After eating at the new Giraffe at the Kingston Centre, we think we know why: The exceptional staff have been snapped up to work for the new branch of the restaurant chain.
Open for under a fortnight when we visit, there is a small queue at the door, and tables of happy eaters the other side of it.
No-one is kept waiting for long though, and we quickly find ourselves welcomed, seated and Giraffe menu in hand, trying to whittle down an impressive selection of tasty treats.
One cloudy apple juice and one fresh, summery Giddy Giraffe (papaya, fresh mint, banana, orange and lime juice) later, and our two indecisive heads have finally opted to take from the Sharing Menu, and plump for Nachos Nirvana to start.
Forget the 'fast food' nachos you may have picked at elsewhere, these are - as the menu explains - 'home fried tortilla chips topped with veggie chilli mix, melting cheese, jalapenos, fiery red roasted chipotle salsa, guacamole and sour cream.' They might also be the quickest way to add a little satisfying spice to your day.
Tastebuds well and truly tingling from that salsa, the main course follows swiftly behind.
We are a pair of staunch veggies, and Giraffe is to be applauded for offering a decent selection of meat-free options.
So many establishments still insist that if customers don't 'do' meat, 'give 'em goats cheese.' But that alone isn't a choice. It's the 'like it or lump it' option.
Giraffe do have goats cheese, sure, and that's fine when it forms part of a menu choice, as it does here - they also have a Farmers' Market Burrito and Phod Malay Noodles.
Or how about a Penne Margherita or Cajun Pasta Bake?
Something lighter, maybe? Then reach for the leafy salad options.
We both went for the Falafel 'Deluxe' Burger, which is a bit of a handful, literally, albeit a decidedly tasty one.
It is brimming with the taste sensations of grilled pepper, hummus, beetroot, rocket, tzatziki and harissa.
Halloumi is escaping from the burger bun too, and it's a gloriously messy manoeuvre from plate to mouth, and a short journey you'll want to make over and again.
Eventually one plate is cleared, and the other shows the remains of a well fought falafel battle...but then we did have a side portion of skin on fries and a toasted garlic focaccia to to see off too!
There is lots of eating in our chosen menu, and we are quenched with the assistance of a Hippy Hippy Shake, a pineapple and passion fruit driven smoothie.
Honestly, Giraffe smoothies hit the spot.
Even when the restaurant is packed with diners, it has been arranged so that is still feels relaxed and airy, not crammed.
The easy, clean lines and colour scheme is a winner, striking just the right balance between smart and inviting, and with enough quirky splashes of colour.
We were served by Dan, who is attentive, engaging and not at all intrusive throughout our visit. We wouldn't normally mention staff by name, but credit where it's due.
Hard to believe he has been in the job for less than a fortnight.
Like all the staff we encountered, he is a credit to the Giraffe brand.
Dan suggested the Apple and Red Cherry Crumble for desert, but after a prolonged discussion, the call of a Banana Waffle Split and Chocolate Mousse proved too hard to ignore, and as spoons are placed back on plates, we reflect on a job well done; by the staff, the chefs and us - it's not easy to find space for so much wonderful fare, you know!
An obvious pun it may be, but really, truly, Giraffe is head and shoulders....and neck...ahead of the opposition.
Giraffe, Winchester Circle, Kingston Centre, Milton Keynes, MK10 OBA
To book, call 01908 281814
