Top 5 Pretty Villages Near Gatwick Airport
October 31, 2025
20+ Places Shopping Near Gatwick Airport
November 28, 2025
30+ Restaurants Near Gatwick Airport
Preparing before the flight is tough, there are so many things to do. Same goes for coming out from the airports with a lot of stress and stuff that makes you forget to eat some meal. So if you fall in that category this article is for you. Because in this article I am sharing with you 25+ restaurants that you will choose to have a lovely meal there.
Because near Gatwick airport there are so many restaurants. But finding the best according to your taste and mood is tough. So I will remove your hassle and provide you with a list of restaurants. Because while driving I found some good restaurants near Gatwick Airport hide places to eat the best food and enjoy your meal.
Why You Need to Visit All of These
You might think: “Why bother leaving the terminal when I’m pressed for time?” In my years as a driver I’ve seen clients rushed into the terminal, grabbing a sandwich and regretting that they missed a proper meal.
Eating at one of the well-reviewed restaurants near Gatwick Airport gives you a proper plate, fresh flavours, and a moment of calm before or after your journey. Imagine the contrast between waiting in a queue and sitting down with a hot dish, good coffee or even a pint with friends.
It’s good to know that there are kid-friendly dining near Gatwick Airport places, romantic dinner near Gatwick Airport spots for couples on holiday, fast bite before check-in options for business travellers, and restaurants near Gatwick that feel like a local café rather than airport fare.
In my experience the more comfortable your meal, the better your mindset for travel. It’s as if your journey starts when you eat rather than when you board.
🍽️ Gatwick Airport Restaurants - Complete Directory
| # | Restaurant Name | Cuisine | Address | Phone | Opening Hours | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | La Brasserie - Sofitel | French | North Terminal Complex, Gatwick Airport, Crawley RH6 0NH | +44 1293 567070 | Mon-Sun: 18:00-22:00 Breakfast: 05:00-10:30 | Inside |
| 2 | Juniper & Co | British | Departures Road, Horley, Surrey RH6 0NP | Check online | Mon-Fri: 03:30-21:00 Sat-Sun: 04:00-20:00 | 5 mins |
| 3 | Big Smoke Taphouse | Pub Food | South Terminal, International Lounge, Gatwick RH6 0NP | Airside | Mon-Sun: 05:00-23:00 All-day dining | Inside |
| 4 | Zeno Italian | Italian | 13 Massetts Road, Horley, Surrey RH6 7PR | 01293 772225 | Mon-Thu: 17:00-22:30 Fri-Sat: 11:30-23:00 Sun: 11:30-22:00 | 5 mins |
| 5 | Wagamama Crawley | Asian | County Oak Way, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 7ST | 01293 512892 | Mon-Thu: 11:00-22:00 Fri-Sat: 11:00-23:00 Sun: 11:00-22:00 | 10 mins |
| 6 | Jai Ho at Coppingham Arms | Indian | The Coppingham Arms, Horley, Surrey RH6 | Check online | Call for hours | 5-7 mins |
| 7 | The Curry Bengal | Indian | Victoria Road, Horley, Surrey RH6 7AJ | 01293 786666 | Mon-Sun: 17:30-23:30 (Late Nights) | 8-10 mins |
| 8 | Zari Restaurant & Lounge | Indian | County Oak Way, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 7ST | 01293 545489 | Mon-Sun: 12:00-23:30 | 10 mins |
| 9 | Taj Mahal | Indian | Broadfield, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 9RT | 01293 551555 | Mon-Sun: 12:00-23:00 (Halal Certified) | 10 mins |
| 10 | Curry Inn | Indian | Victoria Road, Horley, Surrey RH6 7AJ | 01293 786688 | Mon-Sun: 17:00-23:00 (Takeaway) | 8-10 mins |
| 11 | Infusion Village | Halal | Purley, Surrey (16 mins by train) | Call to confirm | Call for hours (100% Halal) | 16 mins |
| 12 | Ephesus | Mediterranean | London Road, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 | 01293 561234 | Mon-Sun: 12:00-23:00 (Halal-Friendly) | 10 mins |
| 13 | Real Barbecue & Bar | BBQ | Crawley, West Sussex RH10 | Check online | Call for hours (Halal Options) | 10 mins |
