Back in the day, waiting at the airport often felt like being in a twilight zone, caught between home and a new destination, often involving sub-standard food. But the days of munching on mediocre meals while dashing to your gate are long gone. Today's international airport lounges have transformed into culinary hubs featuring Michelin-starred establishments that provide everything from grab-and-go snacks to full-course meals cooked by renowned chefs.
What is a Michelin Star?
Ever been asked to recommend a great place to eat? It's a lot of pressure because your friends will never ask again if the food doesn't meet expectations. A Michelin Star takes that stress away. It’s a prestigious award for restaurants that demonstrate exceptional culinary skill, quality ingredients, flavour, harmony, technical mastery, and the chef's unique style.
Restaurants are regularly re-evaluated to maintain these high standards consistently across their menu and over time. Any restaurant can request to be considered for inclusion in the guide based on reader recommendations.
Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's explore some of the best airport restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide. If you've ever wondered if airport lounges are worth it, here are travellers sharing their insights on why you should try these places.
Cotto - New York's LaGuardia Airport, Terminal C
LaGuardia Airport may not seem like a culinary hotspot, but Cotto at Terminal C changes that perception. Renowned chef Michael White opened Cotto in 2014, creating a lively atmosphere with mint green decor and large windows. I
t's a great spot to enjoy some classic Italian dishes before your flight, with its standout pizzas and pasta dishes, and gelato. For travellers who ask if airport lounges worth it, Cotto’s signature garganelli with radicchio, speck, and truffle butter answers with a resounding yes.
Directions: The restaurant is located near Gate C-30. After you pass through security, head toward the central dining area in Terminal C. Its signature mint green decor makes it easy to spot.
Here's what foodies from around the world are saying about it:
“The food is fresh and of good quality especially for airport food! We had a nice size salad with fresh greens and poached chicken. I had a dry aged hamburger that was as good as most restaurants. It was a good size and a relative value. A nice surprise at LGA,” — FDNTRVL from Miami (Tripadvisor)
“Amazing service! There’s a great vibe and it’s upscale. The food was amazing. Service very quick.” — Robin (Tripadvisor)
“Perhaps the most memorable airport dining experience I have ever had. Food and service were both exceptional. Highly recommended.” — James from the US (Tripadvisor)
“I was early for my flight and hungry in LaGuardia today and this restaurant with its clean black and white decor and attractive wine displays caught my eye. I was not disappointed. You can sit at the long bar or at tables. I snagged a great window seat with a view of planes on the ground. On each table is a tablet for ordering and a credit card reader. After ordering, a waitperson brought the food to the table. I loved my garden salad with hazelnuts (called local fresh greens) and a side of grilled plain thin pizza dough (on the menu as rustic flatbread) with pesto and sundried tomato dips. The food was really delicious! I know that airport food is expensive and this meal was in that bracket - however, I really enjoyed it and would eat here again.” — Travelfan from US (Tripadviisor)
The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck - Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 3
Singapore Changi Airport is considered one of the world's best for its architecture. But the airport isn't just a treat for the eyes; it's also a paradise for foodies. The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck delivers a menu that lets you explore global flavours without leaving the Singapore Airport Departures area, where you can slurp on sour and spicy chicken soup or chow down on Korean kimchi short ribs.
Open from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., this restaurant serves everything from breakfast bites to specialties like Spicy Chicken Potstickers and Asian BBQ Chicken Pizza. Plus, with its open kitchen design, guests can watch chefs in action!
Directions: Once inside the airport, head to the Departure Transit Lounge on Level 2 near the Butterfly Garden. After clearing security, simply follow the signs to the transit area. The restaurant is easily spotted with its open-plan design, raised kitchen platform, and signature pizza oven at its heart.
