Riverside Level 1, Royal Festival Hall,
London,
SE1 8XX
0871 971 3753
The ViewLondon Review
Giraffe's successful formula of a menu filled with familiar global favourites relaxed surroundings with and unobtrusive world music has been embraced by Londoners.The VenueSituated in the ever popular South Bank, this ideal location is the lucky home to many riverside restaurants. The interior of Giraffe resembles being in a family-friendly restaurant in the midst of Havana or Africa. Dark woods have been given a raw, primitive, yet modern edge, a style of decor notorious to this rapidly expanding chain.
The AtmosphereLots of families frequent Giraffe during the day and when the kids are tucked away in bed it’s the grown ups’ turn as groups gather for post-work drinks. Although the restaurant is big, which could make it feel impersonal, the staff are cheerful and efficient.
The FoodThere’s a good breakfast menu available to whet anybody’s appetite. Popular favourites include pancakes with banana and blueberries, traditional fry-ups and ranch style eggs tostada. The Surf Skewer Bar offers fiery tiger prawns, BBQ chicken wings and salmon teriyaki.
Mains feature Vietnamese curries, Tex-Mex burritos, salads, steaks and burgers. The burgers come highly recommended and the falafel, grilled pepper and tzatziki deluxe burger scores high marks for both taste and texture. If you have enough room and want to take the plunge for dessert, try the sumptuous rocky road ice cream sundae, white chocolate and crushed Toblerone cheesecake and an indulgent red cherry and apple crumble which is definitely worth the 15 minute wait.
The DrinkThere’s a varied drinks list which crosses from the Giddy Giraffe smoothie, with papaya, mint, banana, orange and lime to invigorating lattes including vanilla, mocha and mint chocolate chip. The wine list is for the most part made up of wines from the Southern Hemisphere with influences from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.
The Last WordA popular riverside haunt, Giraffe is a refreshing break from the norm from the usual family orientated restaurants.