I’ve spent a lot of time at Sea-Tac Airport over the last 20 years, ever since my first move to the Seattle area back in 1992. As a frequent traveler, I know how hard it is to find good airport food at a reasonable price, and I’ve always appreciated the wonderful eateries at my current home airport.
If you find yourself with some time to kill at Sea-Tac Airport, here are four restaurants you should consider patronizing.
Anthony’s Restaurant and Fish Bar
Anthony’s has been one of my favorites for years. This is a Pacific Northwest chain, and the fare found at their airport location is just as good as the others, although a little less scenic without the water view. They have a good selection of microbrews that pair perfectly with fish ‘n chips. The chowder is also very good, however, you should probably skip the salmon tacos – not up to par with everything else on the menu.
Entrees are $10-15, well worth it for not only the quality but the speedy service, especially considering it’s a more upscale restaurant. You’ll find Anthony’s located in the central terminal. Ask for a seat by the window and you can watch the planes land and takeoff while you dine.
Dish D’ Lish
Dish D’ Lish is one of my new favorite Sea-Tac restaurants. When dropping my daughter off for her flight recently, I happened upon it when I just looking for a cold beverage, and decided to stay for dinner. The cuisine here is hot and cold sandwiches, but they are nothing ordinary; made with fresh ingredients that taste like someone created a whole new sandwich experience.
I had the Turkey Florentine which is made with roasted turkey breast, fresh spinach and creamy parmesan spread on organic bread that is served hot and paninni pressed. The lemonade pomegranate drink was amazing too. Dish D’ Lish is also quite affordable with sandwiches starting at $3.99. This eatery is perfect for those who are in a hurry, or have more time, and can be found in the central terminal.
Ivar’s Fish Bar
Ivar’s is another Seattle favorite, and was even picked as one of Frommer’s top-ten airport restaurants in the country. I’ve visited all of their locations across the Puget Sound more than once, and I can attest to the quality of their food as well as fast service. Located in the central terminal, the smoked salmon and halibut ‘n chips are two of my favorite entrees. You’ll find reasonable prices here, with many menu items under $10.
Pallino Pasteria
I love Italian food, but I did not expect to love what I found at another central terminal located restaurant, Pallino Pasteria, and I was pleasantly surprised. Their breakfast pizza, with egg, cheese and vegetables (you can also add bacon or sausage) was just $6.95, and not only filling, but incredibly good. In another visit, I tried the Pesto Genovese with Penne and was more than happy with the choice. It’s hard to believe that something so mouth-wateringly delicious could be found at an airport, and it was less than $10.
Most of the time service is quick here, and you can quickly grab a meal to carry onto your flight, but on busy airport days, allow a little extra time.
