Where to eat at Gatwick Airport

Where to eat at Gatwick Airport

Airports can be a hectic and stressful environment, and finding a good place to eat can often be a challenge. With so many options and limited time available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go and what to order. That's why we've put together this guide to help you navigate the food options at Gatwick Airport. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a sit-down meal, we've got you covered with an overview of the best restaurants and cafés at both the North and South terminals. Read on to find out where to eat at Gatwick Airport!

In this guide
  1. North Terminal
    1. BrewDog – After security
    2. Costa Coffee – Before security
    3. Juniper & Co – After security
    4. Pret A Manger – After security
    5. Pure – After security
    6. Shake Shack – After security
    7. Sonoma – After security
    8. Starbucks – Before and after security
    9. The Breakfast Club – After security
    10. The Nicholas Culpeper – Before security
    11. The Red Lion – After security
    12. Tortilla – After security
    13. Wagamama – After security
    14. Warrens Bakery – After security
  2. South Terminal
    1. Caffè Nero – Before security
    2. Caviar House & Prunier – After security
    3. Costa Coffee – Before and after security
    4. Giraffe – Before security
    5. Grain Store – After security
    6. Greggs – Before security
    7. Itsu – After security
    8. Joe & The Juice – After security
    9. Joe's Coffee House – Before security
    10. Nando's – After security
    11. Pret A Manger – After security
    12. Starbucks – After security
    13. The Beehive – Before security
    14. The Flying Horse – After security
    15. Vagabond Bar & Kitchen – After security
    16. Wagamama – After security

North Terminal

Gatwick North Terminal restaurants

BrewDog

After security

International craft beer mainstay BrewDog has established a stylish urban beer bar located after security at Gatwick Airport. This location not only serves BrewDog's signature beers on tap and a wide selection of other beverages, it also provides classic pub food like burgers. The venue includes a work-friendly area and also features a family-friendly zone equipped with games.

Costa Coffee

Before security

A successful British coffee shop chain, Costa Coffee can today be found all around the globe. They serve Italian coffee and other hot drinks, along with snacks such as sandwiches and baked goods, available as both eat in or takeaway.

Juniper & Co

After security

Offering comforting yet elevated dining, Juniper & Co sources the ingredients used in its kitchen locally. Choose from breakfast options such as granola, egg dishes and the house fry-up, or enjoy one of the heftier dishes on the all-day menu. Platters of cheese, charcuterie and other delicacies are also available. The drinks list features craft gins, London-brewed beers, fine wines and more.

Pret A Manger

After security

With its familiar logo found all over the country, Pret A Manger is a ubiquitous UK chain. The café serves different sandwiches, wraps, salads and other light fare that's ideal for a travel snack, whether you're sitting down or on the go. Coffee, juices and other drinks are available at the two airside Prets at Gatwick Airport's North Terminal as well.

Pure

After security

Priding themselves on convenience and healthiness, the Pure shops around the city provide reliable, speedy service and nutritious food such as salads, wraps and sandwiches. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to choose from too, as well as a kids' menu. In addition to the hot and cold drinks served by the staff, you can fill up your water bottle for free here. If you're in a hurry, you can order Click & Collect.

Shake Shack

After security

An American fast-casual chain that specialises in burgers, fries, and milkshakes, Shake Shack makes its patties from 100% Angus beef and cooks them to order for that characteristic juiciness. There are different burgers and combos to choose from on the menu, including veggie and chicken options. The company champions sustainability and eco-friendliness, using reclaimed and recycled materials in its handy to-go dishes as well. Click & Collect is available too.

Sonoma

After security

Sonoma tantalises travellers' senses with flavours and scents that draw on the vibrancy and freshness of California's premier wine region. There's a variety of international favourites to choose from here, including burgers, pizzas, all-day brunch plates, rotisserie chicken and salads. Vegetarians, vegans and the gluten conscious will be able to find something tasty here as well.

