Wondering about the best places for food and shopping at Seattle Airport? If you’re visiting or heading back home to Seattle, chances are you’re going to be spending a bit of time at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), also known as Sea-Tac. If you’ve got a bit of time before your next flight, there is no need to fight boredom sitting for hours at your gate. Sea-Tac is designed to show you a good time with its wide array of dining and shopping options.
Whether you’re looking for a quick grab-and-go bite or a leisurely sit-down lunch, you’ll be able to find something that suits your taste among the 42 dining options throughout the concourses. The shopping scene is no less impressive, offering everything from local handmade gifts to luxury perfumes to the latest gadgets. Seattle Airport is currently undergoing a long-term facelift so by the time they are done, there are going to be a lot more dining, retail, and entertainment options available for passengers.
The layout of Seattle airport is that of an ‘L’ shape. The apex of where the two arms meet is the Central Terminal. The gates are located throughout the arms.
Best Places for Food & Shopping at Seattle-Tacoma Airport
Quick Bites
Floret By Café Flora
One of the most popular eateries in Seattle Airport, Floret attracts repeat customers with their classic comfort foods like mushroom and gravy, as well as grab-and-go favourites like croissants and quiche. Their baked pastries are divine; do try their vegan cinnamon rolls, and pair it with an oat milk latte.
Location – Concourse A, Gate A1
Lady Yum
Satiate your sweet tooth at Lady Yum’s with a taste of their delicious macarons. They have flavors we doubt you’d be able to find anywhere else, like lavender honey and raspberry chardonnay. They also serve tiny bottles of liquor, but unfortunately, they cannot be taken onto airplanes. But, that’s why they’re tiny, right?
Location – Concourse A, Gate A1
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Offering the ultimate combination of grab-and-go with top-notch food, Beecher’s is famous for its mac ‘n’ cheese in their downtown location. The airport location offers the same quality with a twist- pints of take-away mac ‘n’ cheese that will hit the spot and keep you smiling as you board your flight, where you’ll probably fall into a dreamy carb-induced sleep.
Location – Concourse C, Gate C3
Camden Food Co.
If you’re craving something healthy or have dietary restrictions, worry not. Camden Food Co. is known for its veggie-packed sandwiches, wraps, sushi, and salads. We recommend their juicy Garden Turkey sandwich.
Location – Concourse D, Gate D5
Sit Down Dining Options
Lucky Louie Fish Shack
For a cornucopia of seafood options at Sea-Tac, look no further than Lucky Louie. They’re best known for their Alaska Pollock fish and chips, clam chowder, honey teriyaki salmon, and shrimp melt. And believe us when we tell you, the Tillamook cheese actually melts in that ooey-gooey way it is supposed to. For dessert, opt for their fish-shaped cheesecake (stay with us here) smothered in rich chocolate fudge.
Location – Central Terminal
Koi Shi Sushi Bento
Head to Koi Shi Sushi Bento to build your own poke bowl. You can choose between white and brown rice, salmon and tuna, and then top it off with a variety of flavors like mango, seaweed salad, and crispy onion. Alternatively, you can also go with one of the predetermined bowl combinations from the menu. They also serve pre-packaged rolls.
Location – Central Terminal
Africa Lounge
You never thought you’d find splendid Congolese fare in the middle of Seattle, did you? Well, you best believe it because owners Yves Maganya and Rod O’Neal dish out the best damn Sambusa, Jack African Amber, and Jollof rice this side of the Atlantic Ocean. For just a quick bite, go for the fried plantains, a staple in every East African household.
Location – Concourse A, Gate A5
Rel’Lish Burger Lounge
In case you happen to have quite a bit of time on your hands, and want to have a long and leisurely sit-down meal at a fairly upscale restaurant before you leave Seattle, Rel’Lish should be your first choice. They have 6 burgers on their menu, each inspired by a different culinary culture and boasting intensely delicious flavors. For the gastronomically adventurous, they also have a cheeseburger inspired-soup topped with pickles.
Location – Concourse B, Gate B7
Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen and Bar
It’s just a short hop from Seattle to Vietnam. Best known for their healthy rice and noodle bowls, they also offer crowd-pleasers like bubble tea smoothies. You can’t go wrong with their grill bowl with vermicelli noodles and hoisin pork. Alternatively, their tofu bowls and tofu banh mis will seduce vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike.
Location – Satellite N, Gate N19
Shopping at Seattle Airport
Made in Washington
Forgot to buy gifts for your loved ones? Made in Washington offers specialty foods, arts and crafts, as well as other high-quality giftable items for all age groups. The best part is that you’ll be supporting local artisans and craftsmen.
Location – Central Terminal
Fireworks
Quite possibly a one-stop-shop destination for whatever you may need. From jewellery to bags to books and apparel, they’ve got you covered. They also showcase the artwork of 300+ national artists.
Location – Central Terminal and Gate D7
SubPop
If you’re artistically inclined, you may want to pick up some art supplies at SubPop and allow yourself to get creatively inspired as you wait for your flight. You’ll also find music and memorabilia that celebrates the eponymous record label’s contributions to Seattle’s music history. Their humble tagline reads: “We’re not the best, but we’re pretty good”.
Location – Central Terminal
Dufry Duty Free
A classic duty-free experience for passengers passing through Sea-Tac. Domestic travellers can buy everything aside from the two common no-nos (tobacco and alcohol), while international travellers have a little bit more cheeky leeway, depending on their airline and destination.
Location – Gates A10, D1, and S10
InMotion Entertainment
Offering a range of premium grade electronics, InMotion Entertainment will ensure that you leave with a handy new gadget that will make your digital life easier.
Location – Gates A5 and D6
