
KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar - Clifton
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Quick info
About KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar - Clifton
KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar - Clifton is a Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar at 16 King's Rd in Bristol, open daily. Saturdays bring Bottomless Sushi, and a Japanese afternoon tea is also offered for those who want a sit-down occasion meal outside the main menu. The kitchen turns out sushi, sashimi, ramen, tempura and katsu curry, with the Volcano Roll and a duck bao bun among the named dishes, and a dedicated vegan menu runs alongside. Murals, neon signage and Japanese acers decorate the space, and seating is split between a downstairs area and an upstairs floor. A cocktail list sits next to the food menu. Dogs are welcome.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingPaid street parking · Parking
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, restroom, seating
- Good for kidsGood for kids · Has changing table(s) · High chairs
- DietaryVegan options · Vegetarian options
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention volcano roll, chicken karaage, prawn tempura and cocktails.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention volcano roll, chicken karaage, prawn tempura and cocktails.
Customer Review Summary
The Volcano Roll draws the most repeated praise, with one reviewer noting the sriracha mayo arrived separately because it was too spicy for them, and a regular calling the prawn tempura perfectly crisp. Close behind are the chicken karaage, duck bao bun, nasu dengaku, ramen, and cauliflower wings, plus desserts like the sesame tiramisu and chili tart. Reviewers also single out cocktails and sushi described as exceptionally fresh. Staff are repeatedly called friendly and attentive, with one party getting water brought out for their dogs and one diner receiving a free brownie for a birthday. Complaints are fewer. One delivery customer found the miso soup leaked and bland, the salmon on soggy onions, and the scallops rubbery. Others mention the downstairs being too dark to read the menu, a ramen that seemed to lack broth, a slightly long wait for food on a busy night, and a mandatory service charge for a party of two. Several reviewers describe returning regularly, and one says they have come for two years.
Customer Review Summary
The Volcano Roll draws the most repeated praise, with one reviewer noting the sriracha mayo arrived separately because it was too spicy for them, and a regular calling the prawn tempura perfectly crisp. Close behind are the chicken karaage, duck bao bun, nasu dengaku, ramen, and cauliflower wings, plus desserts like the sesame tiramisu and chili tart. Reviewers also single out cocktails and sushi described as exceptionally fresh. Staff are repeatedly called friendly and attentive, with one party getting water brought out for their dogs and one diner receiving a free brownie for a birthday. Complaints are fewer. One delivery customer found the miso soup leaked and bland, the salmon on soggy onions, and the scallops rubbery. Others mention the downstairs being too dark to read the menu, a ramen that seemed to lack broth, a slightly long wait for food on a busy night, and a mandatory service charge for a party of two. Several reviewers describe returning regularly, and one says they have come for two years.
Featured reviews
- Tomasz Nowak
“An absolutely outstanding experience at Kibou in Clifton. Every dish was beautifully presented, incredibly fresh, and packed with delicious flavour. You can really tell that great care goes into the food. The service was just as impressive—warm, attentive, and exceptionally well-mannered from start to finish. The staff made us feel genuinely welcome and ensured everything was perfect throughout our visit. Without a doubt one of the most satisfying dining experiences I've had. I can't wait to come back!”
- Keith Carrington
“Staff very helpful, explained the menu and what would be good amounts to have. Happy to supply cutlery for those lije me who aren't too good with chopsticks. Also happy to supply sauces in side dishes instead of drizzling - good for me as i avoid those that are very spicy. Had the very good volcano roll - the sriracha mayo is too spicy for me so it was good this was served separately. Chicken karaage was great too, along with the duck bao bun, and my wife really liked the nasu dengaku. The food arrives when it is ready. We finished with a sesame tiramisu and an apple goyoza. We really liked it all. We sat downstairs inside, there is also an outside (not much of a view) and an upstairs.”
- Rob Maximus
“The service and food here was amazing. From the minute we walked to the restaurant, we were spoken to by the staff and were lucky enough to sit in the sun out the front with our dogs on Mother's day weekend (Saturday). Immediately they brought fresh water for our dogs, and the service was attentive, and friendly. We were made to feel comfortable. The food was very tasty, looked great, tasted great, was nice and quick with getting food despite how busy it was. We were never left waiting for someone, always asked if we needed anything and if we're happy with everything. Would absolutely go back. Glad we found it.”
- Emily
“I ordered food from here via deliveroo. The food was late but I won’t hold that against the restaurant as Deliveroo deal with that side of things. The food however I will blame them for. Miso soup leaked everywhere and tasted bland. Some limp seaweed floating in dishwasher basically. The sushi wasn’t great. The salmon sat on a bed of very soggy onions. The sauce had little flavour. Scallops seemed rubbery. I was considering visiting the restaurant for sushi but I will give it a miss. There are FAR better places in Bristol for sushi. Don’t let it’s fancy Clifton village location fool you into thinking you’ll get quality because you won’t.”
- maisie gilpin
“What a cool place!!! The decor is fantastic, very atmospheric. All the staff were so friendly and helpful. The food was soo good. The aubergine starter and the cauliflower wings were amazing. I had the ramen which was very tasty but maybe missing broth. Had the chili tart for desert and it was incredibly decadent and delicious.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“KIBOU Clifton – Japanese Restaurant & Bar in Bristol Bringing the flavours of Tokyo to Clifton, KIBOU Japanese restaurant & bar offers a vibrant yet sophisticated dining experience, just moments from the University of Bristol. Bold murals, neon signage, and rich Japanese acers create an unforgettable setting. Enjoy handmade sushi, sashimi, bao buns, ramen, crisp tempura, and katsu curry, including our famous Volcano Roll and Jo Moriawase sharing platters. Try our new Teishoku set lunch (£16.90, Mon-Fri), indulge in Japanese afternoon tea, or enjoy Bottomless Sushi every Saturday. With a stylish cocktail bar and a dedicated vegan menu, KIBOU is a must-visit for Japanese food lovers in Bristol. Perfect for birthdays & specials occasions.”
- Great beer selection
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Popular for solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Paid street parking
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
Show more amenities
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Family-friendly
- Vegan options
- Bar onsite
- Offerings· 11
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Free water refills
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Facilities· 2
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Planning· 2
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Service options· 1
- Onsite services
- Dining options· 7
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Family-friendly· 4
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Highlights· 3
- Great beer selection
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Atmosphere· 5
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
- Crowd· 4
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
- Parking· 1
- Parking
- Pet-friendly· 2
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
Location
Japanese restaurants near KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar - Clifton
- Lonely Mouth4.44262.4 mi£10–20
matcha french toast, ube basque cheesecake, ube matcha latte
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar - Clifton | 4.51,084 | — | £20–60 | volcano roll, chicken karaage, prawn tempura |
| Lonely Mouth | 4.4426 | 2.4 mi | £10–20 | matcha french toast, ube basque cheesecake, ube matcha latte |
The 1 nearest japanese restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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