Based in a stunning Victorian building in Jericho, KIBOU is a colourful and atmospheric Japanese bar and restaurant, part of the popular group that also has sites in Battersea, Cambridge, Clifton and Solihull. 100 guests can be seated inside KIBOU, spaced across different eating and drinking zones, including a light and airy conservatory with cosy booth seating. The restaurant has been beautifully designed, with gorgeous murals, digital animations and Japanese floral and foliage installations. For warmer months, there is a lush and leafy Japanese inspired garden with seating for up to 40 guests, that features dramatic lighting and stunning wall art. Plus, there is a private dining room for intimate parties.
For the table, you should definitely order the edamame that is tossed in one of several flavourings. Sharers are a great way to ease you into your main meal, and include plates of agedashi tofu with warmed tempura sauce tossed in bonito flakes, chicken karaage with sriracha mayo, dynamite cauliflower florets in a sweet and spicy sauce, and handmade pork gyoza dumplings. KIBOU Oxford also offers bottomless sushi on Sundays.
Large plates are irresistable, but there are just two to choose from. A teriyaki bowl with a sweet glaze, rice, Japanese pickles and a protein topping of your choice, or the katsu curry that has been panko fried. If ramen is your thing, enjoy the seafood option with langoustine and clams, in a rich shiitake miso broth with spicy sesame soy tare, tossed with noodles, a tea-stained boiled egg, bamboo shoots, pak choi, naruto, spring onion, ginger, nori, sesame and crispy onion – now that’s flavour for you. It's no surprise, of course, that there are plenty of sushi options to choose from, and a delicious selection of sides and rice dishes.