
KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar - Clifton
A stylish Japanese restaurant in Clifton, Bristol, known for its vibrant decor, exceptional sushi, and creative cocktails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar - Clifton

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stylish Japanese restaurant in Clifton, Bristol, known for its vibrant decor, exceptional sushi, and creative cocktails.
"The best Japanese in Bristol, UK and probably Europe! Fantastic atmosphere, great service and food."
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table at this popular and consistently busy Japanese restaurant.
Share Small Plates
Consider ordering five to six small plates between two people for a well-rounded and satisfying meal experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese
Price
$$$
Phone
+44 117 450 2930
Address
16 King's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4AB, United Kingdom
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant & Stylish Atmosphere
Experience a colorful and vibrant interior with Japanese art, geisha murals, and an acer tree, creating an upbeat and exotic ambiance.

Signature Volcano Roll
Indulge in the famous Volcano Roll, a 10-piece futomaki sushi roll with red pepper and avocado, deep-fried and drizzled in tempura sauce.

Exceptional Sushi & Ramen
Savor a wide array of expertly crafted sushi and flavorful ramen bowls, with options catering to diverse palates.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table at this popular and consistently busy Japanese restaurant.
Share Small Plates
Consider ordering five to six small plates between two people for a well-rounded and satisfying meal experience.
Explore Vegan Options
Discover dedicated vegan choices, including the vegan Volcano Roll and pumpkin katsu curry, ensuring inclusive dining.
Try the Takoyaki
Don't miss the spicy, sweet, and incredibly tasty Takoyaki, served at the perfect temperature for an appetizer delight.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table at this popular and consistently busy Japanese restaurant.
Share Small Plates
Consider ordering five to six small plates between two people for a well-rounded and satisfying meal experience.
Explore Vegan Options
Discover dedicated vegan choices, including the vegan Volcano Roll and pumpkin katsu curry, ensuring inclusive dining.
Try the Takoyaki
Don't miss the spicy, sweet, and incredibly tasty Takoyaki, served at the perfect temperature for an appetizer delight.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar in Clifton offers a visually stunning atmosphere and generally praised food, with sushi and takoyaki being standout dishes. While many commend the attentive service and vibrant decor, some diners have experienced inconsistency in food quality and service, leading to disappointment. Despite the potential for variability, it remains a popular spot for special occasions and those seeking a unique Japanese dining experience.
"The food was amazing. Not ridiculously priced for the quality. Great service. We went quite early otherwise I'd imagine the atmosphere is great too as the venue is delightful."
Sam Ford
"Very inconsistent - quite disappointed.
The first time I visited Kibou, was a 5 star experience. The service was 10/10 and the food was amazing as displayed in the first picture.
The second visit (no more than 2 weeks later) the quality seemed to have dropped dramatically. I was served by the same staff, I noticed the service was terrible compared to the first experience. I had ordered the same dish and the food quality/ presentation was appalling, as seen in the second photo.
I was actually made to feel like I had done something wrong. I genuinely can't figure out the reason things were so different. If it wasn't such an important dinner, I'd have left.
Won't be returning as I'm not sure how I'll be treated or what the food quality will be like. One thing for sure, is the prices will be the same regardless."
D W
"Very tasty, but quite expensive! A great treat for a special occasion. I highly recommend their takoyaki - spicy, sweet, incredibly tasty, served at a great temperature! Staff were very attentive, and kindly discounted the bill when a dish arrived late. Free tiny paper cranes at the end of the meal!"
Adara Hunter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Guests highly recommend the Volcano Roll for its unique preparation and flavor. The Takoyaki is also a popular starter, praised for its taste and texture.
Yes, KIBOU has a dedicated vegan menu with options like the vegan Volcano Roll, vegan sushi platters, and pumpkin katsu curry.
Yes, reservations are strongly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity, especially during peak hours.
The restaurant boasts a stylish and vibrant atmosphere with colorful Japanese art, geisha murals, and an intricately decorated acer tree.
KIBOU offers a range of vegetarian and vegan options. It's advisable to inform your server about any specific dietary needs.
Many diners celebrate special occasions like birthdays at KIBOU, citing the excellent food and attentive service that makes the experience memorable.
While some reviews mention it can be expensive, it's considered good value for the quality, especially for a special treat.
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The 11 best restaurants in Bristol
