Let’s face it—airport food has never been the highlight of travel. But things are changing. Power business travelers at Bloomberg just dropped a list of the world’s best airport restaurants, and three U.S. spots made the cut. Next time you're stuck with a layover at these airports, skip the stale sandwiches and overpriced fries and head to these top-tier eateries instead.
Taking the top four spots are Duddell’s at Hong Kong International, Yakiniku Champion at Tokyo Haneda, Hungry Club at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas and Le Café Cyril Lignac at Louis Vuitton at London Heathrow. Spots five to seven of eight standout airport restaurants are right here in the U.S.
At number five is One Flew South at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. A two-time James Beard nominee, this sleek Southern-inspired spot serves up gourmet takes on classics. Think pork belly sliders, perfectly rolled sushi and an impressive whiskey selection. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want a flight delay just to linger a little longer.
The number six spot goes to The Salt Lick BBQ at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Yes, the Texas airport has a barbecue joint, of course. The Salt Lick BBQ brings its legendary smoky brisket and ribs straight from the Hill Country to your departure gate. Pair it with a cold local brew, and suddenly, waiting for your flight doesn’t seem so bad.
The third U.S. restaurant to make the list, at number seven, is Bun Mee at San Francisco International Airport. Bun Mee serves up bold, flavorful Vietnamese sandwiches, noodle bowls and bubble tea. Whether you're in the mood for a crispy pork banh mi or a lemongrass tofu bowl, this spot proves airport food can actually be exciting.
Wrapping up the list is Iwashi Sushi at Benito Juárez International.
Best airport restaurants in the world
- Duddell’s, Hong Kong International, Hong Kong
- Yakiniku Champion, Tokyo Haneda, Japan
- Hungry Club, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Spain
- Le Café Cyril Lignac at Louis Vuitton, London Heathrow, UK
- One Flew South, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, USA
- The Salt Lick BBQ, Austin-Bergstrom International, USA
- Bun Mee, San Francisco International, USA
- Iwashi Sushi, Benito Juárez International, Mexico