KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar - Cheltenham image

KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar - Cheltenham

Restaurant Bar Meal takeaway Japanese restaurant Cocktail bar Sushi restaurant Ramen restaurant Udon noodle shop Tempura bowl restaurants

One of the Best Places To Visits in Cheltenham


Address

Unit 36, Regent Arcade, Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1JZ, United Kingdom

Website

kibou.co.uk

Contact

+44 1242 507984

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 11:30 AM to 11 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 11 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 11 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM to 11 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM to 12 AM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM to 12 AM
  • Sunday: 11:30 AM to 11 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: sushi (17) restaurant (15) Japanese (13) friendly (12) good (12) staff (11) delicious (10) great (10) menu (10) recommend (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 H P. 2 years ago on Google
    DELICIOUS, absolutely delicious food at Kibou. It took me ages to find a booking but finally got one, and now I know why they are always fully booked. I don't go for Japanese food anywhere else; I just wish they had more branches around!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Che M. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing restaurant with authentic Japanese food and drinks. Great vibe and atmosphere. Felt very relaxed inside. The food was absolutely amazing, probably one of the best restaurants I have ever had the pleasure of eating at. Staff where great and attentive and the prices were very reasonable for the portion sizes. The portions where huge. If you have never tried authentic Japanese cocktails then you definitely should give them a go! Japanese whisky is amazing. Thank you for the experience. Hope to come back here again soon.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Les Quatre F. 4 months ago on Google • 264 reviews
    First time here and Imogen, the head waitress, was extremely caring and attentive. She allowed us to eat in the lounge area because we had not booked and there were no tables available. She explained the menu in great detail. She was so polite and professional. The food was excellent. The chicken kara-age was delicious, the pork gyoza was succulent, tempura crisp and dynamite cauliflower hit the spot. Outstanding. The rhubarb fizz was lush. Great atmosphere too, even on a Monday. Can’t wait to return.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 sean e. 1 year ago on Google
    Make sure to reserve as it gets very busy and can be booked very quickly. The staff were very friendly and accommodating especially to my friend who had allergies. They really made sure to inform and be attentive We were given wasabi peas to while we waited for our food and it was pleasant. The food was all cooked to excellent standard. The meats were tender and soft, full of flavour. Sushi was prepared nicely, wasn't falling apart etc. My only complaint is that I wish there was more. But we all finished our meals feeling very satisfied. The decor is nice with the cherry blossoms around, seating was good and you can see the fish on display as well. Would come again if I'm in the area
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cherry Brandy K. 8 months ago on Google • 300 reviews
    Came here for dinner last week and very much enjoyed it. Love the decor with the moving images. Food was delicious and creative. Ambience was perfect. If we had ordered more food the table wouldn’t have been fit for purpose. Luckily I wasn’t here with my sister where we practically try every section of the menu. Staff were reasonably friendly and chilled.

  • 5/5 Vidhya P. 1 year ago on Google
    We went for our 1 year anniversary! They were all lovely right from the start. Its a beautiful venue and setting. I ordered the drink the kibou signature which was really smooth while my fiancé ordered tekira. He found it too strong and the bartender was so accommodating he redid the drink so he could enjoy it. We were hoping to eat more food but we were so full we just couldn't eat anymore! I really hope I get another chance to go because the food was divine. I forgot to take a picture of the menu but we ordered volcano rolls and the pork belly don buri. We love volcano rolls but this was very different to other sushi places the outer edge is dipped in tempura batter which is what makes it so filling and they are big pieces we were full! It was worth it! We also ordered the scallop gunkan it was nice but I don't think we would have missed out if we had ordered something else. The pork belly was divine so succulent!!! We couldn't even fit in a dessert to share. It is pricey but it's worth the money, I would say save it for a special occasion! Our server was so lovely and attentive she went over and beyond when I asked her to take a picture of us! Highly recommend!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John G. 2 years ago on Google
    This is one absolutely superb Japanese and sushi restaurant. Although I would not profess to be an expert in this type of cuisine, I have now been to enough Japanese restaurants to be able to compare and provide an opinion on my experiences to date. The popularity of KIBOU is confirmed by the fact the only slot we could get was 5pm on a Tuesday evening and although not entirely what we wanted we was not prepared to miss out so 5pm it was. KIBOU has a very nice and vibrant interior and when coupled with the excellent staff and equally excellent menu and quality of the food, this turned out to be a first class experience. If you are a sushi aficionado or, simply a sushi beginner then do not hesitate booking in at KIBOU in Cheltenham…… it’s great..!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wellington G. 2 years ago on Google
    Definitely worth trying the food here. Great flavours, service was good, & clean restaurant. BAO Buns were good along with the Volcano Rolls! I recommend the sea bass (Kushiyaki) Enjoy!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Only Satisfying M. 6 months ago on Google • 56 reviews
    We were greeted by a lovely personnel and were seated in little cozy gloomy corner. The atmosphere was amazing and the music was not too loud. The food was brought really fast and it was not just tasty, it was fresh , well cooked and flavourful. It was something I have never tried before but will for sure come back every time I have the chance. I really recommend it for every that wants to try something new and authentic.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alan P. 3 months ago on Google • 198 reviews New
    What can I say. Like ...WOW!! I've had some pretty good ramen before but this place serves the best I've had. I actually felt like I was high after eating it. And the starters were perfect. Friendly staff. Great service, clean Kind of felt like I was stepping into another world. Easy access for wheelchair, high chair for children, will accommodate allergies for food prep, and a fair price to.

