The Best Restaurants in Seattle Airport: SEATAC Dining Guide
Seattle Airport restaurants invite travelers to try fantastic dishes whilst spending time at this busy gateway to the Pacific Northwest. Let’s journey through its terminals and discover the diverse flavors from its eateries. From upscale dining to grab-and-go delights, SEA-TAC’s restaurants promise a treat for every palate.
Keep reading to find out the best Seattle Airport restaurants…
In this guide:
- Sharps RoastHouse
- Floret
- Salty’s at the SEA
- Poke to the Max
- Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
- 13 Coins SeaTac
- Lucky Louie Fish Shack
- Rel’Lish Burger Lounge
- Skillet
- LouLou Market and Bar
Sharps RoastHouse
- YELP Rating: 4.3/5
- Location in Airport: Not inside the terminal; located just across the street from SEA at 18427 International Blvd
- Menu Highlights: 12-hour slow-roasted meats, smoked salmon chowder, bacon-wrapped meatloaf
- Ambiance: Warm, upscale tavern with vintage aviation décor and an extensive whiskey selection
Sharps RoastHouse isn’t technically inside SEA-TAC, but it’s close enough—and popular enough—to remain one of the top dining picks for travelers. Located just across the street, this full-service restaurant offers an elevated take on American classics, with a focus on scratch cooking and rich, hearty flavors.
The menu leans into comfort: their 12-hour slow-roasted prime rib, house-smoked turkey, and bacon-wrapped meatloaf are favorites. The Custom Cut No 109 Prime Rib is a succulent prime rib, slow-cooked to perfection, showcasing the rich flavors of the Northwest – choose from ½ pound, ¾ pound or 18 oz.
Seafood also shines here, especially the smoked salmon chowder and Pacific cod fish and chips. Portions are generous, and ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible. A popular choice is the Seattle Sourdough Wild Cod & Chips – fresh, locally sourced cod prepared with a unique blend of flavors, including lemon bee and sour tartar.
The drink list is no afterthought either—Sharps is known for its deep whiskey menu and cocktails crafted with local spirits.
Despite its off-airport location, it’s a go-to for early arrivals or those staying at nearby hotels. Because it’s not within security, there’s no need to be a ticketed traveler to visit. It often draws a mix of business travelers, flight crews, and families staying overnight before early flights. Wait times are reasonable most of the day, but it can fill up between 6–8 pm, especially on weekends. Those planning dinner before a red-eye might want to arrive a little early. The warm lighting, old-school aviation flair, and satisfying comfort food make it well worth the short detour.
Floret
- YELP Rating: 4.1/5
- Location in Airport: Concourse A, near Gate A1 (before B gates split)
- Menu Highlights: Vegan cinnamon rolls, grain bowls, wild mushroom scrambles
- Ambiance: Modern and fresh, filled with plants and light; upscale café vibe with eco-conscious touches
Floret is a bright, plant-filled sanctuary in Concourse A that serves vegetarian and vegan-friendly food without compromising flavor. It’s the airport outpost of Seattle’s well-loved Cafe Flora, and it delivers the same garden-fresh ethos in a space designed to feel calm and uplifting—even during peak travel hours.
The menu includes Portobello Mushroom French Dip – a creamy and flavorful dish bursting with flavors of garlic, Swiss cheese, and mushrooms. Plus savory grain bowls, loaded avocado toast, wild mushroom scrambles, and the famous vegan cinnamon rolls – a freshly baked dessert with indulgent, cream cheese frosting – that regulars swear by.
It’s a standout choice for travelers seeking something wholesome and satisfying without deep-fried heaviness. Gluten-free options are available, and the espresso bar makes it a solid stop for morning or midday caffeine boosts.
The interior offers a surprising break from the usual airport aesthetic. Hanging plants, wooden textures, and soft lighting make Floret feel like a boutique café transplanted into a bustling terminal. Travelers with dietary restrictions or those just looking for a lighter meal appreciate the clear labeling and accommodating staff. Wait times are typically minimal in the early morning but can increase between 10 am and 1 pm as brunch crowds roll in.