Starbucks

Before and after security

Starbucks is one of the world's most famous coffee shop chains. They're notorious for loading their sizeable hot and cold concoctions with caffeine and sugar, then flavouring them with various spices or syrups – the Pumpkin Spice Latte, for example, has become a seasonal icon. Teas, sandwiches and other snacks are also available, and you can even pick up coffee beans or merch for the Starbucks lover in your life.

The Breakfast Club

After security

Get a delicious breakfast in before your flight at The Breakfast Club's spacious and sunny location in Gatwick. The site is open early so you can always get something delicious before you board. Choose from the extensive range of breakfast and brunch dishes on offer, with sweet and savoury options to suit every appetite. Coffee and hot drinks are also available.

The Nicholas Culpeper

Before security

The Nicholas Culpeper is a contemporary landside pub that boasts the first airport gin distillery in the world – you can take a peek at it right there. Unsurprisingly, gin and G&Ts are a big part of this place's appeal, but other drinks such as craft beers are offered as well. On the food side of things, the menu at The Nicholas Culpeper features traditional pub grub such as fish and chips, pie and mash, burgers and fry-ups.

The Red Lion

After security

A modern Wetherspoon establishment with industrial touches, an eclectic collection of furniture, and a private seating area on the concourse, The Red Lion is as fine a place to enjoy a final pint before departure as any. A wide variety of food and drinks is served, ranging from traditional pub grub such as fish and chips to pizzas, pasta dishes, sandwiches and more. A kids' menu is available as well.

Tortilla

After security

An award-winning group of budget-friendly eateries found around the country, Tortilla serves quick-fix Mexican cuisine. The flavourful streetfood staples such as burritos, tacos and quesadillas can be dressed up to your liking with various fillings and sauces. Meal deals are offered too.

Wagamama

After security

Having served Japanese-inspired Asian food for more than 30 years, Wagamama is a familiar sight in the UK. The British restaurant chain operates more than 150 locations around the world, offering an assortment of Japanese classics, from ramen and gyoza to donburi bowls, teppanyaki noodles and more. For breakfast, you can choose between a classic full English and Japanese options, and vegans won't go hungry here either. Served quickly, the food is ideal for those in a hurry, and can also be ordered as takeaway. Otherwise, sit down at one of the long communal tables and enjoy the view of the runway.

Warrens Bakery

After security

Dating back to 1860, Warrens Bakery is the oldest bakery in Cornwall and a regular sight around those parts. You can also try one of their traditional, hand-crimped Cornish pasties at Gatwick Airport, available with different fillings. Other sweet and savoury baked goods are also offered, such as cream tea and traditional Cornish cakes. You'll find Warrens Bakery on the North Terminal mezzanine.

South Terminal

Gatwick South Terminal restaurants

Caffè Nero

Before security

A popular coffeehouse chain with more than one thousand locations spread around the globe, Caffè Nero operates a landside branch at the South Terminal. The café is open 24/7, letting you get your caffeine boost regardless of the time of your flight. Pastries, cakes, sandwiches and other snacks are available too.

Caviar House & Prunier

After security

Caviar House & Prunier offers a final taste of luxury before you depart, with a fine dining experience revolving around Prunier caviar, Balik smoked salmon, and other upmarket seafood delicacies such as lobster and oysters. The stylish establishment has been a part of Gatwick Airport for more than 15 years and boasts an award-winning wine list to go with your meal. A kids' menu and takeaway options are available too.

Costa Coffee

Before and after security

A successful British coffee shop chain, Costa Coffee can today be found all around the globe. They serve Italian coffee and other hot drinks, along with snacks such as sandwiches and baked goods, available as both eat in or takeaway.

Giraffe

Before security

Like the other Giraffes around the UK, the Gatwick Airport branch of this welcoming chain is a vibrant spot that highlights flavours from around the world, accompanied by an uplifting world music soundtrack. The family-friendly restaurant serves all sorts of international favourites, from burgers and stir-fry dishes to salads, snacks and more. Early travellers will appreciate their hearty breakfast plates.

Grain Store

After security

Before celebrated chef Bruno Loubet retired to Australia and closed down his sustainable, plant-led King's Cross headquarters, he apparently designed the menu for this airport restaurant and bar, tucked away in a relatively quiet corner of Gatwick Airport. A varied assortment of dishes can be found on the menu, from international favourites such as burgers and pizza to Grain Store signatures such as chilli con veggie.

