Across the Pond is like Clever Koi, but Sushi
Have you ever looked at the menu at Clever Koi and thought, “I like this whole vibe, but what I really want today is sushi”? If so, Across the Pond is your place. Then when you go, you’ll find that it’s all executed just a little bit better. Or maybe I’ve just been eating the XO Noodles at Clever Koi for so long they feel a little less kapowy than they did a decade ago. At Across the Pond, the play is sushi standards. There aren’t a lot of gimmicky rolls (but they do exist)—the majority of the menu is super clean sashimi and nigiri, which is a lovely thing. And the cocktail menu is fantastic, which probably isn’t such a shock, as Clever Koi has been shipping out top-tier cocktails since day 1. But really, who calls the Pacific Ocean a pond? The name makes my eye twitch.
Where: Midtown / Website: acrossthepondphx.com / Reservations: OpenTable
Reviews
November 12, 2018 / Chris Malloy
Phoenix New Times: First Taste: Refined Sushi and Lush Asian-Inspired Cocktails at Across the Pond
What Campisano and James have done, in essence, is open a place with a narrow focus. Across the Pond isn’t close to a full restaurant. It is a stop for a few simple but good bites before leaving to go somewhere else and eat more. It feels vaguely like a tapas bar that way.
Phoenix could use more places like this one.
Accolades / Awards
+2 Yumpoints
2022 Spirited Awards: Best U.S. Restaurant Bar: U.S. West - Regional Top 10 Honoree
+1 Yumpoint
2024 Foodist Awards: Most Creative Handcraft Cocktail Program - Finalist