Frequent flyers recommend Floret for a fresh and energizing meal pre-flight, especially if flying out of Gates A or B.
Salty’s at the SEA
- YELP Rating: 3.9/5
- Location in Airport: Central Terminal, post-security
- Menu Highlights: Dungeness crab mac and cheese, clam chowder, coconut prawns
- Ambiance: Sophisticated and scenic, this elegant seafood bistro has full views of the runway
The next Seattle Airport restaurant on our list is a must for seafood lovers! Salty’s at the SEA brings the waterfront charm of its renowned Alki Beach location to SEA-TAC’s Central Terminal and offers a seafood-centric dining experience with breathtaking views of the airfield and beyond. With a commitment to offering a taste of the region’s maritime bounty, Salty’s provides a dining experience that reflects the local seafood traditions.
The star dishes are undeniably the seafood classics: Dungeness crab mac and cheese, creamy clam chowder, and coconut prawns that balance sweet and crispy just right. For lighter fare, there are shrimp salads and grilled salmon. The full-service bar offers Pacific Northwest wines and cocktails that elevate the experience beyond a typical airport meal.
Popular with its airport clientele are the Buttery Manila Clams, where you can indulge in the creamy and succulent flavors of Manila clams, a seafood delicacy. Also worth a try is the Seafood Chowder – a rich and hearty chowder featuring an abundance of local seafood. It’s a comforting choice for seafood lovers.
With a glass wall overlooking the tarmac, Salty’s feels more like a destination than a stopover. It’s a popular choice for travelers with longer layovers or business travelers wanting a quieter, upscale place to unwind. Seating fills quickly during peak lunch and dinner windows, so wait times can stretch to 25–40 minutes. Plan accordingly if you’re traveling through the Central Terminal during those times.
With panoramic runway views and a seafood-forward menu, this is one of the most scenic and satisfying dining experiences in the airport. Perfect for seafood lovers and anyone wanting a sit-down meal with a view, Salty’s stands out for making airport dining feel like a real occasion.
Sam Choy’s Poke to the Max
- YELP Rating: 3.8/5
- Location in Airport: Concourse D, near Gate D5
- Menu Highlights: Spicy ahi poke bowls, garlic chicken, tuna nachos
- Ambiance: Hawaiian-inspired counter service with tropical branding and fast prep
Poke to the Max brings bright island flavors to Concourse D with a menu packed full of fresh, customizable poke bowls, garlic-fried chicken, and tuna nachos. Created by local chef Sam Choy, this quick-service spot is a go-to for those craving something lighter but still satisfying.
Customers can build their own poke bowls from proteins like spicy ahi, shoyu salmon, or tofu, then layer on toppings ranging from seaweed salad to pickled jalapeños. The garlic chicken plate is equally popular, offering crispy skin and savory seasoning over rice. Vegetarian options are available, and portions are generous.
The ambiance nods to Hawaiian plate lunch spots, with friendly staff and tropical colors. Service is fast, with most orders out in under 8 minutes, making it a solid option for travelers on short layovers or early morning flights. Seating is limited, but turnover is quick and food is easy to carry back to your gate.
If you’re near D Gates and want a break from burgers and fries, Poke to the Max is a fresh, flavorful option with roots in Seattle’s love for Pacific cuisine.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
- YELP Rating: 3.8/5
- Location in Airport: North Satellite Terminal, near Gate N2
- Menu Highlights: Flagship mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup
- Ambiance: Casual and cozy with open prep area; counter-service with limited seating
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is a Seattle staple that brings its signature comfort food to SEA-TAC’s North Satellite. Known citywide for its indulgent mac and cheese, this location serves up the same award-winning fare travelers love downtown—with a side of convenience.
