Denver Airport Dining: Best Places To Eat And Drink

If you're looking for a bite to eat at Denver International Airport, you're in luck. The airport has been recognised for having some of the best food among US airports, and it's working to expand its local and global offerings. From elevated farm-to-table meals at Mercantile Dining & Provision to the grab-and-go options at Denver Central Market, there's something for every traveller. For those with a sweet tooth, Voodoo Doughnut offers bold treats, while Little Man Ice Cream serves up boozy flavours like strawberry margarita freeze. For a more substantial bite, El Chingon Bistro offers a Mexico City-inspired menu, and Mizu Sushi-Izakaya provides elegant Japanese dishes. With a variety of cuisines and formats, Denver International Airport is sure to satisfy any craving.

Sushi and Japanese eats

If you're craving sushi or Japanese food at Denver Airport, Mizu Sushi-Izakaya is a must-visit. This elegant Japanese tapas-style bar and restaurant offers a wide range of Japanese cuisine, including sushi, along with cocktails and sake. It is located in Concourse B, and its eye-catching design makes it hard to miss.

Denver Airport is also home to a food hall operated by Tastes on the Fly, featuring Aviano Coffee, El Chingon Bistro, and Mizu Sushi-Izakaya. This food hall offers a shared seating area of 1,150 square meters, providing ample space for passengers to relax and enjoy their meals.

In addition to these options, Denver Airport is expanding its food offerings, with about a dozen more eateries in the works, including ChoLon, Rosenberg's Bagels, Bar Dough, Mister Oso, and another Japanese option, Sushi.

So, whether you're in the mood for a sit-down meal at Mizu Sushi-Izakaya or a quick bite from the food hall, Denver Airport has you covered for your sushi and Japanese cuisine cravings.

Local eateries

Denver International Airport (DIA) has become a hub for local eateries, bars, and coffee shops, with more delicious dining options on the way. Here is a rundown of some of the best local spots to grab a bite before your flight:

Mercantile Dining & Provision

Mercantile is a welcome addition to the A Gates, offering elevated farm-to-table dining experiences, from leisurely meals to on-the-go options. It is a new outpost of the James Beard Award-winning chef Alex Seidel's popular Union Station restaurant.

Denver Central Market

This food hall, located near Gate A48, is a miniature version of the Denver RiNo location, offering a variety of local options. You can find hand rolls from Sushi-Rama and Italian dishes like pizzas and pastas from Vero Italian.

El Chingon

El Chingon is a contemporary Mexican restaurant located in Concourse B-West. It serves family recipes with a limited menu, but plans to offer full service soon. It is a popular outpost of the Highland neighbourhood restaurant.

Mizu Sushi-Izakaya

Also in Concourse B-West, Mizu Sushi-Izakaya is an "elegant Japanese tapas-style bar and restaurant." The sushi is sourced from the Japanese fish market, and they plan to offer a full menu soon. It is an outpost of the well-known Highland neighbourhood restaurant.

Aviano Coffee

Aviano Coffee, located in Concourse B-West, is a grab-and-go artisanal coffee shop. With two existing locations in Cherry Creek, they bring their modern and comfortable vibe to the airport, offering specialty beverages like cappuccinos and lattes.

Root Down

Root Down, located in the center core, is a replica of Denver's popular LoHi restaurant. They serve seasonal, veggie-forward, and globally-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Root Down was named one of the best airport restaurants in the nation last year.

With a focus on expanding its local and global flavour profile, DIA offers a diverse range of dining options for travellers, making it a notable destination for foodies passing through.

Quick bites

Mercantile Dining & Provision

Mercantile Dining & Provision, located in the center core of the airport, offers elevated farm-to-table meals that can be enjoyed leisurely or on-the-go. It is a new location by James Beard Award-winning chef Alex Seidel, modelled after his Union Station restaurant.

Denver Central Market

Denver Central Market, a food hall near Gate A48, is a miniature version of Denver's RiNo location. It offers a variety of local options, such as hand rolls from Sushi-Rama and pizzas and pastas served by Vero Italian.

Mesa Verde Bar & Grill

Mesa Verde Bar & Grill, located on the mezzanine, serves classic Tex-Mex staples like quesadillas, nachos, and build-your-own-burritos. They also have a tequila bar.

Steve's Snappin' Dogs

Chow down on award-winning hot dogs from this Denver institution, located near Gate B24. They also have a full bar with local craft beers on tap.

Half Moon Empanadas

This women-owned, Miami-based business, located near Gate B37, specialises in artisanal Argentinian empanadas, with options ranging from spicy beef to dulce de leche.

Voodoo Doughnut

Treat yourself to a sweet treat from this bold Portland-based bakery, located on the northeast side of the mezzanine.

Sweet treats

If you're looking for a sweet treat at Denver Airport, there are plenty of options to satisfy your sugar cravings.

For those with a sweet tooth, Voodoo Doughnut, located on the mezzanine level on the northeast side, is a bold Portland-based bakery that is sure to hit the spot. Or, if you're craving something fruity and refreshing, Superfruit Republic, located in the center core, offers fresh options like smoothies and acai bowls.

For a more indulgent treat, Little Man Ice Cream, near Gate C27, serves up homemade ice cream, sorbet, and boozy options like a strawberry margarita freeze. If you're after something a little more savory, they also offer non-dairy and vegan options.

If you're in the mood for something sweet and spicy, Half Moon Empanadas, near Gate B37, is a women-owned, Miami-based business that serves artisanal Argentinian empanadas with fillings ranging from spicy beef to dulce de leche.

With so many delicious options, you're sure to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth at Denver Airport!

Healthy options

Denver International Airport has a variety of healthy food options for travellers. If you're looking for something quick and easy, try Superfruit Republic, a Colorado-based shop in the center core that serves fresh options like smoothies and acai bowls.

For a sit-down meal, head to Root Down, a replica of Denver's popular LoHi restaurant, which offers seasonal veggie-forward and globally influenced dishes, spanning breakfast to dinner. Another option is the Denver Central Market, a food hall that serves a variety of local options, including hand rolls from Sushi-Rama and pizzas and pastas from Vero Italian.

If you're in the mood for something more exotic, try the Mesa Verde Bar & Grill, which offers Tex-Mex staples like quesadillas, nachos, and build-your-own burritos, or La Casita, a counter-service spot that specialises in husk-wrapped tamales but also serves breakfast burritos and taco salads.

For a sweet treat, Little Man Ice Cream offers homemade ice cream, sorbet, and even boozy options like a strawberry margarita freeze.

There are also several chain options for healthy food at the airport, including Subway, Jamba Juice, and Freshëns Fresh Food Studio.

Frequently asked questions