The best places to eat at the airport, based on your travel mood

There was a time when arriving early at the airport meant one thing: waiting. Between check-in, security checks and boarding, the plan was usually limited to a rushed coffee or a quick stroll through the duty-free shops. But that has changed. Today, more and more travelers choose to arrive early because the journey begins long before takeoff. Dining has taken center stage, turning the hours before a flight into an opportunity to pause, share a meal or enjoy that first moment of switching off.

Choosing where and what to eat is now part of the travel experience. Whether it's breakfast before an early flight, a leisurely lunch, a toast with your partner, a family meal or a charcuterie board with friends before departure, Aeropuertos Argentina offers something for every occasion.

1. For pre-flight drinks with friends: Sport Bar and Hard Rock Café

If you're traveling with friends, the fun can start long before boarding is announced. Sport Bar recreates the atmosphere of a sports bar, with big screens showing live games and stadium-style seating that makes waiting for your flight feel more like game day than airport time.

With an ice-cold beer on the table, waiting becomes much more enjoyable. The chicken sandwich with lettuce and tomato is perfect for those looking for a satisfying meal before flying, while the empanadas are made for sharing while catching up. By the time boarding begins, the pre-flight hangout has already become part of the trip.

At Hard Rock Café, the wait unfolds among music, great food and the brand's signature rock-and-roll atmosphere. The Messi Burger is one of the menu's biggest favorites, accompanied by a selection of sides, salads and other pre-flight options. There's also a coffee and ice cream bar, plus a Grab & Go selection designed for travelers short on time.

Good to know: Both venues feature large screens showing live sporting events—an ideal excuse to turn your airport wait into a true pre-game gathering.

Where: Sport Bar, Ezeiza International Airport; Hard Rock Café, Aeroparque, Córdoba Airport and Puerto Iguazú Airport.

2. To unwind before your flight: Chachingo and MÖOI

Waiting can be part of the journey, too. Chachingo brings a taste of Mendoza to the airport, serving draft craft beer, sharing boards and a menu designed for travelers with time to sit back and relax. The highlight is its locally brewed craft beer, perfectly paired with dishes made for sharing.

Charcuterie boards are the house specialty, featuring cured meats, cheeses and a traditional Argentine-style platter. The menu also includes empanadas, tacos, focaccias and schiacciate, ideal companions for a freshly poured pint. It's a simple combination that turns waiting into a celebratory toast before takeoff.

At MÖOI, stylish interiors, fresh dishes and a versatile menu set the tone for a relaxing pre-flight break. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are all available. One of the favorites is the smoked salmon bagel with arugula and cream cheese—a fresh, light choice before boarding.

Good to know: Drinks are a highlight here as well. Chachingo serves Mendoza craft beers, including IPA, Amber Ale, Porter and Witbier. MÖOI offers Power-C juice, freshly squeezed juices, kombucha and Aloja for those looking for alcohol-free alternatives.

Where: Chachingo, Ezeiza International Airport; MÖOI, Aeroparque, Ezeiza, Córdoba and Mendoza airports.

3. For a quick bite on the go: Accademia Della Pizza and La Cabrera Al Paso

Some flights leave little room for lingering. When boarding time is approaching, eating well—and quickly—becomes essential. Accademia Della Pizza specializes in homemade dough pizzas baked in a traditional pizza oven, along with freshly made empanadas. The fugazzeta, Argentina's iconic stuffed onion-and-cheese pizza, is one of the menu's classics and an excellent choice before your flight.

La Cabrera Al Paso brings the spirit of the Argentine steakhouse to the fast pace of the airport. The menu includes classics such as short ribs and Neapolitan-style milanesa, alongside convenient grab-and-go options. Among the most popular are the beef tenderloin sandwich and the Wagyu burger. And if time allows, a glass of wine makes for the perfect finishing touch before takeoff.

Good to know: Both restaurants offer combo meals that include a drink. Be sure to ask about current promotions before ordering.

Where: Accademia Della Pizza, Aeroparque; La Cabrera Al Paso, Aeroparque and Ezeiza International Airport.

4. For an intimate pre-flight moment: Casa Vigil and Fausto

Some trips begin with a quiet conversation, a shared glass of wine or a coffee before departure. The time between arriving at the airport and boarding can become a welcome pause, and these restaurants are designed to make the most of it.

Casa Vigil brings the flavors of Mendoza to the table with a concept centered on Argentine cuisine and wine. Dishes such as Neapolitan-style milanesa and ribeye steak with salad invite diners to relax without watching the clock. To share, there are Mendoza-style empanadas, fries and charcuterie boards featuring cheeses or traditional Argentine flavors, all paired with the winery's own labels.

Fausto Wine Bar offers a warm atmosphere where Argentine wines and comforting food encourage travelers to slow down before their flight. The menu ranges from sandwiches, empanadas and savory tarts to salads and charcuterie boards. Its curated wine selection is ideal for sharing a glass or simply enjoying a peaceful break.

Good to know: Beyond wine and charcuterie, sweet treats also shine. Casa Vigil offers croissants, medialunas and artisanal alfajores, while Fausto serves breakfast featuring café con leche, medialunas, orange juice and its signature alfajor.

Where: Casa Vigil, Ezeiza and Mendoza airports; Fausto, Aeroparque and Ezeiza International Airport.

5. Traveling with family: Outback

If you're traveling with family, deciding where to eat is part of the adventure. A varied menu, generous portions and dishes for all ages make the wait before takeoff something everyone can enjoy.

At Outback, the focus is on sharing. The menu offers hearty portions, familiar flavors and enough variety for every member of the group. One standout is the Fettuccine with Pomodoro sauce, grilled beef and Parmesan cheese—a comforting combination of pasta, mild flavors and tender meat.

The restaurant also serves its signature favorites, including Baby Back Ribs with barbecue sauce, the famous Bloomin' Onion and the Outbacker Burger with cheese, vegetables and optional bacon. Early travelers will also find breakfast dishes and sweet treats to enjoy while waiting for their flight.

Good to know: Save room for dessert. End your meal with classics such as the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under, Dulce de Leche Thunder or cheesecake.

Where: Aeroparque and Ezeiza International Airport.