Four of the nation’s busiest hubs are turning layovers into mealtime destinations, with food rankings in 2025 placing Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at the front of the pack, followed closely by Chicago O’Hare International Airport and San Francisco International Airport. Food & Wine’s Global Tastemakers Awards named Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) the #1 U.S. airport for food and drink in April 2025, praising more than 160 dining spots and a strong Southern lineup that includes Ludacris’ Chicken + Beer. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) earned the #2 spot, boosted by a partnership with the James Beard Foundation that brings pop-ups and special events to travelers. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) made the top 10 for the third straight year, with standouts like Napa Farms Market, Koi Palace for dim sum, and Bun Mee, which also drew global attention from Bloomberg. And in a separate study focused on dining, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) ranked first nationwide with a score of 76.66/100, based on restaurant variety, unique brands, customer ratings, and price range.
Why airports are investing in better food
Airports are racing to improve food choices because it’s now part of how people choose where to fly. According to Airports Council International–North America, 70% of U.S. travelers consider food options a key factor when picking airports.
That pressure is shaping what passengers see in terminals:
- More local flavors and chef-led concepts
- Faster service without sacrificing quality
- Greater variety across price points so families and business travelers alike find suitable options
The aim is simple: turn a rushed grab-and-go into a reason to arrive early, relax, and still make the flight.
What Food & Wine and other studies highlighted
Food & Wine’s editors praise ATL’s mix of soul food, Southern comfort, and broad choices as a model for a big-city gateway. The airport balances deep local roots with national names to keep lines moving during peak hours.
Chicago’s strategy focuses on events and pop-ups:
- The James Beard Foundation partnership at ORD has brought short-run pop-ups and high-profile openings to Terminal 5 since 2024
- This gives connecting passengers a taste of the city’s restaurant scene without leaving security
San Francisco leans into regional identity and sustainability:
- SFO emphasizes California-sourced menus and eco-friendly practices
- Places like Napa Farms Market benefit from that focus
Las Vegas’ top score in the SEO for Restaurants study underscores the importance of breadth:
- 76.66/100 reflects variety across price points, unique brands, and positive customer ratings
- Quick-service and sit-down options both contribute to the score
Notable airport food scenes and examples
Several major hubs continue to build strong reputations with recognizable local and national names.
- New York (JFK)
- Classic city tastes: H&H Bagels, Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
- Premium lounge offerings including multi-course meals
- LaGuardia (LGA)
- Terminal B revamp attracted Hunt & Fish Club, Bubby’s, Talde Noodle Bar, Eli’s Essentials
- Austin-Bergstrom (AUS)
- Local identity: Salt Lick BBQ, The Peached Tortilla, Amy’s Ice Creams, Jo’s Coffee
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
- Texas themes: Cousins Bar-B-Q, Love Shack, Dallas Cowboys Club
- Denver (DEN)
- Local favorites: John Elway’s Taproom & Grill, ChoLon Modern Asian, Sunset Loop Bar
- Miami (MIA)
- Cuban classics: Café Versailles, La Carreta; soul food at Jackson Soul Food
- Digital convenience: MIA2Go pre-ordering
- Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)
- Diverse, high-quality dining across terminals
Standout single restaurants and brands
Some individual restaurants and brands are getting special recognition:
- Whisky River (Charlotte Douglas, CLT)
- #1 Best Full-Service Airport Restaurant in Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025
- Praised for live music and comfort-food menu
- Barrio Cafe (Phoenix Sky Harbor, PHX)
- Favorite for Mexican dishes
- Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi (Chicago O’Hare, ORD)
- Repeat awards for sushi and seafood
- Chelsea’s Kitchen & Blanco Tacos + Tequila (PHX)
- Southwest and Baja flavors
- White Horse Spirits and Kitchen (Salt Lake City, SLC)
- Modern American brasserie in the concourses
Big national brands also matter for speed and consistency:
- Yelp named Vino Volo its Most Loved Airport Brand of 2025
- Popular chains for quick service include Chick-fil-A, Shake Shack, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, and Starbucks
- Starbucks gets particular credit for easy mobile ordering during short connections
Digital ordering and convenience
Digital ordering is gaining ground to meet demand for fast pickups:
- Airport platforms (e.g., MIA2Go) and brand apps reduce lines and help travelers make gates with hot food in hand
- Benefits for hubs managing early-morning banks or late-night arrivals:
- Reduced lines
- Less pressure on staff
- Faster turnarounds for passengers
Expert perspectives
“Food connects travelers to local culture,” — Hunter Lewis, Food & Wine Editor-in-Chief
Other industry voices emphasize partnerships and regional experiences:
- Steve Johnson, CEO of Avolta/HMSHost: partnerships and creative concepts tailored to each terminal
- Ted Kaplan (Charlotte official): live music and regional menus can push an airport up the rankings
The shared message: people remember a terminal that feeds them well.
