This blog post was updated on August 6, 2021.
While bad food and airports tend to go hand in hand, there are a few exceptions across the country. From celebrity chef offerings to farm-fresh staples, these airport restaurants in the U.S. serve up surprisingly delicious cuisine. Grab a seat, make room in your stomach, and actually enjoy some time before your flight at these 7 delicious airport restaurants.
Trejo’s Tacos — Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles is known for its taco scene, making Trejo’s Tacos the perfect fit for its primary airport. Actor Danny Trejo launched his innovative taco concept to much fanfare, bringing it into the airport as well. Popular menu items include the spicy shrimp tacos and the mouth-watering carne asada. The menu is not limited to just tacos. Diners will also enjoy burritos, bowls, and more. Trejo’s Tacos also offers vegan options with its jackfruit and cauliflower creations. You can see why all of Los Angeles loves Trejo’s Tacos the next time that you have to catch cheap last minute flights from LAX.
Napa Farms Market — San Francisco International Airport
Image “The Napa Farms Market” by Glen Dettwiler on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0
Settled into SFO’s Terminal 2, you will find Napa Farms Market. Co-owned by celebrity chef Tyler Florence, Napa Farms Market lends travelers an artisan marketplace and café right in the middle of the airport. Celebrating Northern California agriculture, the menu changes with the season. You can munch on pizza, sandwiches and savory chicken before you flight at this “farm to flight” eatery. Napa Farms Market also boasts a fine selection of Napa wines and baked goods.
Tortas Frontera — Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Image “Pepito Torta” by Phil Denton on Flickr – licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Most people bemoan spending time in Chicago’s busiest (and one of the country’s busiest) airports. However, acclaimed chef Rick Bayless’ Tortas Frontera might have you singing a different tune. With three locations in O’Hare in Terminals 1, 3, and 5, this airport restaurant explores the flavors of Mexico, serving up hand-crafted tortas and hand-shaken margaritas. For a taste of the south of the border in the middle of Chicago’s O’Hare, Tortas Frontera is perhaps most celebrated for those tortas, otherwise authentic griddled sandwiches.
You may also enjoy: How to Make Your Airport Visit More Relaxing
One Flew South — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
View this post on Instagram
Set up in Concourse E in one of the world’s busiest airports, One Flew South is one of the city’s first upscale airport restaurants. Led by executive chef Duane Nutter, the sophisticated restaurant dishes out travel-inspired provisions. From tasty cocktails to an extensive sushi menu, One Flew South attempts to put sophistication back into airport cuisine – earning its spot on our list of some of the most delicious airport restaurants. In addition to cocktails and sushi, the establishment boasts a to-go selection of “southernational” cuisine.
Gordon Ramsay Plane Food —London Heathrow Airport
Image “Gordon Ramsays’ Plane Food” by Karl Baron on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0
Conveniently located in Terminal 5 at London Heathrow Airport, Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food is a great place to pick up some authentic British fare before heading out of the U.K. The stunning restaurant features a glass wall providing views of the runway. While the cuisine is decidedly British in nature, some dishes also feature an Asian flair. Popular items include the monkfish and chorizo skewers, smoked salmon sandwiches, yuzu avocado with lotus crisps, and more. Plane Food also offers a breakfast menu to nosh on before those early morning flights. Don’t have time to sit down and relax? Order something to go and the staff will pack it up for you to take on the plane.
I Love Paris — Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
As the name suggests, I Love Paris honors the country’s cuisine with a myriad of Parisian delicacies. Located in Terminal 2E of Charles de Gaulle, the menu is brought to travelers by the famed Michelin three-star chef Guy Martin. You can expect to see French specialties, including duck foie gras, fillet of veal, and delicate pastries. Travelers have the choice of classic French dishes or the chance to branch out with innovative options such as the mango carpaccio. The adjacent champagne bar is the perfect place to kick off your next trip.
Metro Pizza — Las Vegas McCarran International Airport
View this post on Instagram
You’re not alone if you’re leaving Las Vegas and feel the need to nosh on some pizza. Metro Pizza will fit the bill, serving up delicious pizza, cannolis, calzones, and more. If you’re craving something lighter, be sure to check out the fresh salads. Located between gates D34 and D36 at McCarran International, locals and visitors make it a point to stop at Metro Pizza for a quick slice before boarding their flight. Metro Pizza is a local joint, giving you another taste of the true flavor of Las Vegas. The friendly atmosphere is a great place to relax before heading out on your flight.
Did we miss any other delicious airport restaurants on our list? Tell us in the comments below!
Leave a Comment