Review: KIBOU Oxford

Through the floral entrance, on Little Clarendon Street, KIBOU Oxford really is a tardis.

Previously Wildling restaurant and bar, the introduction of KIBOU’s ‘Tokyo-chic’ - Japanese florals and foliage, and statement block print wallpaper, all work a treat through the myriad dining spaces, where cosy booths and alcoves are a plenty.

Right at the back, the star dining space is the conservatory which overlooks a walled garden – which was filled with mid-week revellers enjoying the sun during our visit.

The conservatory was where we were sat on a lovely May evening to delve into their new spring menu.

The staff were all full of enthusiasm, and our server, an Oxford local herself having grown up down the road, was particularly knowledgeable about the menu and its recent incarnation.

Truffle teriyaki wagyu beef - Tokusen plate

This was just as well as KIBOU’s menu really is a bit of a beast and for the uninitiated slightly intimidating without some sort of steer.

It’s divided into many, many sections, from signature sushi, small plate sharers, tokusen plates, small plate sharers, bao buns, salads & greens, mixed platters, tempura, wagyu, ramen, tataki, sashimi, the list goes on.

California Rolls and Bluefin Tuma Chutoro

KIBOU's emphasis is on sharing dishes and plates tend to arrive when they are ready instead of set course dining. We went straight in for one of the new dishes - tender truffle wagyu – this was thin slices of rich truffle-infused wagyu. topped with slices of cooked garlic. Very delicate and well balanced.

Another addition to the spring menu was yusu miso marinated salmon. This was just dreamy. Highly recommend. The soft, flavoursome salmon steak flaked apart beautifully and was topped with glistening red cods’ roe all doused in a miso/ yusu-infused dressing.

Salmon Yuzu Tokusen

We also tried Bluefin Tuna Chutoro, famed for its rich, buttery texture and flavour. This also did not disappoint served ina ponzu dressing with grilled sliced garlic.

In fact everything we ate was faultlessly fresh.

Eel California rolls, suggested by the team were a lovely accompaniment to balance the sashimi.

We also ordered two fresh and moreish salads - aubergine and cucumber & seaweed, and classic crispy aubergine in a gochujang sesame sauce.

Toasted aubergine salad

The wine list in contrast to the food was a much more manageble size and all seemed very reasonably priced. We settled on a Portuguese Arca Nova Vinho Verge from Minho, the bottle's description noted the wine as an ideal accompaniment for sushi.

We ended our evening, at Jericho’s longstanding Raouls Bar. Highly recommended for a nightcap, this little neighbourhood spot in Jericho has been running since 1979.

KIBOU is a strong new addition to Oxford’s Japanese dining offering and as we’ve not even made a dent in the menu, we’re looking forward to coming back again soon.

To view the full menu and book a table, visit www.kibou.co.uk

KIBOU Oxford – Japanese Kitchen & Bar

11-12 Little Clarendon Street

Oxford 

OX1 2HP