The flagship mac and cheese, made with their house-aged cheddar and just the right amount of spice, is the star. But the grilled cheese sandwiches – a classic elevated with Just Jack and Flagship cheese for a melt-in-your-mouth experience – and creamy tomato soup make a perfect combo for those craving something warm before a flight. For those with time, it’s worth pairing a cheese plate with a glass of wine and savoring the hand-crafted quality.
Though it’s a quick-service format, the space feels authentic with its open cheese prep area and branding that reflects its Pike Place Market roots. Most orders are ready within 5–10 minutes, even during lunch rushes. It’s popular with business travelers and parents alike—familiar, filling, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat before takeoff.
Beecher’s isn’t meant for long, lingering meals, but it delivers fast, reliable comfort food that never tastes like standard airport fare. If flying out of the N Gates, it’s a no-brainer.
13 Coins SeaTac
- YELP Rating: 3.5/5
- Location in Airport: Adjacent to the Seattle Airport Marriott, near SEATAC but outside security
- Menu Highlights: Steak Oscar, clams linguine, banana foster French toast
- Ambiance: 13 Coins exudes sophistication with its retro-style fine dining with plush booths, white tablecloths, and a 24-hour diner feel
13 Coins SeaTac is a long-time favorite for travelers who want a memorable meal just steps from the airport. Open late and steeped in old-school charm, it brings upscale diner vibes with high-backed booths, open-kitchen seating, and a menu that leans toward classic Italian-American and steakhouse fare.
Signature dishes include Steak Oscar topped with Dungeness crab, hollandaise, and asparagus, as well as hearty breakfast options like banana foster French toast and crab benedict. For lunch and dinner, travelers can expect clams linguine, prime rib, and well-crafted cocktails. There’s also a great dessert menu including Crème Brûlée – a decadent dessert of caramelized sugar with a touch of fruit.
It’s open nearly 24/7, making it a reliable stop for travelers coming or going at odd hours.
The ambiance is a throwback to mid-century dining culture, with a hint of Rat Pack luxury—soft lighting, leather booths, and a lounge that draws both locals and airport hotel guests. It’s not in the terminal, so it’s best suited to travelers with time to spare or those staying nearby. While reservations aren’t always necessary, wait times can stretch during peak hotel check-in periods or early dinner hours. It’s particularly popular with travelers who want a relaxing meal before flying out early the next morning.
Lucky Louie Fish Shack
- YELP Rating: 3.4/5
- Location in Airport: Central Terminal, post-security
- Menu Highlights: Wild cod fish and chips, salmon chowder, Hawaiian-style fish tacos
- Ambiance: Nautical-themed counter service with Pacific Rim flavors and open kitchen
Lucky Louie Fish Shack brings Seattle’s love of seafood to a fast-casual format inside SEA-TAC’s Central Terminal. A bright, inviting space with maritime décor and a visible kitchen, it draws travelers who want bold flavors without a full sit-down commitment.
Signature dishes include their wild cod fish and chips—crispy on the outside, flaky inside—and Hawaiian-inspired fish tacos with pineapple salsa and zesty slaw. The salmon chowder, rich and peppery, offers a filling alternative to more common options like clam. Portions are generous, and meals are served fast, often under 10 minutes.
The vibe is lively but relaxed, with high-top tables and bar-style seating. It’s a smart pick for solo flyers, quick layovers, or families needing a satisfying lunch before boarding. Because it’s centrally located, foot traffic can spike around meal times, but turnover is quick and lines tend to move fast.
Lucky Louie strikes the balance between airport efficiency and regional flavor—a strong choice for a quick but quality meal.
Rel’Lish Burger Lounge
- YELP Rating: 3.2/5
- Location in Airport: Concourse B, near Gate B4
- Menu Highlights: Signature Rel’Lish burger, garlic truffle fries, Korean fried chicken burger
- Ambiance: Upscale lounge with bold colors, full bar, and sit-down service
Rel’Lish Burger Lounge offers a refreshing change from the grab-and-go norm, serving chef-driven burgers and cocktails in a space designed for comfort and personality. Located near Gate B4, it’s a great option for those who want a sit-down meal before boarding. It’s perfect for burger enthusiasts seeking a gourmet twist on the classic American staple. Focused on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, Rel’Lish Burger Lounge offers a menu that elevates the burger experience to new heights.
