Every airport may include its share of overpriced fast food chains and soggy to-go sandwiches, but eating between flights doesn’t have to be that way! Plenty of major airports now offer a whole host of thoughtful, delicious options to chow down on before takeoff. For the best of airport fine dining, drop by some of the best restaurants inside airports. They’re so good that you’ll wish you didn’t need to book a flight to visit them.
One Flew South, Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is the busiest airport in the world, so it’s only fair that it’s also home to one of the most lauded restaurants in the city. After all, those tired travelers need a place to relax! One Flew South offers up fantastic Asian dishes, and the space’s zen atmosphere makes for a worthy escape from the terminal’s overwhelming crowds. Be sure to try the cocktails and sushi!
One Flew South, Concourse E, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
Sushi Kyotatsu, Tokyo, Japan
Sushi Kyotatsu is a much-loved fixture at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, with some of the best sushi you’ll find anywhere in the city. (Yes, airport sushi can be that good.) Kyotatsu sources fish from Tokyo’s historic Tsukiji Market, so you know what you’re getting is fresh and delicious, and the Edo era style dishes are well worth traveling for.
Sushi Kyotatsu, Terminal 1, Narita International Airport, Tokyo
I Love Paris at Charles De Gaulle, Paris, France
As this restaurant’s name makes abundantly clear, I Love Paris is a tribute to the City of Light from top to bottom. The dining room, designed by India Mahdavi, is like a portal into a peaceful Parisian sidewalk café. You’ll love trying Michelin-starred chef Guy Martin’s modern twists on traditional French dishes. It doesn’t get much more charming than this!
I Love Paris, Terminal 2E, Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport
Peach Garden at Changi Singapore
This renowned chain sets a whole new standard at its Singapore airport location. From its large, soothing dining room to its life-changing dim sum, you’ll love every aspect of eating at Peach Garden. There are all kinds of delicately prepared traditional Chinese dishes to choose from, and you’ll especially want to try the six-course set menu for two that includes all the flavors you’re craving in one go.
Peach Garden, Terminal T2, Changi International Airport, Singapore
Piquillo at JFK
Piquillo holds a claim to fame as the first tapas bar ever to grace a US airport. Brought to you by revered chef Alex Raij, Piquillo’s menu features tasty small plates and sangria galore. The design is a stand-out in itself, with a creatively designed entryway that stands out from other run-of-the-mill storefronts and restaurants in the terminal.
Piquillo, Terminal 5, JFK Airport
Hub 51 at Chicago O’Hare
The airport location of this popular River North eatery and gathering spot offers a massive variety of dishes. (Seriously, you can find everything from poke to burgers here!) Hub 51 also boasts a large, beautifully decorated bar, which makes the perfect setting for a pre-flight toast.
Hub 51, Terminal 5, Concourse 5, O’Hare