Top Places to Eat at Gatwick Airport – Restaurants in North & South Terminals

Whether you’re on an early morning departure or a late evening flight, eating well at Gatwick is easier than you might expect. With over 30 dining options spread across both terminals – from artisan bakeries and sit-down restaurants to 24-hour coffee chains – this guide covers everything you need before you fly. Still need to sort your Gatwick Airport parking? APH has you covered there too.

North Terminal Restaurants & Cafes

The North Terminal has a strong mix of sit-down restaurants and grab-and-go options – most available after security in the main departures area. For those arriving early, Jamie’s Coffee Lounge and The Nicholas Culpeper are both open 24 hours before security.

Restaurant	Type	Opening Times	Location
Black Sheep Coffee	Coffee	04:00–Last flight	Before & After Security
The Breakfast Club	Breakfast / All-day	05:00–Last flight	After Security
BrewDog	Bar / Food	05:00–21:00	After Security
Caviar House & Prunier	Seafood / Fine dining	05:00–21:00	After Security
Costa	Coffee / Café	24 Hours	Before Security / Arrivals
Jamie’s Coffee Lounge	Coffee / Casual	24 Hours	Before Security
Jamie’s Italian	Italian	04:00–21:00	After Security
Juniper & Co Bar & Kitchen	Bar / Kitchen	04:00–Last flight	After Security
Krispy Kreme	Bakery / Snacks	04:00–21:00	After Security
Pret A Manger	Sandwiches / Café	24 Hours	After Security
Pure	Healthy / Salads	04:00–21:00	After Security
The Red Lion Bar & Restaurant	British pub / Food	04:00–Last flight	After Security
Shake Shack	Burgers / Shakes	05:00–21:00	After Security
Shake-A-Hula	Milkshakes / Snacks	04:00–21:00	After Security
Sonoma	Café / Burritos	04:00–21:00	After Security
Starbucks	Coffee	24 Hours	After Security
Sussex House	Bar / Casual dining	05:00–21:00	Before Security
The Nicholas Culpeper	British pub	24 Hours	Before Security
Tortilla	Mexican burritos	04:00–21:00	After Security
Wagamama	Pan-Asian	04:00–Last flight	After Security
Yo! Sushi	Japanese	06:00–21:00	After Security

South Terminal Restaurants & Cafes

The South Terminal offers a broad mix of sit-down restaurants alongside some of the best independent options at the airport. Wagamama here stays open until 22:00 – later than most – and GAIL’s Bakery opens as early as 03:00 before security, ideal for very early departures.

Restaurant	Type	Opening Times	Location
The Beehive	British pub	04:00–23:00	Before Security
Big Smoke	Burger & bar	04:00–Last flight	After Security
Black Sheep Coffee	Coffee	05:00–Last flight	After Security
Caffe Nero	Coffee / Café	24 Hours	Before Security
Caviar House & Prunier	Seafood / Fine dining	04:30–21:00	After Security
Costa	Coffee / Café	Up to 24 Hours	After Security / Arrivals
Five Guys	Burgers	05:00–Last flight	After Security
GAIL’s Bakery	Artisan bakery	03:00–21:00	Before Security
Giraffe	World kitchen	05:00–21:00	Before Security
Grain Store	Healthy / Modern	04:00–21:00	After Security
Greggs	Bakery / Snacks	04:00–Last flight	After Security
Joe’s Coffee House	Coffee / Café	05:00–21:00	Before Security
Nando’s	Peri-peri chicken	04:00–21:00	After Security
Pret A Manger	Sandwiches / Café	24 Hours	After Security
Small Batch Social	Speciality coffee	04:00–21:00	After Security
Starbucks	Coffee	24 Hours	After Security
The Flying Horse	British pub / Breakfast	04:00–21:00	After Security
The London Bar	Bar / Casual dining	04:00–21:00	After Security
The Thunderbird	Bar & Kitchen	05:00–Last flight	After Security
Wagamama	Pan-Asian	03:00–22:00	After Security
Wondertree	Plant-based / Café	04:00–21:00	After Security

Editor’s Picks: Best Restaurants at Gatwick by Category

With over 30 options across both terminals, these are the standout choices for specific needs and travel situations.