Practical tips for travelers
- At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):
- Look for local names alongside national brands; the large footprint means shorter walks if you check options near your gate.
- At Chicago O’Hare (ORD):
- Watch for James Beard Foundation pop-ups and newer Terminal 5 openings highlighting the city’s dining scene.
- At San Francisco International Airport (SFO):
- Expect strong California sourcing and sustainability-focused menus (e.g., Napa Farms Market).
- In Las Vegas (LAS):
- Scan terminal maps for both quick eats and sit-down choices to match your price point and schedule.
Additional traveler tips:
- Pre-order where available, especially during peak times or when traveling with children.
- Seek live-experience venues for long connections (e.g., Whisky River at CLT).
- Look for chef-led counters and markets if you want healthier options.
What’s next for airport dining
Airports plan to:
- Add more chef-driven restaurants
- Expand smart ordering and payment tech
- Keep menus fresh and lines short
As standards rise, the bar for “good enough” moves higher. That benefits:
- Families: more options that please picky eaters without slowing the trip
- Business travelers: better chances to eat well between meetings
While these rankings focus on food, they also reflect a larger shift in airport service: good meals can reduce stress, keep lines moving, and give travelers a sense of place—even if they never leave the terminal. That matters on busy holiday weekends and during storm seasons.
Where to find updates
Travelers can check terminal maps and official airport pages for the newest openings. For example, San Francisco International Airport maintains dining information and program updates on its official site, which is helpful for changes tied to renovations or seasonal pop-ups. You can find those updates at https://www.flysfo.com.
Comparing rankings and the bigger picture
- Food & Wine’s 2025 list: ATL #1, ORD #2, SFO in the top 10 — focusing on quality, variety, and sense of place.
- 2025 SEO for Restaurants study: LAS scored highest (76.66/100) — emphasizing outlet variety, unique brands, ratings, and price points.
Multiple measures point in the same direction: more choice, better food, and faster service across large U.S. hubs.
Readers seeking broader travel and immigration context often consult VisaVerge.com for related coverage and analysis, which ties airport services to the overall trip experience.
The past few years have reshaped expectations:
- LaGuardia’s Terminal B shows what a rebuild can do for dining
- ORD’s James Beard partnership shows how temporary events can add energy without major construction
- Local brands in Austin, Denver, and Dallas-Fort Worth keep hometown identity front and center
- MIA combines cultural cuisine and mobile ordering for both flavor and convenience
Airports know the work isn’t done. With demand rising and traveler tastes changing, the leaders will be the hubs that keep menus fresh, lines short, and local stories easy to taste. For now, the 2025 spotlight lands on Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and San Francisco International Airport — three different models with the same result: better meals for people on the move.
This Article in a Nutshell
In 2025 ATL topped Food & Wine’s airport food rankings with 160+ outlets; ORD and SFO also ranked highly. LAS led a dining study with 76.66/100. Airports are expanding chef-driven concepts, digital ordering, and varied price points as 70% of travelers consider food when selecting airports.
