There are many reasons to look forward to dining at the airport. From savoring a last bite of local cuisine to indulging in a gourmet meal before your flight, airports today offer a delightful range of dining experiences. You don’t have to settle for fast food or airplane snacks; you can enjoy high-quality meals that make your travel experience even better.

Many airports across the U.S. have significantly improved their dining options, offering everything from quick bites to sit-down restaurants. So, the next time you’re booking a flight, consider these U.S. airports for a foodie adventure and dine in style.

San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) will please even the most discerning of culinary tastes. Napa Farms Market features upscale entrees and snacks along with wine from the Napa Valley and a wide selection of craft beer. If you’re looking for something light but delicious, you should definitely check out Cat Cora, which has great cocktails, seafood, and salads. Or, you can try Bun Mee with its Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches.

For more options, head to Terminal 2, where you’ll find Andale Mexican Restaurant offering fresh and flavorful Mexican cuisine. If you’re in the mood for Italian, make a stop at Lark Creek Grill, known for its farm-to-table dishes. Savor a meal at these standout spots and enjoy watching planes take off and land by the water for a true treat.

Newark Liberty International Airport

The Garden State Diner at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) fittingly pays homage to Jersey’s diner tradition. Located in Terminal C, this casual restaurant is the most popular eatery. A classic 1950s-style diner, the restaurant features beautifully painted car and plane motifs with good American food, classic milkshakes, and large, yummy desserts.

For more dining options, head to Saison, a French brasserie offering a sophisticated menu of French classics and an extensive wine list. If you’re craving Italian, Abruzzo Italian Steakhouse serves up hearty pasta dishes and succulent steaks. For a quick bite, try Daily, a grab-and-go spot with fresh sandwiches, salads, and pastries. Whether you want a sit-down meal or a snack, EWR has something to satisfy your cravings.

Denver International Airport

The massive Denver International Airport (DIA) is consistently rated as one of the best places to grab a bite to eat before a flight. The airport has three concourses each offering plenty of of food offerings, so it’s easy to find something to satisfy your appetite before taking flight. Root Down is an especially popular option, offering globally influenced cuisine that leans on seasonal dishes and organic ingredients. The popular Breckenridge Brewery also offers an outpost at DIA, delighting fans with craft beer along with its mouth-watering barbecue selections. You can also head to Great Divide Brewing, which features beer from one of Colorado’s favorite breweries.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

A recent major renovation has landed Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) at the top of the pack for food and drink options when traveling by air. According to Yelp, the top-rated restaurant in this airport is the Refuge Coffee & Wine, offering a menu of brunch items, coffee, premium wines, and more. Locals and tourists alike will enjoy killing time at SanTan Brewing, providing pub grub and a bevy of craft beers. Blanco Tacos + Tequila is a great place to satisfy those Mexican food cravings while indulging in a margarita while waiting for your trip to get started. For something lighter, try the Mediterranean-inspired Olive & Ivy.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

There is definitely no shortage of amazing restaurant choices at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). This truly massive airport has two Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen locations, offering up fresh seafood, Cajun fare, and more. For something hearty to get you through a long flight, check out the popular Salt Lick Bar-B-Que, a local favorite. Dallas Cowboys fans will want to make an appearance at the Dallas cowboys Club, the airport’s dedicated bar and restaurant honoring the team. DFW also features all of the usual chain restaurants, making it easy to please everyone you’re traveling with.

Boston Logan International Airport

Like most airports on this list, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) leans on its local favorites to please travelers. Start your culinary tour of Logan Airport with a trip to Legal Sea Foods, which serves chowder, lobster rolls, and all of the seafood specialties that you associate with Boston. Lucca is a popular Italian restaurant where you could feast on pasta and cannoli. And, of course, there are plenty of Dunkin’ Donuts locations scattered throughout Logan so that you can get your caffeine and sugar fix in before takeoff.

