So, a piping-hot bowl of ramen isn’t on your list of cravings as we near summertime? Well, Clever Ramen, newly opened at SkySong in South Scottsdale, will change your tune after a single slurp.
The newest offering from Born & Raised Hospitality, the folks behind Clever Koi, Fellow Osteria & Pizzeria, and Across the Pond, Clever Ramen opened earlier this year as a counter-service, build-your-own ramen concept.
While most fast-casual dining spots aren’t designed for diners to sit and hang a while, it is impossible not to want to linger at Clever Ramen and take in its vibrant aesthetic. The wooden wall-to-ceiling installation, accented with hanging plants, is stunning, meant to resemble giant ramen noodles. Cool, highly stylized framed photos of Clever Ramen dishes and planks of thin wood slats that look like chopsticks decorate the walls. The thought that went into the design elements of the space is certainly not lost at Clever Ramen; though a relaxed, laidback atmosphere, it is bursting with personality.
Though we already knew that Born & Raised Hospitality could make a mean ramen thanks to Clever Koi, we were delighted with the variety of options available at Clever Ramen, ranging from the crowd-pleasing pork ramen (a Clever Koi signature) to a vegan ramen with tofu chashu. Feeling creative? Diners are invited to build their own bowl by picking their noodle, broth, protein, veggies and extras, like chili oil or crispy shallots, of choice.
Another favorite that Clever Koi does so well is its bao buns, which are also dished up at Clever Ramen. Opt for the trio so you can sample each selection, with our favorites being pork belly and the divine kimchi cauliflower, paired with thinly sliced apple, scallions and gochujang aoili. A selection of Krazy Fries round out the menu, as well as canned cocktails, wine and beer.
Clever Ramen is open daily from 10:45 a.m. to 9 p.m. To learn more, visit www.cleverramen.com.
1455 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 105
Scottsdale, AZ 85257