Owais Crawford
Airport restaurants have a certain allure, with their transient crowds, bustling atmosphere, and people-watching opportunities. While many airport restaurants cater to walk-in customers, some airports are now offering reservation systems for a more exclusive dining experience. This is particularly true for fine-dining establishments located within airports, which may operate on an invite-only basis, allowing diners to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport and enjoy a relaxing meal. These restaurants often provide attentive service and unique experiences, setting them apart from the typical airport eatery. In addition to these exclusive options, some airports also offer a range of popular chain restaurants and local favourites, ensuring that travellers have a variety of culinary options to choose from during their layovers or pre-flight waits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reservation | Depends on the airport and the restaurant |
| Examples of airports with reservation systems | Newark Airport (United Airlines) |
| Examples of restaurants with reservation systems | Classified (Newark Airport) |
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What You'll Learn
Making reservations at invite-only airport restaurants
United Airlines introduced the concept of an invite-only restaurant at Newark Liberty International Airport in 2017. Named Classified, this exclusive dining spot is located inside the Saison restaurant near gate C120 in Terminal C. With just 36 seats, Classified offers a unique and secretive fine-dining experience, accessible only to those who receive an invitation.
How to Make a Reservation
To make a reservation at Classified, one must first receive an invitation from United Airlines. The airline has not disclosed specific criteria for its invitation list, maintaining an air of secrecy around the process. However, it is known that elite members and some premium cabin passengers have been among the invited guests.
If you are a United flyer, you can increase your chances of receiving an invitation by expressing your interest through the airline's website. Visit United.com/classified and enter your MileagePlus number to check your potential eligibility. Even if you are not currently on the list, you can request to be considered for future invitations.
Once you receive an invitation, you can proceed to make a reservation at Classified. The reservation system allows you to specify any dietary restrictions or special occasions, ensuring a personalized dining experience. After making your reservation, you will be provided with the location details and instructed to inform the host at Saison of your arrival.
Dining Experience at Classified
Classified offers a menu inspired by upscale American cuisine, featuring seasonal ingredients and tableside service. The restaurant boasts tarmac views, with guests able to watch airplanes coming and going. While some guests have praised the exclusivity and ambiance of Classified, others have criticized the food as mediocre and overpriced.
As of October 2024, there are reports that United Airlines is planning to close Classified to make way for more space in the Polaris Lounge. However, the existence of Classified and similar concepts showcases the evolving nature of airport dining, creating exclusive experiences that cater to the desires of elite travellers.
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Quick bites at airport restaurants
When travelling, a quick bite at the airport can be a convenient option. Many airports offer a variety of dining options, ranging from quick bites to sit-down meals.
For example, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport provides convenient ordering kiosks, QR codes, and mobile order and pay options, making it easy for travellers to grab a quick meal on the go. Boston Logan Airport also offers a similar service with its BOS2GO program, allowing travellers to skip the line and order ahead for pickup from their favourite restaurants.
Additionally, some airports provide interactive maps and directories to help travellers find their desired dining options easily. For instance, the Port of Seattle suggests using ExploreSEA.org or its interactive map to locate restaurants available around the airport and provides step-by-step directions to navigate the terminal.
When considering a quick bite at the airport, it is advisable to check the operating hours of specific eateries in advance to avoid disappointment, as these may vary due to operational considerations.
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Fine dining at airport restaurants
Airport restaurants have evolved from being food deserts to culinary destinations, with five-star restaurants and Michelin-starred chefs. Fine dining at airport restaurants is no longer a far-fetched idea, and today, you can find exquisite cuisine and luxurious settings at airports around the world.
For instance, at London's Heathrow Airport, you can indulge in a relaxing afternoon tea at the Tea Salon in the Sofitel Heathrow. The Sofitel also houses La Belle Epoque, a five-star gourmet French restaurant offering private dining for up to 20 guests. Just outside Toronto Pearson International Airport, the elegant BlueBlood Steakhouse invites diners to savour fine beef cuts inside a castle, surrounded by antiques and modern art.
Michelin-starred chefs are also making their mark at airport restaurants. Chef Guy Martin brings French fusion to Charles de Gaulle Airport's Terminal 2 with "I Love Paris", where you can savour dishes like blue lobster and mango carpaccio. At Malaga Airport, Michelin-starred Chef Ricardo Sanz presents Kirei by Kabuki, showcasing a fusion of Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine.
