T1’s Air Cafeteria usually opens around first departures and runs all day
In Terminal T1 after security, Air Cafeteria is the basic self-service option you see before most gates. Think trays, counters, and fast turnover rather than table service. It works when boarding is in 30–40 minutes and you just need fuel before a Ryanair or Wizz Air flight out of Charleroi.
Food is standard airport cafeteria fare: premade sandwiches, simple hot dishes, and snacks. Expect cold baguettes with ham and cheese in the €5–€7 range, plus occasional hot plates like pasta or a basic chicken dish usually under €12. Quality is fine for a quick bite, but this isn’t a long-layover dining project.
Drinks cover the basics: bottled water around €3, soft drinks, coffee from a machine, plus beers and small bottles of wine that fit within hand-luggage rules. If you want a quick caffeine hit before an early morning T1 departure, this is one of the first places open near the gates.
Service is counter-style: grab a tray, choose from the display, pay at the till, and clear your own table. At peak times before 08:00 and in the early evening departure banks, expect some queuing at both the food counter and the cashier. Turnover is fairly quick, but seating can be tight when multiple flights board from nearby gates.
There’s no table service and no power outlets at every seat, so don’t plan on working here for hours. Wi‑Fi is the airport’s own network, shared with the rest of T1. Portions are reasonable for the price, but anyone with stricter dietary needs is better off bringing something from outside security before entering T1.
Tip: if your gate is already showing on the screens, grab food here and carry it to sit closer to your exact gate in T1 so you can watch boarding and skip last‑minute sprints.