KIBOU on Northcote Road: what to order and when to go
Japanese hot kitchen and sushi bar on Northcote Road, SW11: order the Volcano Roll, book ahead, and head to Wandsworth Common after.
By Clapham London Editorial
Book a table. KIBOU is at 175 to 177 Northcote Road, SW11, a Japanese hot kitchen, ramen and sushi bar that the Hardens guide says can be tricky to get into even early in the week. It sits at the southern end of Northcote Road, technically Battersea rather than Clapham, so it is a short bus ride or walk from Clapham Junction rather than a step from the station. The nearest station is Wandsworth Common, about 0.45 miles away.
What it is
Time Out ranks KIBOU at number 20 in its list of the 20 best sushi places in London, with four stars and a Recommended label, and calls it fun, fast, casual sushi that suits families and big groups. Hardens describes it as a convenient neighbourhood Japanese, strikingly decorated with murals. Cherry blossom displays and Japanese-inspired murals are part of the look. Hot Dinners described it as an 80-cover restaurant with a standalone whisky and cocktail bar.
A short history
It opened in July 2020, with Hot Dinners giving the date as 4 July, and it was the Cheltenham-based group’s first London branch. KIBOU Restaurants Ltd was founded in August 2019 by hospitality figure David Franks, previously chief executive of Regent Inns and chairman of Redcomb Pubs. The group has since spread to Cambridge, Cheltenham, Clifton, Solihull and Oxford.
What to order
- Volcano Roll. The signature: a tempura-battered futomaki with salmon, avocado and tobiko, and special sauces. KIBOU calls it the top-selling sushi on the menu.
- Small plates. Reviewers on TripAdvisor single out the salmon tataki with mango salsa, seared sashimi, gyoza and octopus balls (takoyaki). One reviewer found the fish range limited, and Hardens diners say the food can be good but a bit variable.
- Hot dishes. Ramen with pork, chicken or vegan broth, katsu curry, donburi rice bowls, bao buns and poke bowls, plus a weekly changing specials menu. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are listed.
- Drinks. Signature cocktails, with The KIBOU billed as a must-try, plus sake tasting flights, Japanese whisky and Japanese beers. The Rhubarb & Jasmine Fizz is the non-alcoholic option.
- Afternoon tea. Japanese-inspired, at £23 a head for the classic and £19 for the vegetarian version, according to KIBOU’s site. Afternoon-tea.co.uk lists it Tuesday to Friday and Sunday, 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
Prices
KIBOU’s site gives a range of £3 to £40 a dish. Time Out puts signature sushi at £17 to £23 and uramaki at £11.50 to £14.50. OpenTable shows £26 to £40 as the usual spend. Time Out also notes weekend bottomless sushi starting at £34, with drinks an extra £21. Check the current bottomless price when you book, as it has risen since the launch of the scheme.
When to go
Opening hours on the venue’s site are Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 11pm, and Sunday, 12pm to 10pm. Takeaway runs 12pm to 9.30pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 7pm Friday and Saturday, and 12pm to 8.30pm Sunday. Sunday is the day for bottomless sushi, and OpenTable names it as the highlight. Weeknights are worth booking too. OpenTable reviewers mention noise and the odd service delay, so it suits a lively group more than a quiet catch-up.
Outdoor seating cannot be booked. Children of all ages are welcome, and there is disabled access. Dress is casual.
Booking
Book through kibou.co.uk or OpenTable, or ring 020 7223 8551. OpenTable rates it 4.6 from 123 reviews. A Festive Sharing Menu is listed on OpenTable from 23 November, so ask about it if you are planning a Christmas table. KIBOU is also on Deliveroo for delivery.
For after
Wandsworth Common is a short walk away, and a good way to walk off the ramen in daylight. On Dorlcote Road, SW18, Skylark Café is an independent all-day café on the Common that took over the existing park café in April 2014. Opening hours vary between listings, and it is a daytime stop, so check before you set out.
