The US Airport Considered #1 For Food And Travel Is This Unexpected Florida Hub

Waiting in airports is no one's idea of a good time. Seats are usually uncomfortable, food options are limited, and finding a place to plug in your charger can seem like a missing scene from a "National Treasure" film. But things are unexpectedly different at Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is regularly recognized for being the best in the country for both travel and food.

Food options seem unlimited here, which makes TPA a great experience. Tampa Bay establishments like Ulele and the Columbia Restaurant offer travelers a taste of local cuisine, ranging from Cuban sandwiches to fresh seafood. Larger chains are also available to provide quick to-go options for those running from one flight to the next. Also, USA Today named Tampa International Airport the best airport for dining in 2024 and specifically cited the seafood options available throughout the terminals and the sweet options provided by Yogurtology.

If seafood or yogurt isn't your travel meal of choice, don't worry. There are more than 65 restaurants, kiosks, bars, and shops offering different treats to the weary traveler on any schedule. Access to each option is dependent on which terminal you find yourself in while catching or exiting your flight. But it's a safe bet you will find something to hold you over at TPA until you reach your final destination.

In 2025, TPA was ranked first in North America by Airports Council International's annual Airport Service Quality Awards. This was the second year in a row that the airport received this recognition, which was determined by compiling passenger survey data. Passengers pointed to cleanliness, the helpfulness of staff, security, wayfinding, and amenities. More than 400 airports participated in the program.

Tampa is of course along the gulf coast of Florida, and it fully embraces its tropical personality. In 2022 the airport installed a 21-foot tall pink flamingo in the main terminal, which was lovingly named "Phoebe" after public input. It's a selfie hot spot worth visiting to mark your journey to or through Florida.

While it is not the busiest airport in the world or country, TPA sees more than 500 flights and 72,000 domestic and international passengers passing through the airport each day. That's still a lot of people, but luckily navigation is easy, thanks to a robust system of trains extending to and from its terminals. Trains arrive often, rarely making passengers wait more than two minutes for their next ride. It's no wonder TPA is travel expert Samantha Brown's favorite airport in the world.