Clever Koi Introduce
Clever Koi, located in the heart of Central Phoenix, is far more than a typical Asian restaurant; it’s a dynamic, award-winning culinary destination. This establishment positions itself as an Asian-inspired kitchen and lounge, offering a creative, ever-evolving menu that draws inspiration from the diverse flavors and techniques of Thailand, Korea, China, Vietnam, Japan, and Indo-China. For Arizona diners seeking a progressive and upscale yet approachable experience, Clever Koi masterfully blends traditional Asian comfort foods with modern culinary twists.
The concept is built around a journey of adventurous, yet universally appealing flavors. The menu is structured to encourage sharing and sampling, featuring house-made dumplings, progressive noodle dishes, and inventive small plates. Patrons in the Valley widely recognize Clever Koi for its excellence in several key areas. Customer feedback consistently praises the standout quality of the food—noting that every dish is "packed with flavor and beautifully presented"—and the truly top-notch service. The attentive staff ensures a relaxed, enjoyable, and never-rushed dining experience, making every visit feel special.
Beyond the exceptional food, Clever Koi is celebrated for its atmosphere, often described as having a "great vibe." The interior design incorporates elements like beautiful plants, contributing to a trendy, cozy, and romantic setting that appeals to college students, local groups, and tourists alike. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a lively happy hour, or a celebratory dinner, Clever Koi provides an elevated and memorable experience.
Clever Koi’s location is a significant asset, situated conveniently on N Central Avenue in Phoenix, placing it in a bustling, easily accessible midtown area, often considered the core of the city’s dining scene.
- 4236 N Central Ave #100, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
The central location is ideal for Phoenix residents, particularly those who rely on public transport or are coming from various parts of the Valley. Furthermore, the restaurant demonstrates a strong commitment to guest convenience and universal accessibility:
- Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible, featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating.
- Parking: Guests are accommodated with both a Free parking lot and Free street parking, easing the stress of urban dining.
- Pets: For those enjoying the great Arizona weather, Dogs are allowed outside in the outdoor seating area.
Clever Koi offers a comprehensive suite of dining and beverage services designed to meet diverse customer needs, from a quick meal to a full evening out.
- Dining Options: Available for Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, with comfortable Seating and full Table service.
- Service Flexibility: Includes Outdoor seating for pleasant Arizona evenings, Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, and traditional Dine-in service.
- Beverage Program: Features a Bar onsite with an excellent selection of Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and a Great wine list, alongside Coffee and a Great tea selection.
- Special Offers: Popular for Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food, making it an excellent spot for after-work socializing.
- Family and Group Amenities: The restaurant offers High chairs and a Kids' menu, and accepts reservations, making Planning for Groups or family dinners simple (Dinner reservations recommended).
The reputation of Clever Koi is bolstered by several standout features and consistent highlights that make it a favorite among local patrons:
- Award-Winning Bar Program: Widely celebrated for its inventive and seasonal bespoke drinks, featuring a Great cocktails selection and a Great beer selection, built by an award-winning mixologist.
- Exceptional Ramen: A major draw is the progressive noodle selection, with highly-praised options like the Pork Ramen, Spicy Kimchi Ramen, and a rich Vegan Shoyu Ramen. This is a core competency that has garnered critical acclaim.
- Fast and Attentive Service: Customer reviews frequently highlight the Fast service and the attentive, polite staff who are focused on making the experience enjoyable, often checking in regularly and keeping waters filled without needing to be asked.
- Upscale and Trendy Atmosphere: The Atmosphere is described as Casual, Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, and Upscale, featuring lots of beautiful plants and a sophisticated vibe that creates a unique and enjoyable backdrop for dining.
- Dietary Inclusivity: The menu features numerous options across the board, including Healthy options, Vegan options, and Vegetarian options, demonstrating a commitment to accommodating all diners.
- Specialty Small Plates: The menu's focus on Steamed Buns (like Pork Belly, Soft Shell Crab, and Kimchi Cauliflower) and specialty Dumplings (Short Rib, Avocado Crab Rangoon) makes for an exciting and communal dining experience.
For convenience and planning, patrons can easily contact the restaurant:
- Address: 4236 N Central Ave #100, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
- Phone: (602) 222-3474
- Types: Asian restaurant, Lounge, Ramen restaurant, Restaurant
The centralized phone and physical address, combined with the option to make reservations, simplify the process for local users to secure a table for lunch or dinner.