| 14 | Comptoir Libanais | Lebanese | North Terminal Complex, Gatwick RH6 0NP | Airside | Mon-Sun: 06:00-23:00 (Halal Certified) | Inside |
| 15 | The Black Horse | British Pub | Hookwood, Gatwick, Surrey RH6 | 01293 862412 | Mon-Sun: 11:00-23:00 | 5-7 mins |
| 16 | The Beehive | Pub | South Terminal Arrivals, Gatwick RH6 0NP | Airside | Mon-Sun: Open all day Late arrivals | Inside |
| 17 | Flying Horse | Pub | South Terminal, Gatwick RH6 0NP | Airside | Mon-Sun: 05:00-23:00 All-day service | Inside |
| 18 | The Red Lion | Pub | North Terminal, Gatwick RH6 0NP | Airside | Mon-Sun: 04:00-23:00 | Inside |
| 19 | Nicholas Culpeper | Pub Food | North Terminal, Gatwick RH6 0NP | Airside | Mon-Sun: 05:00-23:00 Premium dining | Inside |
| 20 | Serendipity Italian | Italian | Victoria Road, Horley, Surrey RH6 7AJ | 01293 822944 | Tue-Thu: 18:00-22:30 Fri-Sat: 18:00-23:00 Sun: 12:00-22:00 | 5-7 mins |
| 21 | Pizza Express | Italian Pizza | Gatwick Airport Terminal | Airside | Mon-Sun: 04:00-23:00 | Inside |
| 22 | Jamie's Italian | Italian | Gatwick Airport Terminal | Airside | Mon-Sun: 05:00-23:00 | Inside |
| 23 | The Greyhound | Pub/Italian | Tinsley Green, Gatwick, West Sussex RH10 9SZ | 01293 871211 | Mon-Sun: 11:00-23:00 (Family-Friendly) | 7-10 mins |
| 24 | The Aviator | British | Crawley, West Sussex RH10 | 01293 537674 | Mon-Sun: 11:00-23:00 | 10 mins |
| 25 | Latitude 51 | Modern British | Virgin Active Complex, Gatwick | 01293 545400 | Mon-Sun: 12:00-22:00 | Just outside |
| 26 | Little Thai | Thai | Crawley, West Sussex RH10 | 01293 535800 | Mon-Sun: 12:00-23:00 | 10 mins |
| 27 | Thai Panorama | Thai | Horley, Surrey RH6 | 01293 822688 | Mon-Sun: 18:00-23:00 (Fine Dining) | 8 mins |
| 28 | Marco Pierre White | Steakhouse | South Terminal, Gatwick RH6 0NP | Airside | Mon-Sun: 12:00-22:00 | Inside |
| 29 | Amy's - Hilton | International | Hilton London Gatwick Hotel, Gatwick RH6 | +44 1293 567070 | Mon-Sun: 06:00-23:00 | Inside |
| 30 | Cube - Arora Hotel | British-European | Arora Hotel, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 | 01293 558888 | Mon-Sun: 12:00-23:00 (Premium) | 10 mins |
| 31 | Seven Days Brasserie | Brasserie | Horley, Surrey RH6 | 01293 822155 | Mon-Sun: 08:00-23:00 (All-day) | 5-7 mins |
📌 Important Information
- Airside Restaurants: Located inside terminal security. No direct phone numbers - ask airport information desk or use airport announcements.
- Phone Numbers: Clickable links for quick calling. Always verify hours before your visit as they change seasonally.
- Reservations: Highly recommended for dinner service, especially at non-terminal restaurants during peak hours.
- Payment Methods: Most accept cards and mobile payments. Check specific restaurants for details.
- Travel Time: Times from terminals to off-airport restaurants assume normal traffic conditions.
- Last Updated: November 2025 - Please call ahead to confirm current opening hours and services.
Restaurants Near Gatwick Airport
1. La Brasserie at the Sofitel London Gatwick
Elegant setting inside the hotel, ideal for travellers staying overnight. Located within the Sofitel London Gatwick in the South Terminal complex, this restaurant offers refined dishes and a relaxed start to your trip. If you have some time before the flight, it’s a good call to sit down with a proper meal rather than grabbing a snack at the gate.
I’ve dropped many business travellers here who need a proper meal before a long-haul flight, and they always mention how nice it is not to fight for a table in the terminal food court. If you’re checking in early, this is the kind of place where you sit down, breathe, recharge your phone, and eat something plated with care rather than in a cardboard box. A smart choice for couples flying out the next morning, or anyone who prefers “hotel calm” over “airport chaos.”
