Gili Gulu

Gili Gulu ceased trading and closed shortly before Christmas 2007.

Shame really, because when I first went there about 5 years ago it was really great but slowly the standards of food declined and although I found the service adequate and typical of the ethnic origins of the staff I never had any bad experiences there during my 15 or so visits. In the last 18 months I did notice that there were fewer items of quality on the belt and the place was obviously in decline. I hope someone else can make the "all you can eat" concept work either in the same infrastrucure or somwhere else.
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Anthony
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 9
Saturday, January 05, 2008

I went to this restaurant once only, and the best thing it had going for itself was the value. The food was average. Not terrible but not the best sushi in London either. Hot dishes (like noodle bowls and tempura) were somewhat better than the sushi. Overall just OK, but the fact that you could eat as much as you want (well, up to 20 plates) for only 13.95 was definite a big point in its favour. Service was not horrible, but they didn't seem to go too much out of their way.

If you noticed I used the past tense in the above review, it's for a reason. Went by there this evening to give it another try, and tit seems they closed down, as of December 17, 2007. Not sure why, but there is a sign on the door with a number to call for more information -- whether that means it will open up again or not is anybody's guess.
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MDM
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8
Saturday, December 29, 2007

This place is a joke. Unless I was told, I coul dnot tell it was Japanese. And I am Japanese. And stuff are rude (and no one is Japanese)
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Hiro
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 6
Tuesday, December 25, 2007

I met up with a group of friends in Gili Gulu yesterday (Sunday 9th December 2007). We all had a really good time, and the food was actually really nice - BUT BUT BUT! The staff were TERRIBLE! I have never experienced such unfriendly, unwelcoming service - until I went to Gili Gulu. It was so unbelievable, it actually became amusing! Gili Gulu operate the right to 'chuck you out after 60 minutes', and sure enough they did, even though they weren't particularly busy. You kind of get the impression that they can't stand the sight of people having a good time. They also insisted that one of the group had to pay the price of the buffet – even though she had opted for the ‘Set Menu’ option. won't be going there again!
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Joanna - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 7
Monday, December 10, 2007

For anyone one search of a good Japanese sushi restaurant with good quality food, please avoid this one like the plague! The service is disgusting. When I asked for water, the lady stormed off to the side, and then slammed the jug down on the table. When you ask them any question about the food they give one word answers and look at you like you are a freak. The staff are not Japanese. The food is not especially good either. But the reality is that the bad service brings this restaurant down ten-fold. It's quite costly as well. I left this restaurant in anger. How can any food establishment operate in this way? Bad, bad, bad...
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Simon Chan
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, September 18, 2007

I've been going to Gili Gulu at least once a month for the past 3 years and I love it!! Where else can you get 7 plates of sushi and a drink for a tenner? Ok the decor and service isn't anything to rave about but the food is great. If you go for Set Meal A, skip out on the miso soup and just have an extra plate of sushi. Their buffett of £13.95 is a absolute bargain too!

They have recently changed a few dishes and their service has improved and I highly recommend it. I've taken many people there over the years and most of them are hooked!
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Melissa
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Have to agree with the other negative comments - if you are looking for fast, good sushi stick to Yo Sushi or Kili Kulu. I have been twice and service is poor even when the staff is not busy. The selection is low on fish and high on tofu, egg, and poorly looking veg and very limited. The price is cheap because otherwise they would not move any product. Pay a slightly little more to get good fresh fish at Yo or Kili Kulu with better variety!
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Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Monday, July 16, 2007

The thing with this place is at the proper times i.e. times when the Japanese in London like to eat, this place is packed! For those of us that have been lucky enough to dine at London's more upmarket Japanese restaurants then the quality of food does not compare, but then again you don't get lots of the Japanese community in there. This is due to the fact that Japanese cuisine in London is the vogue - but for the Japanese living here it is the norm and so run-of-the-mill sushi like that of Gili Gulu is acceptable. You get what you pay for. Exactly. Fun "canteen" style sushi to snack on.
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Z ML H
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 10
Thursday, July 05, 2007

I think some of these reviews are being really unfair! This place is such good value for money! The staff are nice enough as is the food, and like anything in life you get what you pay for. At £7.50 for 6 plates and a Miso soup, Gili Gulu is a bargin. The food is nice, the atmosphere is pleasent and the staff got round to you in the end, which for 7.50 is exactly what I'd expect. The perfect way to satisfy a sushi craving without breaking the bank.
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Vikki C
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 10
Thursday, June 14, 2007

I ate at this place a few days ago. The food was good, although could have been slightly more varied, and great value. (Up to twenty plates for £14? Bargain!) The staff were friendly and generally helpful but did forget one of our drinks order so I have to dock them points for that. Atmosphere was fun as lots of people were having a good time with the conveyor belts. Overall, nice place, nice food, great for a quick lunch or casual dinner. I'd eat there again.
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Anna
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, May 30, 2007