Best Restaurants at Los Angeles Int'l (LAX)
LAX has dining options across all 9 terminals — from local institutions to reliable chains. Below is a terminal-by-terminal guide to the highlights, plus the best quick bites, sit-down spots, and what to expect on pricing before your flight.
Airport Dining · LAX
What restaurants are in Terminal 1 at Los Angeles Int'l?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shake Shack | Burgers & shakes | $$ |
| Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf | Coffee & pastries | $ |
| Umami Burger | Gourmet burgers | $$ |
What restaurants are in Terminal 2 at Los Angeles Int'l?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Larder by Evan Kleiman | California deli | $$ |
| Barney's Beanery | Pub fare | $$ |
| Starbucks | Coffee | $ |
What restaurants are in Terminal 3 at Los Angeles Int'l?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Camacho's Cantina | Mexican | $$ |
| Wahoo's Fish Taco | Tacos & burritos | $ |
| Jamba Juice | Smoothies & bowls | $ |
What restaurants are in Terminal 4 at Los Angeles Int'l?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill | California cuisine | $$$ |
| Ink.Sack | Gourmet sandwiches | $$ |
| Campanile Café | Coffee & pastries | $ |
What restaurants are in Terminal 5 at Los Angeles Int'l?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Baja Fresh | Mexican fast-casual | $ |
| Panda Express | Chinese-American | $ |
| Starbucks | Coffee | $ |
What restaurants are in Terminal 6 at Los Angeles Int'l?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Border Grill | Modern Mexican | $$$ |
| Wokcano | Pan-Asian | $$ |
| Subway | Sandwiches | $ |
What restaurants are in Terminal 7 at Los Angeles Int'l?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gordon Biersch | Brewery pub | $$ |
| Chin Chin | Chinese-American | $$ |
| Carl's Jr. | Fast food burgers | $ |
What restaurants are in Terminal 8 at Los Angeles Int'l?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Qdoba Mexican Eats | Mexican fast-casual | $ |
| Jamba Juice | Smoothies | $ |
| Starbucks | Coffee | $ |
What restaurants are in TBIT at Los Angeles Int'l?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ | Japanese BBQ | $$$ |
| Border Grill TBIT | Modern Mexican | $$$ |
| Gladstone's | Seafood | $$ |
What's the best quick bite at Los Angeles Int'l?
Shake Shack (Terminal 1) or Ink.Sack (Terminal 4) — both move efficiently and outperform typical terminal fast food on quality.
Quick-service counters at LAX typically get you through the line in 5–10 minutes at off-peak times, and up to 20 minutes during the morning rush. Budget an extra 15 minutes at minimum if you plan to eat before your flight — and check your Leave-By Time before you sit down so you know exactly how much runway you have.
Where can I get a sit-down meal at Los Angeles Int'l?
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (Terminal 4) for California cuisine, or Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ (TBIT) for table-side grilling — both are full-service with waiter service.
Full-service restaurants at LAX typically require 45–75 minutes from being seated to paying the check. If you want a relaxed dining experience, plan to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before boarding — factor in security wait, the walk to your gate, and a buffer for the unexpected. The Leave-By calculator can fold your meal time into your total airport plan.
How much does food cost at Los Angeles Int'l?
LAX is one of the pricier US airports for dining; expect a 30–40% markup over street prices, with most full-service entrees running $25–45.
Airport restaurants across the US typically charge 20–40% above street prices due to higher operating costs, rent, and logistics. At LAX, use this rough guide:
| Price Symbol | Per Person | Typical Options |
|---|---|---|
| $ | Under $12 | Fast food, coffee, grab-and-go snacks |
| $$ | $12–25 | Fast-casual, sandwiches, pub fare |
| $$$ | Over $25 | Full-service restaurants, steakhouses, seafood |
Prices as of 2026. Tip (18–20%) is additional at full-service restaurants.
Can I bring outside food into Los Angeles Int'l?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at LAX. You can pack a sandwich, snacks, fruit, homemade food, or even a full restaurant meal in your carry-on bag and bring it through the checkpoint without any issue.
The restriction applies to liquids and gels over 3.4 oz (100 mL): soups, dips, nut butters in large containers, juice boxes, and similar items must follow the 3-1-1 rule or be placed in checked baggage. Solid food — including wrapped sandwiches, chips, candy, produce, and baked goods — passes through freely.
This means you can save significantly on airport food prices by packing your own meal or picking something up before you enter the terminal. See the full TSA food policy and tips in our guide: Can you bring food through airport security?
Arrive early enough for a relaxed meal
The Leave-By calculator folds your real-time LAX security wait, drive time with traffic, and gate walk into one exact time to leave home — so you arrive with time to eat, not just sprint.
Calculate your Leave-By Time →See also: LAX TSA wait times · LAX security tips · Bringing food through security
Common questions about dining at LAX
What restaurants are in each terminal at LAX?
LAX has 9 terminals, each with its own set of restaurants. Highlights vary by terminal — see the terminal-by-terminal breakdown above for the full list.
What is the best quick bite at LAX?
Shake Shack (Terminal 1) or Ink.Sack (Terminal 4) — both move efficiently and outperform typical terminal fast food on quality.
Is there a sit-down restaurant at LAX?
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (Terminal 4) for California cuisine, or Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ (TBIT) for table-side grilling — both are full-service with waiter service.
How much does food cost at LAX?
LAX is one of the pricier US airports for dining; expect a 30–40% markup over street prices, with most full-service entrees running $25–45. Airport restaurants typically charge 20–40% above street prices. As a rough guide: $ = under $12, $$ = $12–25, and $$$ = over $25 per person.
Can I bring food through LAX security?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at LAX. You can bring a sandwich, snacks, fruit, or even a full meal from outside the airport in your carry-on. Liquids and gels over 3.4 oz are still restricted; soups, dips, and similar items must comply with the 3-1-1 rule. See the full policy in our guide.