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Giraffe, an interesting name for a restaurant. At first I thought it’s just a random name, but then I realized this waterfront restaurant in White Rock is in fact a giraffe-themed restaurant.

Giraffe Restaurant

It was a gorgeous, sunny winter morning as we arrived at Giraffe. I was surprised how busy the place was, apparently so was the server, as he seemed a bit overwhelmed. The restaurant was extra busy because it’s close to the holiday season and people were meeting up at this place – which is a good sign. Finally we were seated at a table and immediately the cute, giraffe-shaped napkin holders caught my attention, then the various giraffe paintings on the wall, and several other giraffe-related decorations throughout the restaurant…

Giraffe-shaped Napkin Holders

Anyway, onto food.

Food

It was a classic brunch menu, with items such as Eggs Benedict, Scrambled Eggs, French Toast, Frittata and Hash. For brunch I usually order an Eggs Benedict, but this time around, I opted for the Frittata with Grilled Black Forest Ham (my meat fixing!) on the side. I was worried that it would be rich and heavy, but I knew it’s not the case as soon as I took the first bite. The frittata was light and fluffy, mixed with a variety of chopped mushrooms, spinach and cheese. Along with the seasonal greens on top, it was a healthy, yet hearty, dish. I could use some more cheese, though. The grilled ham on the side was decent, perfect amount to go with my frittata. A satisfying plate.

Frittata with Ham on the Side

Mr. was torn when he was perusing the menu – there was a number of dishes that he wanted to get. In the end, he ordered the Giraffe’s Hash. What did he think?

This was so damn good. Looking at the photo right now at 12:30 am is making me drool. This by all means was a pretty simple dish. You’ve got some country style hashbrowns on the bottom, with a layer of chicken and veggies stir-fry, and topped with a couple soft poached eggs with hollandaise sauce. It sounds like something your local IHOP can manage. But it is far… far from it. The chicken breast itself makes this dish worthy. I don’t know what sorcery they used, but despite being tossed in the stir-fry, it’s moist! And everything else, the mushrooms, the peppers, and soft eggs and their sauce, all their flavours tie in together like they were meant to be. This is breakfast for the Gods. I can’t wait to go have this again.

Giraffe's Hash

Service

Despite a busy morning, the server was prompt with his service. I was amazed that he was the only front-of-house staff yet he managed to keep up with the service. He remained attentive throughout our meal, and of course it helped that we got there towards the tail-end of the brunch service so most diners were starting to leave.

I love the fact that the restaurant stays true to its theme. We even got giraffe-shaped chocolate at the end to wrap up our meal.

Giraffe Chocolate to Finish

Final Thoughts

Because Mr. chose this place for brunch, at the end of the meal he was looking for my approval. “Would you return to this restaurant?” Yes, I would. Judging by its brunch menu, it’s classic, straightforward, with no super fancy twist. But you have to do it right in order to attract customers to return. I think they did all the right things that made me want to eat there again. Sometimes, less is more.

And the scenic waterfront view certainly helps!

Giraffe Restaurant
15053 Marine Drive, White Rock
604-538-6878
thegiraffe.com