Airport eats run the gamut, but Dulles International Airport and Reagan National Airport have each upped their culinary game of late. Whether you have time to spare or are cutting it close, we’ve narrowed the dining choices for you.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
1 hour
P.F. Chang’s
E Gates
This chain offers cuisine from Japan, China, Korea, and beyond. On the menu: signature lettuce wraps, wonton soup, sesame chicken, and more.
District Bar
A Gates
When you’ve got some time to kill, grab a beer and Buffalo wings. Or try the beet hummus, hearty salads, or breakfast served as early as 5 a.m.
Matsutake Sushi
National Hall
The sky’s the limit at this fresh Asian must-try. Dine on rice and noodle bowls, sushi and sashimi, hibachi, or maki rolls while you sip a cocktail.
Legal Sea Foods
National Hall
This Boston-born gem has everything you want from a New England seafood restaurant, including chowder, a raw bar, and a catch of the day.
30 minutes
Dos Toros Taqueria
C Gates
This San Francisco mission-style taqueria has scratch-made burritos, tacos, bowls, salads, nachos, and quesadillas.
Half Moon Empanadas
Near Gate B15
Empanadas are made fresh here in varieties such as beef, ham and cheese, and spicy chicken.
Lucky Buns
National Hall
Thick-cut fries, gigantic burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads draw diners to this destination for halal chicken and beef.
CAVA
Gate C23, B16
This popular fast-casual destination cooks up flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meals. Build-your-own bowls, salads, and sandwiches.
10 minutes
Starbucks
B Gates, D Gates, National Hall
Grab a brew for the plane. If you’re ordering a latte or heated eats, allow for more time.
The Goods@DCA
D Gates, National Hall
On top of snacks and cold drinks, grab any travel essentials or souvenirs you need.
Georgetown Gourmet Market
D Gates
This subway tile–clad market offers prepackaged and freshly made paninis, salads, soups, and wraps.
Farmer’s Fridge Vending Machines
B Gates, National Hall
Running late? Grab a fresh salad or wrap before boarding.
Order to Go on DCAordernow.com
Elevation Burger
Gates E46–E59
Chick-fil-A
National Hall
U Street Pub
Gates C23–C34
Kapnos Taverna
Gates D35–D45
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
1 hour
Urban Crave
Opens November, Concourse A
Make time to dine on breakfast, burgers, bloody marys, salads, sandwiches, desserts, and more.
Fiolina
Opens early 2025, Concourse A
Give in to your housemade pasta craving at the latest full-service venture from the owners of Sfoglina.
Rappahannock Oyster Company
Opens November, between Concourses A & B
Dive into oysters, a raw bar, and fresh seafood from this local chain.
Gatsby
Opens November, Concourse C
Indulge in sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes while you sip a craft cocktail at this sister to DC’s Navy Yard diner.
30 minutes
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Opens December, Concourse B
Sample this DC icon’s famous chili, half-smokes, burgers, subs, sandwiches, and salads.
Freshii
Concourse B
Grab a healthy bowl, burrito, salad, wrap, or smoothie at this convenient spot for delicious and nutritious food.
Wow Bao
Gates D35–D45
Choose from meat, vegetarian, or sweet hot Asian buns or bowls, plus steamed dumplings here and at DCA.
Extreme Pita
Concourse A
The range of nutritious options here includes rolled or pressed pitas, breakfast, grain bowls, and refreshing smoothies.
10 minutes
Starbucks
Between Concourses A & B, Concourse A, Gates C7 and C24, and Concourse D
Get your cuppa Joe and a cookie.
Union Kitchen
Concourse D
Take a minute to pick up a cold drink and snack from this grab-and-go, owned by a DC-based gourmet grocer.
Dunkin’
Concourses A & D, Z Gates
Get your doughnut and coffee fix, plus bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
South Block
Opens November, Concourse B
Order up a fresh, nutritious smoothie or acai bowl at this fast-casual spot.
Order to Go on IADordernow.com
&pizza
Concourses B & C
Jersey Mike’s
Concourse A
Subway
Concourse C & Z Gates
Bracket Room
Concourse B
Feature image of Dulles International Airport by Nate Hovee/stock.adobe.com
This story originally ran in our November issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
