Best places to eat at Heathrow Terminal 2

Heathrow Terminal 2 restaurants offer a diverse range of cuisines and atmospheres for travellers. If you’re flying from Terminal 2 (The Queen’s Terminal) and wondering where to grab a meal, you’re in luck. This modern terminal is packed with options – from quick coffee stops to sit-down restaurants, so there’s no need to rely on aeroplane snacks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the Heathrow Terminal 2 food spots available and highlight the top places to eat. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first-time visitor, you’ll find tasty choices to satisfy everyone in your party before takeoff.

To help plan your trip, here’s an overview of Heathrow Airport restaurants in Terminal 2 including opening hours, food type, and where they’re located relative to security:

Heathrow Terminal 2 Restaurants and Cafés (Overview)

Name	Opening Hours	Type of Food	Location
Big Smoke	06:00–21:00	Pub	After Security
Caffè Nero	00:00–24:00	Café	After Security
Heston’s The Perfectionists’ Café	05:00–22:00	Café	After Security
Leon	05:00–21:00	Fast Food (Healthy)	After Security
London’s Pride by Fuller’s	05:00–21:00	Casual Dining (Pub)	After Security
Pret A Manger	04:45–22:00	Café / Sandwiches	After Security
Shan Shui	08:00–22:00	International (Asian)	After Security
Starbucks	05:00–22:00	Café	After Security
The Queen’s Arms	05:00–21:00	Pub	Before Security (Landside)
YO! Sushi	06:00–21:00	International (Japanese)	After Security

Note: “Before Security” (landside) indicates the outlet is in the check-in area, accessible to all. “After Security” (airside) means you must clear security first. Hours are correct at time of writing but may vary; many venues operate from the first to last flight of the day.

Dine Before or After Security?

Tip: It’s generally best to dine after security when flying from Heathrow Terminal 2. Security queues can be long, especially at peak times, so get through security and into the departures lounge as soon as you can. Most of Terminal 2’s top eateries are airside, meaning you’ll find more variety once you’re through. By clearing security early, you can enjoy your meal without clock-watching or worrying about time. If you eat before security, you risk having to rush through your food and then still face the security line. Instead, give yourself peace of mind by relaxing with a bite after security, so when you’re done eating, you can stroll straight to your gate. (One exception: if you have family or friends seeing you off who aren’t flying, you might choose a landside spot like The Queen’s Arms to dine together before saying goodbye.)

Best for Families: The Queen’s Arms

Travelling with family or kids? The Queen’s Arms is our pick for families at Heathrow Terminal 2. This two-level Fuller’s pub in the departures hall offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of seating for groups. The menu covers hearty British classics from breakfast through dinner, so there’s something for all ages. You can start the day with a full English breakfast or stop in later for fish and chips and other pub favourites. Parents can enjoy a pint or a casual meal while kids have options they’ll love (the venue is very welcoming to young travellers). The Queen’s Arms is also a convenient choice if you want to meet up with relatives before security.

• Location: Before Security (Landside, Terminal 2 departure hall, great for meeting family not flying)
• Opening Hours: 5:00am – 9:00pm daily
• Contact: 020 8747 6137 (Fuller’s Queen’s Arms Heathrow)

Best for Healthy Meals: Leon

If you’re looking for a wholesome bite, Leon is the go-to healthy fast food spot at Terminal 2. This super hip chain serves up “fast food” with a nutritious twist; it’s healthy food, served fast. In the morning, you can grab one of their tasty poached egg pots or a wholegrain muffin for the perfect start to your day. For lunch or dinner, favourites include the sustainable fish finger wrap, chargrilled chicken aioli hot box, or a revitalising superfood salad. Leon prides itself on ethically sourced ingredients and fresh flavours, so health-conscious travellers can kick off their holiday on a good note without feeling guilty. The bright and airy seating area also makes it a pleasant place to relax before your flight.

• Location: After Security (Airside, Departure Lounge)
• Opening Hours: 5:00am – 10:00pm (approx. first to last flight) daily
• Contact: 07876 360609

Best for Fine Dining: Heston’s The Perfectionists’ Café

For a bit of gourmet flair on the go, head to The Perfectionists’ Café. This is celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal’s first airport restaurant, and it brings his creative touch to Terminal 2. Despite the upscale name, The Perfectionists’ Café is designed for travellers looking for something exceptional served quickly. The menu elevates classic dishes: you can savour a made-to-order wood-fired oven pizza (Heathrow’s first wood-burning pizza oven is here!) and then treat yourself to silky-smooth nitro ice cream from the liquid nitrogen ice cream bar, a fun Heston-style twist that’s unique to this spot. With its blend of culinary innovation and speedy service, The Perfectionists’ Café is perfect for foodies who want a memorable meal before boarding.

