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A gate-by-gate guide to the best pre-flight meals and activities.
By
Matt Meltzer
Updated on 12/19/2023 at 11:32 AM
Say what you will about Miami International Airport, it helps you get your steps in. Sure, you might find yourself walking over a mile to make your connection, especially now that the in-airport train is “closed for maintenance” for the foreseeable future. But after a long flight you probably need to stretch your legs anyway, right? So, you’re welcome.
While making the trek through our beautiful airport, you’ll also be treated to a fantastic sampling of the best Miami has to offer. You’ll find people from all over the world, hear at least half a dozen different languages, kill time with some actually fun things to do, and find food offerings from Miami’s booming restaurant scene. So whether you’re stuck in perpetual layover purgatory or just need a quick meal that beats airline food, we’ve got you covered with this terminal-by-terminal guide.
Pre-Security
La Carreta
Concourse E Baggage Claim
If you’ve flown into MIA, you know bags arrive on Miami time. Fill the dead space with a trip to this Cuban cafeteria in the baggage claim, where a hot cortadito will give you the superhuman strength required to grab all your suitcases off the belt.
Air Margaritaville
Concourse E
Sometimes, it’s fun to act like a tourist and do stuff like down a margarita and a cheeseburger before you even check in for your flight. If that’s your game, this Buffett-inspired spot outside Concourse E is the move.
Chef Creole
Concourse E
Set in a long stretch of no-man's land between the American and United check in desks, Chef Creole gives you a good (for the airport, anyway) run through of Haitian cuisine’s greatest hits. It’s seafood-heavy, though, so maybe don’t get yours boxed to-go for inflight enjoyment (your seatmates will thank you).
Terminal D
XpresSpa
Closest gate: D11
There's no better way to kill some time in the airport than to indulge in a manicure, massage, or another spa treatment. So get a last minute pedicure before your toes hit the sand at your destination or melt away the stress of travel at this XpresSpa location.
American Airlines Admirals Club
Closest gate: D15
AA’s Admirals Club on the east end of the D Terminal sits just a few gates from the Centurion Lounge, but can often be less crowded during busy times. The food is decent; beer, wine, and well liquors are complimentary; and you can even sneak in a pre-flight shower or take some work calls in the office space. The lounge is open to Admirals Club members, other AA passengers can purchase a day pass for $79, depending on availability.
Shula’s Bar and Grill
Closest gate: D17
The original Shula’s is still one of the top steakhouses in Miami, so if you’re the type of person who goes to the airport for the prime steak dinners, let’s talk. But also, you’ve arrived.
Manchu Wok/Nathan’s/Villa Pizzeria
Closest gate: D21
MIA’s glorious food court throws it back to the shopping malls of your youth, where you can pick from Manchu Wok’s Chinese specialties, a Nathan’s hot dog and crinkle cut fries, or NY-style pizza and pasta from Villa Pizza. If you’re in a rush, it’s an easy stop near security checkpoints one and two.
Wynwood Warehouse Bar
Closest gate: D24
The old Beaudevin wine bar has gotten a makeover and is now a tribute bar to Miami’s best neighborhood for craft beer. You’ll find loads of local selections inside, if you’re looking for an on-airport tour of Miami’s beer scene.
My Ceviche
Closest gate: D29
We swear, airport ceviche isn’t a bad idea. This local legend had been serving citrus-cooked seafood for over a decade in the Magic City, and if you want a little local flavor on a short layover this is one of your best options.
Cuban Crafters
Closest gate: D29
Missed a trip to Little Havana on your trip? Or need to stock up on cigars before your weekend away from Miami? This store is a cigar aficionado’s dream come true as they hand roll their own smooth smokes using a seven-step process for a premium cigar. It’s oh-so Miami, and it’s right here in terminal D.
Half Moon Empanadas
Closest gate: D29
This empanada stalwart has been around for over a decade, and somehow worked its way into airports and stadiums around the city. But its success makes sense, as Half Moon’s combination of quality of flaky, savory turnovers are unrivaled. It’s got the classic beef and chicken, but also offers more interesting creations like chicken cordon bleu, chimichurri bacon, eggs and pinto beans, and other stuff that’ll give you a taste of Miami without stepping outside.
