When you’re going on holiday, whether you’re flying from Heathrow or not, most passengers like to grab a bite to eat or at the very least a drink before boarding the plane. Often, we have plenty of time to kill in the terminal after arriving a few hours early and it’s generally a good idea to take advantage of the wider array of options available in the terminal rather than wait to see what in-flight options are available. If you’re a picky eater, or have specific dietary requirements grabbing your own food from the terminal is a great alternative to aeroplane food.
At Heathrow airport, there are plenty of restaurants and food options to choose from no matter what terminal you’re flying from. Our helpful guide will help you plan ahead of time which restaurants to head straight for once you’re off your RailAir coach, through security and into the terminal.
These are staple food spots in Heathrow that you can find in one or more of the terminals, which is great to know if you’re unsure of any other food options you have available.
Caffè Nero is a well known coffee chain, perfect for a morning pick me up and a sweet treat or snack before your flight. You can find a Caffè Nero at terminals 2 & 3 in the gates themselves and terminal 4 at check-in and terminal 5 at check-in and arrivals meaning that on our RA1 or RA2 routes you have the opportunity to stop before or after your coach journey.
Another casual Heathrow food spot, offering salads, sandwiches, sweet treats and a range of hot and cold drinks, you can find a Pret at the gates in terminals 3,4 and 5. They’re open early till late, which is perfect for those travelling at unsociable hours.
Similarly to Caffè Nero and Pret a Manger, Starbucks is also a great spot for coffee or a casual snack. It also has an option to takeaway, if you’d like to grab a drink and then browse the shops. You can find a Starbucks in both terminals 2 and 5, which both our RA1 route from Reading or our RA2 route from Guildford and Woking arrive at.
A popular conveyor belt restaurant that serves up a menu of Japanese street food and sushi, perfect for a larger meal before your flight. They offer hot and cold takeaway food for passengers in a particular rush. You can find this spot in the departures of both terminals 2 & 3.
Another popular coffee chain perfect for hot and cold drinks and a quick snack, you can find a Costa at Terminal 4 and also in arrivals at Terminal 5.
Wagamama is a family friendly restaurant at Heathrow in Terminals 3 and 5 serving up a variety of Asian dishes. It’s open early till late so it’s a great spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Heathrow Terminal 2, also known as the Queen’s Terminal, serves flights mainly to European destinations and some long-haul. It is used by airlines such as Air Canada, Turkish Airlines and Icelandair. It is also a drop off point for all RailAir Heathrow Airport buses. It also has a range of food options and restaurants to choose from.
Leon serves up fast food that’s natural and tastes good. From salads to burgers - whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian or a meat-eater there’s an option for you.
The Perfectionists' Café, created by Heston Blumenthal, caters to passengers who want exceptional food quickly. It’s family friendly and open early till late, great for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Situated with a great out across the airport, The Queen’s Arms is a great restaurant in Terminal 2 for plane spotters, families or those looking for a casual comfy pub serving up a variety of international dishes.
Fine dining meets modern convenience at the Vinery. It features a digital screen showing vineyard videography and menu items, plus their order at table technology makes ordering as simple as possible.
Have plenty of time to spare while you’re waiting in Terminal 2? Shan Shui is a dine-in style restaurant, serving up a taste of China and Southeast Asia.
A laid back modern brewery in terminal 2 serving up food and drinks that are also available on pre-order. Find it at Gate A20.
Another laid back spot, London’s Pride by Fuller’s offers a traditional Gastropub experience and also has a special Terminal 2 lager, named Wingman.
Travellers passing through Heathrow can enjoy freshly baked cakes, pastries, and breads from Jones the Grocer. Find it at departures.
Terminal 3 is mainly reserved for long-haul flights to destinations including the US, South America and Asia. It is the main base of Virgin Atlantic, but you can also find other airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Emirate and Qantas. The food options in Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 are as follows.
Find a variety of coffees, smoothies, cakes and baked pastries at this grab and go spot - perfect for passengers in a rush.
Caviar House & Prunier is a producer of the world's finest Prunier caviar and Balik smoked salmon. If you’re looking to push the boat out before you jet off on holiday, this dine-in spot is a taste of luxury.
A warm and cosy coffee house, serving up a range of food and drink including pastries, sandwiches and soups.
An Italian American comfort food joint serving legendary burgers, sourdough pizzas, hearty breakfasts. It’s a perfect stop off for families looking to fuel up before boarding.
A higher end food spot in Terminal 3, The Curator Bar & Dining serves up food inspired by the changing seasons in Britain plus a selection of small-batch artisan cocktails.
A family favourite with a great menu for your little ones, The Evergreen Bar and Restaurant also serves up great food for the adults too. Find the restaurant in Terminal 3 at gate 23-42.
Another casual pub spot serving fresh beers, cocktails and a delicious menu. It’s great for that obligatory pint before you board your flight.
Terminal 4 flies to a mix of European and long-haul destinations. The airlines that fly out of the terminal are SkyTeam members such as Air France and KLM, OneWorld members such as Malaysia Airlines and other non-aligned airlines such as Etihad Airways. You can also find the following food options and restaurants.
An all day brasserie, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this spot serves up a menu of British and International classics that’s great for all the family.
J D Wetherspoon’s pub, Star Light, is offering quick service and traditional pub grub. It’s a British staple, so you’re guaranteed to find something to satisfy your appetite.
Located at gate 7, The Commission is a dining option for all times of the day. Open from 6am to 9:30pm, you can find British dishes no matter what time you’re flying.
An all round great British pub, making it a great spot to grab a drink and a bite to eat. Find the restaurant in Terminal 4 at gate 21.
Terminal 5 is Heathrow’s largest terminal and a drop off / pick up point for RA1 and RA2 routes. The terminal is a hub mainly for British Airways and Iberia Airways, but also serves American Airlines. You can also find the following food options at restaurants at Heathrow Terminal 5.
Looking for luxury before your flight? The Fortnum & Mason Bar is a great pre-flight destination for a first class experience.
A colourful spot, perfect for those travelling with little ones. Giraffe restaurant in Terminal 5 has a menu of global favourites and a great location for plane spotting!
Gordon Ramsay Plane Food provides a number of dining options for passengers: an a la carte menu, small plates and nibbles or grab a three-course picnic to take on your flight with you!
A lower cost option, great for grab & go options. You can find itsu at gate A15 at Heathrow Terminal 5.
Another Wetherspoons, located near gates A1-A7. For extra ease when travelling, you can use the app to order and pay for food and drinks.
The Globe is an independent craft beer and food destination before the security gates in Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. You can find a full breakfast menu, pub classics and American-style grills.
As you can see there are plenty of restaurants and food options at Heathrow Airport - no matter which terminal you’re flying from or what you’re in the mood for! So, you can rest assured that if you don’t manage to eat before your journey, you’ll have a wealth of Heathrow food spots to choose from. For more travel tips and advice, check out our other content on the RailAir blog.
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