Airport Restaurants: A Guide To Dining While Traveling

what are the restaurants in airport

When it comes to dining at airports, travellers have a variety of options to choose from, ranging from mouth-watering barbecue and pizza to sushi and Tex-Mex. For example, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport offers a unique blend of local culture and flavours, allowing passengers to experience the city's culinary scene. With convenient ordering kiosks, QR codes, and mobile order and pay options, travellers can easily access a wide range of dining options, as well as locally-owned retail stores offering unique souvenirs.

Characteristics Values
Number of restaurants 50+
Location Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Denver International Airport, Atlanta Airport, LAX, O'Hare, JFK, Hartsfield-Jackson
Type of food Southern-international, sushi, pork belly sliders, soy-glazed grouper, sandwiches, Texas catfish fish and chips, grilled cheese, shrimp cocktail, tortas
Other services Table service, grab and go, interactive map to locate restaurants

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Types of food available at airport restaurants

Airport restaurants offer a wide variety of food options to cater to the diverse preferences of travellers. While some airports house outposts of popular local restaurants, others have unique eateries that serve up delicious meals. Here is a look at some of the types of food available at airport restaurants around the world.

Many airports offer a range of local specialties and classic comfort foods. For instance, Tampa International Airport features the oldest restaurant in Florida, Columbia Café, which serves Spanish cuisine and sangria. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, or Sea-Tac, offers Congolese food at Africa Lounge (Gate A) and French classics by chef Thierry Rautureau at LouLou Market and Bar (Gate B). At Jeddah Airport, Al Baik is a cult-classic fast-food chain known for its irresistibly flavoured chicken and fried shrimp sandwich. Rome's airport features the humble Caffé Kimbo, offering Italian favourites like focaccia with mortadella, pistachio spread, and burrata.

Some airports also provide a selection of Asian cuisine options. For example, at San Francisco International Airport, Sankaku (Terminal 3) and Tomokazu (Terminal G) serve sushi, while Bun Mee (Terminal 1) offers pho. Hong Kong International Airport is home to Putien, which serves excellent Chinese food, including tender duck and fresh bok choy.

In addition to these international options, travellers can also find more standard fare at airport restaurants. This includes retro diner food, such as malts and French fries, as well as breakfast items like fried dough with various toppings. Sports bars are also a common sight, offering beverages and snacks to those looking to catch a game before their flight.

With a variety of options available, airport restaurants cater to diverse palates and dietary preferences. Whether it's local specialties, international cuisine, or classic comfort foods, travellers can find something to suit their tastes while waiting for their flights.

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Best airport restaurants in the US

While airport food has long been associated with mediocre burgers and watery beer, several airports across the US are challenging this stereotype by offering an array of dining options, from local favourites to celebrity-driven eateries. Here are some of the best airport restaurants in the US:

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Francisco International Airport has been voted the best airport for food in America. The airport boasts a variety of dining options, including the famous Boudin Bakery, known for its incredible sourdough bread and dungeness crab sandwiches. Other popular choices include Mustards Bar & Grill, which serves delicious bistro fare such as Mongolian pork chops and barbecue ribs, and Koi Palace, a legendary San Francisco-based dim sum spot.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

For steak lovers, The Palm Bar & Grille in Terminal 4 is the place to go. The restaurant offers a range of grilled-to-perfection steaks, including rib-eyes and New York strip steaks, as well as other items like Ora King salmon and truffle gnocchi. Gallagher's Steakhouse at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is another classy option, serving super-aged prime steaks and lobster bisque.

Denver International Airport (DEN)

Denver International Airport is home to several exciting dining options, including Elway's Taproom & Grill, owned by Denver Broncos legend John Elway, and ChoLon Modern Asian, which offers dim sum and wok entrées from chef Lon Symensma. Root Down, located at the Dallas Love Field airport, is also a popular choice for travellers, known for its amazing BBQ dishes.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Ivar's at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is a branch of one of the most celebrated restaurants in Seattle. Specialising in chowder and seafood, Ivar's serves dishes like fish and chips, scallops and chips, and clam chowder, using only wild-caught Alaskan seafood.

Atlanta Airport (ATL)

One Flew South, Atlanta Airport's first fine-dining restaurant, has earned James Beard Award nominations twice for its outstanding service. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a menu featuring Southern-international fusion dishes like pork belly sliders and soy-glazed grouper. Rapper Ludacris also has a fried chicken shop in the airport, serving up mouthwatering soul food.

