visiting from out of town, as I've…read morealways thought the food at Valentine is fantastic and genuinely unique. We arrived without a reservation and were told the wait would be about 25 minutes, which was totally reasonable. We waited the full time and checked in once, only to find the wait continuing to extend while several outdoor tables sat open. When we politely asked about our table, the host (a woman with glasses) responded with a noticeably rude and dismissive attitude. At one point, she muttered under her breath something along the lines of, "If you guys are so anxious... you can head over there," which multiple people in our group heard. It felt completely unnecessary and unprofessional. We were eventually seated at a table that was partially in direct sun, and when we asked about moving to one of the shaded tables, we were told they were unavailable and "reserved". However, those tables remained empty for over 30 minutes, which was frustrating given the situation. To be fair, there was another older woman on staff who was warm, attentive, and fantastic, and the food itself continues to be a highlight. The menu is creative, thoughtful, and one of the reasons we've come back multiple times. That said, this isn't the first time we've experienced service issues here, and it often feels like the restaurant is understaffed, which may be contributing to the inconsistency. I really want to love this place and continue recommending it, but experiences like this make it hard. Great food can only carry things so far when the hospitality side feels off. It's one thing to occasionally be understaffed (I understand people call off in this business) but there's a consistency here which points towards management issues and then on top of it, when your hostess is unnecessarily rude, that's a real bummer. We live in the Willo nearby and I don't think we're going to keep coming here if this restaurant allows the constant service issues and the rude staff like this.

    I absolutely loved this restaurant. I'm visiting Arizona from out of state and I'm so glad we came…read morehere. The food feels local yet innovative and most importantly, everything was delicious. Octopus: 5/5 The best octopus dish I've ever had. My seven-year-old son kept asking for more and more. Pretzel: 4/5 The whipped butter and honeycomb paired perfectly with the pretzel. If you're a pretzel lover, you'll really enjoy this. Gem Salad: 5/5 Fresh, bright, and lightly dressed with a subtle mustard flavor. Elote Pasta: If you love Mexican street corn, this playful pasta dish is a fun take on it. Charcoal Cabbage: 10/5 Incredible. The flavors were so unique. It tasted kind of like black garlic. Absolutely unforgettable. Pesto Sundae Dessert: 5/5 So creative and innovative. Fun play on pesto. I've never had ice cream made with pine nuts before and loved it. The basil granita was incredibly refreshing. Service: 10/5 I wish I had gotten their names, but our server (a boxer) and the hostess with long brown hair were fantastic. Truly warm and welcoming service.

    Photos
    Valentine - Great vibes!

    Great vibes!

    Valentine - Steak & eggs

    Steak & eggs

    Valentine - Steak & Eggs

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    Steak & Eggs

    Don Woods' Say When - baked goat cheese and Alameda

    Don Woods' Say When

    4.1(168 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    I first came across Don Woods' Say When reading a Yelp article listing out the best rooftops in…read moreeach state. Don Woods was Arizona's pick. For quite a few months, I had it on my list to visit. I finally made things happen on a Wednesday evening for a drink. Located on the roof (of course) of a boutique hotel, I find free parking in the hotel's parking lot. While it was a busy parking lot, I was able to find a spot. Unfortunately, my night consisted of a comedy of errors. Ambiance (3/5): When you think best rooftop in the state, you're thinking scenic and peaceful views. Don Woods' certainly has that, though I've seen better in Phoenix. You can see the mountains in the background, but that's about it. The hotel is located on a busy street, where you'll often hear the noise of cars buzzing by or the train choo-chooing. Did I just make up a word?! I imagine the best time to stop by is during sunset. The outdoor area is relatively narrow with seating for about 20-30 people. It's a mix of comfortable seats and tables/chairs. There's also a charming indoor area, where the bar is located, but I felt like I had to sit outside. The weather was perfect, too. Service (2.5/5): This is where the comedy of errors began. I was given a menu and some water and was left to peruse the menu. Before the waitress had returned, I had picked out an appetizer and a cocktail. I then discovered that their cook had quit the other week and as a result, no food was available. That's fine and all, but you've gotta give me a heads-up when giving me the menu. That way, I wouldn't have spent the time to look over the food menu and get my heart set on a particular dish. On a better note, they have free WiFi. And service was overall friendly and pretty efficient. Food (N/A): While I was unable to order some food, on most nights, they have a small menu of small plates. More of a snack type of spot then a full meal type of establishment. Drinks (3/5): Don Woods is know for its cocktails and they have a list of 10 or so craft cocktails. Plus, beer, wine, and the typical options that you would find when there's a full bar. I feel like the bartender messed up the proportions on my cocktail as it was a bit rough. One drink and I was out. It seems like Don Woods' is experiencing some turnover which is leading to some mishaps. Combine that with some high expectations given the accolades they won, and it was the recipe for a disaster. I love a good rooftop bar, so I was hoping for more at Don Woods' Say When. Even the lobby of the hotel was experiencing issues. They sell popsicles in the lobby but the guy temporarily manning the front desk didn't know how to get their Square device working. Which ended up meaning no appetizers for me at Don Woods and no popsicles from the lobby. Two strikes. We live to fight another day.

    At the Say When Rooftop Bar, we enjoy the complementary cocktail. Not sure what it was but it was…read moredelicious with passion fruit and vodka. The service was not so good. Our food ended up at another table and vice versa. When we got the Mini Pizzas, they were very tasty and a great little snack between lunch and dinner.

    Photos
    Don Woods' Say When - Cocktail

    Cocktail

    Don Woods' Say When - View from rooftop

    View from rooftop

    Don Woods' Say When - View from the bar

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    View from the bar

    The Clever Koi - asianfusion - Updated May 2026

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