LaGuardia Airport Edges Out JFK for Best Food in New York

Food & Wine names LaGuardia the top airport for dining, with Terminal B's standout options and modern design.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:45pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, depicting the sweeping, streamlined forms and grand scale of a modern airport terminal, capturing the romance and excitement of travel without any literal depiction of people, text, or recognizable landmarks.The stylish redesign of LaGuardia Airport's Terminal B has elevated the dining experience, helping the New York hub claim the top spot for airport food in the nation.NYC Today

In its annual Global Tastemakers Awards, Food & Wine magazine named LaGuardia Airport (LGA) the best U.S. airport for dining, ranking it ahead of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The publication cited LGA's renovated Terminal B, which features over 35 dining and retail options including popular local and national brands. Meanwhile, JFK trails LGA in overall food quality but has strong options in select terminals, and is undergoing a $19 billion overhaul that is expected to boost its dining experiences in the coming years.

Why it matters

As major transit hubs, New York's airports play an important role in the city's culinary landscape. The Food & Wine rankings highlight how airports are evolving to meet travelers' growing expectations for high-quality dining options, with LGA's transformation serving as a model for how airports can enhance the overall passenger experience.

The details

According to Food & Wine's analysis, LGA's Terminal B is the main driver behind its top ranking, with more than 35 dining and retail options ranging from local favorites to national brands. Standout spots include the chic lounge Capital One Landing, the popular fast-casual chain Shake Shack, and the Asian-fusion restaurant Talde Noodle Bar. JFK, meanwhile, has strong fast-food options in Terminal 5 and an upscale brasserie in the Delta One Lounge in Terminal 4, but lags behind LGA's overall dining experience. However, JFK is undergoing a $19 billion renovation that is expected to significantly improve its food and beverage offerings in the coming years.

  • Food & Wine released its annual Global Tastemakers Awards in April 2026.
  • LGA completed an $8 billion renovation in the mid-2020s, transforming the airport.
  • JFK's $19 billion overhaul is ongoing, with new dining venues and upgrades expected through the late 2020s.

The players

Food & Wine

A leading food and wine publication that annually ranks the top U.S. airports for dining as part of its Global Tastemakers Awards.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

One of New York City's two major airports, which recently underwent an $8 billion renovation that significantly improved its dining options, particularly in Terminal B.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

New York City's other major airport, which is currently undergoing a $19 billion overhaul that is expected to enhance its food and beverage offerings in the coming years.

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What’s next

As JFK's $19 billion renovation continues, it will be worth watching whether the airport can close the gap or even overtake LaGuardia in future Food & Wine rankings for best airport dining.

The takeaway

New York's airports are evolving to meet travelers' growing expectations for high-quality dining, with LaGuardia's recent transformation serving as a model for how airports can enhance the overall passenger experience through thoughtful design and a diverse mix of culinary offerings.