Giraffe at Gatwick South Terminal: Menu & Tips

Shop Overview

Giraffe at London Gatwick (LGW) is a relaxed, family-friendly restaurant designed for easy pre-flight dining. Expect a broad, international-leaning menu that works for mixed groups—handy when one person wants something light, another wants comfort food, and kids need familiar choices. The vibe is casual and upbeat, with table service that’s typically quicker than full fine-dining options and more comfortable than grab-and-go.

Because it’s a restaurant rather than a retail shop, “brand exclusives” translate into menu staples and seasonal specials that rotate through the year. The typical experience is straightforward: join the queue at peak times, get seated, order promptly, and aim to settle the bill with enough buffer for boarding.

What to Buy

• All-day breakfast-style plates: A safe bet if you’re travelling early or want something filling that won’t feel too heavy before flying.
• Burgers, salads, and bowls: Good for groups—one table can cover both indulgent and lighter preferences without splitting up.
• Kids’ menu favourites: Practical for families who want predictable portions and faster decisions at the table.
• Hot drinks and soft drinks: Useful if you’ve arrived early and want to relax before heading to the gate.

Local specialties/exclusives: Gatwick’s best “local” angle is pairing your meal with a British classic (think hearty breakfast choices or familiar comfort dishes) before you head to duty-free for souvenirs like tea or chocolate from nearby shops in the South Terminal departures area.

Price comparisons: Food and drink at airport restaurants are generally priced higher than the high street due to airport operating costs. Unlike duty-free retail, there are no tax-free savings on a sit-down meal—if value is the priority, compare with quick-service options or pick up snacks from WHSmith or M&S Simply Food elsewhere in the terminal.

Location & Hours

Exact location: South Terminal, London Gatwick Airport (LGW). Follow terminal signage for restaurants once you’re in the South Terminal area; if you’re already in departures, look for the main dining cluster and restaurant wayfinding signs.

Security: As locations can change within terminal re-fits, confirm on the Gatwick airport map or ask an information desk whether this branch is before or after security on your travel day—this matters if you’re meeting someone landside or already airside.

Peak times: 06:00–09:00 for breakfast waves and 17:00–20:00 for evening departures. Quieter periods are typically mid-morning and mid-afternoon between flight banks.

Shopping Tips

• Time buffer: If you want a sit-down meal, aim to arrive with 60–90 minutes before you need to be at the gate (more during school holidays).
• Duty-free allowances: Not applicable to restaurant purchases, but if you’re combining dinner with shopping, remember alcohol and tobacco limits vary by destination—check your arrival country rules before buying from World Duty Free.
• Reserve & Collect: Not relevant for Giraffe, but you can use World Duty Free Reserve & Collect in Gatwick (often with a discount) so you can eat first and pick up items later.
• Returns: Restaurant bills are handled on-site; for any service issues, speak to a manager before you leave, as refunds are easiest to process immediately.
• Payment & currency: Expect to pay in GBP; major credit/debit cards and contactless payments are typically accepted across Gatwick dining venues.