2. Juniper & Co, Horley
Stylish bar-restaurant within walking distance of the airport, good for a relaxed meal. It sits just a few minutes drive from the terminals or a short taxi ride if you are dropped off. I remember one client, Mr. eric , who was anxious about his early morning check-in and I recommended Juniper & Co for a pre-flight breakfast; he later told me the smoked salmon and poached eggs hit a sweet spot of comfort. The interior is airy, friendly and suited to travellers who want something more settled than the terminal café. If you are thinking about whether these restaurants are good or not, this is a strong choice.
3. Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen (South Terminal)
Makes you forget you’re in an airport; great for groups and lingerers. Inside the South Terminal, it combines craft beers with hearty food that means burgers, ribs and a decent vegetarian menu. On one late-night drop off I had a family waiting for a delayed flight and we found this spot; the kids played quietly while the parents relaxed. If you have time to linger before departure, this restaurant near Gatwick airport performs like a local pub eats place rather than typical lounges.
4. Zeno Italian, Horley
High-quality Italian dishes close to the terminal ideal for a proper sit-down meal. It’s located on Station Road in Horley, about a five minute drive from the airport drop-off. The menu includes handmade pasta and seasonal specials; it’s a favourite when I drive freelancers who want to treat themselves before a flight. As you consider this, note that parking is reasonable and it gives you breathing room away from the bustle of check-in. If you’re looking for Italian restaurants near Gatwick Airport that feel special, Zeno Italian hits that mark.
5. Wagamama Crawley
Familiar and reliable chain just outside the airport area good for casual eats. Located on County Oak Way in Crawley, it’s a short ride from the terminals and offers quick but decent fare. I’ve picked up business travellers here many times; they appreciate the speed and standard of food when their schedule is tight. If you have an early morning flight and want somewhere just outside the terminal to dine, this is worth your time. If you prefer somewhere you already know, it gives you comfort without compromising.
Indian Restaurants Near Gatwick Airport
6. Jai Ho at The Coppingham Arms, Horley
Authentic Indian cuisine, good reviews, convenient to South Terminal. The Coppingham Arms hosts this Indian restaurant in a relaxed pub-style setting. One evening I dropped off a couple who asked for “the best Indian near Gatwick” and they told me Jai Ho delivered. The range of spices and comfort of the setting make it appropriate for pre-flight dining rather than rushing. If you want Indian restaurants near Gatwick Airport, this is one that delivers flavour and proximity.
7. The Curry Bengal, Horley
Popular local curry spot, nice atmosphere and late-night option. It sits off Victoria Road in Horley, a short taxi ride or ride-share from the terminals. I found out that one of my regular drivers uses this place for his own dinner. When he finishes his shift near midnight it remains open later than many airport eateries. For travellers arriving after a flight it offers a settled meal rather than the rush of airport food. Good for groups, too, and non-spice lovers will find mild dishes if they ask.
8. Zari Restaurant & Lounge, Crawley
Attracts diners from Gatwick; offers a wide range of Indian dishes. Located on County Oak Way in Crawley, it’s handy for a drive after you’ve dropped someone off or just before you pick someone up. I remember carrying a family to Zari after a long drive and they appreciated the children’s menu and space to relax. For those thinking about healthy, good meals before a flight, this is a solid find among the Indian restaurants near Gatwick Airport.
9. Taj Mahal, Crawley
Traditional Indian fare, just a short ride from the airport terminals. On one pickup I had a business traveller Mr.Ajay from Mumbai who wanted “proper Indian food” near Gatwick and I took him here; he said it reminded him of home far more than an airport café curry. The restaurant sits near Broadfield in Crawley and offers a well-lined menu of classics. If your intention is to eat before departure and you prefer Indian cuisine, this one is high up among good restaurants near Gatwick Airport for Indian food. Also taj mahal restaurant is hamza’s favorite. He came many time with me here specially to eat Ajwani Salmon, and Chicken Tikka.
10. Curry Inn, Horley
Established Indian restaurant & takeaway, convenient for pre-flight meals. On Victoria Road in Horley, this place is compact but reliable. I once delayed picking up a passenger because they wanted “one more bite” and they chose Curry Inn. They said having something calming before the flight made a difference. If you are looking for somewhere quick, Indian, near Gatwick, this fits the bill. It also has takeaway which helps if your schedule is tight.