  • 4/5 Phy P. 1 year ago on Google
    The sushi, sashimi and those snacks are fresh and taste good. Amazing decor with modern art in Japanese style. I would like to recommend the dessert this time, unbelievable, fabulous and don’t miss it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 George C. 5 months ago on Google
    Tried this place while visiting, phenomenal food, the volcano sushi was to die for, 10/10, and the ramen was decent. Would love to come back to try more sushi.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aaron C. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic first experience. Service and food were great. Drinks were fantastic, and the food was just as good. Definitely on the pricier side, with a few items seeming overpriced given the portion sizes, but will definitely be returning again. Nice to see a restaurant take note of the booking notes also, much appreciated.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Graeme W. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice restaurant in the town centre serving authentic Japanese cuisine. Recommend booking a table well in advance as we couldn’t get in on the Saturday and there was only 2 slots on the Sunday lunch. Staff were great and super attentive. Love the decor and style as well. Only slight issue was that my main was little cold when it was served.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ray H. 3 months ago on Google • 48 reviews New
    Loved the wall art and atmosphere, service was quick and friendly. Creative cocktail choices too. Sushi was fresh but just didn't feel like the plate was worth £50 for what we got. It was a sharing platter of 20 pieces but most portions were an odd number, meaning we had to either compromise or cut something in half. They were unfortunately out of yuzu cheesecake, so we didn't get to try the recommended dessert.

  • 5/5 James S. 3 months ago on Google • 16 reviews New
    First time trying an authentic sushi restaurant and this place was amazing. Went for my wife's birthday and there was so much choice (not just sushi) and it was difficult to pick what to have as could've easily had everything on the menu. Also had some bao buns as who doesn't love a bao bun. All the food was stunning and we left feeling nicely full but in a healthy, good food kind of way as the food was so clean and fresh.

  • 5/5 fran b. 4 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    brought my mum here for her birthday recently, food was delicious, fresh and flavourful. the service was spot on, waitress was happy to talk us through the menu, answer our questions (we had quite a few lol) and offered the perfect recommendations. i never got the waitress’s name but it said Lara on our bill so special thank you to her🥰

  • 5/5 Whitters 11 months ago on Google
    I'm obsessed with bao buns, I love them, so I had to try here. Unfortunately I didn't get a photo as I was too busy tucking into them, they were so good! Such a gorgeous place, the staff were extremely informative as we weren't sure when ordering what to choose, the menu is big. We will definitely return, especially just for the baos!

  • 5/5 Kira K. 9 months ago on Google
    My absolute favourite Japanese restaurant in the UK! We started coming here when we first moved to Cheltenham and have become loyal customers. The food is always spot on, the chefs, waitstaff and hostesses are dedicated and friendly. It’s really like our second home at this point, so we will of course, be back soon! May I point out, that the desserts they come up with are out of this world. I have tried the green tea crème brûlée, hojicha (toasted green tea) tiramisu(!!!!) and sesame mousse.

  • 5/5 Illyana P. 7 months ago on Google
    Used Deliveroo while travelling around Cheltenham for work yesterday. This place was DELICIOUS!!!! Unfortunately, I was already half way through the beans before I remembered to take a photo ..... that's how good they were!

  • 5/5 Daniel G. 6 months ago on Google
    Everything was excellent. I went outside of my comfort zone and decided to dine alone in a restaurant for the first time. The friendliness of the staff instantly put me at ease. There's not one thing I didn't enjoy about my experience, I'll definitely be going back to try the rest of the menu.

  • 3/5 Andreia Ramos S. 11 months ago on Google
    We visit kibou in Cheltenham last weekend for a family meal. we sat outside in the veranda as it is dog friendly.The sushi is good but nothing special. Presentation is very appealing. We waited very long for our sushi. The lady that served us apologised for it 5 times. Not her fault she was very friendly. Also, they did not bring us any plates or soya bowls to eat we ended up eating directly from the serving plate. The lady that serves outside was very friendly however the management and organisation of the restaurant was poor.i would recommend employing more staff for weekends and don't leave your veranda customers unattended.

  • 5/5 Jack G. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely love KIBOU, this is my favorite restaurant. Make sure to make a booking as it's very popular! We have been quite a few times now and have never been disappointed. The aesthetics and atmosphere makes you feel like you're in an authentic Japanese restaurant. The service is always very friendly, polite and attentive. As for the food, it's wonderful. Everything is delicious, I particularly recommend the ramen and any of the sushi. I would however like a couple more non alcoholic cocktail options. Otherwise it's pretty perfect. Most certainly recommend a visit.

