{"id":215628,"date":"2025-09-10T13:49:12","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T13:49:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/215628\/"},"modified":"2025-09-10T13:49:12","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T13:49:12","slug":"restaurants-in-terminal-1-at-san-diego-international-airport","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/215628\/","title":{"rendered":"Restaurants in Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport"},"content":{"rendered":"

San Diego\u2019s dining scene is renowned for its tacos<\/a>, diverse coffee shops<\/a>, bars and a growing number of celebrity chefs. This is also reflected in the dining options at the San Diego International Airport.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As part of the airport\u2019s nearly $4 billion<\/a> Terminal 1 renovation project, local restaurants, cafes, fast food chains and specialty stores are landing inside. These include The Taco Stand, Mostra Coffee, Kettner Exchange, Chick-fil-A and Novecientos Grados, a collaboration<\/a> with James Beard-nominated chef Claudette Zepeda and Tony Hawk. There will also be specialty stores selling prepared perishable food items to-go, such as sandwiches, salads, yogurt and fruit.<\/p>\n

\n

Food in San Diego airport\u2019s new terminal is local, local, local \u2014 although there is one McDonald\u2019s<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Here is the full list of the new dining options in the renovated Terminal 1, which will open in two phases, according to the San Diego International Airport.<\/p>\n

Opening in September<\/p>\n

Ambrogio15:<\/strong>\u00a0Friends from Italy<\/a> are bringing Milanese-style pizza to the airport. Ambrosio15 opened its first restaurant in Pacific Beach in 2016. It also has a location in Del Mar. The menu includes oven-baked pastas, salads and Italian dessert pizza. Ambrosio\u2019s Milan-style pizza has \u201cpaper-thin crust\u201d with imported organic flour that involves a 48-hour rising process, according to the restaurant. Pizzas come on gluten-free, whole wheat and white crusts. ambrogio15.com<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"ABetter Buzz\u2019s newest location in San Diego International Airport Terminal 1. (San Diego International Airport)<\/p>\n

Better Buzz:<\/strong> The coffee chain Better Buzz opened its first shop in Pacific Beach in 2002<\/a> and has over 20 cafes around the county. Baristas make flavored blended iced coffee, lattes, espressos, teas and smoothies. Better Buzz also serves a variety of a\u00e7a\u00ed bowls, sandwiches and wraps. betterbuzzcoffee.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"AnAn artist rendering of Cutwater Spirits’ bar inside the new Terminal 1 of of the San Diego International Airport. (San Diego International Airport)<\/p>\n

Cutwater Spirits:<\/b> San Diego-based alcoholic beverage maker Cutwater Spirits makes its own tequila, rum, vodka, whiskey and gin. It also created canned cocktails such as palomas, margaritas, mai tais and vodka mules. Cutwater opened a tasting room and kitchen in Miramar in 2017, which serves its cocktails, spirits and a mix of burgers, salads, flatbreads and sandwiches. Artist renderings show televisions throughout the T1 space. cutwaterspirits.com<\/a><\/p>\n

J.T. Bros.:<\/b> The Yuma-based JT Bros. is arriving in San Diego with a diverse sandwich lineup. Some of the sandwiches offered at J.T. Bros. include a b\u00e1nh m\u00ec, a cubano, a cheesesteak, a chipotle veggie patty melt, a reuben and a wagyu meatball sub. Also on the menu are salads and wraps. Chef Alex Trujillo is the owner and curator of J.T. Bros. The concept of his eatery came from making sandwiches in his kitchen with his three sons, the company website says. eatjtbros.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Lofty Coffee:<\/b> Lofty Coffee is a home for locally roasted coffee and baked goods. It sells cold brew coffee, cappuccinos, espressos, lattes and teas. The bakery side makes banana nut bread, croissants, cookies, donuts, muffins and scones. Lofty also offers a subscription model that allows customers to get their roasted coffee beans delivered to their home or work. loftycoffee.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Luna Grill:<\/b> For those who crave Mediterranean-style food, Luna Grill has it covered. This slow-fast food chain has over a dozen locations in the county. Luna Grill serves kabobs, pitas, salads and plates with a choice of chicken, beef, lamb, shrimp, salmon and falafel. Sides include chickpea salad, Greek salad, white rice and fries. lunagrill.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Market Hall:<\/b> Grab-and-go breakfast and lunch items are being served at Market Hall. This small food hall serves pre-made meals such as a breakfast burrito, bacon and egg sandwich, a Philly cheesesteak panini, a tuna melt, an Asian chicken salad, a quinoa bowl and a Cuban sandwich. For beverages, travelers can purchase teas, lattes and espresso drinks. Market Hall\u2019s menu was created in partnership with chef Carl Schroeder.<\/p>\n