• Location: After Security (Airside, Upper Level in Departure Lounge)
• Opening Hours: 5:00am – 10:30pm (open from first to last departing flight daily)
• Contact: (Not required for quick service) – walk-in only

Best for Fresh Food: Shan Shui

Craving fresh Asian cuisine? Shan Shui is a must-try for lovers of Chinese and Southeast Asian food. Inspired by the glamour of 1920s Shanghai, Shan Shui offers a mix of dishes that are bursting with fresh, bold flavours. From steaming dim sum to spicy noodles and classic Southeast Asian curries, the menu showcases the best of East Asian cuisine to energise you for your journey. The restaurant’s ambience echoes old Shanghai elegance, making your meal feel a bit more special than the usual airport fare. As a bonus, Shan Shui features its own private observation deck overlooking the runway – so you can enjoy panoramic airport views while you dine. It’s an excellent choice if you want a sit-down meal that’s both fresh and unique before your flight.

• Location: After Security (Airside, Departure Lounge – with a view of the runway)
• Opening Hours: 8:00am – 10:00pm daily
• Note: Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus featuring Asian cuisine; vegetarian options available.

Best for Relaxed Dining: London’s Pride by Fuller’s

If you have time for a leisurely meal and a pint, London’s Pride is the ideal spot for a laid-back dining experience. Named after Fuller’s famous ale, London’s Pride is a stylish yet informal airport pub that serves up redefined British pub classics. The chefs use fresh, seasonal ingredients to craft familiar favourites, think gourmet burgers, hearty pies, and crisp salads, all with a quality twist. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with decor celebrating London’s heritage, so it’s easy to forget you’re in an airport. It’s a great place to unwind with a beer (they offer an excellent range of beers and ales on tap) and chat with your travel companions. London’s Pride manages to bring a touch of the traditional British pub vibe into Terminal 2, making it perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner before flying.

• Location: After Security (Airside, near the gates in Terminal 2)
• Opening Hours: 5:00am – 9:00pm daily
• Offerings: Full bar with beers, ales, wines; classic pub food menu (breakfast served in the early morning).

Best for Coffee on the Go: Pret A Manger

When you need a quick coffee or a light bite on the go, you can’t go wrong with Pret A Manger. Pret is a beloved UK high-street chain known for its fresh sandwiches, salads, and organic coffee. At Terminal 2’s Pret, you’ll find a range of ready-to-eat items perfect for takeoff: from bacon sandwiches and croissants at breakfast to baguettes, wraps, and salads for later in the day. All items are prepared fresh daily with natural ingredients, and you can taste the quality. Busy traveller in a rush? Service here is very efficient, so you can grab your barista-made latte and a snack and be on your way in minutes. There’s limited seating, but many people simply pick up their Pret favourites to enjoy at the gate or on the plane. For coffee lovers and anyone who wants a reliable, quick option, Pret A Manger is the top pick in T2.

• Location: After Security (Airside, main departures concourse)
• Opening Hours: 4:45am – 10:00pm daily
• Contact: 020 3696 2610 for general inquiries
• Tip: Also great for takeaway – you can bring Pret items on board to have a quality snack during your flight.

Get Off to a Great Start

To make the most of your trip from Heathrow Terminal 2, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some final tips to ensure a smooth start and enjoy the food options at T2:

• Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time at the airport. Aim to get to Terminal 2 early so you can clear security and still have time to relax and eat. Nothing beats starting a journey unhurried, with a good meal or coffee in hand.
• Pre-Book Parking with APH: Driving to Heathrow? Pre-book your Heathrow Terminal 2 parking with APH to save money and avoid the stress of searching for a spot. With a reserved parking space, you can head straight to check-in and start enjoying the terminal’s amenities sooner. (APH offers great pre-booking discounts, so you’ll save a bit of cash for that extra dessert or pint!)
• Enjoy the Variety: Once you’re through security, take advantage of the wide variety of restaurants and cafés in Terminal 2. Whether you want a full English breakfast, a quick healthy salad, or a gourmet treat, Heathrow Terminal 2’s restaurants have you covered. Indulge a little and make your waiting time part of the journey; it’s all about starting your trip on a delicious note.

Disclaimer: All restaurant details, including opening hours, locations, and menu offerings, are correct at the time of publication. Keep in mind that airport dining options can change, so it’s a good idea to double-check with Heathrow Airport or the specific restaurant before you travel to ensure they’re open and to see the latest menu choices. Now, with your food game plan ready, enjoy your flight from Heathrow Terminal 2 and bon appétit!