"Gilbert's best noodle dinner — chef Jared Porter's progressive ramen, house dumplings and steamed bao with a craft-cocktail bar, in the downtown Heritage District."
About Clever Koi
Clever Koi is the Gilbert outpost of the Phoenix favourite founded by chef Jared Porter and his partners, who opened the central-Phoenix original in 2013. It sits on West Vaughn Avenue in downtown Gilbert's Heritage District — an Asian-inspired kitchen and craft-cocktail bar drawing on Thailand, Korea, China, Vietnam and Japan rather than any single tradition.
For Gilbert's other tables, compare the gastropub Culinary Dropout, the global menu at Kona Grill or the market dining at Liberty Market.
The Kitchen
The kitchen, built on chef Jared Porter's pan-Asian approach, runs to progressive noodle dishes, house-made dumplings and the steamed bao that are a Clever Koi signature, with an ever-changing "bun of the month" and strong vegan and vegetable-forward options — vegan potstickers, vegan dan dan noodles and a vegan ramen among them. Ramen is the dish to order, in spicy and classic readings. Prices are moderate; this is an accessible, modern Asian dinner rather than a special-occasion bill.
The Room
The room pairs a relaxed, design-led dining space with a full bar and an extensive craft-cocktail program, plus wine, sake and house shots. It is an evening-leaning spot — open into the night Friday and Saturday, with weekend lunch — that suits a casual dinner, a date over small plates and cocktails, or a sociable group. Walk-ins work outside peak times; weekends fill.
Best for First Date
Small plates, ramen and a craft-cocktail bar make Clever Koi an easy first date in downtown Gilbert. The shared, casual format also suits a relaxed team dinner after work, or a low-key birthday over bao and drinks.
Not for
Not for diners after a quiet, white-tablecloth fine-dining evening or a classic steak-and-wine dinner — Clever Koi is a lively, bar-forward pan-Asian spot built around noodles, bao and cocktails.
Frequently Asked
What is Clever Koi known for?
It is a pan-Asian kitchen and craft-cocktail bar in downtown Gilbert's Heritage District, known for progressive ramen, house-made dumplings and steamed bao drawn from across East and Southeast Asia.
Who is behind Clever Koi?
Chef Jared Porter and his partners founded Clever Koi, opening the central-Phoenix original in 2013 before bringing the concept to downtown Gilbert.
What should I order?
Ramen is the signature, in spicy and classic versions, alongside the steamed bao and house dumplings; there are strong vegan options, including vegan potstickers and a vegan ramen.
Does it have a bar?
Yes — a full bar with an extensive craft-cocktail program, plus wine, sake, house shots and non-alcoholic mocktails, which makes it as much a drinks spot as a dinner one.
Where is Clever Koi located?
At 60 West Vaughn Avenue in the Heritage District of downtown Gilbert, Arizona, open evenings with weekend lunch.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Clever Koi
Walk-ins work outside peak times; weekends fill — book ahead for a group.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address60 W Vaughn Ave, Gilbert
NeighbourhoodDowntown Gilbert Heritage District
CuisineAsian / Ramen
PriceModerate; ramen, bao & small plates
Dress CodeCasual
SeatingDesign-led room & craft-cocktail bar
ReservationWalk-ins welcome