Los Angeles International Airport 

Much like the Golden State itself, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a welcoming spot for travelers with a refined palate. If you’re looking for a great burger and fries, head to Umami Burger for artisanal takes on classic American cuisine. Another standout eatery at Los Angeles International is Native by Nyesha, a first-class grill led by former Top Chef star Nyesha Arrington. Native is known for dishing out California-spins on American staples, including delectable chicken sandwiches and juicy porterhouse steaks. Meanwhile, travelers hoping to enjoy a meal prepared by one of the most well known chefs today should head to The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, an establishment beloved for its down-home comfort food, including pizza, pasta, and sandwiches.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Travelers stopping at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) have their choice of a variety of different eating options. If you’re in the mood for a Pacific Northwest take on French cooking, head to LouLou Market and Bar and give their signature prime rib French dip sandwich a try. Lovers of international cuisine will also not want to miss African Lounge, a bar that has won widespread acclaim for introducing visitors to Sea-Tac to traditional Ethiopian dishes like sambusa and jollof rice.

Seattle-Tacoma’s proximity to the Pacific also gives it easy access to amazing seafood, something that the chefs at Lucky Louie Fish Shack use to great advantage. Lucky Louie’s signature dish is its delectable fish and chips, made with fresh-caught Alaskan pollock. Other top picks include creamy clam chowder and tasty teriyaki salmon, dishes that exude the influence of the flavors and culture of the Pacific Northwest.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

One of the largest and busiest airports in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) serves up some of Dixie’s finest foods. For an unforgettable slice of Neapolitan-style pizza, head to Varasano’s Pizzeria, which you can enjoy alongside soothing live music from the establishment’s piano bar. If spicy Caribbean flavors are more your style, consider a stop at Papi’s Cuban Grill, which always delights visitors with tasty pork sandwiches served alongside not-to-be-missed cocktails.

Other options at Hartsfield-Jackson include Ludacris’ Chicken and Beer, which offers a new twist on Southern comfort food. A passion project of rapper Ludacris, Chicken and Beer treats guests to staples of Southern cooking. Along with great chicken and creative craft beer, Chicken and Beer also serves delightful takes on catfish and ribs.

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Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

Globetrotters passing through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) can look forward to great food served alongside Midwest hospitality. Among the best-known eateries at Minneapolis-St. Paul is Stone Arch, featuring countless local craft beers and regional favorites like walleye sandwiches. Award-winning entrees also await visitors at Red Crow, a restaurant and bar with gourmet burgers and heaping baskets of chicken wings.

You can also grab one of the heavenly pastries at Angel Food Bakery and Donut Bar. Known for their signature jumbo donut, Angel Food Bakery and Donut Bar is an institution in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, delighting visitors with handmade sweets that are sure to put a smile on your face.

FAQs:

Q: Are there any vegetarian or vegan options available at these airports?
A: Yes, many airports now offer vegetarian and vegan options. For instance, Root Down at Denver International Airport provides organic, plant-based dishes, and Cat Cora at San Francisco International Airport offers salads.

Q: Can I find gluten-free options at these airports?
A: Absolutely. Many airport restaurants cater to dietary restrictions, including gluten-free options. For example, Legal Sea Foods at Boston Logan International Airport offers gluten-free chowder and other seafood dishes.

Q: Are these airport restaurants open 24/7?
A: Not all airport restaurants operate 24/7. It’s best to check the specific operating hours of each restaurant, as they can vary. Most major airports have some dining options open around the clock.

Q: Do these airport restaurants accept mobile or online orders?
A: Many airport restaurants now offer mobile or online ordering for convenience. Check individual restaurant websites or apps for ordering options, especially in busy airports like Los Angeles International and San Francisco International.

Q: Are there kid-friendly dining options at these airports?
A: Yes, many airport restaurants are kid-friendly. For example, the Garden State Diner at Newark Liberty International Airport offers classic American dishes that appeal to children, and Varasano’s Pizzeria at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport serves pizza.

Q: Do these airport restaurants offer alcoholic beverages?
A: Yes, many airport restaurants offer alcoholic beverages. For example, SanTan Brewing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport provides a selection of craft beers, and The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck at Los Angeles International Airport has a range of wines and cocktails.

Which airport restaurant have you tried and loved? Tell us all about it in our comments section below!