Welcome to The Clever Koi
At The Clever Koi, a vibrant cocktail bar and ramen haven in Phoenix, we blend tradition and innovation to create a unique Asian fusion dining experience. Our story unfolds through a commitment to flavor and creativity, crafting dishes that respect culinary roots while embracing modern trends. From our silky, rich ramen broths to inventive appetizers like calamari fries, every bite tells a tale of culinary artistry. Guests enjoy a hip, casual atmosphere, perfect for intimate gatherings or lively group celebrations. With a menu offering options for everyone, including vegan and soy-free choices, The Clever Koi invites you to savor the joy of shared meals, unforgettable cocktails, and a warm, welcoming vibe.
- 4236 N Central Ave Ste 100 Phoenix, AZ 85012 United States Hotline: (602) 222-3474
If you find yourself in Central Phoenix, prepare to be charmed by The Clever Koi, a culinary gem that showcases an exquisite blend of Asian fusion and classic ramen, all wrapped in a vibrant cocktail bar atmosphere. Offering a unique dining experience that perfectly marries traditional flavors with modern twists, The Clever Koi has quickly become a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.
Location: Conveniently situated at 4236 N Central Ave Ste 100, this restaurant welcomes you with its trendy ambiance and accessible parking options. Whether you prefer indoor seating or the cozy outdoor patio, the atmosphere is inviting for anyone seeking a delightful meal.
Menu Highlights
- Unforgettable Ramen: The various ramen options, such as the Miso Shoyu Chicken and Pork Tonkotsu, come highly recommended. Diners rave about the rich, delicious broths that envelop perfectly cooked noodles.
- Appetizers Worth Sharing: The calamari fries and pork belly fries stand out as crowd favorites, delivering bold flavors and delightful textures that set the stage for an unforgettable meal.
- Innovative Cocktails: The beverage menu complements the food beautifully. Signature cocktails like the French 95 and Nutty by Nature offer refreshing spins that enhance your dining experience.
Another gem is the Dancing Mushrooms, featuring oyster mushrooms dressed in a zesty vinaigrette, an option that is vegan and gluten-free, ensuring that there's something delightful for everyone.
Perfect for Any Occasion
The Clever Koi is not just about amazing food; it’s an experience. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between hipster and casual, with moderate noise levels making it ideal for lively dinners or intimate gatherings. Plus, with amenities like free Wi-Fi, outdoor seating, catering options, and even a pool table, it’s an excellent spot for groups or casual get-togethers.
Customer Experience
Reviews from satisfied customers echo the restaurant's commitment to quality. Many mention not only the incredible flavors but also the attentive service. The staff members are noted for their warm hospitality, ensuring that your experience is enjoyable from start to finish. The Clever Koi has created a space that is open to all, with inclusive facilities that enhance your visit.
Whether you're indulging in their celebrated ramen, savoring unique appetizers, or enjoying a creative cocktail, The Clever Koi offers a culinary adventure that will undoubtedly leave you wanting more. It’s truly a testament to the beauty of Asian fusion dining in Phoenix.
Next time you’re in the neighborhood, remember to swing by The Clever Koi—it’s a flavorful escape that promises to delight your taste buds and elevate your dining experience!

Made reservations on Yelp, we were able to make it in time for happy hour. I had the Smashburger it was a 3.5/5 the bun was soft but thin and didn't make it more than halfway through the meal before it became soggy. The fries were great and the meal it self was full of flavor with a generous portion size. My ginger lemonade was tasty. The kimchi carbonara was a four out of five other needed a little more spice per my son. The chicken Ramen is a 4 out of five per my wife The French 95 was a 5/5 Over all the visit is a 4/5 If you have never been you should definitely go.

I wish I could give 6 stars! New favorite ramen place in all of Phoenix. The ramen was perfect, silky amazing broth, perfect egg noodles, and pork was perfectly charred but also melted in your mouth. Flavor for the dumplings was insane! Server was so awesome, and vibe outside was lovely and casual. Cant wait to come back!

Cute spot for ramen and other foods. I tried the fried rice with bulgolgi beef. The rice had tons of flavor but I wasn't a huge fan of the beef or the taste. They also had hot chicken buns that were flavorful. They offer a variety of cocktails and the place has a nice atmosphere. Overall a good first try but not sure how often I'd be back. I may come back once more to try one of the ramen dishes. They had pretty good and attentive service.

WOW!!! This easily has become one of my top favorite restaurants in all of arizona! I called to get an evening spot and they were able to get us in. Eveything was incredible! My favorite dishes were the hot chicken & pork belly bait bun AND the kimchi Carbonara. The flavors are so unique and delicious. Our waiter Keith was very kind and ambiance was perfect. 10/10!!!! Can't wait to come back

A delightful find in Central Phoenix During a recent visit to Central Phoenix, I stumbled upon Clever Koi, a ramen restaurant that boasts strong reviews on Yelp. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try and overall, it did not disappoint. We started our meal with the calamari fries, which were an absolute delight. The crispy calamari paired beautifully with the yuzu kosho dressing, offering a perfect balance of citrusy heat, while the bits of parsley added a fresh touch to the dish. Equally impressive were the pork belly fries, where the rich, savory pork belly bits were complemented perfectly by the sweet and tangy hoisin sauce, making for a satisfying appetizer duo. The restaurant's ambience is a highlight, featuring dim lighting, flickering candles, and a relaxed music selection that creates an inviting atmosphere ideal for an intimate dinner or a casual night out with friends over tasty cocktails. Speaking of drinks, I tried the Mai Tai and a berry soda cocktail, both of which were enjoyable. As someone who appreciates fruity cocktails, I found them refreshing, though I personally favored the Mai Tai for its well-balanced flavors. For the main course, we opted for the tonkotsu ramen and the fried rice. While both dishes were flavorful, they didn't quite leave a lasting impression. They were enjoyable but didn't stand out compared to the appetizers and drinks. Service-wise, the staff were friendly and welcoming, though the initial wait to place our order took longer than expected. Despite this minor setback, the overall experience was positive, and I would definitely return to explore more items on their menu. If you're in the area and looking for a spot with great appetizers, a cozy ambiance, and solid cocktails, Clever Koi is worth a visit.

Well, the sign out front did say "best ramen in AZ", and I can't disagree. We ordered take out through door dash, with the option to pick up ourselves. The ordering process was very easy. This place looked really cool to dine in at, and there was a parking lot behind the building. There was indoor and outdoor seating. I ordered the Miso Shoyu Chicken Ramen and my husband ordered the Pork Tonkotsu Ramen. They were both absolutely incredible. The broth was very flavorful and rich. I can't wait to dine in one day and try some of the other delicious looking items on the menu.

Pretty tasty! Everything we had was flavorful. Really love the variety of things they have on the menu. The space is really pretty. It's perfect for date nights or a night out w a small-ish group of friends. We sat on the patio and it was lovely with all the lights they have set up and the sunset in the background. The best thing we had by far was the XO noodles. It was rich and bold and plentiful. We tried all 3 Bao and the pork belly definitely reigned supreme - the others were good but not great. The tempura mushrooms were crispy and delicious. My favorite cocktail was the Nutty by Nature! So decadent. All drinks were above average.