Tacos, ramen and kofte in Gatwick South, not another pub
Airside in the South Terminal, Giraffe is the sit-down choice if you’re tired of burgers-and-chips and airport pubs. The menu jumps from chicken tacos to noodle bowls and grilled kofte, with mains mostly in the £13–£18 range, so think solid mid-range rather than quick snack. It sits just past security among the other full-service restaurants, so factor in an extra 45 minutes if you want a proper meal before boarding.
Early flyers rate breakfast here more than later meals, and that lines up with reviews: the breakfast burrito gets repeat mentions as “solid” despite airport-high pricing. Expect to pay around £10–£14 for cooked breakfast plates and burritos, plus £3–£4 for coffee or juice. If you’re on a 07:00–09:00 departure from Gatwick South, this is one of the few non-pub spots where you can sit at a table, plug in, and eat something that isn’t fried beige.
For vegetarians and vegans, Giraffe usually beats nearby pubs in the terminal. You’ll see meat-free tacos, plant-based burgers and at least one vegan main on the all-day menu, with veggie options clearly marked. That’s why veggie travellers on Reddit point here first when talking about Gatwick South, even if they’re otherwise lukewarm on airport dining. If you care more about a half-decent tofu or bean-based dish than another steak-and-ale pie, this is your best bet airside.
Service is the weak point. Google reviews mention 20–40 minute waits when it’s full, with some people giving up before food arrives, especially at peak midday departures. Bills also sting: two mains and two soft drinks can easily hit £40–£45. Regulars who know this mostly use Giraffe for breakfast on long-haul days, when the same table time feels like better value. Tip: check your gate and the live queue, then sit near the front of the restaurant so you can flag staff quickly and bail if your order hasn’t appeared within 25 minutes.