Ten of the world’s best airports for food and drinks, according to experts

In an age where travel experiences are as much about the journey as they are about the destination, airports have become culinary destinations in their own right.

Airport restaurants around the world have ramped up their dining offerings over the years, allowing passengers to enjoy more than just duty-free shopping.

Whether it’s a quick bite before boarding or a leisurely meal during a layover, international terminals serve up a taste of the destination’s cuisine before travelers have even set foot in their desired country.

With summer approaching and flights abroad being booked in haste, you might just come across some of the best food and drink options that international airports have to offer – such as Food and wine have ranked the top ten leading terminals around the world.

So if you’re looking for gourmet treats, tempting treats or spirits on your next trip, read on below to find out if you’re making a stop at ten of the world’s largest airports for food and drink.

10. Vancouver Airport in Canada

Experience beautiful runway views and British Columbia’s natural bounty when you travel through Vancouver International Airport, ranked tenth in Food & Wine’s 2024 roundup.

Globe@YVR and Salmon n’ Bannock On The Fly offer dishes featuring sustainable seafood caught directly in the Pacific Northwest, while Jetside Lounge treats passengers to Okanagan wines sourced directly from British Columbia.

9. San Francisco International Airport in California, USA

Nestled in the top ten at ninth place is San Francisco International, where tempting food hubs rreflect the culinary diversity of the Bay Area.

SFO Airport offers travelers an array of dining options, from farm-to-table restaurants to iconic food trucks, showcasing the region’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Visit Napa Farms Market for its bar, soups and sandwiches, all featuring local favorites like Cowgirl Cheese and Acme Bread, or for those looking for more organic options, The Plant Café Organic is known for its salads, juices and sandwiches.

8. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia, USA

At Hartsfield-Jackson you’ll find plenty of Southern hospitality and bold, rich flavors.

In addition to the American fast food chain Chick-fil-A, you can sink your teeth into tasty chicken meals packed with Southern spices at Bantam and Biddy by Shaun Doty in Concourse C – open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For a more refined sit-down meal that combines Japanese-inspired flavors with Southern favorites, including shishito peppers and fully stacked burgers.

7. John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, USA

At this energetic airport, you can experience the iconic taste of New York at places like The Palm Bar & Grille, where you can enjoy mouth-watering steakhouse meals.

However, JFK is truly an international hub, so it’s easy to come across global flavors, including ramen at Soy and Sake in Terminal 1 and Mi Casa Cantina and Restaurant in Terminal 4.

6. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands

As a culinary center in the heart of Europe, Schiphol Airport offers Dutch specialties such as stroopwafels, cheese platters and savory pancakes, in addition to international favorites and trendy cafés.

At Café Rembrandt, travelers can relax and enjoy snacks and a cold beer – even at 10am – while Dutch Kitchen serves traditional dishes such as Dutch pancakes and herring, perfectly paired with Jenever, a Dutch-made gin.

5. Istanbul Airport in Turkey

In fifth place is Istanbul Airport, home to one of the largest duty-free areas in the world.

Reflecting its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the airport offers an incredible selection of culinary delights.

For a taste of Turkish street food with its fresh simits and pastries, Simit Sarayi offers passengers traditional dishes in quick bites, while Cuisine Anatolia offers a more in-depth meal, including dishes such as kebab and rack of lamb.

4. Heathrow Airport in London, England

A melting pot of global flavors, Heathrow Airport also boasts an eclectic food scene, as well as some fan favorites among British passengers.

Heathrow’s bustling terminals offer everything from traditional English pubs, such as the Prince of Wales, to fine dining restaurants such as Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar and Fortnum & Mason.

You can even make a quick stop at Gordon Ramsey Plane Food, bringing fine dining to Terminal 5.

3. Dubai International Airport in the UAE

Third place is secured by Dubai International Airport, a culinary oasis where global flavors come together.

Reflecting the opulence and diversity of Dubai itself, this airport boasts a culinary landscape that ranges from fine dining options to vibrant food halls.

Travelers can enjoy Middle Eastern delicacies at spots like the Lebanese-inspired Comptoir Libanais, or gourmet treats at L’Éclair de Génie, a pastry shop specializing in eclairs.

For passengers coming from Britain and the US craving a taste of home, popular chains such as Shake Shack and Pret A Manger are also available in Terminals 1 and 5.

2. Tokyo-Narita International Airport in Japan

Ranked second on Food & Wine’s list is Tokyo-Narita International Airport, renowned for its authentic Japanese cuisine and premium sake bars.

From sushi to ramen, passengers can enjoy a wide range of traditional delicacies before boarding their flight.

The airport’s three terminals together have 88 restaurants, cafes and bars, including six Japanese restaurants specializing in everything from soba and sushi to teishoku (set meals) and dashi-chazuke, as reported by Timeout Tokyo.

1. Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore

It’s no surprise that Singapore’s famous Jewel Changi Airport tops the list when it comes to offering the best food and drinks in the world.

Not only has it been previously reviewed by Skytrax One of the cleanest airports in the world, Changi features incredible architecture, including the world’s tallest and largest indoor waterfall, the HSBC Rain Vortex, which stands at 40 meters high.

In addition to the swimming pool, free cinema and butterfly garden among some of the dozens of beautiful amenities, Changi offers its passengers a whopping 100 food vendors to choose from, as well as a street market and robot bartenders.