A chain of restaurant based on the concept that food shall be delivered for the customer’s grazing pleasure in a smiley, happy environment, free of pretension. A bit like McDonald’s but without the sinister clown connotations and health hazards.
With its slogan of “Love Eat Live” it captures perfectly its’ peppy philosophy, slaps you on the back of the head with it, and smiles at you whilst serving you a whole array of dishes.
A reminder, that in these times of credit crunches and wars, there are small corners of the earth, however commercially composed, that don’t take themselves too seriously and can still provide a truly friendly service for doing so. The old adage “service with a smile” is perfectly applicable here.
A place for families, couples or lonely individuals (hey, they need feeding too) to eat in a warm, funky joint.
Prices are reasonable, service is speedy and the burgers are delicious.

Surprisingly decent ‘chain’ (by all accounts the owners aren’t too keen on this tag) in the cathedral to commercialism that is the Trafford Centre.
Bit of a mixed bag of food for thought this one: enchilada’s engage with parmesan ‘crumbed’ (?) chicken schnitzels; pizza’s with hot Thai duck stir frys; rib eyed steaks with a large collection of burgers (I usually aim my face towards the Mexican burger). Quite a fun menu really especially as it’s trajectory is pointed towards families and kids.
I tend to ‘survive’ the Trafford Centre once or twice a year, but they’ve opened a 3rd Giraffe branch in Spinningfields so this weekend, being my daughters birthday and being ‘informed’ that she would like to return here, we’ll be visiting the other branch. Thankfully the interiors are well thought out so it’s a good all rounder (I can think of far, far worse places that usually cater for kids and families. Besides, with Cruzcampo, Brooklyn beer and Red Stripe waiting in the wings, the experience is rounded off nicely.

There is a whole host of naughty looking desserts should you be that way inclined…I tend to carry a spare spoon and pinch bits of warm pecan pie from the missus…

Just make sure the staff give out some of those bl**dy giraffe stirrers otherwise you’ll never hear the last of it.

Giraffe is a fun, family friendly restaurant in The Trafford Centre.

The menu is extremely varied, ranging from Asian influences (Endamame Beans and Red Thai Curry) to Mexican (Burritos) to your everyday favourites (Burger & Steak!).

They also have a great range of smoothies, and hot drinks (I love the Noisette drink; an espresso shot with nut syrup).

It is good fun for Children, especially when they get the giraffe stirring sticks, and the meals are good hearty dishes that leave you nicely full. I like they way they give you a big rack of condiments to use to your hearts content and the special menu (Between 2pm - 5pm, Mon-Thurs) is fantastic value, and a good way to try it out.