The Best Airport Restaurants at LAX

Los Angeles is blessed with a behemoth airport with plenty of dining options, including the namesakes of celebrity chefs for the savvy clientele who covet their "foodie" status. And, of course, there are the usual suspects–fast-food outlets, sports bars with pub fare, grab-and-go spots, and ubiquitous Starbucks outlets spread amongst Los Angeles International Airport’s (www.lawa.org) nine passenger terminals. Tom Bradley International Terminal–the hall that serves most passengers on their way to or from exotic locales–has the most options. Open to all patrons, Daily Grill (www.dailygrill.com) the popular chain establishment that serves heaping portions of wonderful American comfort food, offers sit-down service as well as a buffet for those who are watching their watches. Boasting to be the "largest full-service airport restaurant in the United States," the Daily Grill features such feel-good classics as chicken pot pie, meat loaf, and braised short ribs. Wines by the glass, appetizers, and side dishes are also on the menu. The departure level of Terminal 7 houses a branch of Karl Strauss Microbrewery (www.karlstrauss.com) with beer-pairing menus, a good selection of appetizers, and a tasty selection of microbrews. Chef extraordinaire Wolfgang Puck (www.wolfgangpuck.com) maintains a presence in both Terminal 2 and 7. These cafés provide light and creative gourmet fare including the renowned pizzas with distinctive toppings. Also noteworthy are: Sushi Boy (sushiboy.net) with gourmet Japanese casual offerings such as the obvious sushi options, as well as combo dishes and salads; and Eaturna (eaturna.com), which specializes in fresh, healthy, low-fat entrees, salads, wraps, paninis, and other nutritious choices. For fine dining, Encounter Restaurant (www.encounterlax.com) is the pièce de resistance. In the re landmark 1960′s-era Theme Building, at the core of LAX, this re-invented venue boasts a space-age interior, dramatic lighting, a "futuristic" cocktail lounge with signature martinis and "floating" bar stools, and a diverse menu of creative "California fresh" cuisine.

More information on PlanetEye: Encounter at LAX, Daily Grill