Across The Pond

Haven't had time to do a full review for quite a while and I'm still just as busy, so I'm just gonna try and make this as swift as possible. This review is for a dinner I had way back in September, so all of this is merely from faint memories.

In short, everything was good. Surprisingly fresh. The coffee-cured salmon was quite an experience. If only it was a tad less salty, it would've been up there with some of the best nigiris ever devised. The uni hand roll was surprisingly cheap for what you get as well. It is real uni, not a bad amount, and the balance of flavors was great.

Honestly though, the thing that deserved mentioning the most is the chill vibe. Real nice jazzy café vibes in the middle of the desert. Makes you feel like you're in a big city for once. The fact that it's pretty empty compared to the "main branch" of Clever Koi across the... alley also helped. Unfortunately, there didn't seem to be a pond. Quite a missed opportunity, if you ask me.

Seriously, the vibe couldn't be put into words. If you're an urbanite like me, you just gotta experience the magic. Not sure if most people 'round the area would. I grew up in a busy place, so.

Taste-wise, it's like hovering around the 4-4.5 stars range. But just because of the vibe and the locale, I'm gonna give this the full A-tier. All my other sushi misadventures in Phoenix were atrocious, to say the least. Across the Pond was quite a nice change of pace.

I'll be back. Someday.

My coworker suggested this place, so I decided to give it a try. They have a small menu, which simplifies the ordering process. Every dish we tried was delicious. I particularly enjoyed the Karai Hamachi, Slammin’ Salmon, and Coffee Cured Salmon. Their cocktail choices are excellent too; I especially liked the Salty Pog and Lemongrass Swizzle. The service was good, and I appreciated the cozy atmosphere. Due to its small size, I'd recommend making a reservation in advance.

I love Across the Pond My wife and I have been going every 2-3months for the last 4yrs. AtP has raised my sushi standards bar so high that now nothing else compares. Ceviche, ngiri, coffee salmon, and 2-3 rounds of cocktails is our order of choice.
Thank you Chef Andy and EJ for making Saturday night one of the most memorable!

First the drinks - The "Smoke Show," a harmonious blend of Mezcal and Chartreuse and the "Calpico Punch" was a true revelation – a milk-punch creation boasting gin's spirited personality, served straight up with a delightful “punch”. The sushi journey that followed was nothing short of exceptional. Four nigiri selections graced my plate, and among them, the "coffee cured salmon" stood out as a revelation.
Then the yellowtail roll made its entrance – a tantalizing conclusion that paired perfectly with the Calpico Punch. The expertise in sushi craftsmanship was a testament to the culinary finesse that defines "Across the Pond.” This establishment, an extension of the renowned Clever Koi, weaves a tapestry of flavors that meld seamlessly with their libations. Congratulations to Emily Burris, Bar Director, for being creative and innovative.

One of my favorite places for sushi and sashimi in Phoenix. Small and intimate with dark lighting, ambience is great and music was good for the most part. The quality of fish is phenomenal, very fresh and tasty. The salmon and Toro are my top picks. Ask about their special! Presentation is simple but on point. Staff is always nice and knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients. I think the drinks could improve a little. Most were too sweet. Overall, a high quality sushi spot that you can try and go back to.