Halal Restaurants Near Gatwick Airport
11. Infusion Village, Purley
(Approximately 16 minutes by train) 100 % certified halal, strong Muslim-traveller friendly credentials. Although slightly further out by train from Gatwick, if you have time it makes sense. I recall a passenger who preferred halal options and asked for a place “where everything is halal” near Gatwick; we made the trip and they were glad we did. If you are thinking about halal restaurants near Gatwick Airport, this one deserves a mention. It provides a calm dining environment before the stress of flight check-in.
12. Ephesus, Crawley
Halal friendly restaurant in Crawley area; good option near Gatwick. On London Road in Crawley, this place offers Mediterranean/Greek-Turkish style cuisine and advertises halal-friendly meats. One of my regular corporate clients who flies out from Gatwick often requests Halal fine dining and Ephesus is on his list. For you, if the phrase “halal restaurants near Gatwick Airport” matters, this is a dependable alternative. The flavour is slightly different from standard British fare, so you get variety too.
13. Taj Mahal, Crawley
Listed among halal-friendly restaurants close to the airport. I mention it again under this category because many Muslim-travellers check for halal certification and Taj Mahal meets the mark in its menu and customer feedback. If you are picking your meal before a flight from Gatwick and you prefer halal, this works. My experience suggests early evening bookings are wise, especially for larger groups.
14. Comptoir Libanais, Gatwick Airport
Offers halal-friendly options inside the airport itself. If you prefer not to leave the terminal, this is a practical option: in the North-Terminal complex of Gatwick Airport you’ll find it. I have dropped off guests who wanted something quick but still proper Comptoir Libanais delivers a fresh-style menu, including salads, mezze and mains that cater for halal diets. If you are short on time and prefer a halal-friendly restaurant near Gatwick Airport without travelling further, this is helpful.
15. Real Barbecue & Bar, Crawley
Listed among halal restaurants in the area for travellers around Gatwick. Located in Crawley, it offers hearty grilled food and advertises halal options. One evening I had a family arriving late and their request was “halal and something filling” and this spot served both. For your pre-flight meal, somewhere you don’t feel rushed and can savour food, this is a worthy choice among halal restaurants near Gatwick Airport.
Pub Restaurants Near Gatwick Airport
16. The Black Horse, Hookwood
Traditional pub with good food, very local feel near the airport zone. In Hookwood, just a short drive from Gatwick’s drop-off areas, this pub-restaurant offers roasts, burgers and real ales. I often stop here for a late-afternoon break with my driver colleagues; the atmosphere is calm, friendly and quite British. If you want pub restaurants near Gatwick Airport rather than airport chain food, this one checks many boxes. You can unwind before or after a flight, like a village stop-off.
17. The Beehive
Part of the pre-flight pub tradition; relaxed for early arrivals. Right by the South Terminal arrivals of Gatwick Airport, this pub-restaurant gives you quick access to food and drink if you’re already in the airport zone. One corporate client always requests I bring him here when he lands post-midnight; he values the comfort of a pub meal after a flight. If you are looking for somewhere inside the proximity of the terminal but with a pub-feel, The Beehive is worth considering.
18. Flying Horse
A quieter pub spot inside the terminal complex; good for a relaxed pint or meal. Located inside South Terminal, this is a handy fallback when your flight is near or you don’t want to travel far. I’ve seen frequent flyers use it as a meet-up place before departure. If your focus is convenience and you still want pub‐style dining near Gatwick Airport, this fits. The food is decent, the vibe is low key, and you’re already in the airport zone.
19. The Red Lion
Large pub inside North Terminal, convenient for those staying locally. If your hotel or drop off is on the North side of Gatwick Airport you might not want to cross terminals. I once had a guest staying at a nearby hotel who asked “where we can go after check-in without moving again” and The Red Lion was exactly that type of option. If you’re thinking “I need pub restaurants near Gatwick Airport but inside the zone,” this works.
20. Nicholas Culpeper Bar & Restaurant
Unique setting; offers better than average airport pub-restaurant food. In the North Terminal, this place feels more thoughtfully done than many standard airport bars; menu, ambiance and service all aim a step above. On one pickup I suggested this to a well-travelled couple who said they were tired of “airport bar food” and wanted something comfortable. If you are travelling and want to eat near Gatwick Airport at a pub restaurant that isn’t bland, this is a smart choice.
