By Ania Askwith
KIBOU, Unit 36, Regent Arcade, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1JZ
One of my favourite parts of exploring a new place is through the food, and when in Cheltenham, we had the opportunity to visit one of the top-rated places for pan-Asian cuisine—KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar.

A very special culinary experience
Located right in the centre of Cheltenham, KIBOU offers a captivating culinary experience that celebrates the artistry and flavours of Japan in both the food and drink, as well as the decor.

From the moment we stepped in, we felt like we were being transported to an authentic Asian space; I adore the beautiful decor and quite unusual seating options—some of the tables are ‘sunk into’ the ground so it feels like you’re sitting on the floor, as you would in a traditional Japanese restaurant.

Delicious sushi, oh and the drinks!
And the decor only set the scene for the beautiful food we got to taste. We opted for sushi platters and—wow—they were delicious! Described as ‘premium selection of our signature sushi and sashimi hand-picked by chef’, everything on the platters was super flavoursome and fresh, it felt like each plate at KIBOU reflects the essence of Japan’s culinary tradition.
But the food, as amazing as it was, was not the only highlight of the visit. The drinks menu had me studying it for a while as there were so many options, most of which were quite unfamiliar to me, so I had to really take my time deciding what to have.
Their margarita with a spicy, Japanese twist was just delightful, but the KIBOU-exclusive cocktails were mind-blowing. The Cucumber Saleswoman cocktail was unreal!

All four of us who dined were in agreement that those were some of the nicest cocktails we’d had!
What I love about KIBOU
More than just a restaurant, KIBOU embodies the spirit of Japanese hospitality and culture. The serene ambiance and attentive service create an atmosphere where you feel immersed in the beauty of Japanese traditions while enjoying world-class cuisine and cocktails. We truly had a stunning evening.
Location
KIBOU is located in the heart of Cheltenham at 36 Regent Street, GL50 1JZ with several car parks, including the Regent Arcade Car Park and the Rodney Road Car Park, within a 5-minute walk.
Tips for Visiting
- Try the cocktails: The KIBOU-exclusive cocktails are a must-try. Super unusual but soooo delicious!
- Make a reservation: consider booking in advance; we booked early and found that the place was full, so unlikely to be able to walk in, especially on weekends.
- Sushi platters are a great options if you want to sample different menu options. The portions are generous (one platter is a good size for two people) and you get to try several dishes.
Best for: Cheltenham, pan-Asian cuisine Cheltenham, authentic Japanese restaurant, sushi platters, Japanese culinary experience, Cheltenham dining
Website
For more details, visit KIBOU Japanese Restaurant & Bar’s website here: KIBOU
Reviews
KIBOU is celebrated for its exceptional sushi and cocktails with 4.6/5 stars from over 300 Google Reviews and 4.5/5 stars from over 100 Tripadvisor reviews. Guests seem to echo our appreciation for the authentic Japanese experience, fresh sushi, and creative cocktails.Enjoyed this post? If you love discovering things to do, places to go, and the best spots to eat and drink in the North East and beyond, be sure to follow my blog for more reviews, recommendations, travel tips, and hidden gems. And for a closer look at my day-to-day experiences, follow me on Instagram @ania.askwith for behind-the-scenes content and even more discoveries! Let’s explore together!

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