Recently re-opened, refreshed and set on making its mark, this restaurant is one you’ll want to come back to again and again.

The Venue
The Giraffe Cafe is handily located near to Hampstead High Street, with its array of boutique shops and cafes that are only a stone’s throw from Hampstead Heath and its stunning views across the capital.

Initially opened over thirteen years ago, this restaurant was the first in a long line of Giraffe restaurants now found all over London and the UK. However, it's now possibly the most unique, with a new look that doesn’t just include a fresh lick of paint (although it is now a lighter, brighter shade). It has a fun, laid-back playlist of music and only two items on the menu are the same as all the other Giraffe restaurants.

The Atmosphere
Service here fits the mantra, aiming (according to the website) to be ‘a place to simply hang out with friends or family’. The staff clearly feel part of the Giraffe family and are professional yet friendly and fun. Not only do they welcome you warmly, but they also know the menu inside out and are ready and willing to help you out with recommendations or advice if you’re struggling to choose.

The Food
Browsing the menu is like taking a culinary tour around the world, with quirky titles and influences from Mexico, New York, Malaysia, Morrocco and more. Just pick a place and go.

A classic Giraffe staple is a starter of edamame with soy sauce, chill and mirri, which is one of only two items that have been kept on the new menu. Other starters to try are African spiced chicken sticks with a tangy tomato ‘buffalo’ sauce, as well as salads, daily soups and a mezze platter (all starters are priced between £4 and £5).

Mains are varied and exciting - nothing is dull or boring on this menu. Salads throw together intriguing combinations such as yakitori chicken skewers with avocado, edamame, rice and a wasabi-soy dressing, or soft egg, Italian hard cheese, cherry tomatoes and a lime and caesar dressing. The ‘seasonal favourites’ section comprise grilled ‘Marakesh’ seabass fillet, Malaysian street-style noodles with tofu, and basil chicken curry which mixes tender grilled chicken, sugar snap peas and aubergine in a spicy and fragrant sauce with basil, mint and green chilli.

There are burgers and toasted sandwiches with smoky chicken, falafel and a whole host of different toppings, as well as Mexican burritos and quesadillas. Plus, if you’re into your steak, they serve a mean grilled sirloin which is cooked to your liking and is really fresh and tender. The second item that's been kept on the menu are the sweet potato fries - a must if you’re hunting for a side dish. All fish served is sustainably sourced and the beef comes from 100% grass-reared cattle in Yorkshire - so not only do they care about creating winning taste combinations, they also care about the sourcing of their produce. Mains are priced between £6.50 and £13.

If you have room for pudding, there's one exceptional dish to try - the Key lime pie. It’s light and creamy yet packed with a fantastically zingy lime flavour that’s refreshing after a big meal, and served with a sticky sweet and tangy marmalade sauce. However, if you like your puddings to be hearty affairs you won’t be disappointed by the bread and butter pudding with chocolate and raisins. All desserts are priced between £4 and £5.50.

The Drink
Again, there's plenty of choice on the drinks menu, with organic juices, extraordinary smoothies (like marathon runner - avocado, kiwi, cucumber, banana and apple juice), beers and ciders, and a well thought-out wine list. Beers are about £4 each and wines are priced between £14 and £22, starting at chardonnays or sangioveses and going up to a rosé pinot grigio or a bottle of pink prosecco. There are also gourmet coffees and teas to end your meal, and a range of fruity cocktails if you’re in the mood.

The Last Word
What’s striking about this place is the passion for fun and food that comes through every dish on the menu as well as through the enthusiasm of each member of staff. Plus, with such variety, you’ll have to come back again for another taste adventure - who knows where you’ll be taken to next.

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