Take a tour of the airport area for a wide variety of dining options

Whether you’re on your way to the airport to catch a flight or you’re in town on a long layover, there are plenty of great dining options around Miami International Airport (MIA). Choose from Spanish tapas to authentic Cuban fare or elegant hotel restaurants. There’s even a historic spot where you can watch the planes take off from the runway and listen to air traffic control while indulging in shrimp scampi. This is our guide to the best restaurants in Miami’s airport area.

Bulla Gastrobar

Doral is located just west of the airport. Here, you’ll find the popular Bulla Gastrobar, a modern Spanish tapas-style restaurant. The expansive dining room features a large central bar and open kitchen for a lively, convivial atmosphere. The menu is divided into cured meats, cheeses, tapas and raciones, seasonal specialties and large plates. Go for traditional tapas like chicken croquetas, steamed octopus, patatas bravas, Spanish omelet, codfish fritters and meatballs. The list goes on and on, which is a good thing. Bring a hungry bunch and prepare to feast.

Melreese Country Club Restaurant

The Melreese International Links and Country Club is just east of the airport’s perimeter. Come for a morning on the greens and stick around for lunch at the restaurant overlooking the golf course. It boasts a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, entrees and tantalizing appetizers. Start with jalapeno poppers or mozzarella sticks and then take your pick from items like a club sandwich, avocado tuna wrap or a patty melt. Save room for dessert and enjoy the apple cobbler a la mode.

94th Aero Squadron Restaurant

Geek out over lunch at the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant overlooking the runway. It’s the second oldest active military fighter squadron in the United States. The restaurant at this historic site provides guests with headphones so you can listen to air traffic ground control while you dine. It’s the ultimate experience for aviation geeks. You’ll enjoy everything from spicy shrimp Guadalajara to steak here.

Savor classic Cuban dishes at Versailles Cuban Restaurant

Versailles Restaurant

Little Havana is just southeast of the airport and is home to some of the best Cuban food in town. We recommend heading straight to Versailles Restaurant. Established in 1971, Versailles has long been a meeting place for Miami’s Cuban diaspora who come together here over ropa vieja (stewed beef), black beans, rice and sweet plantains. Despite the mirrors etched in baroque patterns lining the wall and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, the place has a casual diner vibe and is welcoming to all. This is a prime place to try a famed Cuban sandwich made with ham, pork, Swiss cheese, mustard and pickles, toasted to perfection on Cuban bread, as well as strong, sweet Cuban cafecito.

Check out Tavolo's Mediterranean cuisine

Tavolo at Pullman Miami Airport Hotel

Located in one of Miami’s premier airport hotels, Tavolo is an excellent dining destination. Enjoy your meal in the sun-drenched dining room or outside on the terrace. With an emphasis on Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll enjoy everything from lamb shank to seafood paella and fine wines in an inviting atmosphere.

Miranda Cuisine & Bar at EB Hotel Miami

Inside the EB Hotel near Miami International Airport, you’ll find Miranda Cuisine & Bar where Latin flavors influence international dishes inside an inviting formal dining room. Think crispy Venezuelan tequeños, cornmeal arepas with brisket, chicken topped with pico de gallo and grilled churrasco skirt steak served with black beans, rice and sweet plantains. It’s a true feast, best complemented by the bar’s First Class gin and tonic before your flight.

Rincon Criollo

Just east of Miami International Airport, you’ll find Rincon Criollo, a delicious, no-frills Cuban diner. Come hungry and indulge in your favorite Cuban classic or discover something new. The extensive menu covers all the culinary bases from appetizers, salads, soups and sandwiches to heartier seafood, chicken and pork entrees. Standout dishes include the shrimp creole enchilada, roasted pork lechon asado and the sautéed ground beef —picadillo a la criolla. All entrees come with your choice of three sides. We recommend fried sweet plantains, rice and black beans.