Restaurant Bar Gigi, Nottingham – 65 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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Restaurant Bar Gigi — student bar photo

Restaurant Bar Gigi -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
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Smoking

Based on 65 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.

Restaurant Bar Gigi — student bar photo
Reviews
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Lighting here really sets the mood, creating a great atmosphere that makes lingering over drinks more enjoyable. it’s those small touches that give it a unique feel, even when it gets busy.
By user427545 (NTU) on Jul 13th 2026
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Vibe here is relaxed yet lively, with a mix of locals and students chatting over drinks. when the music kicks in, it draws everyone in, making it a great place to unwind or catch up with friends.
By user174013 (UoN) on Jul 9th 2026
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Walking into Restaurant Bar Gigi feels like stepping into a vibrant social hub where everyone seems to know each other. It’s refreshing to find a place that balances a lively atmosphere with attentive staff, making it a favourite for unwinding between lectures or catching up with friends.
By user736412 (UoN) on Jun 29th 2026
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Returning here multiple times, I appreciate how it maintains its cleanliness and fun atmosphere with every visit.
By user986062 (NTU) on Jun 28th 2026
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Positioned just off the main street, this place gets a lively crowd that adds to the energy of the night. Being so central means it’s easy to drop in after classes or make it a stop on a bigger night out without any hassle.
By user652063 (UoN) on Jun 21st 2026
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Walking in here feels like stepping into a different world, where the energy shifts noticeably as night falls, drawing all sorts of people together.
By user799193 (NTU) on Jun 18th 2026
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Staff here really adds to the whole experience. they’re attentive without being overbearing, which can be refreshing when you just want to enjoy the night. their laid-back attitude creates a welcoming environment where it feels easy to strike up a conversation with others.
By user909142 (UoN) on Jun 11th 2026
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Restaurant Bar Gigi has a relaxed vibe that makes it easy to unwind and chat with friends. The music isn’t overpowering, so you can actually have a decent conversation without shouting, which is a major plus when you're catching up after classes.
By user917473 (NTU) on Jun 8th 2026
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Crowd was surprisingly down to earth, which made it a lot more enjoyable than expected, but the drink prices could use some work.
By user497397 (UoN) on May 29th 2026
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Plenty of places charge a lot for a drink, but here you really get your money's worth with the portions and quality served.
By user289586 (NTU) on May 24th 2026
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Atmosphere here is way more relaxed than other bars, making it a perfect place to unwind without feeling rushed. staff were chill and drinks were priced well too
By user724703 (UoN) on May 20th 2026
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Atmosphere was way more lively than expected, with good music playing throughout the night. one downside was the queue that formed later on, which slowed everything down a bit. drinks were reasonably priced, making it easier to enjoy a few without worrying too much about spending.
By user327792 (NTU) on May 15th 2026
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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 (UoN) on May 12th 2026
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Hit this place up a few times during finals and it was solid for what you pay. drinks were reasonably priced and even when busy, it felt relaxed enough to have a good chat. if you’re looking for a spot that doesn’t stretch your budget while still being enjoyable, this is worth checking out.
By user303620 (NTU) on May 5th 2026
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Drinks here are decent for the price, especially during happy hour, which feels like a steal.
By user229596 (UoN) on May 1st 2026
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Gigi's stands out with its mix of modern twists on italian dishes, creating an exciting contrast to the usual student haunts.
By user747760 (NTU) on Apr 23rd 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 (UoN) on Apr 22nd 2026
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Heard from a mate that Restaurant Bar Gigi can get quite busy, but the staff put real effort into managing it smoothly. didn't expect much since crowds can be a pain anywhere, but apparently they actually make you feel looked after. might be worth a visit just for that level of service, if nothing else.
By user936032 (NTU) on Apr 18th 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 (UoN) 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 (UoN) 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 (UoN) on Apr 3rd 2026
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Popped by Gigi's on a whim and found myself pleasantly surprised by how welcoming it felt 😌. it didn't take long to settle in with some locals at the bar, and I'll definitely be making this place a regular stop.
By user873472 (NTU) on Mar 27th 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 (UoN) on Mar 26th 2026