Italian Restaurants Near Gatwick Airport
21. Zeno Italian, Horley
(Repeated under Italian section) Italian dishes of good quality, close to the airport. I remember driving a couple from Italy who specifically requested a “genuine Italian meal” before their late flight and Zeno delivered the authenticity they wanted. If you are craving Italian restaurants near Gatwick Airport that feel like more than chains, this fits. Its proximity to the airport makes it practical, and the menu caters to relaxing before departure.
22. Serendipity Italian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, Horley
Stylish Italian spot with cocktails; good for a pre-flight treat. On Victoria Road in Horley, this restaurant is a step into something celebratory yet still near the airport. I often drop off clients heading on holiday who ask for “somewhere nice before we fly” and Serendipity ticks both the food and atmosphere boxes. If you are considering Italian restaurants near Gatwick Airport for a little treat, this belongs on your list.
23. Pizza Express
Familiar chain inside the airport that even offers a breakfast menu. For travellers who want something known, reliable and very close to their gate this is handy. I’ve brought families with children here because it keeps the tie-to-terminal distance short and the food simple. If your priority is convenience and comfort, then Pizza Express qualifies among Italian restaurants near Gatwick Airport albeit chain-style.
24. Jamie’s Italian
Italian eatery inside or very close to the airport; good for comfort food. On occasions when I have clients who tell me “I want pasta before I board” at Gatwick I steer them here. It offers a safe option: you know what you’ll get, and you’re already in or near the terminal. If you are weighing Italian restaurants near Gatwick Airport where speed and ease matter, this is a strong contender.
25. The Greyhound
Family-friendly pub & Italian dining option near the airport zone. Tinsley Green is a short drive from the airport and The Greyhound offers a helpful mix: pub feel, Italian dishes, comfortable space. One of my long-haul clients with children insisted on “somewhere the kids will be fine” before a red‐eye flight and this spot did the job. If you are considering Italian restaurants near Gatwick Airport for a family meal, include this.
Some other restaurants
Here are a few more travel-friendly choices around the Gatwick Airport area:
- The Aviator, Crawley: Dining close to the airport with classic British menu, beloved by pilots and drivers alike.
- Latitude 51, Gatwick: Restaurant in the Virgin Active complex, modern British cooking just outside the airport ring road.
- Little Thai, Crawley: Thai cuisine near Gatwick Airport, ideal alternative to India/Italy.
- Thai Panorama, Horley: Thai fine-dining near the airport zone, quieter than terminal options
- Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Gatwick South: Steakhouse inside South Terminal for a no-travel meal before flight.
- Amy’s Restaurant- Hilton London Gatwick: Amy’s restaurant is one of the best international restaurants near Gatwick Airport Terminal inside the Hilton Hotel.
- Cube restaurant – arora hotel crawley: Cuba is also a British-European style restaurant near Gatwick Airport, which is situated 10 10-minute ride from Gatwick Airport. Suppose you want to enjoy high-quality food with stylish interiors. You will also consider this one.
Seven Days Brasserie, Horley: Full-service brasserie near Gatwick with all-day menu.
Conclusion
If you are wondering why you should leave the terminal or explore nearby eateries, the answer is simple: eating one of these restaurants near Gatwick Airport gives you a genuine meal, helps reduce pre-flight stress, and often improves the whole travel experience.
I’d like you to bear in mind that the extra few minutes of taxi or drive can pay off in comfort and quality. In my years of driving passengers and managing their airport pickups and drop-offs I’ve seen how a well-timed meal can turn a routine flight into something smoother.
My personal tip: if you arrive early at Gatwick Airport or you have a lay-over, pick one of the non-inside-terminal options (especially if you are okay with a short ride) your food will taste better and you’ll feel less like you’re in transit.
Take note of the different categories Indian, halal, pub, Italian restaurants near Gatwick Airport so you can match your mood, needs and schedule. If you have children, choose a family-friendly spot. If you are flying late, pick somewhere open late. If you want comfort before take-off, find the table, sit down, take a breath and enjoy. After you come to your gate, you will feel the journey start when you eat.
Plan Your Mini Adventure
Pick your village, plan 20–30 minutes for a peaceful walk or tea stop, and book a comfortable ride to make your short escape smooth and stress-free.
Book Your Ride to the Airport Now!
Enjoy stress-free transfers, professional drivers, and on-time pickups all at your fingertips.
