Giraffe (Royal Festival Hall)

Though the menu might sweep you away with its 'international' variety, I think Giraffe is over priced, has no value for money . On two successive occasions they managed to disappoint me, with their food and their service.

On the first occasion, I'd called for a bean burrito which was uncooked. I brought it to the notice of the waitress who was serving our table and she was rude. I wasn't looking for a refund but only wanted to give my feedback to the kitchen. However, she seemed offended and the reply we got was "This is how a burrito is"!

During our second visit, more than 50% of the items on the main course were unavailable. (this was at 9pm on a Saturday night). Our friends were left with no option but to order the bean burrito. I refused to order and not to my surprise, we recieved the same uncooked food yet again.

I'm not sure if this is the case with all their other restaurants, but I would not waste another evening to find out...
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MJ
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 0
Wednesday, October 15, 2008

I've been to the Giraffe branch in Islington and it was fantastic. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for the Charing Cross restaurant. This was dreadful and I'm surprised to see the favourable reviews, as I cannot say I had the same experience. The service throughout the evening was poor. We were left waiting for for half an hour, and then plonked at a table without any sort of apology. It took an eternity to get served and staff seemed inexperienced and over-worked. Whilst the food isn't hugely expensive, on this occasion we felt it wasn't value for money. The burger wasn't anything special, and it all seemed a bit rushed.

The branch in Islington is a lot more kid-friendly, and has seemed to have kept its 'new world' vibe. Unfortunately Charing Cross felt too much like a fast-food restaurant and doesn't seem to go the extra mile to provide a good service.
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Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 5
Saturday, July 14, 2007

Went here for a pre-theatre bite - had heard some good things about it and the menu looked great. Unfortunately, it's mouth proved to be somewhat louder than it's trousers - the service was poor, the prices inflated and the food both bland and badly-cooked (surely a bowl of fries isn't that hard?).

It felt as if they had spent all their time and effort on the design and the menu descriptions (which were mouth-watering), but run out of enthusiasm prior to hiring the staff - whether the other restaurants in the chain are better I don't know, but after this experience I won't be bothering to find out!
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Richard Davis
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 0
Wednesday, May 23, 2007

I went to Giraffe in October 2006, with my family. We had an AMAZING time, even my mother enjoyed it! I loved the food and the childrens drinks with giraffe shaped cocktail stirrers. We will definately be back soon!
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Charlotte
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, February 09, 2007

My girlfriend brought me here for my birthday, having spent a boozy day laying in the park! We continued the theme by ordering two of their famous cocktails. Their gin berry sling was absolutely phenomenal and had me feeling quite merry after every mouthful! This was followed by a lovely mezze-style plate of starters that we could not fault, and big portions of enchillades for her, with a *perfect* rib eye steak for me, cooked blue, just how I like it. The service was excellent, not too fussy, but really friendly and ever so cheerful. We'll go back again, but be prepared to queue outside, since it is VERY popular. Well worth the wait though - you'll only be out there for 10 minutes or so.
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Hotshot - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Thursday, November 09, 2006

I went to Giraffe yesterday and had a great Time. The fodd was so good and all staff was so friendly and helpful. Will be back
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lucas
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, July 12, 2006

I have eaten at Giraffe Chiswick before and loved both the food and the atmosphere. However after dining at the riverside Giraffe on Saturday 13th May I will not be returning in a hurry. The service was below average with our very bored looking waitress, my partner's Lamb Burger was tasteless and the salad dry. My Chicken Caesar salad consisted of mainly lettuce stalks, a very plain dressing and a few cut tomatoes, however the chicken was tasty.

The highlight of the meal would be the cheesy focacia bread we had as an entree
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Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, May 16, 2006

We like going to Giraffe for the simple and pleasant food, the generally friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and the really good smoothies (the Giddy Giraffe is a must).

However, service at the Royal Festival Hall branch is consistently poor. Waiters tend to march around looking purposeful but ultimately don't do much. Takes AGES to get their attention, and then the food takes a very long time. Went there three times over recent months, and on two of these occasions had to wait over 30 minutes just for a waiter to come get our drinks order. And we were seated right next to the Maitre D's little stand. That's shameful.

Try the Marylebone Giraffe instead -- it can get a bit hectic, but better atmosphere, service, and decor.
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Karl
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Friday, April 28, 2006

Good choice for a pre-concert dinner, but it is advisable to book ahead. The food is nothing special, but it is the best option among the strip of new restaurants at Royal Festival Hall. And the staff knows how to get people in and out quickly so they can make the 7:30pm concerts.
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RA
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 7
Friday, April 14, 2006

I ate here last night and would never go back. The food was awful - a tasteless burger that I had to send back to the kitchen, cold chips, empty ketchup and mayo bottles on the table and sullen service. I seemed to spend my entire meal trying to get the waitress' attention.

I would not recommend either the ambience or food in this place.
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Sarah
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2
Tuesday, April 11, 2006