Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), or SeaTac as locals call it, isn’t just a gateway to your next destination; it’s a destination for delicious food itself. Forget the typical airport food court fare. SeaTac boasts a vibrant culinary scene reflecting the Pacific Northwest’s rich flavors and Seattle’s diverse food culture. If you’re flying through SeaTac, take advantage of the incredible Seatac Food options available. This guide will navigate you through the best restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go spots, ensuring your airport experience is as satisfying as your destination.
Central Terminal: Quick Bites and Seafood Delights
The Central Terminal offers a range of options for travelers on the go or those looking for a taste of Seattle seafood.
Lucky Louie Fish Shack: For a classic SeaTac food experience, Lucky Louie Fish Shack is a must-try. They specialize in sustainably sourced Alaskan pollock and salmon, prepared in the time-honored tradition of fish and chips. Beyond the classic, explore their innovative fish tacos featuring crispy Baja-style salmon, a refreshing sesame slaw, pickled red onions, and a creamy sriracha sauce that adds a delightful kick. Don’t miss their comforting clam chowder, honey teriyaki salmon for an Asian-inspired flavor, and taiyaki – a unique fish-shaped waffle filled with creamy cheesecake.
Alt text: Diners enjoying fish and chips and seafood dishes at Lucky Louie Fish Shack, a popular SeaTac food destination in the Central Terminal.
Koi Shi Sushi Bento: If you’re craving sushi and need something quick, Koi Shi Sushi Bento offers pre-packaged rolls perfect for a swift SeaTac food fix. For those with a bit more time, create your own poke bowl with fresh ingredients and flavorful combinations.
Salty’s at the SEA: For a sit-down SeaTac food experience with a touch of Seattle elegance, Salty’s at the SEA is an excellent choice. An extension of the renowned West Seattle seafood restaurant Salty’s on Alki, this location provides a diverse menu spanning breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Indulge in fresh oysters at their oyster bar and enjoy a visual treat with screens showcasing Salty’s waterfront views on sunny days – a welcome escape from typical airport ambiance.
A Gates: Global Flavors and Sweet Treats
Concourse A presents a fascinating mix of international cuisine and delightful dessert options within SeaTac food scene.
Africa Lounge: Step outside the ordinary airport fare and discover the unique flavors of Congolese cuisine at Africa Lounge. This spot has transformed its menu to feature authentic dishes like sambusas (savory pastries), flavorful jollof rice, and sweet fried plantains. Led by General Manager Yves Maganya, who hails from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa Lounge offers a truly distinct SeaTac food experience, recognized as a pioneering example of African cuisine in a U.S. airport.
Alt text: A vibrant plate of Jollof rice, a signature dish at Africa Lounge, offering authentic Congolese SeaTac food at Seattle Airport.
Floret: Vegetarian travelers rejoice! Floret, a spin-off of Seattle’s beloved vegetarian restaurant Cafe Flora, offers a completely meat-free menu at the intersection of Concourses A and B. Start your day with brioche breakfast sandwiches or seasonal veggie scrambles. Throughout the day, enjoy vegan cinnamon rolls, grain bowls, fresh salads, and a hearty black bean burger. Floret is a standout for healthy and delicious SeaTac food choices.
Lowrider Cookie Company: Sometimes, all you need is a perfect cookie. Lowrider Cookie Company provides that sweet escape in Concourse A. Their cookie flavors rotate monthly, but staples like brown butter triple chocolate chunk, salted toffee pecan, s’mores, and birthday cake are always available to satisfy your SeaTac food cravings. Concourse A is a haven for dessert lovers, also featuring Lady Yum macarons and The Confectionery candy store.
B Gates: Tex-Mex and French Fare
Concourse B offers a lively mix of Tex-Mex flavors and classic French cuisine within the SeaTac food landscape.
Mi Casa Cantina: Spice up your airport dining with a visit to Mi Casa Cantina. This vibrant Tex-Mex spot is known for its crowd-pleasing nachos, tacos, and burritos. The guacamole is a definite highlight. Quench your thirst with their extensive cocktail menu featuring tequila and mezcal, including refreshing frozen margaritas and palomas. Mi Casa Cantina provides a festive SeaTac food experience.
LouLou Market and Bar: Experience a taste of French culinary artistry at LouLou Market and Bar, the last restaurant from the late, renowned Seattle chef Thierry Rautureau, “Chef in the Hat.” Enjoy classic French dishes like salade Niçoise and a satisfying prime rib French dip sandwich. LouLou Market and Bar offers a refined SeaTac food option for those seeking a more sophisticated meal.
C Gates: Dietary-Friendly and Pan-Asian Options
Concourse C caters to diverse needs with gluten-free options and a wide range of Asian cuisines within SeaTac food offerings.
