The Inn at Great Neck has a wonderful restaurant - The Giraffe Room. I call it a hidden gem because it is inside the hotel and not seen from the street.
They describe their dining experience as “a banquet for the eyes, a feast for the family” and they are right.
Their inviting environment makes use of warm colors and wonderful banquette niches around the room. The handsome silk tablecloths add a tone of luxury. Of course, giraffe collections abound throughout the attractive welcoming room.
The evening we had dinner there we were greeted by the friendly, attentive hostess, Heidi Miller, who took us to our table. Since it was a quiet midweek night, she shared with us the specials and took our order. For me a great meal is not just the food, it’s also the service. The Giraffe Room has both.
We began our meal with a fragrant onion soup overflowing with onions and melted cheese. My guests had the Tuscan bean soup and were impressed that it was chock full of beans in a rich broth.
We also had the warmed spinach salad with slices of bacon and rich, succulent goat cheese covered with a light vinaigrette dressing. Just the right balance of flavors and textures.
For our main course, we ordered lamb chops that arrived as requested medium rare. The plate was so attractive with the chops attractively placed on a bed of potatoes. We also had the flank steak, tender, moist and cooked just how I like it, rare. Stu and our guest had the crab-stuffed huge shrimp. We were impressed that there was a light breading in the crabmeat but mainly real crabmeat. The dishes were accompanied by fresh saut/ed vegetables.
We were not finished yet. What is a meal without dessert? We could not resist. Being a chocolate lover, I was duly impressed with their luscious chocolate cake with soft, mouth watering chocolate inside. We also ordered a New York cheesecake that was creamy and tasty. We shared those two but we added a bit of wickedness by ordering vanilla ice cream to add to the cakes. Oh well you only live once.
It was an added bonus that the restaurant offers valet parking. Try the Giraffe Room, you’ll love it.
Happy Thanksgiving.
The Giraffe Room Inn at Great Neck
30 Cutter Mill Road
Great Neck
Telephone: 516-773-2017
Open: 7-days-a-week
Hours for Lunch from
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
and Dinner from 5 to 10 p.m.
Sunday Brunch - call for reservation.
Valet Parking is available
Credit Cards: All major cards
On premises catering available
Handicap accessible
