itsu at London Gatwick (LGW) South Terminal

Shop Overview

itsu is Gatwick’s go-to spot for fast, fresh Asian-inspired food—best known for sushi, salads, and warming rice or noodle bowls that travel well. It’s designed for speed (order, pay, go), but the menu still feels “made for today” rather than generic airport fare, which is why it’s popular with both commuters and holiday travellers.

Expect a consistent core range—sushi sets, sashimi and nigiri, plus hot options like bao buns, gyoza, and broths—alongside seasonal specials. The experience is typically quick and streamlined, with plenty of clearly labelled grab-and-go items, making it easy to fuel up without committing to a long sit-down meal.

What to Buy

• Best-sellers for flights: mixed sushi boxes (great for sharing), salmon or tuna packs, and lighter salad pots if you’re avoiding heavy pre-flight food.
• Warm comfort picks: gyoza and hot rice/noodle bowls are ideal if you’ve got time to eat before boarding (and want something more satisfying than a sandwich).
• Snackable add-ons: seaweed snacks, edamame-style sides, and small bites that fit easily into a personal item.
• Local angle: while itsu is a UK favourite rather than a regional craft brand, it’s a very “London travel staple” and often a safer bet for freshness than miscellaneous pre-packed options.

Price note: itsu is a restaurant purchase, so there are no duty-free savings. Pricing is generally comparable to other Gatwick food outlets—expect a premium versus the high street, but good value compared with full-service dining in the departure lounge.

Location & Hours

Exact location: London Gatwick Airport, South Terminal. Follow signs to the South Terminal departures area and the main food court zone—itsu is positioned for quick access when you’re heading toward gates.

Security: Confirm on the day via the terminal map/screens, as airport unit positions can shift; most Gatwick retail and dining is post-security in the departures lounge, and itsu is commonly used as a pre-boarding stop.

• Peak times: 06:00–09:00 (early wave of departures) and 16:00–19:00 (after-work and evening flights). Queues move quickly but popular sushi lines can sell through.
• Quieter windows: mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays tend to be calmer—best for the widest choice of sushi boxes.

Shopping Tips

• Duty-free allowances: not applicable here (food service), but remember liquids rules if you’re taking soups/sauces through security—buying airside avoids most restrictions.
• Meal planning: if you want sushi for the plane, buy it closer to boarding so it stays chilled; for hot bowls, eat them before you leave the seating area.
• Reserve & Collect: this is typically a duty-free feature at Gatwick (notably World Duty Free), and not usually offered for restaurant meals like itsu.
• Returns/refunds: as with most prepared food, refunds are generally limited—check your order before you walk away and flag issues immediately to staff.
• Payment: major cards and contactless are widely accepted at Gatwick; carrying cash isn’t necessary, though GBP is the standard currency if needed.