12 Best Phoenix Airport Restaurants

One thing we love about the Phoenix airport is that it’s filled with local restaurants. In fact, some of our favorite local restaurants show up at the Phoenix airport, which provides even more incentive to show up early. Rest assured that no matter what terminal you are flying from, you’ll be able to get a delicious pre-flight bite.

Notes about Dining at the Phoenix Airport

• Terminal 4 has the most food options, but unless you have an ultra-long layover, it’s not worth the journey to get there. There is a tram between Terminal 3 and Terminal 4, but to use it, you must exit the airport and proceed back through security at each terminal.
• Some restaurants were sampled outside of the airport location, so presentation and service may vary from what is pictured, but all items featured are available at the airport location.
• Compared to the restaurant’s original locations, you should plan to spend more for the same food, and likely will receive less attentive service, but we are confident that this guide contains the best Phoenix airport restaurants.
• For ease of use, we have organized this guide by terminal and gate, rather than our usual ranking system. Enjoy!

See Also: The 16 Best Phoenix Restaurants

Terminal 4 – A Gates

Four Peaks Brewing Company

Four Peaks Brewing Company satisfies with classic bar food like burgers and wings, but we are drawn to the more unique specials that are done oh-so-well. The blackened salmon BLT upgrades the effortless classic with a generous portion of salmon and a creamy spread of pesto mayonnaise on top of multi-grain bread. Upgrade your side of chips to signature beer-battered fries for a filling and satisfying meal. 

Terminal 4 – B Gates

Cowboy Ciao

If you have not yet made it to the Gladly to try the Phoenix-famous chopped salad, you can find a similar version at Cowboy Ciao. While The Gladly may have perfected the dish, the chef originally crafted this dish during his time at Cowboy Ciao before he went on to open his own restaurant. While not an exact replica of the best salad in Phoenix (it seems chef Bernie Kantak continued to improve upon it after leaving), the Stetson Chopped is the closest thing to the cult classic you will find among the Phoenix airport restaurants. This delightful version of the salad consists of smoked salmon, pearl cous cous, diced tomatoes, dried corn, and baby arugula, served with a creamy buttermilk pesto dressing.

Matt’s Big Breakfast

Matt’s Big Breakfast is not just one of the best Phoenix airport restaurants, it is one of the best restaurants in Phoenix, and, bonus, the airport location is open until 8 pm. After all, who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner? If you’re a first-timer, go for the griddle cakes—big, buttery pancakes that are so comforting. Matt’s also offers a selection of burgers, sandwiches, and salads after 10 am, but you can find us ordering their irresistible griddle cakes all hours of the day.

Sweet Republic

Great news! Our favorite local ice cream creators are serving signature scoops at the Phoenix airport. Go ahead, reward yourself for passing through security. Their flavors vary seasonally, but salted butter caramel ice cream is always on the menu, and for good reason. If you want to indulge, go for the pecan turtle sundae featuring salted butter caramel ice cream, hot fudge, toasted pecans, and salted caramel sauce.

Read Next: 10 Best Mexican Restaurants in Phoenix

Terminal 4 – C Gates

Zinc Brasserie

Flying out of the C gates? Then the choice is easy, Zinc Brasserie stands out as the best of the Phoenix airport restaurants on this side of the terminal. The chicken baguette is served warm and features a pesto-marinated chicken breast, creamy brie, rich butter-braised shiitake mushrooms, arugula,  and a generous spread of pesto aioli. It’s served with crispy shoestring frites and their signature smoked paprika aioli. Finish your meal with an order of lemon ricotta beignets—mini sugar-coated beignets with a touch of citrus that are the perfect sweet treat.

Terminal 4 – D Gates

Barrio Cafe

True, authentic Mexican food is hard to come by in an airport, but is proudly offered at the Phoenix airport. The team behind Barrio Cafe offers a limited menu at the airport, including a slightly modified version of their famous enchiladas suizas dish. Thick corn tortillas are filled with chicken and topped with a creamy tomatillo sauce, cheese, onions, Mexican crema, and fresh cilantro. For a lighter snack, go for the open-faced shrimp quesadillas appetizer consisting of mini tortillas blanketed with a heavenly blend of melted goat and Oaxaca cheese and crowned with grilled shrimp.

Berry Divine Acai Bowls

Looking for something light before your flight? Head to Berry Divine for tasty soft-serve acai topped with your choice of fruits and granola. Order a signature bowl or build your own, asking which fruits are fresh and in-season to guide your selection. With vegan, non-dairy, and gluten-free menu options, there’s something for every traveler here.

Don’t Miss: The 13 Best Scottsdale Restaurants (2024)

La Grande Orange

Another excuse to eat breakfast at any time of day, La Grande Orange is easily one of the best Phoenix airport restaurants and offers their commuter breakfast sandwiches all day. Sink your teeth into fluffy scrambled eggs, tomato, mayo, and your choice of meat or avocado (or both!) on their famous buttery, spongy English muffin. Or, go for a creative wood-fired pizza. We love the avocado pizza(!) with basil, freshly sliced avocado, and a generous sprinkling of lemon zest on tangy sourdough crust.

Terminal 4 – F Gates

In Terminal 4, the best Phoenix airport restaurants are concentrated in the F gates. The E gates are less than a 10-minute walk, so if you’re hungry at the E gates, we recommend that you pop over to F to grab a quick bite before your flight.

Humble Torta & Taco

Even if you’re just stopping through Phoenix on a layover, you can get your fix of the flavors of the American Southwest right here at the airport. Try the pollo fundido chicken tacos served on flour tortillas with marinated chicken, chorizo, corn, and a drizzle of cilantro lime crema paired with a side of warm, white queso for dipping. Or, try the carne and queso torta, with tender marinated steak, roasted onions and peppers, a generous spread of chili mayo, and topped with a generous amount of a gooey melted cheese blend.

Related: Best Pizza in Phoenix: Top 10 Spots

SanTan Brewing Company

Craving a burger and fries after an international trip? SanTan Brewing is one of the best Phoenix airport restaurants for an all-American meal. We love the Sacred Stave Burger, featuring a sweet whiskey-glazed patty that is cleverly balanced out with a horseradish-based spread and served with a side of their thick-cut, ale-battered fries. For something lighter, try the crispy cobb salad with mixed greens, generous portions of fried chicken, blue cheese, bacon, egg, avocado, and tomatoes.

Shake Shack

If you’re on a quick layover, head to the beloved Shake Shack for a fast, relatively inexpensive, and still delicious meal! We love the ShackBurger—a fresh beef patty, topped with signature ShackSauce, lettuce, tomato, and cheese on their fluffy potato bun. We like to pair it with an order of crinkle-cut cheese fries. It’s one of the few Phoenix airport restaurants where you can get a solid meal for under $15.

The Tavern

Early morning flight out of Terminal 4? The avocado toast at The Tavern, an American restaurant and bar, is a perfect pre-flight breakfast. Fresh avocado sits atop our favorite buttery and crisp Noble bread, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt and cumin. If you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, the housemade coconut cream pie is decadent and creamy. This dessert alone could put The Tavern on our map as one of the best Phoenix airport restaurants.