Venue Snapshot

Name:

https://kibou.co.uk/locations/kibou-oxford

Location:

11-12 Little Clarendon Street, Oxford OX1 2HP

Visit date:

4th April 2026

Type (restaurant / café / pub / bar etc.):

Restaurant

How we booked/found it:

Booked via Open Table

Getting There

Parking:

On street parking is available and a nearby public car park.

Ease of finding:

Just a few minutes walk from Oxford Castle

Accessibility (steps, ramps, loos, prams, dogs):

No accessibility issues

First Impressions

Décor & vibe:

Modern Asian décor with a polished but relaxed atmosphere. A mixed crowd and a pleasant musical backdrop created a welcoming and enjoyable environment. Staff were friendly and professional on arrival.

Welcome on arrival:

Pleasant and friendly

What We Ordered

Food & drink ordered:

Cocktails: Yuyake, Sake Colada – balanced, flavourful and very drinkable
Food: Salmon sashimi, yellowfin tuna sashimi, surf and turf nigiri, prawn tempura, chicken karaage, black pork katsu

Presentation:

Well-presented without being over-styled. Flavours were fresh, balanced and not overpowering. Generous portion sizes throughout.

Flavour & quality notes:

Delicious, full of flavour and not overpowering at all

Cost (incl. any service charge):

£182.14

Staff & Service

Speed & attentiveness:

Professional, polite and efficient. Courses arrived at the right pace. Helpful guidance on portion sizes.

Knowledge & recommendations:

Black Pork Katsu – It is a large dish and on reflection probably too much with everything else we ordered

Anyone to mention by name/role:

N/A

Facilities & Practicalities

Toilets (cleanliness, accessibility):

Spotless and smelt great

Seating comfort:

Lovely comfortable seating

Noise levels:

Not too noisy but the background music was probably a shade too loud – While the music was fine (Modern soul grooves), we were located under the speaker which wasn’t great

Outdoor space / extras:

I noticed they had a conservatory but as it was a cold evening, we couldn’t see further outside

Value for Money

Rating (1–5 stars):

4/5

Why this rating?

Excellent cocktails and well prepared food

Insider Tips

Best tables/areas:

Away from any speakers and not too close to the visible kitchen

Must-order items:

Surf and Turf Nigiri, Sashimi

What to avoid:

Black Pork Katsu if already full

Best times to visit:

1930 to 2000 was perfect for us

The Verdict

What we loved:

A stylish and enjoyable dining experience with standout cocktails and generous, flavourful food. 

What we didn’t:

Minor issue with seating location, but easily avoided.

Would we return (yes/no & why):

Yes – The cocktails alone were worth the visit

Overall Rating

Overall rating (1–5 stars):

4/5