In the United States, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport boasts One Flew South, the airport's first fine-dining restaurant with James Beard Award nominations. O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, host of the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards, showcases celebrity chefs like Rick Bayless, whose Tortas Frontera is a favourite for its guacamole. American airlines and credit card companies are also elevating the dining experience in airport lounges, with exclusive offerings like the Delta One Lounge at Kennedy International Airport, where passengers are offered caviar before their flight.
With airports increasingly becoming dining destinations, travellers can now look forward to a delightful culinary journey even before they reach their final destination.
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Airport restaurants with a view
Many airports offer restaurants with views of the runways and surrounding areas. Here are some examples of airport restaurants with a view:
C.J. Cannon's Restaurant and Lounge at Vero Beach Regional Airport
C.J. Cannon's Restaurant and Lounge offers a panoramic view of the runways and a garden walking area, creating a casual dining experience. The restaurant serves American and Southern-style comfort food, including eggs, gravy, pancakes, burgers, steaks, and seafood.
Airpark Café at Redding's Benton Field
The Airpark Café features an outdoor deck overlooking the field, providing diners with a view of the mountains while enjoying their meal. The café serves breakfast and lunch and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Crosswinds Restaurant at Payson Airport
Crosswinds Restaurant offers views of the runway and Mogollon Rim. The restaurant serves breakfast all day and lunch, with dinner available on Fridays. They are known for their delicious pies.
Mesa Grill at Sedona Airport
Mesa Grill not only offers views of the airport but also of the surrounding town and area. It serves American and Southwestern dishes, including table-side guacamole, Colorado red trout, fish and chips, and more.
Perfect Landing at Denver Centennial Airport
Perfect Landing overlooks the ramp of Jet Centers of Colorado FBO, providing a unique dining experience with a view.
In addition to these restaurants, some airports, such as Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, offer a wide variety of dining options, with over 50 restaurants and cafes available on both sides of security. Many airports provide interactive maps or online resources to help locate restaurants and other amenities.
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Nearby restaurants with outdoor dining
Many airports offer a variety of restaurants with outdoor dining. For instance, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, there are over 50 restaurants and cafes to choose from. You can use their interactive map to locate the nearest restaurants, snacks, coffee, cocktails, and shops.
McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas also offers a variety of outdoor dining options. For example, Virgil's Real BBQ has an outdoor patio open for breakfast daily, while Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen & Bar offers a large outdoor patio and dining area with panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip. FUHU Las Vegas features a lush indoor-outdoor dining room and patio, and Rosa Mexicano has a lively indoor-outdoor bar and patio seating.
Some airports are also known for their nearby restaurants with outdoor dining. For instance, Oceanside Harbor, a short walk or bike ride from Bob Maxwell Memorial Airfield, offers fresh seafood, and an authentic Mexican seafood restaurant, Mariscos Huatulco, within walking distance. The Jekyll Island Airport offers pizzas, calzones, and casual breakfast and lunch options within walking, biking, or a short electric car ride distance. Glenwood Springs Municipal Airport visitors can enjoy fine dining at Rivers Restaurant, world-famous meatloaf at the 19th Street Diner, and brunch, dinner, and dessert at The Pullman, all within the area.
Additionally, Rick's Café Boatyard, near Eagle Creek Airpark in Indianapolis, offers fresh seafood, prime steaks, live music, and craft cocktails, with several decks for outdoor dining. Skip's, a short drive from Des Moines International Airport, is a favorite for lunch or dinner, offering both pickup and dine-in options.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport and the restaurant. Some restaurants at airports, like Classified at Newark Airport, are invite-only and allow reservations. Other airport restaurants, like The Sunset Pub and Grill at Lincoln Park Airport, recommend making reservations. However, most airport restaurants do not seem to offer reservations, and people do not typically travel out of their way to eat at an airport restaurant.
You can visit United.com/classified and check your eligibility with your MileagePlus number. If you are not on the list, you can request to be considered for an invite in the future.
Yes, The Grille at Runways in Hagerstown is another airport restaurant that makes people feel like VIPs. It is located at the Rider Jet Center overhang, where passengers can exit the plane onto a waiting red carpet to dine with a view of the ramp and their airplane.
Yes, there are several highly-rated airport restaurants that do not require reservations, including:
- One Flew South in Concourse C of Atlanta Airport
- Smack Shack in Terminal 1 of MSP Airport
- Hi-Lo Diner in Concourse F of MSP Airport
- Heritage School of Music Stage in Concourse B of MSP Airport
