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DENVER (KDVR) — When you’re going to the airport, you’re likely focused on the destination or getting through TSA as quickly as possible. But once you feel a little thirsty or hungry, your attention will likely turn to the dining options around you.
As frequent travelers can likely attest to, some U.S. airports have better dining scenes than others.
On Wednesday, Food and Wine announced its 2025 Global Tastemakers Awards, which celebrates “the most unforgettable food and drink experiences across the U.S. and around the world” and awards restaurants, hotels, cities, airports, and more.
The global poll of more than 400 industry experts determined the nation’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport in Georgia had the best food and drink offerings. The outlet highlighted the airport’s southern and soul food spots, as well as rapper Ludacris’ Chicken and Beer. The airport lists more than 160 dining spots throughout its concourses online.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport was ranked as No. 2 overall. Food & Wine noted that since 2023, the James Beard Foundation has partnered with the airport to bring pop-up food festivals to some O’Hare terminals. Plus, in 2024, new restaurants came to O’Hare’s Terminal 5, offering even more options for travelers.
Opening restaurants and modernizations of terminals was a trend throughout the list, which you can view below:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport (Georgia)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (Illinois)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York)
- LaGuardia Airport (New York)
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (Texas)
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (Texas)
- San Francisco International Airport (California)
- Denver International Airport (Colorado)
- Miami International Airport (Florida)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Washington)
In Denver, for example, Food and Wine credited the many new restaurant openings in 2024 after a major gate expansion, many of which were already local Denver favorites.
“Each winner embodies what we at Food & Wine savor about travel: a connection to culture and community; abundant, delicious, and mind-expanding experiences; and a taste of something real,” said Hunter Lewis, Food and Wine vice president and editor in chief, in a press release. “This year’s list is designed for travelers, not tourists—for people who want to understand what makes a place tick, one unforgettable bite or sip at a time.”
Food and Wine also considered airports worldwide for its global food and drinks rankings. Taking the top spot was Dubai International Airport, complete with a retro burger hangout, “craveable chile-garlic chicken wings” and French pastries. Airports in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Qatar, Istanbul, Seoul, London, and Rome all made the list, but no U.S. airport ranked among the top 10 this year.
