The Experience
Giraffe is the kind of airport restaurant you choose when you want to sit down properly—not just hover near a gate with a lukewarm sandwich. It’s a casual, order-at-the-table, family-friendly spot with a bright, upbeat vibe and a menu built for mixed groups: early risers, picky eaters, and anyone who wants something more substantial than a pastry.
What travellers love most is the all-day flexibility. Whether you’re arriving painfully early for check-in or meeting someone landside, Giraffe gives you that “real meal” feeling: hot breakfast plates, comfort-food classics, and crowd-pleasers that travel well from morning to evening. If you’ve got time to breathe before security, it’s an easy way to start the trip fed and calm.
Location & Access
You’ll find Giraffe in London Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal, before security (landside). That makes it especially handy if you’re waiting for someone to arrive, travelling with a group that’s not ready to commit to security yet, or you simply want to eat before the airside rush.
- Terminal: South Terminal
- Security: Before security (landside)
- Hours: 04:00-23:00
Seating is typically more generous than grab-and-go cafés, with a mix of booths and tables suited to families and small groups. Waits can spike during the morning wave (roughly 06:00-09:00) and early evening, but because it’s landside, it often feels less frantic than post-security dining.
Menu Highlights
- All-day breakfast plates: a reliable choice when your body clock is confused and you need something hot and filling.
- Burgers and comfort-food mains: ideal if you want a proper meal before a long-haul flight (or after landing).
- Kid-friendly options: simple, familiar picks that make travelling with children easier.
Price-wise, expect mid-range airport dining (generally “$$”): more than a coffee-and-croissant stop, but fair for a sit-down meal and a longer linger. For dietary needs, Giraffe-style menus typically cater to vegetarian and vegan diners with clearly signposted choices, and you can usually find gluten-free possibilities—ask your server for the most up-to-date guidance. If you require halal dishes specifically, it’s best to confirm on the day, as availability can vary by location and supplier.
Practical Info
- Mobile ordering: Not consistently advertised—plan to order with a server.
- Reservations: Typically not needed for airport dining; walk-ins are the norm.
- Best times to avoid crowds: Before 06:00 for a calm breakfast, or mid-morning/late afternoon for the easiest seating.
- Power outlets: Some airport restaurant seating has access, but it’s not guaranteed—bring a power bank if you’re planning to work.
Quick Verdict
- Best for: Families, groups with mixed tastes, travellers who want a sit-down meal before security, and anyone with an early start (it opens at 04:00).
- Skip if: You’re already airside and don’t want to leave the departures area, or you’re in a tight rush where a grab-and-go option would be faster.
Location
South Terminal