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Airport food has long had a bad reputation, with travellers often expecting boring, sloppy, and overpriced dishes. However, airport dining in America has undergone a transformation in recent years, with major airports across the country undergoing significant renovations and shifting their focus to local specialties. So, which airport has the best food? According to various sources, some of the top airports for food in the US include San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL), Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). These airports offer a diverse range of dining options, from local flavours to celebrity-driven eateries. Outside of the US, airports like Jeddah Airport and Hyderabad International Airport are also known for their tasty offerings.
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What You'll Learn
Best airport food in the US
Airport dining in the US has come a long way. No longer are travellers resigned to stale food courts and generic food options, now, many airports offer a variety of local specialties and celebrity-driven eateries.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Seattle's coffee culture is well represented at the airport, with artisanal roasters like Caffé D’arte and Starbucks Evenings, a luxe café that serves wine and beer. Salty’s at the SEA is one of the country’s top airport dining establishments, and the upcoming Concourse C expansion will bring 13 more dining spots, including Stumptown Coffee and Lady Yum, a macaron shop. For those looking for a taste of international cuisine, the airport also offers Congolese food at Africa Lounge (Gate A) and poke bowls at Hachi-ko (Gate C).
San Francisco International Airport
For three years in a row, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) was named one of the best airports for food and drinks by Food & Wine. While it has since fallen to No. 7 on the list, it is still a great option for travellers looking for a bite. The publication recommends dim sum at Koi Palace and Napa Farms Market, which serves Equator Coffee, Acme bread, and Cowgirl Creamery cheese. SFO is also home to Bun Mee, a Vietnamese restaurant that was named one of the best airport restaurants in the world by Bloomberg.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport
Taking the top spot in Food & Wine's ranking, Atlanta's airport is filled with Southern kitchens. One Flew South is considered by some to be the best airport restaurant in the USA, and the F gate is also a solid choice for dining. Atlanta also offers a variety of Cuban food options, including Cafe Versailles for coffee and sandwiches, and La Carreta Restaurant for pastelitos and croquetas.
Other Notable Mentions
- Tampa International Airport: Offers a range of options, from Spanish cuisine and sangria at Columbia Café to local beers at Cigar City Brewing, and Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas at Bavaro’s.
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport: Features a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, as well as a convenient food delivery system called MSP ASAP.
- Nashville International Airport: Home to a variety of great and unique dining options, including a noodle shop by Top Chef’s Dale Talde.
- Denver International Airport: Features Root Down, a popular dining spot, as well as Voodoo Doughnut for a sweet treat.
- Baltimore-Washington International Airport: Known for its street pricing, BWI offers a variety of options, including Obrycki’s for crab cakes.
- Midway International Airport: Known for its Tillamook store, offering a variety of cheese and other products.
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Best airport food worldwide
Airport food has long had a bad reputation, but some airports around the world are challenging this stereotype by offering a variety of tasty, memorable, and affordable dishes.
In the US, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport has been named the best airport for food and drinks by Food & Wine. The airport is filled with Southern kitchens, including One Flew South, which has been described as the best airport restaurant in the country. Atlanta's airport also has a fried chicken shop owned by rapper Ludacris. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which has undergone significant upgrades in recent years, has been praised for its coffee culture and diverse dining options, including Congolese food at Africa Lounge (Gate A) and poke bowls at Hachi-ko (Gate C). San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has also been recognised for its food offerings, with Vietnamese restaurant Bun Mee, serving classic banh mi, named one of the best airport restaurants in the world by Bloomberg.
Outside of the US, Hyderabad International Airport in India has been recommended for its idli-vada combo in a cup, and Putien in Hong Kong serves excellent, generously portioned bok choy and duck. Jeddah Airport in Saudi Arabia is home to Al Baik, a homegrown cult-classic fast-food chain known for its fried chicken and fried shrimp sandwich.