American Airlines Admirals Club/Flagship Lounge
Closest gate: D30
AA’s largest lounge at MIA sits about a ten-minute walk from security, just past the Miami Heat team store. Upstairs you’ll find a buffet, bar, TVs, and showers as well as ample seating, even during busy hours. The Admirals Club is open to Admirals Club members, other AA passengers can purchase a day pass for $79, depending on availability. Off the Admirals club sits AA’s Flagship Lounge for big shots and first and business class international fliers, where ramped up food, a full open bar, and a sit-down restaurant await.
The Counter Burger
Closest gate: D33
Though this custom-built burger joint didn’t make it as a stand-alone joint in Aventura, its spirit lives on in the hidden corner of the D terminal near the Heat team store. Expect creative toppings from pesto sauce to buffalo mozzarella at this creative sit-down restaurant.
Terminal E
Turkish Airlines Lounge
Just past security on the left
For Priority Pass members or anyone flying first or business class on Turkish or another Star Alliance airline, this is your place of respite from the masses. The food is an expected mix of Middle Eastern specialties, so you can enjoy falafel and lentils alongside a full open bar. Before big international flights—especially on Turkish Airways—seating can be at a premium. So, if you’re planning some lounge time be sure to get there early.
Maestro Della Pizza
Closest gate: E7
Alas, MIA finally got a pizza place outside of Terminal D that doesn’t moonlight as a Target cafeteria staple. Maestro Della Pizza is tucked away in American Airlines’ distant terminal, serving as a worthy reward for all that schlepping. It’s not affiliated with Giotto Maestro Della Pizza—the Neapolitan masterpieces in South Beach—but considering the surroundings, it’s still pretty damn good.
Wynwood Warehouse Bar
E Satellite
MIA’s lone operational terminal tram takes you out to the lightly trafficked E satellite gates. Oddly enough, this far-out locale might be home to the airport’s most local-feeling bar with this Wynwood-themed spot where parking is much easier than in real-life Wynwood.
Terminal F
Maestro Della Pizza
Closest gate: F14
Mercifully, the F gates finally got a second legitimate food option this year when Terminal E’s pizza spot opened a grab-and-go offshoot in the Forgotten Land. The personal-sized pizzas are still piping hot, and a significant upgrade from the chain that used to call this spot home.
Terminal H
Bongos Cuban Café
H-J Connector
Once upon a time, Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s Bongos Café was a post-game Cuban hotspot at the American Airlines Arena. The home of the Heat is the Kayesa Center now, and Bongos has moved into the H-J connector. You won’t find quite the late-night salsa party you found at the old spot, but you will find the best Cuban food in the airport.
Island Chicken Grill
H-J Connector
If you somehow missed your chance to enjoy jerk chicken and rice during your visit to Miami, this spot in the H-J connector is your last chance. It offers a Bacon-cado Burger, if you want to load up on fats pre-fight. And it also offers a pretty sizable menu of Cuban classics if you need just one more Palomilla steak.
Delta Airlines Sky Club
H-J Connector
Delta’s lone lounge at MIA sits at the beginning of the H-J connector, just past security on the left. Go upstairs and find a world of fresh food and an open bar, with shower and bathroom facilities. It’s open to Delta lounge members as well as Amex Platinum card holders with a valid Delta boarding pass that day.
J Terminal
The LATAM VIP Lounge
Closest gate: J3
The lone lounge currently open in Terminal J is LATAM’s VIP Lounge, open to those flying in first and business class on LATAM. Day passes are available for $50, based on capacity. It opens at 6 am on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 8:30 am all other days. The lounge closes at midnight daily.
Corona Beach House
Closest gate: J11
It might seem a little odd to have a Mexican-themed beach bar inside a terminal where the bulk of Air Canada’s flights depart. Then again, Tim Horton’s airport franchises are hard to come by, so you might as well lean into this bill of chicken tacos, salads, and seafood entrees.
Matt Meltzeris a contributing writer for Thrillist. Follow him on Instagram@meltrez1.
