Restaurant Bar Gigi, Nottingham – 36 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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Restaurant Bar Gigi -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
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Smoking

Based on 36 user ratings

1st Floor, 15 Flying Horse Walk, Nottingham NG1 2HN, United Kingdom

💬 What Students Say

Restaurant Bar Gigi is a stylish Italian restaurant and bar located in the heart of Nottingham's historic Flying Horse Walk, making it a go-to spot for students from the University of Nottingham looking for a lively night out. With its modern twist on classic Italian cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere, Gigi is designed to cater to both casual outings and more intimate gatherings. The venue has built a reputation for being a friendly local hangout, where students can unwind after a long week or celebrate a special occasion with friends. The overall vibe is energetic and inviting, making it an ideal choice for those looking to socialize and enjoy a fun night out.

Students frequently mention the positive energy that fills the room at Gigi, with many appreciating the lively crowd that contributes to the overall atmosphere. The music selection is another highlight, with a DJ often spinning tracks that keep everyone moving and dancing throughout the night. This combination of good music and an upbeat crowd creates an environment that is both enjoyable and conducive to having a great time with friends. Many reviews reflect on how the energy in the bar is contagious, making it hard not to join in on the fun.

When it comes to drinks, Restaurant Bar Gigi is known for its excellent value, particularly with its cocktail deals that are popular among students. The bar offers a variety of cocktails, wines, and beers, and the two-for-one cocktail specials are a hit, allowing students to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. This affordability is a significant draw for students, who often look for places where they can have a good time while being mindful of their budgets. Additionally, the bar's cleanliness is frequently noted, which enhances the overall experience and makes it a more pleasant place to spend time.

The entry experience at Gigi is generally smooth, with students reporting that they don’t have to wait long to get in, even during busy nights. The friendly staff contributes to this welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel right at home from the moment they arrive. The venue's layout allows for a relaxed experience, where students can easily move around and find a spot to chat or dance. While it may not be the most glamorous venue, the focus here is on having a good time, and that seems to resonate well with the crowd.

However, like any venue, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Some students have mentioned that the seating could be more comfortable, which might be a minor inconvenience during longer visits. Additionally, while the atmosphere is often lively and fun, it can get quite busy, which may not suit everyone’s taste—especially if you're looking for a quieter night out. The venue's popularity means that it can draw a large crowd, and while many enjoy this buzz, others might prefer a more laid-back environment.

Overall, Restaurant Bar Gigi is highly rated for its value and atmosphere, making it a favorite among students at the University of Nottingham. It’s particularly well-suited for those looking for a casual night out with friends, where the focus is on good music, affordable drinks, and a friendly crowd. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or simply catch up with friends over cocktails, Gigi has something to offer for everyone. Its reputation as a reliable local hangout ensures that it remains a staple in the student nightlife scene.

In conclusion, if you're a student looking for a vibrant spot to enjoy a night out, Restaurant Bar Gigi is worth checking out. With its energetic vibe, friendly atmosphere, and great value, it's a place that promises a good time. Just be prepared for a lively crowd and consider arriving early to secure a good spot. Whether you're celebrating the end of exams or just need a break from studying, Gigi is ready to provide an enjoyable experience that you won't forget.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Lively and energetic atmosphere that students love.
  • Great value for money, especially with cocktail deals.
  • Friendly and welcoming staff enhance the overall experience.
  • Clean and well-maintained venue, contributing to a pleasant night out.
  • Good music that keeps the crowd dancing and engaged.
  • Quick entry with minimal waiting times, even on busy nights.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Seating could be more comfortable for longer visits.
  • Can get quite busy, which might not suit everyone's preference.
  • Not the most glamorous venue, but focuses on fun.
  • Some students prefer a quieter atmosphere than what Gigi offers.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a fun and affordable night out with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Check for cocktail deals, especially the two-for-one offers.
  • Arrive early to avoid long queues on busy nights.
  • The atmosphere is lively, so be prepared for a bustling crowd.
  • Casual dress is typically acceptable, but check for any specific events.
  • The venue can serve as a great spot for both dancing and socializing.

❓ Common Questions

What is Restaurant Bar Gigi like?

It's a lively Italian restaurant and bar known for its friendly atmosphere and energetic crowd.

How long is the queue?

Students report quick entry with minimal waiting times, even during busy nights.

Is it good value?

Yes, it's highly rated for value, especially with affordable drink options.

What music does Restaurant Bar Gigi play?

The music is upbeat and popular, keeping the crowd dancing all night.

What should I wear?

Casual dress is typically acceptable, but it's good to check for any specific events.