  • 5/5 SCO77B1 1 year ago on Google
    Wow what can I say. The decor is next level 😍. Its unique and far from the copycats that rife new Restaurants. Every corner of the Restaurant you look towards has something different going on. Greeted by friendly staff that showed us to our table. We asked for recommendations from the waitress, the food came out in no time and looked amazing. The food is quality, the BAO BUNS where my favourites and the best I have had to date. The sushi is prepared fresh and is presented well. Can’t Waite to visit again, thanks again kibou.

  • 5/5 David K. 10 months ago on Google
    Amazing food, place and service. One of the best Japanese restaurants I’ve ever been to. Everyone from my group had a delicious dish served by super friendly staff.

  • 4/5 Christopher L. 2 years ago on Google
    So we were actaully on are way to wagamama but decided to try kibou instead. We wernt dissapointed. Kibous decor is inviting and unique and the food was lovely. I had salmon nilgiri to start, and we had a duck hao bun which was tasty and rich but the beef sukiyaki was OUT OF THIS WORLD. The broth was phenomenal, so rich in flavour i drank the bowl at the end. The only reason this place is not getting 5 stars is becusee the toilet were not in great shape, toilet tissues on the floor and wet floors but the smell was just not nice...quite pungent n strong which I just did not expect from such a classy and well run place. Shame but don't let that out you off, service, price, and food...5 star.

  • 5/5 Zak R. 11 months ago on Google
    Everything about the meal was great, from the apps to the mains to the surprise birthday brownie and ice cream for my birthday! We had a reservation and so were greeted quickly and shown to our table when we arrived. Our server, Angelo, was a rock star. Helped us out with the menus and had great banter all night long! He was also by often to check in with us on how everything was going. The food tasted great and the portions were generous! I will be back next time my wife and I are in town, and in the meantime HOPE that Kibou opens a location in Scotland (preferably Edinburgh 🤞).

  • 5/5 Kay P. 11 months ago on Google
    Had a lovely birthday lunch here with a friend, with a beautiful sushi sharing platter for two and mimosa type fruit cocktails, Japanese style. Very sweet waitress, who made sure we had everything and made sure we understood if we needed to ask about anything, especially as the menu is rather extensive and offers a lot I'd heard of, and a lot I hadn't! The restaurant is large and really beautifully decorated, with different eating areas - we were sat in the don't with others for lunch and there was a nice ambience. Our food came quite quickly, which was food as we had gone for the chef's surprise sharing sushi plate and he had made it all up fresh. Very delicious. Definitely recommend - I'd love to go back in the evening when it's a bit busier and more buzz, as I'm sure it would be great... however whenever I try and book, itsusually 2 - weeks in advance at weekends. So very popular! The restaurant, food, service was all very beautifully presented. I'm not surprised this independent is opening more branches. Enjoy!

  • 5/5 UKDread 1 year ago on Google
    I've been waiting to visit for a couple of years, it was well worth it. Amazingly decorated, lovely ambiance. Sushi delicious, My favourite the bao buns! Great cocktail choices, perfect for date night or meal with friends, highly recommended

  • 5/5 Trixzy 1 year ago on Google
    If you're in the mood for some delicious Japanese cuisine, then look no further than this restaurant! The sushi is some of the best I've ever had, and the sashimi is also very fresh and tasty. The tempura is crispy and light, and the miso soup is nice and hearty. The service is also very good - the staff are very friendly and attentive, and they make sure your dining experience is a pleasant one. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a good meal.

  • 4/5 Laura 1 year ago on Google
    Finally got in, always fully booked and was worth the wait loved it, food was lovely, service was a lil slow but was busy. Only thing I didn't like tables next to us were too close I felt like I was having dinner with them. Next time I'd only go if could have a booth or table on its own. I was on a romantic meal with my bf and the man next to us keep talking to us 😅🙈

  • 5/5 Craig E. 1 year ago on Google
    If you can afford about £80 for 2 people to get full then i sharly suggest you do! It is worth it, the resturant itself is stunning and the staff are very friendly. Id especially recommend their tempura prawns. Also read the menu carefully before ordering! We nearly ordered veggie sushi 🤣

  • 5/5 Renat O. 6 months ago on Google • 1 review
    I've been going here since they first opened up and were only able to sit 20-30 people max. The atmosphere and Staff have been amazing throughout the years and the detail and quality of the food hasn't faultered at all. The artwork on the wall are phenomenal and the hygiene is top tier. I've recommended Kibou for over 20 of my friend's and family and every single one has returned with nothing but positive responses and how much they enjoyed the delicious food. I would like to give this Restaurant a 10/10 and hope to watch Kibou rise every more in the future. Congratulations to the Owner and the wonderful staff you really have brought Japan to Cheltenham and we love you for it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


Call +44 1242 507984 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking garage
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Free water refills
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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