The Travel Critic

Stepping into KIBOU Japanese restaurant in Clifton is like stepping into a vivid daydream conjured by the most inspired of culinary minds. It is, quite simply, now firmly my favourite place in Bristol. The food is very, very good. No, scratch that. The food is so delectable it borders on divine.

Start with the soft shell crab tempura. Imagine a crustacean cloaked in the lightest, crispiest batter, as if it’s been kissed by angels before landing on your plate. Then there are the duck bao buns. Oh, the bao buns! Soft, pillowy clouds encasing rich, succulent duck that melts in the mouth. The pumpkin croquettes deserve a standing ovation all on their own: golden, crispy exteriors giving way to sweet, creamy interiors that taste like autumn in a bite. The list goes on, each dish a revelation, each bite a marvel.

The stock options like sashimi and sushi are perfect. Perfect. It almost feels redundant to mention them, so flawlessly do they execute these staples. Fresh, vibrant slices of fish that sing with the clean, unadulterated flavour of the sea. Rolls that balance texture and taste with a precision that borders on obsessive.

Next, let’s talk about the venue. Beautiful. Creative. Cool. Friendly. It’s a space that doesn’t just invite you in; it wraps you in a warm, stylish embrace and makes you never want to leave. Perfectly located in trendy Clifton Village, KIBOU feels like the beating heart of this vibrant community. The décor is a masterclass in modern aesthetics with a touch of Japanese elegance. It’s the kind of place where every detail has been thought out, every corner has a story to tell.

The clientele? Refreshingly elegant. In an age where casual has become the norm, people actually dress up to come here. It’s as if KIBOU casts a spell, making everyone want to rise to the occasion, to match the restaurant’s own sophisticated charm. This, especially in Bristol, is nothing short of a miracle.

The cocktails are good and interesting, each one a delightful concoction that complements the food perfectly. The service is efficient, and let’s face it, a well-oiled machine. Staff glide about with a grace and competence that’s almost balletic.

I’m struggling to find an issue. Really, I am. Ah, there it is: it’s hard to get a table. But perhaps that’s not a flaw so much as a testament to KIBOU’s brilliance. It’s a place so exceptional that everyone wants a piece of it.

Love this place.