10 best fly-in restaurants

Photo of La Relais at Bowman Field Airport

You’ve heard of drive-through restaurants, dock-and-dine for boaters—but fly-in restaurants? Believe it or not, there are a ton of five-star-worthy restaurants in airports throughout the United States. These are the perfect place for pilots of all types to set their coordinates for a tasty meal, whether stopping on the way through or as a final destination.

Here are ten popular fly-in airport restaurants around the US that are known for their unique dining experiences and great food:

La Relais – Bowman Field Airport (LOU), Louisville, Kentucky

This restaurant offers a unique dining experience with views of the airport runway and aircraft. La Relais is known for its French-inspired cuisine, including dishes like Escargots de Bourgogne, Coq au Vin and Beef Bourguignon. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular choice among aviation enthusiasts and locals alike. It’s advisable to check the restaurant’s operating hours and make a reservation if necessary before visiting.

Jet Runway Cafe – Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Jet Runway Cafe is a popular fly-in restaurant located at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It offers a unique dining experience with views of the airport runway and private jets. The restaurant is known for its modern and stylish atmosphere, featuring aviation-themed decor. It serves a variety of dishes ranging from breakfast classics to sandwiches, salads and seafood options. Jet Runway Cafe is well-regarded for its friendly service and delicious food, making it a favorite spot for both pilots and aviation enthusiasts.

Pilot Pete’s – Schaumburg Regional Airport (06C) Schaumburg, Illinois

Pilot Pete’s is a popular aviation-themed restaurant located in Schaumburg, Illinois. The restaurant is known for its unique decor, which includes vintage aircraft memorabilia, model planes and a full-size airplane suspended from the ceiling. It provides a lively and fun atmosphere for both aviation enthusiasts and families. Pilot Pete’s offers a diverse menu with a range of American cuisine options. They serve dishes like burgers, sandwiches, salads, seafood, steaks and pasta. The restaurant also has a full bar with a selection of beers, wines and cocktails. One of the highlights of Pilot Pete’s is its outdoor patio, where diners can enjoy their meals while watching small planes take off and land.

Holeman’s Table – St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP) St. Paul, Minnesota

Holman’s Table is such a beautiful spot to grab brunch, lunch or dinner. Upon landing at St. Paul Downtown Airport, you’ll, no doubt, enjoy the gorgeous view that Holman’s Table has to offer while watching everything from Gulfstreams to Black Hawks takeoff and land. The upscale ambiance gives this spot something new and refreshing over your typical airport diner while still maintaining the beautiful historical feel that you find all over St. Paul

Hangar 6 Air Cafe – Garner Field Airport (UVA) Uvalade, Texas

Hangar 6 Cafe is a popular restaurant located at Garner Field Airport in Uvalde, Texas. It offers a unique dining experience with an aviation theme and a view of the airport runway. The restaurant is housed in a historic hangar, adding to its charm and ambiance. Hangar 6 Cafe serves a variety of American and Tex-Mex dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, salads and tacos. They are known for their hearty portions and flavorful menu options. The restaurant is a favorite among pilots, locals, and visitors to the area.

Flight Deck Diner – Cape May Airport (WWD) Cape May, New Jersey

It offers a unique dining experience with aviation-themed decor and views of the airport’s runway. The restaurant is designed to resemble an aircraft hangar, creating a fun and immersive atmosphere for visitors. Flight Deck Diner serves a variety of classic American diner-style dishes, including breakfast options, burgers, sandwiches, salads and comfort food favorites. They are known for their delicious homemade meals. In addition to its dining area, Flight Deck Diner also features an outdoor patio where guests can enjoy their meals while watching planes take off and land.

Crosswinds Restaurant – Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) Nantucket, Massachusetts

Crosswinds Restaurant is a popular dining establishment located at Nantucket Memorial Airport on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. It offers a unique and picturesque dining experience with views of the airport runway and the surrounding natural beauty of the island. Crosswinds Restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes, including locally caught fish and shellfish. They also offer a range of American and international cuisine options, including salads, sandwiches and steaks. The restaurant prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and providing excellent service to its patrons. With its aviation-themed decor and warm atmosphere, Crosswinds Restaurant attracts both aviation enthusiasts and locals looking for a good time.

Volanti – Scottsdale Airport (SDL) Scottsdale, Arizona

Volanti is a contemporary restaurant located at the Scottsdale Airport in Scottsdale, Arizona. It offers a unique dining experience with panoramic views of the airport runway and the surrounding desert landscape. Volanti boasts a modern and elegant atmosphere, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that provide an immersive aviation experience. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, allowing guests to enjoy their meals while watching planes take off and land. The menu at Volanti features a fusion of American and Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on fresh and seasonal ingredients. Diners can choose from a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, seafood and steaks. Additionally, Volanti has a full bar with a selection of wines, craft beers, and cocktails.

Waypoint Cafe – Camarillo Airport (CMA) Camarillo, California

Waypoint Cafe offers a casual and welcoming atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. It provides a great view of the runway and aircraft activity at the airport. The restaurant has an aviation-themed decor, adding to the overall charm of the dining experience. The menu at Waypoint Cafe features a variety of American comfort food options. They serve breakfast, lunch, and brunch, offering dishes like omelets, pancakes, burgers, sandwiches and salads. The cafe is known for its friendly service. It’s recommended to check the restaurant’s operating hours as they may vary, especially during weekdays or special events. Making a reservation, especially during busy times, can also be a good idea to ensure a smooth dining experience.

The Perfect Landing Restaurant – Centennial Airport (APA) Englewood, Colorado

The Perfect Landing Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with beautiful views of the airport and the Rocky Mountains. The Perfect Landing Restaurant features a warm and inviting atmosphere with aviation-themed decor, including model airplanes and photographs. The restaurant is known for its elegant setting, making it a popular choice for special occasions, business meetings, and aviation enthusiasts. The menu at The Perfect Landing offers a variety of culinary options, including classic American dishes, seafood, steaks and international cuisine. They also have an extensive wine list and a full bar with a range of cocktails and spirits. With its picturesque setting, The Perfect Landing Restaurant allows guests to watch planes take off and land while enjoying their meals.

Mesa Grill – Sedona Airport (SDX) Sedona, Arizona

Mesa Grill Sedona is a Southwest Style Grill serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. They offer many traditional favorites such as all-American and Southwestern breakfasts and lunches with delectable omelets, burgers, sandwiches, steaks and seafood. Their seasonally changing dinner menus feature customer favorites such as Ceasar salads, table-side guacamole, Colorado red trout with crispy skin, fish and chips, and pulled pork barbeque. They also feature vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free choices as well. Guests can enjoy their meal while enjoying some of the best views in all of Arizona.