This Is the Best Airport for Food in America, As Voted on by Our Readers

Global Tastemakers is our first-ever reader's choice awards, celebrating the best culinary destinations in the U.S. and abroad. F&W readers voted based on travel completed within the past three years, including categories such as restaurants and bars, cities, hotels, airports, airlines, and cruises. Due to the limitations of pandemic travel, this year's Global Tastemakers winners reflect a smaller portion of the globe. In many categories, we're including an editor's pick to shout out some more culinary destinations in places you can't miss. See all the winners here.

Airport food has come a long way from the days of soggy wraps and stale coffee. Nowadays, airports worldwide boast a wide range of options, from grab-and-go spots to wine bars to fine dining. While not all airports are renowned for their meal options, many have made significant improvements in recent years, including San Francisco International Airport, which our readers voted the best airport for food in America.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has a rich history dating back to 1927 when the city purchased land on the San Francisco Peninsula to build the airport. Originally called Mills Field Municipal Airport, it started only with domestic service. Over the years, the airport underwent several expansions and modernizations, and in 1954, it was renamed San Francisco International Airport. 

Today, SFO is a buzzing transportation hub with some world-class amenities. Among its many features are nearly 70 dining options representing the Bay Area's vibrant culinary scene. Spread out across its four terminals – here are some standout dining options. 

Harvey Milk Terminal One

Mama Go’s Filipino (Gate B18)

Mama Go’s blends several cuisines into what it calls the “ultimate fusion food,” with flavors pulled from Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Malaysian, Indonesian, and American meals. The eatery has also adapted many offerings for those seeking gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

The Little Chihuahua (Gate B3)

Leave for your trip fully satisfied by making a pit stop at The Little Chihuahua, a taqueria specializing in sustainable bites. Choose from bowls, burritos, or tacos filled with meats, shrimp, or vegetables, or go for a travel-ready quesadilla with chips and guac on the side. 

Terminal Two

Cat Cora's Kitchen (Gate D9)

Created by Iron Chef Cat Cora, this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Terminal 2 is a must-visit, with standout dishes like lamb meatballs with spicy harissa Greek yogurt, baked jalapeño poppers, and grilled cheese with spicy tomato soup. In addition to the delicious food, the restaurant also has a stellar wine menu and cocktail program. 

Napa Farms Market (D Gates)

Located in both domestic and international terminals, this menu by Tyler Florence celebrates the Bay Area's food culture with a variety of regional offerings. Napa Farms Market's menu changes with the seasons and features a sizable selection of wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and desserts. The restaurant also boasts several San Francisco musts, including Equator Coffee, Market Fresh, Cowgirl Creamery, and Acme Bread. 

Terminal Three

Yankee Pier (Gate F4)

Located in Terminal 3, this seafood restaurant offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, such as clam chowder, fish and chips, and lobster rolls. Yankee Pier provides full-service dining and accommodates to-go orders. Additionally, it has a well-stocked bar with an excellent selection of beer, wine, and cocktails to sip before your flight.

Koi Palace (Gate F11)

Koi Palace, the legendary San Francisco-based dim sum spot, is beloved for its great dim sum and other classic Chinese cuisine. In addition to its main location, it also has two locations in the San Francisco airport, where travelers can enjoy specials such as shu mai, pork dumplings, and sesame balls as well as combo plates piled high with fried rice, chow mein, Mongolian beef, and stir-fried green beans.

International

Boudin Bakery (Gate A2)

If you love San Francisco's iconic Boudin Bakery, make sure to visit its outpost at the San Francisco International Airport. The commitment to craftsmanship has earned this San Francisco business a loyal following. It's known for its incredible sourdough bread and is recognized as the oldest continually operating business in the city. At the airport location, travelers can enjoy a variety of San Francisco classics, including a mouth-watering dungeness crab sandwich, made-to-order baked sourdough pizza, and sandwiches. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a satisfying meal, Boudin Bakery has got you covered.

Mustards Bar & Grill (Gate 3) 

If you're a fan of Cindy Pawlcyn's Napa Valley restaurant, Mustards Grill, then you're in luck – there's a sister location at SFO. Named after the wild mustard flowers that bloom in the vineyards every spring, Mustards Bar & Grill describes itself as a "fancy rib joint" and serves some truly delicious bistro fare. Highlights from the menu include Mongolian pork chops, grilled hanger steak, and barbecue ribs served with a golden raisin slaw.

Roasting Plant Coffee (Marketplace A)

Roasting Plant Coffee is a coffee-lovers paradise. What sets this shop apart is the highly customizable nature of its brews. Each cup is customized to your exact specifications, down to which bean is used, and is roasted on the spot per order. On top of that, the café also offers a variety of pastries, grab-and-go wraps, and salads, as well as retail sales of its coffee beans.