An experienced air traveler, Josh Vignona knows grabbing a preflight bite doesn’t have to be a hit or miss proposition

When it comes to sampling great cuisine, the first thing we typically think of isn’t fine dining at the local airport. 

But for seasoned flyers like Joshua Vignona, knowing where to find delicious airport meals and fast can take a lot of the edge off a busy travel schedule, interrupting the monotony of mind-numbing baggage claims and slowly shuffling security lines with a truly mouthwatering and memorable eating experience.

Below, we look at 6 can’t miss Airport Food opportunities—pre-flight restaurants, eateries, bistros and lip-smacking meals you won’t want to pass up during your next cross-country adventure.

Joshua Vignona’s top 6 amazing airport food experiences

#6 Shrimp Tacos at Dallas Airport’s Blue Mesa Taco & Tequila Bar (Gate E31) 

You’ll find open seating and comfortable Blue Mesa dining in Terminal E, just outside Gate E31. 

#5 Fried Chicken at ATL’s Paschal’s Southern Cuisine (Concourse B)

One food always near the top of Joshua Vignona’s list is fried chicken. And there’s no better place at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport or even throughout Greater Atlanta to get an authentic fried chicken experience than Paschal’s Southern Cuisine. 

Served up next to a fantastic selection of southern-fried favorites as collard greens, black-eyed peas, mac & cheese, homemade biscuits and more, Paschal’s crispy, delicately spiced wings, legs and thighs put this local favorite a leap above most others in the vast Atlanta airport food scene. Day or night, you can rest assured Paschal’s chicken will be hot, fresh and ready to fill your belly, putting a bounce in your step that’s sure to last the rest of the day!

Conveniently located in ATL Concourse B, Paschal’s Southern Cuisine is affordably priced and vegetarian friendly. 

#4 Lobster Bisque at Minneapolis-St. Paul’s La Voya French Brasserie (pre-security)

Whether you’ve got pre-flight hunger pangs or need a pick-me-up before the cab ride to town, a small plate of Lobster Bisque at Minneapolis-St. Paul’s La Voya French Brasserie can really hit the spot. Prepared with Minnesota Hard Cider, topped with Chive Crème Fraiche and served alongside crispy, refreshing apple slices, this delectable Minnesota airport food is one of Joshua Vignona’s must-eats anytime he flies into the Twin Cities. 

La Voya offers a variety of French and locally-influenced dishes and an extensive selection of fine wines to choose from—as well as full breakfast, lunch and dessert menus. 

You can find La Voya French Brasserie on the ground level of the InterContinental Hotel in MSP Terminal 1. 

#3 Filet Mignon at Tampa Airport’s Own Ulele (Airside C)

If you ever land in Tampa and have a craving for something a little more elegant, get your table reserved soon at the TPA’s Ulele location. From their deliciously crispy Crackling Pork Shank dish to 8 ounces of perfectly prepared and unbelievably tender Filet Mignon (Joshua Vignona’s favorite!), Ulele offers perhaps the widest and tastiest selection of fine dining cuisine you can find in the annals of Tampa airport food. 

And after topping things off with a delightful bowl of Candied Bacon Maple Ice Cream or a decadent slice of Key West Bruleed Key Lime Pie, you may never want to leave the Bay Area again!

Featuring extensive lunch, dinner and children dining options, Ulele offers an outstanding dining experience the whole family can enjoy. Ulele is situated near Louis Pappas and Goody Goody in Airside C. 

#2 Eggs Benedict at IND’s Harry & Izzy’s (Gate A06)

Have an early flight out of Indy? Get your travel day started right with a hearty serving of Classic Eggs Benedict at Concourse A’s own Harry & Izzy’s! Complete with locally sourced Canadian bacon and two poached eggs delicately smothered by Hollandaise sauce and served atop a gently toasted English muffin, Harry & Izzy’s seems to have unlocked the formula for perfecting this long-time breakfast favorite*. 

*Josh Vignona recommends adding a hot cup of joe and side of fresh fruit to make this an Indianapolis airport food experience you won’t soon forget!

Located next door to IND Gate A06, Harry & Izzy’s also offers a number of soups, appetizers and dinner entrees to satiate your hunger no matter when you get into town. 

#1 Full Irish Breakfast at Dublin Airport’s The Garden Terrace (Terminal 1, Departures)

About to leave Ireland without having had an authentic Irish breakfast? Not to worry. One visit to The Garden Terrace in DUB Terminal 1 can set you straight and ensure you’ve done the full Irish fry up before boarding the flight back home. 

Whatever the Terrace’s take on this classic Irish fare lacks in nutrition, it more than makes up for in taste-bud tingling goodness. Loaded with bacon, sausage, eggs, baked beans, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms (with a side of toast and marmalade jam, for good measure), this wonderful but filling early morning meal will have you stuffed and ready to fall into a full-on food coma once you’ve buckled your seatbelt. 

And if you’re flight takes off a little closer to lunch or dinnertime, don’t fret! The Garden Terrace also offers a good burger and pub grub menu, guaranteeing your next Irish vacation and Dublin airport food experience end on a high note. 

The Garden Terrace offers excellent Irish cuisine and outdoor terrace seating from the upper floor of the Terminal 1 Departures Level, located just after security. 

Learn more about Josh Vignona here or by visiting any of the links above!