The menu is headlined by the Rel’Lish burger—juicy beef with bacon jam, blue cheese, and arugula. But standout options like the Korean fried chicken burger and vegetarian beet burger give the menu range. Pair any of them with garlic truffle fries or a local beer on tap, and it feels like a restaurant first, airport second.
Popular with customers is the Brunchin’ Burger – a signature creation featuring a juicy beef patty topped egg and ham, with a side of hollandaise sauce. Also worth a try is the Bahn Mi Burger, a Vietnamese twist on a chicken burger, enjoying the flavors of pickled red onions and cilantro.
Designed by celebrity chef Kathy Casey, the lounge-style seating, geometric tile floors, and bold accent colors set a mood that’s both fun and relaxing. It’s not just for solo diners; groups and families often stop in when there’s enough time to unwind before a flight. Service is efficient, but during peak hours (especially early evenings), wait times can stretch to 20–30 minutes, so allow extra time if planning to dine in.
Travelers looking to escape the noise of the concourse for a flavorful meal will find Rel’Lish a worthy retreat.
Skillet
- YELP Rating: 2.6/5
- Location in Airport: North Satellite Terminal, near Gate N16
- Menu Highlights: Fried chicken and waffles, bacon jam burger, biscuit sandwiches
- Ambiance: Industrial-chic diner with bar seating and full-service brunch energy
Skillet brings Seattle’s brunch obsession to the airport with its N Gates location. The brand made its name with a food truck and bacon jam, and this sit-down version offers the same kind of satisfying, slightly over-the-top meals that have made it a local favorite.
The fried chicken and waffles is a standout, as is the bacon jam burger that comes stacked with arugula, blue cheese, and a sunny-side egg. Biscuit sandwiches, poutine, and seasonal salads round out the menu. Breakfast is served all day, making this a solid choice no matter your flight time.
The space feels like a trendy diner: metal chairs, wood paneling, and an open bar area where travelers can grab a cocktail or espresso. Service is quick, with meals arriving within 15–20 minutes. It’s popular with travelers in the know, so lines can form mid-morning, especially on weekends.
Skillet hits the sweet spot between full-service and fast-casual, ideal for anyone seeking real-deal comfort food before heading to the skies.
LouLou Market and Bar
- YELP Rating: 2.5/5
- Location in Airport: Concourse B, near Gate B8
- Menu Highlights: Croque monsieur, Niçoise salad, charcuterie boards
- Ambiance: Chic French bistro with Parisian-inspired café seating
LouLou Market and Bar brings upscale French-American fare to SEA-TAC’s Concourse B, thanks to renowned chef Thierry Rautureau. Designed like a Parisian sidewalk café, it offers fresh food, stylish seating, and a more refined vibe than most airport options.
Signature dishes include the croque monsieur—rich with béchamel and Gruyère—the Niçoise salad with seared tuna and lemon vinaigrette, and rotating charcuterie boards that make for a perfect pre-flight snack. Pastries, espresso, and wines by the glass round out the experience.
It’s a quieter corner of the concourse, often filled with travelers looking for something fresh but familiar. The space feels like a moment of calm, with leather chairs, clean design, and natural light from the windows. Wait times are typically short, and food is plated quickly but beautifully.
For those craving something elegant without the wait of a full-service restaurant, LouLou delivers on style and flavor.
As you venture through the terminals, each Seattle Airport restaurant offers a unique culinary experience, weaving together diverse flavors, locations, and atmospheres.
If you’re departing from SEA but haven’t figured out the rest of your travel plans, why not opt for an airport hotel with parking near SEA? Save money and enjoy complimentary shuttle service before enjoying the treats at these restaurants in SEA.