Hear directly from those who’ve tried the food:
“I wanted a sit down meal served at a table, rather than a snack/takeaway, and spotted this restaurant. The burger was cooked as I requested and was tasty, the chips were good too. The price is a bit higher than other places, but it’s a nicer experience.” — Mary from the UK (Tripadvisor)
“Absolutely perfect service. Great place to relax and wait for the next flight.” — Lisa from Australia (Tripadvisor)
“A welcome sight - avocado on the menu! After a few weeks’ travelling I arrived at Changi Airport and felt hungry - Wolfgang Puck delivers. I had avocado on toast with poached egg, tomato, green salad, onion and feta. My food came quickly and was great - they’re very generous with the avocado. Fabulous.” — Ali from Australia (Tripadvisor)
“Enjoyed a last meal in Singapore at The Kitchen. The menu includes pizza, pasta, salads and burgers. I tried the aioli chicken and found it flavourful with a fairly complex construction. The bun was tasty with good texture, the vegetables were well assembled and the overall effect was great. The waiter was attentive and fast. I’d happily return.” — William from Japan (Tripadvisor)
Mustards Bar & Grill - San Francisco International Airport, International Terminal
Mustards Bar & Grill is a pleasant surprise for those passing through San Francisco International Airport. A pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, Chef Cindy Pawlcyn has tailored her renowned Napa Valley flavours for the airport setting, including favourites like the Mongolian pork chop and baby back ribs. Guests can also enjoy a variety of salads, burgers, and vegetarian options. Open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., the restaurant’s casual, inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to relax and refuel before a long flight.
Directions: Head to International Terminal G, near Gate G3. After clearing security, follow signs to the G gates area, and you'll spot Mustards close to the gate.
Here’s what travellers are saying:
“I saw Mustard's menu and immediately knew I wanted to eat there. I love love love their fish and chips. I was so grateful. I felt treated like I was in a restaurant in my hometown where I am a frequent guest!” — Caris from Cambodia (Tripadvisor)
“The service was excellent. The best service that I have been provided in a very long time. The wait time was quick and breakfast was reasonable.” — Frank (Tripadvisor,)
“Please please spoil yourselves and go to Mustards Grill in San Francisco Airport. I had the salmon BLT. There was a party going on in my mouth! Every single bite was absolutely amazing. The food was 5 star and a very pleasant surprise for Airport food. Our server was awesome!” — Jet (Tripadvisor)
Ming Court - Beijing Capital International Airport, Terminal 3
Ming Court brings a creative twist to traditional Chinese dining. Enjoy a menu packed with everything from succulent dim sum to fiery Szechuan favourites as you relax in an oasis away from the terminal's buzz. Head chef Chan Yuen Lung provides seasonal delicacies like wok-fried vermicelli with crab roe and crab meat, keeping travellers returning for more. What’s more, you can enjoy the views of planes taking off as a cool backdrop to your meal.
Directions: Head to Terminal 3-E, which is designated for international flights. After clearing security, follow the signs toward the dining options within the international departures area. If needed, we recommend using the Automated People Mover (APM), a quick shuttle connecting the various sections of Terminal 3.
It's an all-around hit with travellers:
“I had an excellent evening meal there. The service was great. The lobby is very comfortable, it is not overcrowded.” — QRONN (Tripadvisor)
“I love the food and service here. Every time I come I order soup of the day, claypot rice, steamed fish and Cantonese green vegetables. The restaurant environment is great and it's worth the money to here.” — Michelle from Shanghai (Tripadvisor)
“Great all the way around. The food was excellent...the service exceedingly pleasant and the staff were very helpful.” — Dave from the US (Tripadvisor)
Border Grill - Los Angeles International Airport, Tom Bradley International Terminal
Craving Mexican cuisine while passing through Los Angeles International Airport? Look no further than Border Grill. Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger bring bold flavours and authentic recipes to LAX, where you can kick back and enjoy a feast of tacos, enchiladas, and fresh guacamole made right before your eye. The lively atmosphere is as colourful as the plates, making it the perfect pit stop before your British Airways reward flight as it’s open from early morning until the last departure.
Directions: Head to the Dining Terrace on the main concourse, near the clock tower. After clearing security, follow signs to the dining area on Level 4, where you'll find this popular spot.
Here’s what travellers said about the restaurant:
“Service was excellent, I had the best burrito I ever had and the price was reasonable. What else could you ask for? I really enjoyed it. Highly recommend them.” — Jeff from the UK (Tripadvisor)
“This place was a saving grace.. They had every kind of grilled cheese Sammy You could ask for.. The Tots are also very good (I never like tots but these were good!)” — Mevette from the US (Tripadvisro)
“Had a Chicken BLT before we caught our plane and devoured every single bite! It was extremely filling and refreshing. Great service as well!” — Bron (Tripadvisor)
Final Thoughts
Clearly, airport dining has become an experience to look forward to. So, next time you’re on a British Airways reward flight and have a few extra hours before a flight, skip the typical international airport lounge and treat yourself to a Michelin-approved meal. You might even find yourself arriving early just to enjoy the food.