Greggs

Before security

The UK's beloved sausage roll vendor Greggs boasts a stylish 24-hour café and bakery at Gatwick Airport, offering its pastries with hot beverages, juices, and sandwiches. Limited seating is available, and there's a Click + Collect option for those on the go.

Itsu

After security

The Itsu chain first launched in 1997 and has since served countless sushi rolls, gyoza, rice bowls and other affordable Asian-inspired classics, including plenty of plant-based choices. The food is made on the spot and packed with nutrients. The sustainability-minded company also halves its prices in the evenings in order to help cut down on food waste.

Joe & The Juice

After security

One of the Danish chain's many branches around the world, the Gatwick Airport location of Joe & The Juice specialises in fresh juices, hot drinks, healthy shakes and sandwiches made with quality ingredients, always keeping customers' wellness in mind. The environmentally conscious company also cares about leaving the planet in a better state than they found it in with various recycling initiatives.

Joe's Coffee House

Before security

A relaxed café where you can pick up a snack for the flight or warm yourself with a hot meal while waiting for a visitor to arrive, Joe's Coffee House serves barista-made coffee, freshly baked pastries, handmade sandwiches, hearty soups and stews, jacket potatoes, smoothies, juices, sweet treats and more.

Nando's

After security

If you need a hit of the legendary flame-grilled peri-peri chicken before you depart these shores, Nando's Gatwick Airport is waiting. The iconic Afro-Portuguese fast-casual chain serves chicken in various shapes, sizes and spiciness lelevls, with plant-based and kids options available as well. It's comforting, filling and a national favourite for good reason.

Pret A Manger

After security

With its familiar logo found all over the country, Pret A Manger is a ubiquitous UK chain. The café serves different sandwiches, wraps, salads and other light fare that's ideal for a travel snack, whether you're sitting down or on the go. Coffee, juices and other drinks are available at the airside Pret at Gatwick Airport's South Terminal as well.

Starbucks

After security

Starbucks is one of the world's most famous coffee shop chains. They're notorious for loading their sizeable hot and cold concoctions with caffeine and sugar, then flavouring them with various spices or syrups – the Pumpkin Spice Latte, for example, has become a seasonal icon. Teas, sandwiches and other snacks are also available, and you can even pick up coffee beans or merch for the Starbucks lover in your life.

The Beehive

Before security

Stop at this landside Wetherspoon establishment if you want to get the traditional final pint before departure in. Set in and inspired by the world's first-ever circular terminal, the pub's interior resembles a natural beehive and is fitted with TV screens to make sure you don't miss the latest news or sports. The menu features traditional British pub grub and plenty of drinks, including a large selection of wines. Everything is served within 15 minutes.

The Flying Horse

After security

The airside 'Spoons at Gatwick Airport's South Terminal is the final chance for a last pint before heading off. You can also get a final plate of bangers and mash, fish and chips, or other traditional British pub grub here, as well as pizzas. Wines, beers, spirits and other drinks are all available, of course, and The Flying Horse guarantees service within 15 minutes, regardless of what you order.

Vagabond Bar & Kitchen

After security

Vagabond brings fine wines and British cuisine to Gatwick Airport at its Bar & Kitchen. Showcasing numerous bottles, it's a contemporary venue with industrial touches. Self-pour wine dispensers offer over 80 choices with a button's press, complemented by a self-pour craft beer section. South Downs, a premium English sparkling wine lounge, is located next to Vagabond.

Wagamama

After security

Having served Japanese-inspired Asian food for more than 30 years, Wagamama is a familiar sight in the UK. The British restaurant chain operates more than 150 locations around the world, offering an assortment of Japanese classics, from ramen and gyoza to donburi bowls, teppanyaki noodles and more. For breakfast, you can choose between a classic full English and Japanese options, and vegans won't go hungry here either. Served quickly, the food is ideal for those in a hurry, and can also be ordered as takeaway.

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Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.