Some other notable mentions for best airport food in the US include the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, which has a well-liked food delivery system, and Tampa International Airport, which offers a range of options, from sports bars to Neapolitan pizzas. Denver International Airport is also worth a mention, with Voodoo Doughnut and Cantina Grill being popular choices.
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Best airport food in individual US cities
Atlanta
Atlanta's airport is brimming with Southern-style eateries. At Hartsfield-Jackson, you can find everything from pork belly sliders and sushi to Southern banana pudding at Terminal E. Rapper Ludacris even has a fried chicken shop in the airport.
Chicago
Chicago's O'Hare airport offers a variety of dining options, including a noodle shop by Top Chef's Dale Talde and a butcher shop-restaurant by The Publican and Publican Quality Meats, featuring signature dishes like Spicy Pork Rinds and the Farm Chicken.
Denver
Denver International Airport (DEN) is a bustling hub, serving about 77.8 million passengers annually. The airport offers a range of dining options, including celebrity-owned restaurants like NFL Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway's eateries. You can find everything from burritos at Cantina Grill to doughnuts at Voodoo Doughnut.
Miami
Miami International Airport (MIA) showcases the city's diverse culinary scene, particularly its strong Cuban influences. Cafe Versailles offers coffee and sandwiches, while La Carreta serves pastelitos and croquetas. For a taste of Southern flavours, Spring Chicken and Chef Creole are excellent choices, and for classic soul food, Jackson Soul Food, with its family recipes like fried catfish and candied yams, is a must-visit.
San Francisco
San Francisco International Airport has several noteworthy dining spots. Sankaku (Terminal 3) and Tomokazu (Terminal G) are known for their sushi, while Bun Mee (Terminal 1) serves delicious pho. For coffee lovers, Roasting Plant Coffee in the Ed Lee International Main Hall is a great option, and Napa Farms Market (Terminal 2) offers perfect picnic provisions for your flight.
Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) reflects the city's coffee culture, with Caffé D’arte and Starbucks locations throughout the terminals. Salty's at the SEA is a renowned dining establishment, and for a unique treat, Kawaii Treats offers Japanese snacks and boba tea. The upcoming Concourse C expansion will introduce more dining options, including Stumptown Coffee and Lady Yum, a macaron shop.
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Best airport restaurants
Airport dining has evolved from stale food courts filled with generic food options to culinary destinations in their own right. Here are some of the best airport restaurants from around the world:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO), USA
For three consecutive years, Food & Wine has named SFO one of the best airports for food and drinks. The airport was ranked 7th on the publication's 2023 list of US airport food. SFO offers a variety of dining options, from the dim sum restaurant Koi Palace to Napa Farms Market, which serves Equator Coffee, Acme bread, and Cowgirl Creamery cheese. Bloomberg also praised Bun Mee, a Vietnamese restaurant in Terminals 1 and 3, for its classic banh mi filled with sweet grilled pork, mortadella, and pâté de campagne.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, USA
Ranked as the best US airport for food by Food & Wine in 2023, Atlanta Airport is known for its Southern cuisine. One Flew South, located near the F Gate, is considered by some travellers to be the best airport restaurant in the USA. The airport also boasts a fried chicken shop owned by rapper Ludacris.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport, USA
Chicago O'Hare, ranked second by Food & Wine in 2023, offers a variety of dining options. Top Chef Masters and PBS chef Rick Bayless serves up his famous guacamole, and sports bars and restaurants with aquarium views can also be found.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), USA
With its recent upgrades, SEA has transformed its dining scene. The airport showcases Seattle's coffee culture, with locations of artisan roaster Caffé D’arte and Starbucks Evenings, a luxe café serving wine and beer. Salty’s at the SEA is considered one of the top airport dining establishments in the country. For a unique culinary experience, travellers can also try Congolese food at Africa Lounge (Gate A) or French classics inspired by chef Thierry Rautureau at LouLou Market and Bar (Gate B).