Dish D’Lish: For travelers with dietary restrictions, Dish D’Lish, created by TV chef Kathy Casey, is a top SeaTac food destination. This grab-and-go spot is well-stocked with gluten-free choices. Explore their flavorful salads like wasabi potatoes, Mediterranean quinoa, and Northwest couscous for a healthy and convenient meal.
Hachi-ko: Embark on a culinary journey through Asia at Hachi-ko. This restaurant offers a diverse menu of Asian cuisines, including hot dishes like teriyaki and chicken adobo. Customize your own poke bowl or grab pre-made sandwiches, salads, and Spam musubis from their grab-and-go case for a quick and varied SeaTac food experience.
D Gates: Hawaiian Flavors, Brews, and Boba
Concourse D delivers a taste of Hawaii, local brews, and unique bubble tea flavors to enhance your SeaTac food journey.
Sam Choy’s Poke to the Max: Experience the taste of Hawaii at Sam Choy’s Poke to the Max, a Seattle favorite serving Hawaiian classics from morning to night. Create your own poke bowl, indulge in loco moco with a sunny-side-up egg, or savor burgers and kalua pork sandwiches on sweet King’s Hawaiian buns. For dessert, try Hawaiian ice cream flavors like lilikoʻi (passion fruit) and pineapple whip from Seattle’s Laina’s Handcrafted Ice Cream, a true SeaTac food treat.
Alt text: A colorful and fresh poke bowl from Sam Choy’s Poke to the Max, showcasing the Hawaiian inspired SeaTac food options at Seattle Airport.
Ballard Brew Hall: Craft beer enthusiasts, Ballard Brew Hall is your SeaTac food and drink destination. Enjoy a wide selection of craft beers, a bloody mary menu, and breakfast dishes like cinnamon French toast and biscuits and gravy. It’s the perfect spot for one last local brew before your flight.
Neighborhood: Discover unique bubble tea flavors at Neighborhood, featuring Filipino-inspired drinks like leche flan milk tea and turon turon milk tea. Even if boba isn’t your preference, try their sesame latte made with Fulcrum coffee and grab delicious to-go food from Umami Kushi. Neighborhood provides a unique and flavorful SeaTac food and beverage experience.
Seattle Dawg House: For a casual and fun SeaTac food stop, Seattle Dawg House offers hot dogs and a surprising twist – Belgian liège waffles. This sports bar serves up hot dog variations, including a Seattle dog with barbecue sauce and jalapenos, alongside sweet pearl sugar-infused waffles. It’s an unexpected but delicious combination.
S Gates: Lounging and Sit-Down Dining
Concourse S offers limited but comfortable SeaTac food options including a lounge and a sit-down restaurant.
The Club SEA: At the S Gates, The Club SEA lounge is a 24-hour option. For a fee, enjoy unlimited salads, soups, snacks, and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) with views of Mt. Rainier (weather permitting). It’s a comfortable SeaTac food and drink option while waiting for your flight.
Smith Cove: For a more substantial sit-down SeaTac food experience in the S Gates, Smith Cove, related to Palisade restaurant on Elliott Bay, offers familiar favorites like fried chicken, fish and chips, and salmon salad. Their cocktail menu is extensive and includes creative options, though be prepared for premium prices.
N Gates: Coffee, Breakfast, and Vietnamese Cuisine
Concourse N provides excellent coffee, award-winning breakfast, and flavorful Vietnamese dishes within the SeaTac food selection.
Caffe Vita: Coffee aficionados, Caffe Vita is your SeaTac food essential in the N Gates. Known for its high-quality espresso, Caffe Vita often has a line, but the service is quick. Try their golden milk latte with turmeric and spices for a comforting and flavorful drink. Another Caffe Vita location can be found in the C Gates.
Bad Egg: For an award-winning breakfast experience, head to Bad Egg in the N Gates. Named Airport Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year, Bad Egg specializes in creative breakfast sandwiches and unique doughnut creations like the “Donut and Spam Outback Sandwich.” Bad Egg is a must-try for SeaTac food breakfast lovers.
Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen and Bar: Enjoy generous portions of Vietnamese cuisine at family-owned Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen and Bar. From banh mi and pho to large noodle and rice bowls and refreshing bubble tea smoothies, Bambuza offers a satisfying and flavorful SeaTac food experience.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese: Cheese lovers, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, a Pike Place Market icon, has a SeaTac food location in the N Gates (and another in Central Terminal). Indulge in their famous mac and cheese, hot breakfast items, and grilled sandwiches. They also offer Salt and Straw ice cream in a grab-and-go freezer for a sweet treat.
With this guide, your layover or departure from SeaTac Airport becomes an opportunity to explore a diverse and delicious culinary scene. From local seafood to international flavors and sweet treats, SeaTac food options are sure to satisfy every traveler’s palate.
