Grab a Bite at Some of the World's Best Airport Restaurants
It’s October — Happy . . . Airport Restaurant Month?
Yes, you read that correctly. And if trends in airport edibles are to be believed, that’s actually something to celebrate. Airport Restaurant Month is an in-transit take on the popular Restaurant Week events that take place annually in cities across the US.
This particular “foodie event” that celebrates airport dining comes courtesy of HMSHost, a $3 billion global operation that manages dining and food offerings at more than 120 airports and on highways around the world.
Soggy ham and cheese sandwiches and and rubbery pizzas? So 10 years ago. These days, it’s caviar, artisan pastrami and curated wine lists from star chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Michael Voltaggio.
“There are more upscale, diverse options today versus 20 years ago,” said Atousa Ghoreichi, HMSHost’s vice president of marketing and Airport Restaurant Month’s creator. “We were among the first to bring national brands into airports to meet culinary trends happening on the street.”
The mix you see in airports today — hyperlocal brands mingling with globally dominant brands — reflects the somewhat contradictory tastes of travelers, Ghoreichi told TPG. “When we survey travelers, they desire a balance of local flavors and brands which allow them to experience the food native to that city,” she said. “But regional and national brands that people recognize, that bring predictability and consistency to the airport experience, are also strongly preferred.”
The type of terminal you’re transiting through also influences what the food options look like. “Is this a hub servicing quick-connections, a vacation destination, an international terminal? All of these factors help determine what brands and types of dining will be in demand in a certain area,” Ghoreichi said.
To help you celebrate in style, we’ve chosen some of our favorite airport eateries around the world:
Restaurant: Perfectionists’ Café
Where: London Heathrow (LHR), Terminal 2
Price: $$
Why: You could wait months for a table at The Fat Duck, Heston Blumenthal’s three-Michelin-star temple in Bray, England. Or you could land here before your next Heathrow flight, where Blumenthal’s hyper-British culinary artistry is on dazzling display at very fair prices.
What to order: The insane marmalade-on-toast milkshake at breakfast; superior fish and chips with mushy peas for dinner; salted-caramel nitro ice cream for dessert.
Restaurant: ink.sack
Where: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Tom Bradley International Terminal
Price: $$
Why: There’s a reason Michael Voltaggio won season six of Top Chef, and much of it’s on display at this LAX outpost of his West Hollywood sandwich emporium. Superior breads and fillings elevate these above the conventional. Pro tip: Buy a second sandwich to savor at your final destination.
What to order: The New “Deli” sandwich with pastrami, curry mustard, pickles; the banh mi with pork shoulder, caramelized onion spread and bacon.
Restaurant: Sushi Kyotatsu
Where: Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT), Terminal 1
Price: $$$
Why: It looks like any neighborhood joint, but this Narita branch of a fast-growing Tokyo chainlet serves superb sushi and sashimi that’s almost worth the trans-Pacific flight alone. Tuna comes from Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji Market, and exceptional rice serves as the base for the chef’s creations.
What to order: Nigiri sushi. Let the chef choose, but make sure to try the lush tuna, fat eel and the sweet, eggy tamago slabs — they’re massive here.
Restaurant: Caplansky’s Deli
Where: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Terminal 3
Price: $$
Why: The Toronto airport is not what you’d call soulful — except for meat master Zane Caplansky’s little corner of it. A onetime tech exec who started smoking pastrami in a Toronto tavern, Caplansky’s now the city’s most celebrated deli champion; you’ll find the same quality here as his two downtown locations and beloved “Bubby Doris” food truck.
What to order: The bagel with silky smoked salmon and cream cheese for breakfast; plump pastrami sandwich on rye for lunch/dinner.
Restaurant: Maxim’s Jade Garden
Where: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Terminal 1
Price: $$$
Why: A longtime Hong Kong favorite, the Maxim’s group chose the airport for its first Cantonese eatery. Along with tourists, Chinese customers swear by this place, which pledges no MSG. Pictures make it easier to navigate the menu.
What to order: Preserved eggs with pickled pink ginger; roasted goose; fried pork with black vinegar; wolfberry soup in purple clay pot.
Restaurant: Le Chef
Where: Geneva International Airport (GVA), Terminal 1
Price: $$$
Why: Geneva restaurateur Benjamin Luzuy oversees this sleek, unstuffy haven inside Geneva’s buzzing international airport. That means you’ll find expertly prepared French-accented fare with local, ultra-seasonal produce and provisions.
What to order: Charentais melon with Serrano ham; the regional beef tartare with fries cooked in beef fat.
Restaurant: Cadiz Tapas Bar
Where: Dubai International Airport (DXB), Terminal 3
Price: $$
Why: While it’s not easy to find — poor signage practically makes this spot a speakeasy — sleek Cadiz is worth the trouble, with simple, delicious tapas, well-chosen wines and even hearty breakfast options. Bonus: It’s operated by Dubai International Hotels, open 24/7, and even offers shower facilities.
What to order: Spanish chorizo in cider; fried eggplant with honey; toasts with Serrano ham.
Restaurant: I LOVE PARIS by Guy Martin
Where: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Terminal 2E
Price: $$$$
Why: Possibly the world’s most glittery airport restaurant, I LOVE PARIS sprinkles Guy Martin’s Michelin-star-winning magic on CDG’s humble Terminal 2E. Paris starchitect India Mahdavi designed the soaring room, a space-age/Gothic mashup. Travelers have been known to book itineraries around this place.
What to order: Mango and blue lobster carpaccio; foie gras pate with toasted sourdough; Paris-Brest pastry.
(Pricing key: $ - $20 or less per person for a starter and entree; $$ - $40 or less; $$$ - $60 or less; $$$$ - more than $60.)
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.