Reviews
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Walking in, the bass hit me right away, setting the mood. Everyone was moving together, and it felt electric as we danced away the stress of uni and just lost ourselves in the moment.
By user756006 on May 12th 2026
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Drinks here are decent for the price, especially during happy hour, which feels like a steal.
By user229596 on May 1st 2026
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Felt like the table arrangement was a bit cramped, which made moving around a hassle when it got busy. i get that space is limited, but it might be worth rethinking the layout for everyone's comfort. even so, gigi's has a fun atmosphere that's perfect for a night out.
By user957506 on Apr 22nd 2026
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Finding a seat initially seemed a bit daunting, but once you're in, it’s like being part of a big family gathering. everyone here feels like they belong and the staff remember your face, which really makes popping by much more enjoyable each time.
By user135723 on Apr 17th 2026
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Staff here genuinely seem to enjoy their jobs, which creates a vibe that sets it apart from other places. sure, the food’s good, but it's the infectious energy and banter from the waiters that makes it a bit special.
By user548857 on Apr 5th 2026
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Staff at restaurant bar gigi are pretty chill and laid-back, which makes the whole experience feel a bit more relaxed. even if it's packed, they manage to keep things flowing fairly well. sometimes takes a bit to get served but the environment makes the wait not too bad.
By user788745 on Apr 3rd 2026
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Servers here managed to keep the service smooth even when the place was packed, which was a nice surprise. i really liked how lively the crowd was,it made the night feel like a real escape from uni stress.
By user476473 on Mar 26th 2026
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Found the atmosphere super inviting and everyone there had a great energy. felt like a stylish spot but without any of the pretentiousness you sometimes get.
By user721498 on Mar 21st 2026
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Realised right away that the food here is surprisingly affordable for a place that looks so upscale.
By user683966 on Mar 16th 2026
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Head to gigi's on thursdays with my flatmates, and it’s become a bit of a ritual. food's decent but it's really the energy that gets us going; feels like everyone's just there to let loose and have a laugh.
By user686506 on Mar 11th 2026
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Immediately felt a buzz in the air when i stepped inside, like everyone was genuinely excited to be there. it's hard not to get caught up in the lively atmosphere and just relax.
By user285832 on Mar 4th 2026
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Staff here are genuinely welcoming, which makes Gigi stand out from other places I've been to. they know how to keep the atmosphere lively and engaging without feeling over the top 🎉
By user257462 on Feb 25th 2026
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Expected a bit of pretension given its location, but it turned out to be unexpectedly laid-back with just the right buzz.
By user313158 on Feb 24th 2026
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Bartenders and servers seem to actually enjoy themselves, which makes everything feel more inviting. had a good chat with one of them about how much they've enjoyed working there. it's a big part of why nights out at gigi's feel genuinely chill.
By user614385 on Feb 23rd 2026
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Stepping into Restaurant Bar Gigi felt like entering a lively Italian hub right in the heart of Nottingham. the warm lights and friendly chatter immediately lifted my spirits.
By user601113 on Feb 22nd 2026
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Noticed that the music isn’t too loud, which is perfect for actually chatting with people without yelling. somehow, it feels both lively and laid-back, and the bartenders are always up for a laugh if you start talking to them. it’s a place you’ll want to linger a bit longer at, especially after exams.
By user882905 on Feb 21st 2026
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Got a bit surprised at how chic yet relaxed the Italian vibe felt here.
By user593012 on Feb 20th 2026
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Grabbed some dinner at gigi's with a few friends the other night, and it was just what we needed. the atmosphere was spot on for having good chats and laughs, plus the staff were laid back and friendly.
By user465149 on Feb 19th 2026
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Thought it would be too busy for my taste, but it was surprisingly relaxed and enjoyable.
By user715038 on Feb 18th 2026
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Chatting with the staff was half the fun, they genuinely seemed interested in making sure everyone had a good time. it felt like even though it was busy, there was always someone checking in to see how things were going. you sort of forget you're in the heart of a bustling city for a moment.
By user809345 on Feb 17th 2026
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Found the energetic crowd at Gigi's surprisingly refreshing, which made the night quite enjoyable.
By user380246 on Feb 16th 2026
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Never expected a place like gigi's to have such a relaxed atmosphere in a bustling city center. ended up chatting with some local students over dinner, which really made the evening more enjoyable.
By user444516 on Feb 15th 2026
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Already planning to go back next weekend. felt comfortable just being myself there without any pressure to be fancy, like a second home almost
By user377507 on Feb 14th 2026
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Bartenders here know their drinks and make the place feel like a lowkey neighbourhood bar despite being right in the city centre.
By user944761 on Feb 13th 2026
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Ended up chatting with a group of locals in a setting that felt both vibrant and familiar.
By user411760 on Feb 3rd 2026
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Noticed how the low chatter makes even a busy night feel intimate, like being part of a small gathering. it's the sort of thing that stands out to me.
By user549476 on Jan 23rd 2026
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Staff were banging and kept the drinks flowing all night, which suited our group perfectly. ended up chatting with loads of new faces , not the usual awkward student night out
By user306909 on Jan 15th 2026
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Expected it to be a bit more pretentious given the location, but gigi's was surprisingly chill and perfect for unwinding with mates after lectures
By user524776 on Jan 9th 2026
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Always bustling but not overwhelming, gigi's knows how to strike the right balance between lively and comfortable. even on busy nights, there's space to enjoy without feeling crammed, which is a relief after days in crowded lecture halls. it's easy to chill with friends here over good food and drinks while soaking in the energetic atmosphere.
By user929656 on Jan 2nd 2026
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Place really comes alive on weekend nights with laughter bouncing off the walls and a mix of old and new friends mingling, making it feel like a big, welcoming party.
By user699973 on Dec 23rd 2025
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Italian dishes here felt like the perfect excuse to catch up with mates and chat over proper food. what sticks with me most is how the place buzzes with a mix of students and locals, giving it a real community feel. it's lively, which makes it easier to settle into Nottingham life if you're a student.
By user445567 on Dec 16th 2025
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You'll love the lively atmosphere especially if you want somewhere fun to unwind.
By user193903 on Dec 6th 2025
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Noticed loads of people my age grabbing dinner and drinks, which made it feel kinda familiar and comfy 😅. everyone's energy was infectious and there was definitely a buzz, like you were all part of the same big group.
By user250565 on Nov 28th 2025
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Find myself drifting to bar gigi once the week winds down. it's lively without being chaotic, making it perfect for unwinding without obligation to chat aimlessly with everyone around.
By user641209 on Nov 18th 2025
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Service was a bit slow, and it took quite a while just to get our drinks. with our busy schedule, we kind of hoped things would move along quicker. it was still a nice evening, just would have been better if we weren't always waiting for something.
By user656934 on Nov 7th 2025
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By user381155 on Sep 21st 2024