McDonald\u2019s: <\/b>Grab a Happy Meal, a quarter-pounder with cheese and other staple items from McDonald\u2019s newest spot inside Terminal 1. It will have self-order kiosks and a pick-up window. This will be the first time since 2012<\/a> that the fast food restaurant has had a home at the San Diego International Airport. mcdonalds.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Novecientos Grados: <\/b>Tony Hawk is known in the skateboarding world for accomplishing a 2.5 aerial spin called a 900. This move also inspired the name of the new restaurant collaboration with Hawk and chef Zepeda. Novecientos Grados (900 degrees in Spanish) is designed to be the signature full-dining restaurant<\/a> for Terminal 1, which will offer an outdoor terrace with a bay view. It will be 4,700 square feet in size and will spotlight California-Mexican cuisines. Customers can also buy Novecientos t-shirts, hoodies and trucker hats.<\/p>\n

\"AnAn artist rendering of Parfait Paris’ newest location in San Diego International Airport Terminal 1. (San Diego International Airport)<\/p>\n

Parfait Paris: <\/b>Travelers can enjoy French pastries and desserts without leaving the U.S. at Parfait Paris. Parfait Paris\u2019 first location opened in the Gaslamp Quarter in 2014 and now the company has several shops around the county and one in Anaheim. It sells crepes, croissant sandwiches, quiches, macarons and chocolate parfaits. Also on the menu are various teas and coffee drinks such as lattes. Parfait Paris also sells its macarons to customers through its website. parfaitparis.com<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

SIP Wine & Beer:<\/b> In 2016, Cassandra Schaeg founded her business SIP Wine & Beer in Escondido with a mission of \u201cbeing a destination to empower, inspire and exchange knowledge\u201d through wine and beer, according to the company\u2019s website. At Terminal 1, it\u2019s slated to serve flights of wine, craft beer from local breweries, small appetizers and cheese and meat plates. The circular bar will have seating and televisions near the Southwest Airlines gates, according to San Diego International Airport. sipwineandbeer.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"TheThe Taco Stand\u2019s al pastor taco has slices of pineapple, cilantro and creamy guacamole salsa on a handmade corn tortilla.(Carlos Rico \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)<\/p>\n

The Taco Stand: <\/b>Handmade corn tortillas and al pastor tacos<\/a> with pineapple inside are just a few of the standout offerings from The Taco Stand. This business\u2019 roots started in Tijuana and the founders opened their first San Diego location in 2013, the company website says. Now it has several locations in the county (and outside the county, including Orange County, Las Vegas, Dallas and Miami) with the newest one in Terminal 1. The Taco Stand serves burritos, quesadillas, fries and tacos. Customers can choose from meat and seafood options such as carne asada, pollo asado, shrimp, mahi mahi and al pastor, along with vegetarian toppings like mushroom and cactus. letstaco.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Opening in 2028<\/p>\n

Carnitas Snack Shack:<\/b> The North Park-born<\/a> eatery Carnitas Snack Shack is adding its third location at Terminal 1. Its menu centers around pork, selling tacos, burritos, burgers, salads and sandwiches. Some of the food highlights include its Triple Threat Sandwich with pork loin, pulled pork and bacon, and its signature carnitas tacos with guacamole and pico de gallo. Carnitas Snack Shack also has locations on the Embarcadero and inside Petco Park. carnitassnackshack.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Chick-fil-A:<\/b> The fast food chain that is known for its chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets and a variety of dipping sauces is flying into Terminal 1. The Atlanta-based chain also serves waffles fries, shakes and salads. Chic-fil-A will be closed on Sundays, per its company policy, the San Diego airport said. chick-fil-a.com<\/a><\/p>\n