Choosing Clever Koi means selecting a premier, well-rounded dining experience in Central Phoenix that goes beyond simple Asian takeout. It is worth choosing for the discerning diner who values a combination of creative, high-quality food, and an outstanding social atmosphere.
The restaurant’s commitment to progressive Pan-Asian cuisine means patrons are guaranteed dishes that are "packed with flavor and beautifully presented." This culinary creativity, exemplified by their signature Steamed Buns, house-made Dumplings, and award-winning Ramen, ensures a memorable meal every time. Furthermore, the extensive and well-curated beverage program—from a Great wine list to expertly crafted Cocktails—elevates the experience from a simple meal to a true night out, perfect for the Trendy and Upscale atmosphere.
Perhaps the most compelling reason to choose Clever Koi, as highlighted by local reviews, is the impeccable service. The staff’s attentiveness ensures guests "never felt rushed," a rare and valuable commodity in popular urban dining spots. Whether you are a College student, a local Group, or a Tourist, this dedication to a smooth, relaxed, and enjoyable Table service, combined with the option for Solo dining and Late-night food, makes Clever Koi a standout destination for Asian-inspired comfort and fine dining in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona.
Clever Koi Menu
For Sharing
- Thai Salad $13.00
Napa Cabbage / Red Bell Pepper / Celery / Carrot / Edamame / Cilantro / Peanuts / Crispy Wonton Strips / Bang Bang Dressing
- Calamari Fries $14.00
Tempura / Mint / Furikake / Yuzu Kosho Remoulade
- Krazy Fries $15.00
Pork Belly / Hoisin / Tonkatsu / Black Pepper Garlic Aioli / Scallion / Sesame
- Dancing Mushrooms $13.00
Crispy Maitake Mushrooms / Red Sriracha Vinaigrette / Daikon Sprouts / Sesame Seeds
- Rock Shrimp Lettuce Cups $15.00
Mango Gochujang Sauce / Butter Lettuce / Togarashi Peanuts / Pickled Fresnos / Daikon Carrot/ Sesame / Cilantro
- Confit Duck Wings $15.00
Choice of Szechuan Buffalo or Pineapple Chili / Fried Pickles / Celery / Black Garlic Ranch
Steamed Buns
- Pork Belly $7.00
House Pickles / Peanuts / Cilantro / Hoisin
- Soft Shell Crab $7.00
Daikon / Carrot / Sesame / Yuzu Kosho Remoulade / Szechuan Garlic
- Hot Chicken $7.00
Crispy Chicken Thigh / Szechuan Buffalo Sauce / House Pickles / Crispy Shallots
- Kimchi Cauliflower $7.00
Fuji Apple / Sesame Seeds / Gojuchang Aioli / Scallion
Dumplings (5 Per Order)
- Short Rib Dumplings $15.00
Lemongrass Broth / Shiitake Tare / Gatstrique Onions / Cilantro / Garlic Oil / Togarashi
- Avocado Crab Rangoon $15.00
Blue Crab / Avocado Cream Cheese / Scallion / Chili Crisp / Pineapple Chili / Chinese Hot Mustard
Sandwiches
- Chicken Katsu $17.00
Crispy Chicken Cutlet / House Aioli / Tonkotsu / Cabbage/ Sesame Seeds / Toasted White Bread / Choice of Thai Salad or Togarashi Fries
Noodles
- Pork Ramen $19.00
Tori Paitan / Tonkotsu Tare / Crispy Pork Belly / Soft Egg / Kimchi / Bean Sprouts Mushrooms / Scallions / Black Garlic Oil
- Spicy Kimchi Ramen $19.00
Tori Paitan / Shoyu Tare / Garlic / Soft Egg / Braised Chicken Thigh / Kimchi / Bean Sprouts Mushrooms / Scallion / Chili Oil / Garlic Oil
- Miso Chicken Ramen $19.00
Tori Paitan / Sake Miso Tare / Braised Chicken Thigh / Soft Egg / Bean Sprouts / Mushrooms / Confit Tomatoes / Corn / Scallions / Garlic Oil
- Vegan Shoyu Ramen $19.00
Shiitake Tare / Lemongrass Stock / Tofu Chashu / Confit Tomatoes / Mushrooms / Miso Beets / Gastrique Red Onions / Bean Sprouts / Scallions / Garlic Oil
- Chilled Sesame Noodles $14.00
Bang Bang Sauce / Gastrique Onions / Pickled Carrots / Cucumbers / Corn / Cilantro / Peanuts / Chili Crisp / Scallions / Sesame Seeds
From the Wok
- Fried Rice $16.00
Scrambled Egg / Bell Peppers / Soy Marinated Fresno Chiles / Carrots / Edamame / Napa Cabbage / Scallion / Soy / Gochujang / Butter
- Shaking Beef $20.00
