When flying out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), better known to all as SeaTac Airport, it’s tempting to just grab whatever option is closest to hand, even if it’s a sub-mediocre sandwich that’s nothing more than calories to get you through your flight. Do not do this. Unlike most American airports, SEA is loaded with lush dining options, from local seafood to Congolese cuisine — if you know where to look.
Below is a current list of some notable spots to check out for hungry and thirsty travelers. For a more comprehensive list of airport dining options, check out SeaTac’s official website.
Central Terminal
Lucky Louie Fish Shack
The house specialty here is sustainable Alaskan pollock and salmon, served classically (that is, battered and deep-fried with chips). A new addition to the menu, the fish tacos, are a mélange of Pacific Rim flavors: crispy Baja-style salmon, sesame slaw, pickled red onions, and creamy sriracha sauce. Other solid picks include clam chowder, honey teriyaki salmon, and taiyaki, a fish-shaped waffle stuffed with cheesecake filling.
Koi Shi Sushi Bento
This walk-up counter specializes in pre-packaged rolls. But travelers who have more time can opt for a build-your-own poke bowl.
Salty’s at the SEA
If you have time for a sit-down meal, this branch of West Seattle seafood destination Salty’s on Alki has a wide range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options as well as an oyster bar — plus a display that shows Salty’s waterfront views on sunny days. Beats the (probably) rainy sky.
A Gates
Africa Lounge
What was once a standard American gastropub has changed its menu and now serves Congolese dishes such as sambusas, jollof rice, and fried plantains. General manager Yves Maganya, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was influenced by co-owner’s Rod O’Neal’s heritage when he crafted the menu. The Port of Seattle billed it as the “first-ever menu of African foods in a U.S. airport,” and The Stranger’s Charles Mudede wrote about the significance of the development.
Floret
At the intersection of Concourses A and B, next to the Delta Lounge, this spin-off of renowned Seattle vegetarian restaurant Cafe Flora serves a totally meat-free menu. Dishes include brioche breakfast sandwiches, seasonal veggie scrambles, and pastries, like Flora’s popular vegan cinnamon rolls; Floret has plenty of lunch and dinner options too, such as grain bowls, salads, and a black bean burger.
Lowrider Cookie Company
Sometimes you need a burst of carbs to get you to your gate, and Lowrider is a good option for a sweet pick-me-up. Cookie flavors rotate monthly, but permanent ones include brown butter triple chocolate chunk, salted toffee pecan, s’mores, and birthday cake. The A gates are something of a dessert hub, as macaron shoppe Lady Yum and specialty candy store the Confectionery also have outposts here.
B Gates
Mi Casa Cantina
This colorful Tex-Mex bar-resto is a solid choice for nachos, tacos, and burritos, and the guac is crowd fave. It also has an extensive co*cktail menu that showcases tequila and mezcal, and there’s even a selection of frozen margs. They make a fine paloma too.
LouLou Market and Bar
Thierry Rautureau, Seattle’s famous “Chef in the Hat,” died earlier this year. After a storied career, his last remaining restaurant is LouLou Market and Bar, featuring dishes like salade Niçoise and a prime rib French dip sandwich.
C Gates
Dish D’Lish
TV chef Kathy Casey’s grab-and-go spot is of the best places to eat in the airport for those with dietary restrictions, stocked as it is with plenty of gluten-free options. Salads include wasabi potatoes, Mediterranean quinoa, and Northwest couscous.
Hachi-ko
This restaurant offers wide-ranging Asian cuisines. Diners can find hot dishes like teriyaki and the chicken adobo, plus made-to-order poke bowls. There’s also a grab-and-go case with sandwiches, salads, and Spam musubis.
D Gates
Sam Choy’s Poke to the Max
A modern Seattle icon, Sam Choy’s Poke to the Max serves Hawaiian classics from early morning through late evening. Options include customizable poke bowls, loco moco topped with sunny-side-up eggs, burgers and kalua pork sandwiches on King’s Hawaiian buns, and ice cream flavors like lilikoʻi (aka passion fruit) and pineapple whip from Seattle’s own Laina’s Handcrafted Ice Cream.
Ballard Brew Hall
This is your spot if you want one more brew before heading out of town. Alongside dozens of craft beers, the Ballard Brew Hall also has a bloody mary menu and a wide selection of breakfast dishes, like cinnamon French toast and biscuits and gravy.
Neighborhood
This bubble tea shop features Filipino flavors like leche flan milk tea — made with black tea, evaporated milk, condensed milk, caramel, and house syrup — and turon turon milk tea — made with black tea, jackfruit, banana syrup, and brown sugar. But even if you’re not a boba fan, it’s worth a visit for the Fulcrum coffee (Neighborhood uses it in a lovely sesame latte) and grab-and-go food from Umami Kushi.
Seattle Dawg House
This hot dog-focused sports bar (locals will get it — dogs like hot dogs and dawgs like Huskies) also serves Belgian liège waffles, replete with pearl sugar, for some reason. They’re delicious, of course. Other menu options include a unique take on the Seattle dog, which embellishes the original with barbecue sauce and jalapenos. Sure, why not?
S Gates
Not much going on at the S Gates food-wise, although the soon-to-be opened Smith Cove has promise! The 24-hour Club SEA is your best bet. If you roll up within three hours of your departure time, you can trade $50 for unlimited salads, soups, chips, crudités, and so on, alongside beverages — both alcoholic and non — and a view of Mt. Rainier. (There’s a Club SEA at the A gates as well, but it doesn’t have the sweet view.)
N Gates
Caffe Vita
There’s quite a few coffee options at SEA, it being the main airport for Seattle and all, but if you’re at all finicky about your espresso, Caffe Vita is what you want. There’s always a line, but it goes fast. The golden milk latte with turmeric, ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon (among other spices) is a luxurious favorite. There’s also a Caffe Vita stand at the C gates.
Bad Egg
Opened in 2023, this all-day breakfast restaurant won a prestigious FAB Moody award for Airport Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year. It specializes in breakfast sandwiches and does a lot with doughnuts — you can get something here called a “Donut and Spam Outback Sandwich.”
Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen and Bar
This family-owned restaurant has a nice selection of Vietnamese dishes, and the portions are generous. Banh mi, pho, massive noodle and rice bowls, and bubble tea smoothies are among the highlights.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
In addition to its namesake cheeses, this quintessential Pike Place cheesemaker has an satellite station at SEA, offering Beecher’s famous mac and cheese, hot breakfast items, and grilled sandwiches. It also has a small grab-and-go freezer stocked with fabulous Salt and Straw ice cream. There’s another Beecher’s at the N gates too.