El Pez:<\/strong> Japanese and Mexican fusion meals are on the menu at El Pez. This Imperial Beach restaurant plans to reproduce<\/a> its business at Terminal 1. El Pez will serve Japanese-style food with a Mexican twist, such as carnitas ramen and a sushi roll with cotija cheese, ancho chiles and carne asada. There are also hand rolls, sashimi, gyoza and sweet marinated short ribs on El Pez\u2019s menu. The Terminal 1 restaurant is slated to serve Japanese and Mexican beers. elpezkitchen.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Kettner Exchange:<\/b> High Flying Foods and Kettner Exchange\u2019s executive chef Brian Redzikowski are teaming up to bring a version of the Little Italy rooftop patio bar and restaurant to Terminal 1. Kettner Exchange is scheduled to have a full bar, along with appetizers, sandwiches and salads, according to the San Diego airport. An artist rendering shows Kettner Exchange will have a large round bar with seating around it. kettnerexchange.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Mr. Moto Pizza: <\/b>New York-style pizza is docking at Terminal 1. San Diego-based Mr. Moto Pizza is bringing its thin-crust pies with red or white sauces. Some of the pizza toppings on its menu are bacon, chicken, Italian sausage, Spanish chorizo, pepperoni, buffalo sauce, caramelized onions, spinach, ricotta cheese, cherry tomatoes and honey. Mr. Moto sells its pizza by the slice, or customers can build their own 14, 15, or 18-inch pies. mrmotopizza.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Mostra Coffee:<\/b> The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has acknowledged Mostra Coffee as one of the Top 100 Small Businesses in the category of Disrupters. The Filipino-American-owned company provides a mix of caffeinated beverages such as the Brazilian cold brew coffee with Philippine coconut and vanilla bean, cr\u00e9me br\u00fbl\u00e9e lattes, torched lattes, espresso drinks and drip coffee. Monstra Coffee already has five shops in the county, not counting the airport, with plans to open another one in San Marcos. mostracoffee.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Novo Brewing:<\/b> Fans of kombucha can choose from a large selection of flavors from Novo Brewing\u2019s newest storefront in Terminal 1. It will have 2,000 square feet of space, featuring a dining area, a walk-up bar with seating and televisions on the wall, according to an artist\u2019s rendering on the airport\u2019s website. Novo Brewing\u2019s locations in Imperial Beach and Chula Vista serve Brazilian empanadas, poke nachos, several burgers and sandwiches, steaks and salads. Novo also brews its own beers and alcoholic and non-alcoholic kombucha with flavors such as lychee lemonade, dragon fruit, strawberry coconut and its San Diego Padres collaboration Sunset Slam with mango and lime. novobrew.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Puesto:<\/b> The flavors of Mexico City are what inspire its menu, Puesto claims, publicizing<\/a> that the team visits Mexico City consistently to find \u201c innovative flavors\u201d and \u201ctreasured family traditions handed down from generation to generation.\u201d Its menu consists of chilaquiles, chicharrones, enchiladas, flautas, salads and more than 10 types of tacos. Some of the proteins offered include chicken al pastor, carnitas, filet mignon, lobster, shrimp and short ribs. eatpuesto.com<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Understory Bar<\/b>: Understory is one of three new circular bars in Terminal 1. It will have similar elements to its sister at the Sky Deck at Del Mar Highlands Town Center. Renderings of the expected design show a bar shaped like a tree with the trunks holding alcohol bottles. Above that are hanging flowers.\u00a0Understory will serve 17 crafted cocktails, the San Diego airport website states. understorybar.com<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Originally Published: September 10, 2025 at 6:00 AM PDT<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"San Diego\u2019s dining scene is renowned for its tacos, diverse coffee shops, bars and a growing number of…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":215629,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5134],"tags":[5229,1582,276,13165,3549,7264,1072,67,586,132,5230,68,2969],"class_list":{"0":"post-215628","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-san-diego","8":"tag-america","9":"tag-ca","10":"tag-california","11":"tag-restaurants-food-and-drink","12":"tag-san-diego","13":"tag-sandiego","14":"tag-things-to-do","15":"tag-united-states","16":"tag-united-states-of-america","17":"tag-unitedstates","18":"tag-unitedstatesofamerica","19":"tag-us","20":"tag-usa"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115180323695309099","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215628","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=215628"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215628\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/215629"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=215628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=215628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=215628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}