Giraffe

beergibbon

Handy for some food if you live south of London 20th April 2009

1 found this helpful

Went here on Saturday for a meal and drinks at about 8.00pm. We had to wait for a table so went and sat at the rather strange bar area (shaped like a surfboard, kind of).

The food I had was alright but my girlfriend really enjoyed the curry she had. We enjoy a few drinks and the beer was not badly priced for London (£3.30 for a pint of Red Stripe).

Total bill for 4 starters, 4 mains, 8 beers and 8 glasses of prosecco was £132 which was not too bad.

Very handily located if you live out of London and want to be near Waterloo for the train home when meeting with London-based friends.

sjsoutherner

5th September 2008

0 found this helpful

The only two words that describe how I feel about this restaurant are: LOVE IT! I've read through other reviews and I agree that this place can sometimes be a little pricey and is definitely more of a family themed restaurant than relaxed trendy place to go for a long lunch. However, for good food and a great atmosphere I thoroughly recommend it. I've been many times at all times of the day and enjoy there casual atmosphere for brunch, lunch or dinner. I love their evening cocktail combinations and value menus for dinner. Thoroughly recommend a visit for a weekend brunch also as their breakfast menu is delightful (especially when topped off with one of their gorgeous smoothies). It can sometimes be a little noisey and often at main meal times there is a queue to be seated. However, I've always found the wait worthwhile.

A big thumbs up to a great restaurant in a great location ;0)

arcantara99

Giraffe 3rd September 2008

0 found this helpful

This chain is marketing itself as a friendly family restaurant. Friendly it may be but it is definitely for families so I wouldn't go there if you don't want to be surrounded by kids and babies. This one is in a great location so you can sit outside by the river and it's very popular – there are often queues to get a seat. However it is also noisy, busy and on the occasions I've been the service has been particularly slow. The food has always tasted quite fast-food like even if it sounds healthy on the menu which is a shame. The menu is admirably wide ranging – from burgers to stir fry – but this is one for the children rather than a sophisticated night out.

waverley

Pleasently Suprised 4th August 2008

1 found this helpful

I have just returned form a weekend in london with my boyfriend. we decided to have brunch by the river yesterday and chose to go to giraffe as by the que of people standing outside looked popular. We did have to wait around 15 minutes to be seated which was annoying as there were plenty of empty tables but only one member of staff showing people in. There were a few other members of staff hovering around who didnt take the initiative to help. However...
Once we were seated our waiter was extremely friendly and helpful. The menu had so much to choose from that it took us a long time to choose as there were so many dishes i would have liked to have tried. We had nacho's with cherizo to start as we were quite hungry which was big enough for us to share even though it was designed for one and we had the all day brunch each. its was absolutely gorgeous. The scrabled egg was possibly the best I have ever tasted and the meat was of a high quality with not alot of fat.
Our waiter was very attentive checking everthing was ok and updating us along the was as to when our food would be ready even though the wait was no more than 10-15 minutes. The food and service of the meal more than made up for queing to get in and I would deffinately go back again.
My only negative was as we were waiting to be seated a group of 4 pushed past the que (which like I said was quite long)and seated them selves in plain view of the waiter and the rest of us customers waitin. The waiter then went over and handed them menu's and took their drinks orders! I was extremely angry as I thought it was very rude and they should have been asked to go and que like the rest of us.

sheilaellen

Rip-off 17th July 2008

1 found this helpful

I got the distinct impression that, whatever high principles they may purport to subscribe to, the people that run this place are not interested in their customers' best interests.

We had to queue for ages (approx. 30 minutes), standing in their busy doorway. Luckily I had a free paper with me, which I read from cover to cover.

Once seated, in front of aforementioned queue, I was glad of the pullover I'd brought as by now a sharpish breeze was blowing through the doorway, onto my back.

I've recently had to start trying to cut gluten out of my diet - much easier said than done as you'd be surprised how often it can sneak into products that you just wouldn't expect to contain it - so I'm especially grateful to food retailers that provide clear labels telling me what's safe and what's not. Unfortunately, Giraffe don't do this. However, the Manager did go out of his way to try and help and after much rummaging around in his office (and another fairly lengthy wait) was able to produce a list of which products did/didn't contain gluten. Unfortunately, that was nearly everything.

Eventually I opted for an overpriced steak (fatty) and mash (dry). The portion size was adequate though, which is more than I can say for the duck noodles that my boyfriend opted for. The look on his face was akin to a starving kitten, closely followed by one of pain, on receipt of the bill.

Our advice: don't bother.

mazphd at 18/07/08

oh dear, more 'dddddraft' than 'giraffe'. Hmm i've had very hit and miss experiences with this chain. Russell square one seems to be a safe bet. but the one by liverpool st station gave a similar 'we're too busy to be bothered with you' customer vibe.

Like yourself i opted for Giraffe as i'm similar food allergic (dairy). So sunday brunch here of a big bowl of muslei and soya milk is a a joy. however, a late sat night sup one time was a lengthy wait, 'boring' menu and expensive.

maybe one for breakfast, rather than a dinner option.

but hit and miss.

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inkognitoh

Funky, Fusion, Fast and Fabulous Food. 18th July 2007

2 found this helpful

God bless the new Southbank redevelopment and the introduction of restaurants and cafe's. Giraffe is actually a chain of restaurants but I've only been to the one at Southbank Centre (a lot) so can't comment on the rest.Though I imagine the same good vibe flows through them all.

The food is cafe style fusion with lots of South East Asian influences although there are loads of good solid grill options like burgers and fish. All the ingredients are healthy and fresh and the dishes are cooked to order.

The service can be a bit iffy but this is possibly because the restaurant is always busy. I make it a policy to always book in advance if attending a play/gig as otherwise there is often a queue for a table.

I notice another review mentions a celebrity sighting in her local Giraffe and I would like to add my own 'Simon Amstell was here' at the Southbank. Not as glamorous as a Hollywood screen goddess but still...

islamel

Family friendly, healthy, good food 16th July 2007

3 found this helpful

Giraffe is set just off Upper Street where the majority of the restaurants in the area lie. It is a mixture of Cafe and restaurant with a good varied menu. It crosses a variety of cultures and you will find spring rolls, hummus with pitta, salads, burgers and noodles - and more.
There's a great kids menu and the smoothies are definitely worth a visit.
Giraffe is a nice place to go on a Saturday or sunday afternoon with friends or kids.
The last time I went, I saw Cate Blanchett eating with her husband and child!!!!!!

barbara

13th June 2007

3 found this helpful

Had a fab meeting with some special friends here...a great day and place indeed!

flojo

12th June 2007

1 found this helpful

Been here quite a few times.

Great place to meet friends, whether before heading off to a concert or just stopping for a drink.

Fun, friendly staff and a lively place, with an emphasis on global food.

Worth noting that they do decent cocktails and have a good happy hour from 5-7pm!

sazzle

Where the giraffes in the know go 28th October 2006

1 found this helpful

Perfect place to get something to eat before heading to the cinema, theatre etc on the South Bank. Love the smoothies and the Morrocan mint tea. Wide choice on the menu, combining the best of a few different cuisines. Fusion at its best and least pretentious. I've had the stir-fry and the goats cheese and aubergine burger and both have been delish. There's a good value 2 course set menu (£7 before 7.30 and £8 after) but it doesn't give you much choice, especially if you're vegetarian.
Giraffe is a chain restaurant (as you can tell from the paraphenalia!) but it still has some heart. Service is quick, the location is great, and the menu is varied. No real animals are included.