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Can see myself going back because the service was so chill. food was nice but it was the laid-back atmosphere that really made it a good spot to hang out and unwind.
By user770131 (NTU) on Mar 21st 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 (UoN) 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 (UoN) on Mar 16th 2026
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Staff could've been a bit more attentive, felt like they missed the detail sometimes. kinda took away from the experience when things weren't quite right.
By user658371 (NTU) on Mar 15th 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 (UoN) 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 (UoN) on Mar 4th 2026
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Staff here are so much more attentive than other places i've tried in nottingham. it feels like they actually care and want you to have a great experience. some places you feel like an inconvenience, but not at gigi's.
By user406731 (NTU) on Feb 27th 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 (UoN) 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 (UoN) 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 (UoN) 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 (UoN) 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 (UoN) on Feb 21st 2026
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Got a bit surprised at how chic yet relaxed the Italian vibe felt here.
By user593012 (UoN) 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 (UoN) 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 (UoN) 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 (UoN) 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 (UoN) 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 (UoN) 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 (UoN) 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 (UoN) 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 (UoN) on Feb 3rd 2026
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Stumbled upon this place and the cozy vibe immediately won me over, so inviting
By user368518 (NTU) 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 (UoN) on Jan 23rd 2026
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Felt instantly comfortable walking in with its relaxed vibe and friendly energy, almost like being at home 🏠
By user833246 (NTU) 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 (UoN) on Jan 15th 2026
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Stands out by being tucked away in the historic Flying Horse Walk, it feels miles away from the typical bustling bar scene. perfect spot to unwind after morning training, you can actually hear your mates talk without any effort. not your ordinary pub experience, and the vibe suits anyone looking for a chill evening.
By user525581 (NTU) on Jan 14th 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 (UoN) on Jan 9th 2026
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Staff at Bar Gigi are genuinely chill and attentive, which makes dining here feel easygoing. it seems like every time you turn around, there's someone ready to help without being in your face about it. it's one of those small things that makes the place stick with you after a visit.
By user486144 (NTU) on Jan 6th 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 (UoN) on Jan 2nd 2026
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Heard from a mate that gigi's does wicked modern Italian stuff and the vibe's surprisingly welcoming without being too posh. pretty pumped to check it out myself, sounds promising for when we tire of the usual uni spots.
By user570235 (NTU) on Dec 29th 2025
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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 (UoN) on Dec 23rd 2025
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Always appreciate the mix of locals and students at gigi's; it's refreshing and adds to the whole atmosphere. haven't had a disappointing visit yet.
By user763127 (NTU) on Dec 20th 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 (UoN) on Dec 16th 2025
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People around me were having a great time, which somehow made the whole place feel warmer and more alive. the combination of relaxed vibes and friendly chatter made my evening at gigi feel pleasantly effortless.
By user229843 (NTU) on Dec 11th 2025
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You'll love the lively atmosphere especially if you want somewhere fun to unwind.
By user193903 (UoN) on Dec 6th 2025
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Spent quite a bit of time people-watching and the crowd here was a fascinating mix of students and locals. loved observing how everyone's just mingling and chatting as if they've known each other for ages.
By user166537 (NTU) on Dec 1st 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 (UoN) on Nov 28th 2025
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Initially just popped in for a quick bite but found ourselves lingering as the evening unfolded. it all felt like we were regulars by the end, chatting with the staff and enjoying the laid-back vibe that slowly took over.
By user895121 (NTU) on Nov 20th 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 (UoN) on Nov 18th 2025
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Staff at Gigi are genuinely welcoming, creating a chill environment where you feel like you can just hang out all afternoon 😅. whether you're doing a bit of people-watching or diving into conversation, it's a spot where time seems to float by in the best way possible.
By user683348 (NTU) on Nov 7th 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 (UoN) on Nov 7th 2025
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By user381155 (UoN) on Sep 21st 2024