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Best for Breakfast: The Flying Horse

Location: South Terminal (after security)
Opening times: 04:00–21:00
Contact: 01293 503151

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at this welcoming pub. From porridge and bacon butties to eggs Benedict and full English classics, The Flying Horse serves up value and speed in equal measure. There’s a dedicated kids’ breakfast menu too — a solid choice for families on early departures.

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Best Bakery: GAIL’s Bakery

Location: South Terminal (before security, landside)
Opening times: 03:00–21:00
Contact: 01293 804736

One of the earliest-opening spots at Gatwick, GAIL’s serves artisan breads, buttery pastries, and wholesome seasonal dishes made fresh each day. Pair your coffee with a croissant, grab a salad for later, or stock up on treats from The Pantry to take on board. Same-day click & collect is also available.

View GAIL’s menu →

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Best Sit-Down Meal: Jamie’s Italian

Location: North Terminal (after security)
Opening times: 04:00–21:00
Contact: 01293 223 027

A firm favourite with families and solo travellers alike, Jamie’s Italian blends quality with convenience. Freshly made pasta, seasonal produce, and timeless Italian favourites – one of the most satisfying full-meal options in any UK airport.

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Best for Families: Nando’s

Location: South Terminal (after security)
Opening times: 04:00–21:00
Contact: 01293 569776

With runway views, flame-grilled favourites, a dedicated Nandino’s children’s menu, bottomless drinks, and frozen yoghurt, Nando’s is the pick for families who want a proper restaurant experience before boarding. Customisable spice levels keep everyone happy.

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Best for Healthy Eating: Grain Store Café & Bar

Location: South Terminal (after security)
Opening times: 04:00–21:00
Contact: 01293 501328

This award-winning eatery offers a health-focused menu by chef Bruno Loubet, using locally sourced ingredients. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, most dishes are served within 15 minutes – with kids’ options and takeaway bento boxes for in-flight dining.

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Best for Kids’ Snacks: Shake-A-Hula

Location: North Terminal (after security)
Opening times: 04:00–21:00
Contact: 01293 602048

Keep little travellers happy with more than 40 milkshake flavours, bacon rolls, hot dogs, and sweet treats like donuts and ice cream. Healthier smoothies and barista coffee keep grown-ups satisfied too.

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Best Pan-Asian: Wagamama (South Terminal)

Location: South Terminal (after security)
Opening times: 03:00–22:00

The South Terminal Wagamama opens at 03:00 and closes at 22:00 – one of the longest-running sit-down restaurants at Gatwick. Ramen, katsu curry, and rice bowls are on the menu. The North Terminal branch is also open from 04:00 to last flight.

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Best Burgers: Shake Shack

Location: North Terminal (after security)
Opening times: 05:00–21:00

American-style smash burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and hand-spun shakes – made with high-quality ingredients and a reliable menu that travels well before a long-haul flight.

Where to Eat Before Security at Gatwick

If you haven’t checked in yet, or you’re meeting someone in arrivals, these options are accessible without going through security.

North Terminal – before security

• Costa – 24 hours
• Jamie’s Coffee Lounge – 24 hours
• The Nicholas Culpeper – 24 hours
• Black Sheep Coffee – from 04:00
• Sussex House – from 05:00

South Terminal – before security

• GAIL’s Bakery – from 03:00
• Caffe Nero – 24 hours
• Giraffe – from 05:00
• Joe’s Coffee House – from 05:00
• The Beehive – from 04:00 (until 23:00)

Practical Tips for Eating at Gatwick Airport

• Allow extra time after security – queues can be long during peak hours (07:00–09:00 and 15:00-18:00).
• GAIL’s Bakery and Wagamama South Terminal both open at 03:00, making them the best options for 05:00-06:00 departures.
• In the North Terminal for a very early flight? The Nicholas Culpeper and Jamie’s Coffee Lounge offer 24-hour service before security.
• Grain Store and Wagamama both offer takeaway options – handy for eating on board.
• Nando’s South Terminal has direct runway views – worth booking a table if you have time to spare.
• Prices at airport restaurants are typically 10–20% higher than the high street. Set a budget before you sit down.

Related Guides from APH

• Gatwick Airport Parking – Book with APH
• Gluten-Free Dining at Gatwick: Full List
• Gatwick Airport Hotels
• Gatwick Airport Guide

FAQs

Disclaimer: All restaurant opening hours, locations, and menu offerings are accurate at the time of publishing (June 2025). Please check with the venue or Gatwick Airport directly for the most up-to-date information before travelling.