Whether it is the handmade sushi, the bowls of ramen, tempura, wagyu beef or the soft bao buns, Kibou is a worthy addition to the Clifton restaurant scene. Add to that they have a huge selection of whiskies too. This is the fifth outlet of the Kibou brand (Cheltenham and London, among them) and it’s set over two colourfully decorated floors (bold prints and geisha murals); an intricate burgundy Japanese acer tree also weaves itself up and around the first floor windows, which look out over Clifton Village.
Where to go for ramen in Bristol
Based in a colourful area of Bristol, KIBOU is the perfect hangout spot for both Japanese culture fans and those who are seeking unique experiences as its interior and food capture the most exotic aspects of Japan. You can find walls covered with vibrant art and upbeat service that will get you in the mood for a little adventure. And indeed, the menu highlight is, of course, ramen that comes with four rich toppings: chicken nanban (battered chicken thigh), chashu (braised pork belly), tantanmem (sweet and spicy pork) and seasonal vegetables.
11 spots to enjoy tea and cake
What: Afternoon tea purists may need to look away for this one, but for those looking to branch out from traditional scones and sarnies, Kibou offers a tiered stand of Japanese favourites. Expect prawn tempura rolls, salmon tataki and sea bream nigiri, followed by a selection of mochi ice cream, cinnamon and apple gyoza, and custard dorayaki topped with strawberry compote. Vegetarians are taken care of too, with a completely plant-focused menu packed full of avocado nigiri and vegetable temaki.
Best Japanese restaurants in Bristol [2024]
Address: 16 King’s Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4AB, United KingdomPhone: +44 117 450 2930Website:kibou.co.ukDetails: Japanese restaurant. Kibou Japanese Kitchen & Bar in Clifton, Bristol, is a culinary gem that has garnered rave reviews for its exceptional staff, inviting atmosphere, and delectable menu. Despite a mix-up with a booking, the accommodating staff promptly found a suitable spot for a group of friends at the bar, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
The best places to get vegan food in Bristol
This Japanese restaurant in Clifton Village has a mouthwatering range, including a vegan version of their famous Volcano roll: a 10-piece futomaki sushi roll, stuffed with red pepper and avocado, dipped in tempura batter, fried and drizzled in tempura sauce. Other tasty meat-free options include, a 20-piece vegan sushi sharing platter, veggie ramen, a new pumpkin croquette katsu curry, and a deliciously smoky chargrilled aubergine bao bun with sweet miso sauce.
Clifton | Japanese Restaurant and Bar in Bristol
With a vision to transport guests to the eclectic streets of Tokyo, KIBOU Japanese restaurant and bar in Clifton is bursting with colour and vibrant Japanese-inspired art and design. Traditional Japanese block prints and exotic geisha murals sit side-by-side with bold neon signage and projector animations, whilst a complex network of rich burgundy Japanese acers adds a dramatic entrance and organically binds the restaurants aesthetics.
13 Best Birthday Restaurants In Bristol
Award-winning Japanese food sound like a bit of you this birthday?. Tucked away on King's Road in Clifton, KIBOU is worth the trip out of the city centre. A decorative spot where walls are adorned in Japanese are and paraphernalia, you'll be treated to a true homage to the cuisine, with sushi and bao served alongside soft shell crab, signature cocktails and sake for those looking to truly experience a taste of Tokyo.
Best Restaurants In Bristol, England, UK 2024
One of four in the UK, this Kibou is found in Clifton Village, a beautiful Japanese kitchen serving bao buns, tempura, donburi, katsu curries, poke bowls, sushi, teriyaki, yaki udon and more. If you can’t decide or enjoy a variety of flavours, opt for a sushi platter and a set of sharers. There’s a children’s menu too, including popular Japanese desserts like mochi ice cream and apple gyoza.
Guide to the best afternoon tea in Bristol (2022) – Bristol and Local
Clifton’s finest modern Japanese bar and kitchen put on offer a ‘Japanese style’ afternoon tea, featuring tasting samples from their menu and a beautifully selected assortment of Japanese sweets. See the details on their site here. This is a specular assortment for any fine food enthusiast.
Where can you find good sushi in Bristol?
We’ve not been to Noa, Obento, or Kibou yet but we know they are serious about sushi too. On a recent trip back to Bristol to see friends, we tried out Fujiyama in Clifton village. This is a restaurant that has built up a reputation for traditional Japanese food over the years.
Top 43 Gluten-Free Bars to Experience in Bristol
Experience a unique, immersive Japanese-themed vibe with fresh sushi, attentive service, and a cozy atmosphere that's perfect for celebrations!. Had an incredible experience at KIBOU for my sister-in-law’s birthday. The food was amazing and the service was so good.
Independent Restaurants in Bristol - VisitBristol.co.uk
You've got plenty of options on nearby Whiteladies Road, from sushi platters at KIBOU to French classics at Aqua Brasserie, or a taste of Spain at Bravas.
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