The World's Best Airports for Food and Drink

Airports are not just travel hubs but also places where passengers can experience various cultural and gastronomic delights. Long waits, layovers, and potential flight delays often lead travelers to the restaurants and cafes within airports. However, it's not possible to say that expectations are met equally at every airport.

Some airports, known for their quality food and drink options and rich menus, have been rated among the best in the world for their dining areas as of 2024. We selected the top 10 airports from this group, and here's the list. Make sure to visit them when you get the chance.

1. Istanbul Airport, Türkiye

Leading the list is an airport from Türkiye. Since its opening, Istanbul Airport has consistently returned from international competitions with awards. At the “Air Transport Awards 2024,” the only international event that rewards all main categories of the aviation industry, Istanbul Airport was named "Airport of the Year" for the fourth consecutive year. 

Additionally, in May of this year, it won the "Best Airport for Food and Drink" at the Skytrax Awards, considered the Oscars of the aviation industry.

At Istanbul Airport, you can find a wide range of options from dishes prepared by Michelin-starred chefs to world cuisine, fast food to international coffee brands, and diabetic to vegan menus.

2. Changi Airport, Singapore

Changi Airport in Singapore, with its beautiful tropical garden that seems too good to be true, is one of the most unique airports in the world. The airport features several gardens, including a four-story indoor forest valley with over three thousand trees and thousands of shrubs, and the world’s largest indoor waterfall. The butterfly garden, home to over a thousand butterflies, is among the most visited attractions.

For gourmets, Changi Airport offers a wide variety of options. The iconic glass-domed shopping center features seafood, spicy Singaporean dishes, Western cuisine, and local cafe chains.

Narita Airport, Japan

Japan's Narita Airport is an excellent destination for travelers wanting to experience a variety of Japanese culinary delights. Sushi bars, ramen shops, and cafes serving traditional Japanese sweets are among the establishments that receive high praise from Narita Airport passengers.

Dubai Airport, United Arab Emirates

Known for luxury and opulence, Dubai's airport lives up to its reputation with a wide variety of food and drink options. Middle Eastern cuisine and restaurants run by world-renowned chefs help place Dubai among the airports with the best food and drink areas in the world.

5. Heathrow Airport, London, England

While airports might not be the first places that come to mind for an excellent meal, they are among the locations where travelers spend the most time. Recently, airports have been paying more attention to enhancing their guests' dining experiences, with London's Heathrow Airport leading this revolution. Here, you can find branches of world-famous restaurants.

6. Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is also popular for its diverse food and drink options. Alongside Dutch cuisine, there are plenty of international options. Healthy meals, desserts, and interactive bars like the Heineken bars are among the most frequented spots. You can also find popular Dutch snacks such as cookies in tins and Old Amsterdam cheese.

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

Located in Long Island to the east of Manhattan, John F. Kennedy Airport is one of New York City's three airports and one of the busiest in the world. With a large number of passengers throughout the day, the airport's dining options are equally extensive. From take-out counters to sit-down bars and cafes, there is something for every situation. The street food stalls offering New York's famous snacks are among the favorite dining areas.

8. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Georgia, USA

Atlanta International Airport also stands out for its varied food and drink options. Especially notable are the Southern American cuisine offerings, as well as stylish restaurants presenting examples of world cuisine.

9. San Francisco International Airport, USA

San Francisco International Airport is known for its quality dining areas. Popular dishes among visitors include seafood and California cuisine. The airport also offers vegan and healthy dining options in its expansive food and drink areas.

10. Vancouver International Airport, Canada

Vancouver International Airport is one of the best airports in the world for food and drink, not just in Canada. The airport has restaurants offering local Canadian cuisine, as well as flavors from Asian and European cuisines.