Tanya Stanfield is the founder and CEO of Road Warrior Strong, a personal fitness concierge service for busy travelers looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle on the road. She is a three-time marathoner who calls Chicago home but tends to fall in love with every city she travels to for work.
Healthy and unique aren’t words typically used to describe airport restaurants. However, the San Francisco International Airport is on a mission to change that.
As several SFO airport restaurant leases recently came to a close, Cheryl Nashir, Director of Revenue Development and Management, and her colleagues began to plan a different food experience.
“Inside the airport travelers are craving the same level of quality and distinctive local flair that they expect to find outside of the airport,” says Nashir.
We recently walked through the SFO airport with Ms. Nashir to explore a few of these newer restaurants. Here are ten of our top new airport restaurants mixed in with a few of our older favorites.
Ten healthy and unique San Francisco International Airport food finds
1. Joe and the Juice
A Dutch juicery that has taken San Francisco by storm now offers those traveling through the international terminal a stylish yet zen corner to get their fruit and vegetable fix. Juices and shakes abound of course along with a few sandwiches and coffee drinks.
Try: The Avocado Shake or the Energizer with red grapefruit, ginger, and apple.
Where: International Terminal Boarding Area G near Gate G101 (Post-Security)
When: Daily, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
2. Tomakazu
This San Francisco International Airport restaurant feels like a real sushi restaurant right down to the counter. For travelers who don’t have time to sit there are a wide array of items to grab n’ go beyond the typical sushi rolls. Sashimi to go? Yes, please!
Try: Pair a few generous sashimi pieces with seaweed salad.
Where: International Terminal Boarding Area G near Gate G93 (Post-Security)
When: Daily, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
3. Napa Farms Market
Napa Farms Market now has two outposts at SFO, with the newest recently added to the International Terminal. Part specialty grocery, part high-end cafeteria, and part bar, this always-packed SFO airport restaurant has something for everyone. Bypass the cafeteria line and head to the refrigerated section where you’ll find everything from breakfast shakes to hearty salads.
Try: The Spiced Salmon, Bombay Potato and Haricot Vert salad and the Superfood Salad.
Where: Terminal 2 Boarding Area D Retail Street (Post-Security) and International Terminal Boarding Area G near Gate G91 (Post-Security)
Hours: Daily, 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Terminal 2) and Daily, 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m (International Terminal)
4. San Francisco Giants Club House
Don’t judge this restaurant by its sports memorabilia-laden cover. With original Google chef, Charlie Ayers at the helm, this newly opened restaurant offers more than your typical sports bar. Within its first week of opening, the San Francisco Giants Club House was already a big hit among travelers eager to experience the flavors of AT&T Park.
Try: The Vegetable Grain Burger is a special treat along with the Giants Super Salad filled with kale, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts.
Where: Terminal 3 Boarding Area F near Gate 82 (Post-Security)
Hours: Daily, 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m
5. The Plant Café
Located adjacent to Pinkberry, The Plant Café’s chill vibe is hard to miss in busy Terminal 2. Here travelers will find a wide range of organic and distinctly Californian dishes such as freshly made smoothies and grain bowls.
Try: The Basil Pesto Tofu Scramble or the Green Banana Almond Smoothie.
Where: Terminal 2 Boarding Area D near Gate 51b (Post-Security)
Hours: Daily, 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
6. Fraiche Artisanal Food Shop
This SFO airport restaurant is open all day, but we think it is an ideal spot to pick up a fast, wholesome, and healthy breakfast. In addition to homemade Greek yogurt combinations, Fraiche features several frittatas AND steel cut oatmeal options, so if you travel through Terminal 3, often you can try something different. There are also a couple of vegan-friendly meals.
Try: The veggie-packed Frittata and Avocado Toast with Aleppo pepper and mixed greens.
Where: Terminal 3 Boarding Area F, near Gate 81 (Post-Security)
When: Daily, 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m
7. Limon
This local favorite is brand new to Terminal 3 and offers natural and fast meals with a Peruvian flair. Health-conscious travelers will appreciate that a fresh mixture of seasoned vegetables is a cornerstone of most Limon dishes and that their protein options offer a level of flavor you won’t find at most airport restaurants. Read our review of this delicious restaurant here.
Try: The Beef Signature Bowl is our absolute favorite!
Where: Terminal 3 Boarding Area F, the food court at entrance to Gates 80 through 90 (Post-Security)
Hours: Daily, 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
8. Amoura Fresh Mediterranean
The Mediterranean is typically a safe bet for travelers seeking lean protein and vegetables, and we’re happy to see Amoura’s presence at SFO. Another local favorite hailing from South San Francisco, this airport restaurant offers grab n’ go as well as made-to-order meals that are fresh and delicious.
Try: The Chicken Kabob served with Horiatiki salad.
Where: Terminal 3 Boarding Area F, the food court at entrance to Gates 80 through 90 (Post-Security)
When: Daily, 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
9. Samovar Tea Lounge
Somavar Tea Lounge is a welcome oasis before security in the International Terminal. This is the perfect sit-down airport restaurant for travelers who need to rest and unwind with a light meal and a specialty tea before or after a flight.
Try: The Kale Salad and the Veggie Toast with roasted red pepper, arugula, and Maldon salt flakes.
Where: International Terminal Main Hall (Pre-Security)
When: Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
10. Dogpatch Bakehouse & Cafe
A “bakehouse” might be the last place one would expect to find anything green and leafy. Fortunately, if you want a side salad with your sandwich travelers can find their fill here at this airport restaurant that sources local ingredients for all of their meals.
Try: Avocado Toast topped with feta, heirloom tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and micro greens.
Where: Terminal 3 Boarding Area E (Post-Security)
When: Daily, 4:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
