Ok, I know what you are thinking…”best airport restaurant” is either an oxymoron or a pretty low bar–right?? I get it. Airport restaurants are perceived as expensive, crowded, and low-quality. I agree that most live up to that perception, but there are exceptions, and One Flew South in the E terminal of the Atlanta airport tops that list. I will deliberately choose a 3 hour layover to give myself time to visit this place!
One Flew South has Asian influences and Southern influences and the food is fresh, well-made, and unique. The service is outstanding, and the bar is as well, with a good wine list and high-end cocktails. The bar is set up to encourage patrons to talk to each other and the bartenders are so friendly and talkative. If I’m alone, I always wait for a seat at the bar to be available because it’s just going to be a good time!
Menu
I have had the Tuna Poke Tacos and they were delicious. The Deviled Egg Experience is so cool because you choose your own toppings including smoked salt, cracked black pepper, radishes, crispy shallots, bacon jam, tuna poke, roe, or all. However, ever since I tried their Hamachi Roll, it’s always my first choice. The freshness of the fish along with the crunch from the fried shallots and the roe make this best roll I’ve ever had. Beth had the Kamikaze Roll on the way to Madrid and it was also delicious. If you are more of a carnivore, people at the bar have told me that their burger is also the best they have ever had.
Cocktails
One Flew South has high-end wines and liquor so I can get a really good Manhattan after returning from Central America where good bourbon can be hard to find. Yesterday I tried the Fly By Night cocktail that has whiskey, some other spirits, lemon juice and fig preserves. It is shaken and served up. It was so delicious that you’ll want two! When I’m not needing a bourbon fix, I have a glass of wine. My favorite on their current wine list is the Jordan Chardonnay. It’s definitely a splurge, but hey–I never said this restaurant breaks ALL the stereotypes of airport food!!
Seriously, the prices are likely influenced by being in the airport, but the quality of the food and the service make it worth it. If you don’t trust me, trust James Beard. One Flew South has been nominated twice.
I hope you chase this place down on your next Atlanta layover, and if you see me there, please say hi! I’d love to hear what quality airport food you have discovered on your travels. Please drop your thoughts in the comments below!
I tried the Fly By Night cocktail on one of my last trips and it was so good, that I ordered another. Great recommendation! I also did a side by side taste off between the Kamikaze and the Hamachi roll and hands down, the Kamikaze was better, but I think everyone should do their own taste test, because that’s part of the fun. Service is great at One Flew South. It makes being in the airport a much more pleasant experience.
I’ll take this challenge and report back after my next layover in March! This restaurant is such a find.