John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, USA
Ranked third by Food & Wine in 2023, JFK offers a variety of dining options, including celebrity-driven eateries. Top Chef's Dale Talde, for example, opened a noodle shop in the airport.
Tampa International Airport, USA
Tampa International Airport offers an unexpected range of dining options. Columbia Café, the oldest restaurant in Florida, serves Spanish cuisine and sangria in Airside E. For local beers, travellers can visit Cigar City Brewing in Airside C, and for Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, Bavaro’s in Airside C is a popular choice.
Denver International Airport, USA
Denver International Airport offers a variety of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences. Root Down is a popular choice for travellers looking for a sit-down meal. The airport also has a Voodoo Doughnut outlet for those craving a sweet treat.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, USA
This airport stands out for its food delivery system, MSP ASAP, which allows travellers to order takeout from various restaurants or have their food delivered to the terminal. For seafood lovers, Smack Shack in Terminal 1 serves lobster rolls, while Hi-Lo Diner in Concourse F offers retro diner vibes and decadent breakfast options.
Hyderabad International Airport, India
While airport meals often have a dull reputation, Hyderabad International Airport in India offers a memorable culinary experience. An idli-vada combo in a cup is a unique and crave-worthy option, according to a New York City-based writer.
Jeddah Airport, Saudi Arabia
When in Jeddah Airport, travellers recommend trying Al Baik, a homegrown cult classic fast-food chain. The secret blend of herbs and spices in their fried chicken and shrimp sandwiches has endured for 50 years, tempting even those who usually opt for healthier options when outside the airport.
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Best airport food courts
Airport dining in America has evolved significantly. Many major airports have undergone renovations and now offer a variety of dining options, ranging from local specialties to celebrity-driven eateries. Here are some of the best airport food courts in the US:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Seattle's coffee culture is prominent throughout the airport. It offers a range of dining options, including artisan roaster Caffe D'arte, Starbucks Evenings (offering wine and beer options), Salty's at the SEA, and Kawaii Treats, a vending machine with Japanese treats. The upcoming Concourse C expansion will bring even more dining choices, including Stumptown Coffee and Lady Yum, a macaron shop.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport
Ranked as the best airport for food by Food & Wine in 2023, Atlanta Airport is filled with Southern kitchens. Options include One Flew South, Longhorn Steakhouse, and a fried chicken shop by rapper Ludacris.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
O'Hare features celebrity-driven eateries like Goosefeather by Top Chef's Dale Talde and guacamole by Top Chef Masters and PBS chef Rick Bayless.
Tampa International Airport
Tampa International Airport offers a diverse range of dining options, from sports bars and tables with aquarium views to authentic Neapolitan pizzas. Columbia Cafe, the oldest restaurant in Florida, serves Spanish cuisine and sangria. Bavaro's is the place to go for Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
This airport stands out for its food delivery system, MSP ASAP, which allows travellers to order food for takeout or have it delivered to their terminal. Local beers are available at Stone Arch in Terminal 1, while Hi-Lo Diner in Concourse F offers retro vibes and decadent breakfast options.
Denver International Airport
When delays strike, Denver International Airport offers a variety of dining options, including Cantina Grill for burritos, Voodoo Doughnut for treats, and Root Down for sit-down meals.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
SFO was ranked as the best airport for food in 2023 by Food & Wine and has since maintained a spot in the top 10. It offers a range of options, including the Vietnamese restaurant Bun Mee, dim sum at Koi Palace, and Napa Farms Market for local specialities like Equator Coffee and Cowgirl Creamery cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
According to Food & Wine, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) was the best airport for food and drinks in 2023. In 2025, it fell to 7th place. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport took the top spot in 2025, followed by Chicago O'Hare International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Travellers have rated airports such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Tampa International Airport, and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport as some of the best for food options.
Travel editors have recommended trying the food at various airports, including Hyderabad International Airport in India, Jeddah Airport in Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong International Airport.
