Giraffe

Time Out says

Tue Sep 25 2012

Family-friendly Giraffe has recently evolved into several sub-species, each taking something the original does pretty well and repackaging it for a different, generally more adult market. There’s now a bar and grill in Soho, a colourful burger and cocktail joint near Selfridges, and a Leon-ish counter-service spot in King’s Cross called Giraffe Stop. Clearly, they’re all-too-aware that not everyone can relax surrounded by kids and buggies. Yet it’s the relief of finding a place that seamlessly charms children and parents that lures families to this reliable chain. Giraffe know what to offer: good sausages, penne with a tomato sauce that actually tastes nice; crayons and puzzles; a slightly more sophisticated menu for tweenies. And they’re just as savvy with grown-ups. The something-for-everyone menu ranges from indulgent burgers and skin-on fries to diet food; breakfast pancakes and Union Hand-Roasted coffee to meze platters and margaritas. Oh, and 50% discount bar deals off-peak. The cuisines of Mexico, Japan, South-East Asia and the US are regularly trawled for inspiration. We were impressed with a recent salad bowl of soba noodles, tofu and edamame: the soy dressing gave it plenty of oomph, though the ingredient temperatures were inconsistent. Desserts tend to be lacklustre.