Other Notable Mentions

  • Blanco Tacos + Tequila at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is a fast-casual favourite, serving breakfast classics and all-day Mexican fare.
  • Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar at Houston's IAH airport is a popular dining spot, known for its Mexican cuisine and tequila bar.
  • Legal Sea Foods at Boston's Logan Airport (BOS) is a hometown favourite, serving fresh and high-quality seafood with multiple locations across the airport's terminals.
  • Woody's At The Airport, located at the Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), is a local favourite helmed by chef Tim "Woody" Wood, known for his grilled steaks, sautéed sand dabs, and award-winning honey chilli chicken wings.

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Restaurant variety at Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Raleigh-Durham International Airport offers a variety of restaurants to suit different tastes and preferences. From table service to grab-and-go options, travellers can find local favourites and national brands, as well as healthy and fresh choices. The airport is committed to bringing new and exciting dining concepts, and it constantly swaps out restaurants to offer a diverse selection.

One popular option at the airport is the getREEF Virtual Food Hall, which offers a range of cuisines without the need for table service. La Farm, located within the food hall, is known for its delicious offerings and has been described as "the nicest place open" at the airport. Pei Wei, another virtual food hall option, allows travellers to order online while waiting to board their flights.

For those seeking a sit-down dining experience, there are several options near the airport. Herons, the signature restaurant at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina, offers an exceptional fine dining experience with locally inspired, seasonal menus and stunning garden views. Waraji Japanese Restaurant, located in Raleigh, is another highly-regarded establishment known for its extensive selection of sushi, sashimi, and authentic Japanese cuisine, as well as Japanese microbrewery rice-based beers.

In addition to these, there are several other restaurants near the airport, including the Chop House, known for its quality steaks, seafood, and chops, and Estampa Gaucha, a Brazilian steakhouse in Durham. For travellers on the go, there are also fast-food options such as Popeyes, Starbucks, and Dunkin'.

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Restaurant availability at Denver International Airport

There are a variety of restaurants available at Denver International Airport, with options ranging from local favourites to well-known fast-food chains. The airport has seen a shift in recent years, moving away from traditional airport restaurants towards showcasing local businesses and restaurants, providing travellers with an authentic taste of Denver's culinary culture.

One of the most popular restaurants at the airport is Root Down, located in Concourse C. Root Down was named one of the 10 best grab-and-go airport restaurants in the nation by USA Today and was also one of the highest-earning restaurants at the airport, bringing in around $15.7 million in gross sales in 2023. Other restaurants at the airport include Steve's Snappin' Dogs, Denver Chophouse, Smashburger, and Elway's.

In addition to these established spots, Denver International Airport has also welcomed some new additions, including Mercantile Dining & Provisions, Snooze, and Dazbog Coffee. Mercantile, located in Concourse A, offers a unique dining experience with a New American Eatery, an Artisanal Market, and a Barista Bar. It aims to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers, highlighting the story behind each dish.

Looking ahead to 2025, travellers can expect to see even more dining options, with Fat Sully’s Pizza, Osteria Marco, and Boulder’s Michelin-recommended Santo joining the lineup. With a focus on local flavours and a variety of culinary options, Denver International Airport offers a diverse and exciting dining experience for travellers.

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Location of restaurants in the airport

When it comes to dining at airports, there are a variety of restaurants to choose from, depending on the airport. For example, at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, The Shops of RDU feature a range of dining options, from table service to grab-and-go, including local favorites and national brands. Similarly, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, passengers can choose from over 50 restaurants and cafes on both sides of security, offering various cuisines and dining styles.

At Denver International Airport, while specific restaurant locations are not mentioned, the airport features a dedicated 'Dine' section on its website, indicating a focus on dining options. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is also known for its diverse dining options, with one restaurant in Terminal E particularly standing out for its Japanese-inspired decor, creative cocktails, and unique menu offerings.

At LAX, commuters can grab a quick bite, such as a creative sandwich, or sit down for a more relaxed meal. Abacus Jaspers, a popular restaurant group in Texas, has an airport venture at Gate D22, serving Texas-inspired dishes with a bistro twist.

Airports across the US, including O'Hare, JFK, and Hartsfield-Jackson, offer a range of dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences, ensuring that travelers can enjoy a meal or a quick snack before their flight.

Frequently asked questions

The airport offers a range of local food options, from mouth-watering barbecue, pizza, and sushi to Tex-Mex.

Yes, the airport has convenient ordering kiosks, QR codes, and mobile order and pay options.

Yes, the airport integrates Austin's unique culinary scene and cultural flavours into the dining experience for travellers.

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