Gone are the days of sad airport sandwiches and overpriced vending machine snacks. Airport dining has transformed into a legitimate culinary destination, offering everything from Michelin-starred experiences to beloved comfort food chains. Whether you're stuck in a layover or simply want to start your journey on the right foot, today's airports serve up some surprisingly exceptional food that might even make you hope for a flight delay.
The revolution started when airports realized they could compete with traditional restaurants rather than just provide emergency fuel for hungry travelers. Now celebrity chefs are opening outposts, local favorites are getting prime terminal real estate, and even fast food chains are upping their game to meet higher expectations. You no longer have to settle for mediocre meals just because you're at the airport.
Singapore's Airport Food Scene Sets the Global Standard
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) has once again claimed the crown for the world's best airport dining, and it's earned that reputation through an incredible variety of options. This culinary powerhouse offers an extraordinary range of dining options that span from authentic hawker-style street food to sophisticated fine dining establishments.
The airport's food courts replicate Singapore's famous hawker centers, serving everything from laksa and chicken rice to dim sum and roti prata. What makes Changi special isn't just the variety though. With over 100 food vendors, the airport boasts an impressive range of restaurants and fast food joints that showcase the best of Singapore's world-famous cuisine.
The pricing makes it even more attractive. Passengers can enjoy Michelin-starred dining experiences at restaurants like PS. Cafe and IndoChine, while budget-conscious travelers can feast on authentic local dishes for under ten dollars. This combination of high-end and affordable options makes Changi a true food lover's paradise.
American Airports Are Finally Getting Their Act Together
The global poll of more than 400 industry experts determined the nation's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport in Georgia had the best food and drink offerings. The outlet highlighted the airport's southern and soul food spots, as well as rapper Ludacris' Chicken and Beer. The airport lists more than 160 dining spots throughout its concourses online.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport was ranked as No. 2 overall. Food & Wine noted that since 2023, the James Beard Foundation has partnered with the airport to bring pop-up food festivals to some O'Hare terminals. Meanwhile, DFW arrives at No. 1 in a new ranking of the country's best airports for food and beverage options. The 2025 study by commercial furniture manufacturer Restaurant Furniture relied on Google reviews of food and beverage establishments at the busiest U.S. airports to come up with its list.
Celebrity Chefs Are Taking Over Terminal Real Estate
With more travellers looking for real, quality options, airports are starting to embrace some proper concepts, from some big names! In recent years, a slew of celebrity chefs have been opening airport restaurants across the world, aiming to put the days of sad airport snacks behind us all.
Wolfgang Puck is a legend - at this point it's undeniable. He's spent nearly half a century at the very top of the American culinary landscape, from opening his legendary Beverly Hills spot Spago to being the resident chef of the Oscars. He now even has a wide array of options when it comes to eating in airports, from D.C. and LA to Columbus, Ohio, and all the way to Dubai. From full-service restaurants to easy, convenient buffet counters and on-the-go meals, his spots offer crowd-pleasing dishes like gourmet pizzas, chic Caesar salads, and sweet treats for dessert.
Gordon Ramsey is a British celebrity chef with 7 Michelin stars. The almost decade old restaurant Plane Food at London Heathrow features a raw bar, main dishes such as rib eye steak and rigatoni pasta, and even a full breakfast menu. Celebrity chefs aplenty have stamped their monikers on airport restaurants, from Gordon Ramsey - who, ironically, refuses to eat on planes - to Wolfgang Puck.
Fast Food Chains Are Upping Their Airport Game
According to a study by Upgraded Points, Chick-fil-A has more locations in more busy airports than any other fast-food restaurant. In the study of 60 major airports across the U.S., Chick-fil-A locations appeared in a staggering 42%, reigning supreme above other well-known chains such as Burger King, Wendy's, and even McDonald's.
There's good reason for Chick-fil-A's dominance. The best airport food options are quick, convenient, and easily accessible. Luckily, Chick-fil-A's menu options tick every box on that checklist. A Grilled Spicy Chicken Deluxe Sandwich paired with a cup of the best fast food sweet tea is not only easy to carry around a busy airport, but also easy to eat and relatively mess-free.
Coffee shops and quick service burger chains are the most common airport restaurants, followed by pizza locations and sandwich shops. This makes sense considering that most travelers want something familiar and quick when they're rushing to catch a flight.
Local Flavors Are Getting Their Due
In Denver, for example, Food and Wine credited the many new restaurant openings in 2024 after a major gate expansion, many of which were already local Denver favorites. Major renovations to DEN's main terminal and C concourse may be inconvenient for travelers, but the addition of some killer local restaurants is well worth the nuisance, if you ask me. I've been a Denverite since 2018, and as someone who travels fairly frequently for both business and fun, I've been thrilled to see some of my favorite Denver haunts opening.
Philadelphia International Airport is adding local favorites too. Oyster House and Federal Donuts & Chicken are coming to the airport in spring 2025, joining Bud & Marilyn's, Sabrina's, La Colombe, Elixr Coffee, and Jim's South St. Famous Cheesesteaks. Federal Donuts and Oyster House are coming in under the airport's "Founded in Philly" umbrella.
This trend reflects a broader shift in airport dining. Rather than generic chain restaurants, airports are embracing regional specialties that give travelers a real taste of the local food culture.
International Airports Are Bringing Their A-Game
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) brings the passion and quality of Italian cuisine to the terminal environment with impressive results. The airport features numerous restaurants and cafes that serve authentic Italian dishes prepared with imported ingredients and traditional techniques. From wood-fired pizzas to fresh pasta dishes, travelers can experience genuine Italian flavours without setting foot in the Eternal City.
Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) has established itself as a premier destination for Korean cuisine, offering everything from street-food favorites to upscale Korean barbecue experiences. The airport's food courts feature authentic Korean dishes, such as bibimbap, bulgogi, and various kimchi preparations, that introduce international travelers to Korea's rich culinary heritage.
Food and Wine also considered airports worldwide for its global food and drinks rankings. Taking the top spot was Dubai International Airport, complete with a retro burger hangout, "craveable chile-garlic chicken wings" and French pastries.
Fine Dining Is No Longer Just for First Class Lounges
The most surprising development in airport dining might be the emergence of truly high-end restaurants. They've joined forces to compile a list of the best ones across the planet, from Mexico to Japan. Topping the list is Duddell's, a Michelin-starred eatery in Hong Kong International's Terminal One, serving lip-smacking dishes like honey-glazed barbecued pork and soup noodles or salted egg custard buns.
Beijing Capital International Airport, Terminal 3 Ming Court bases its foundation on the eponymous sister restaurant in the Cordis Hotel, Hong Kong, which boasts one Michelin Star. It serves exceptional and native Cantonese cuisine, prepared by head chef Chan Yuen Lung. Newark Liberty International Airport, Terminal C Alain Ducasse is one of the household names when it comes to French cuisine, and you'll find all the classics at Saison in Newark Liberty International Airport. Dishes such as coq au vin, foie gras, escargot and os à moelle - a.k.a., bone marrow - pamper guests with delicate flavors.
These aren't watered-down airport versions either. Many maintain the same quality standards as their street-level counterparts, proving that airport dining can genuinely compete with urban restaurant scenes.
Airport dining has evolved from a necessary evil into something travelers actively look forward to. The combination of celebrity chef concepts, local specialties, improved fast food options, and even fine dining means there's something for every taste and budget. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between connections or settling in for a long layover meal, today's airports offer food experiences that can make the journey as memorable as the destination. What do you think about this transformation? Tell us in the comments.
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