A new Japanese restaurant has opened for the first time in Oxford.

Wilding opened in Little Clarendon Street in 2021 on the site of the former Cafe Rouge in Little Clarendon Street - sometimes known as 'little trendy street'.

But it shut for good in May and restaurant chain Kibou has taken over the premises in the side street off Walton Street which features bars, shops, Gail's bakery, restaurants, a pub and the Common Ground cafe and venue.

READ MORE: Artisan bakery is a hit in Witney

Kibou already has restaurants in Battersea, Cheltenham, Bristol, Solihull, and Cambridge and opened in Oxford on Tuesday.

The premises have been completely redesigned inside.

General manager Imogen Whelan said the restaurant has been busy since opening and added that Jericho residents and customers from other parts of the city had given them "a warm welcome".

(Image: Andy Ffrench) Kibou is offering a taste of Tokyo - a feast of contemporary Japanese dishes, sushi rolls, and exotic cocktails.

Dishes include sushi and shasimi sharing platters, wagyu beef, crisp tempura, bowls of ramen, handmade gyoza and a range of other classic and contemporary Japanese dishes.

There is also a wide selection of Japanese whisky and beers, sake and Japanese-inspired cocktails.

The chain's website says: "Bringing a slice of Tokyo chic to Jericho, new Kibou Oxford, located on 11-12 Little Clarendon Street, will see this beautiful Victorian venue transformed into a colourful and atmospheric Japanese-inspired bar and restaurant.

"Expect to see our stunning murals and digital animations, alongside Japanese floral and foliage installations and traditional Japanese block print textiles, all fused together effortlessly with the many original features of this stunning period property."

There is seating for 100 guests across a range of different eating and drinking zones, including a conservatory with booth seating, feature neon lighting, adining room with views to the open sushi kitchen, and a cocktail lounge with steel-topped cocktail and spirits bar.

A leafy Japanese-inspired garden, with seating for 40 guests, can also be found.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) There is also a private dining room with space for up to 12 diners.

The website adds: "Catering to all Japanese food lovers and those eager to try Japanese cuisine for the first time, Kibou’s diverse menu also includes an extended vegan offering, Japanese classics, such as teriyaki and katsu curry, and an elegantly rich menu of Japanese-inspired desserts."

For more information visit kibou.co.uk.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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