Filet Cuts / Broccoli / Confit Grape Tomato / Soy Marinated Fresno Chiles Gastrique Onions / Bok Choy / Scallions / Sesame Oil / Furikake / Rice
- Chow Mein $14.00
Yakisoba Noodle / Snap Peas / Carrots / Napa Cabbage / Bean Sprouts / Bok Choy / Radish Sprouts / Soy
- XO Noodles $19.00
Yakisoba Noodle / Shrimp & Scallop / Pork Belly / Bean Sprouts / Snap Peas / Daikon / Crispy Shallot / Scallion
- Szechuan Catfish $19.00
Bok Choy / Broccoli / Snap Peas / Garlic / Chili de Arbol / Chili Oil / Butter Served with Rice
- Koi Kung Pao Vegetables $16.00
Kimchi Cauliflower / Miso Beets / Celery/ Carrots / Mushrooms / Napa Cabbage/ Arbol Chilis Bean Sprouts / Sesame Seeds / Peanuts / Chili Oil/ Butter / Served with Rice
Proteins
- Lemongrass Chicken $8.00
- Braised Chicken Thigh $8.00
- Crispy Karaage Chicken $8.00
- Crispy Pork Belly $6.00
- Bulgogi Steak $10.00
- Shrimp $6.00
- Grilled Tofu Chashu $6.00
- Soft Egg $3.00
Clever Koi Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Clever Koi Photos










Clever Koi Location
Clever Koi
4236 N Central Ave #100, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
Clever Koi Reviews
bunspork ramenkimchishort ribshaking beefcalamari friesxo sauce noodleskatsu sandwichpork belly ramenthai salad
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The food was fantastic! The service truly stood out. The staff was attentive without being overbearing, checking in regularly and kept our waters filled without us ever having to ask. We never felt rushed, which made the whole meal feel relaxed and enjoyable. Every dish we tried was packed with flavor and beautifully presented. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great dining experience with a top-notch service!
October 13 · Yesenia PonceIf you want to eat at a cool place! This restaurant has lots of plants and a great atmosphere. I love all the beautiful variety of plants and the vibe of the restaurant. My noodles were a little too salty, but overall, it was great. The waiter was attentive and polite, and our drinks and food were prepared quickly. There is a coupon for $ 25 off if you spend $ 75 or more, and also cash back if you use the app to pay online.
September 20 · LETICIA PLANCONMy husband and I came here with great anticipation of some good food thanks to Insta. It was on our list of foods to try in AZ. Personally, the food looked great but didn’t enjoy it . It was missing something , maybe more seasoning, it just didn’t “wow” us and we’re both foodies . The drinks were great and the servers were kind. Overall, you’re really paying for the astheics and the vibes.
August 20 · Angel ChedikahThe cutest place! 5 stars for atmosphere.Food was really good...not excellent, but good. Some of the appetizers weren't served hot, more like room temp, and I found the pork belly and some of the other meats a little tough, perhaps overcooked. Flavor-wise and portion-wise though, I was pleased. I also will mention that whatever Riesling was on their wine menu (didn't get a pic) was delicious!Service however...not good. Our waitress had no personality and was literally so unhelpful. She seemed like she might know some of the answers to our questions but she didn't really talk or engage with us-it was like pulling teeth. This is a fusion restaurant, so people are going to have questions about menu items and she didn't explain or even recommend anything. It still will not prevent me from going back but definitely a different waitress :)
July 13 · Meghan BouckWe came over to burn some time while we waited for our flight back home, delicious food and the restaurant had a nice vibe to it.We tried the 'It takes two's deal and left pretty satisfied with it. Drinks were very tasty, the lemongrass twist in the Paloma was very good.Our server, Josh, offered a great and friendly service.If we are in Phoenix again, we'll definitely stop by again!
September 30 · Ariel Sánchez
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