10 Top Airlines for Food and Drinks, According to the Experts

These are the best culinary experiences at 35,000 feet.

Your best meal of 2024 might not be had in a swanky restaurant. It might be at 35,000 feet instead. 

Gone are the days of lackluster airplane meals; in their stead, carriers now boast menus crafted by renowned chefs, expertly curated wine pairings, and a variety of specialty dishes available for pre-order. In this year's Global Tastemaker Awards, Emirates takes the crown as the best airline for food and drink, ascending from second place in 2023. Its exceptional in-flight dining experience is a testament to the evolving tastes of travelers and the airline industry's commitment to meeting these sophisticated demands.

The changes in 2024 are not just about taste but also about sustainability and health. Airlines increasingly incorporate plant-based meals into their menus, responding to a growing demand for environmentally friendly and health-conscious options. This year also sees a notable emphasis on transparency, with menus listing the purveyors of ingredients, offering passengers a clear insight into the quality and origin of their meals.

Moreover, the art of fermentation has found its way into the skies, adding a new dimension to in-flight dining. This ancient technique, revered for its health benefits and unique flavors, is now embraced by several top airlines, adding a surprising evolution of traditional airline cuisine.

These are the top airlines for outstanding in-flight fine dining, as chosen by surveyed travel experts after many miles in the sky.

Winner: Emirates

Bumping up from the No. 2 spot last year, Emirates has long stood out for its exceptional in-flight dining, seamlessly blending culinary innovation with traditional flavors. This year, the airline's commitment to global cuisine is evident, offering everything from sumptuous vegan dishes like jackfruit biryani to classic comfort foods. Whether it's a meal served on Royal Doulton fine bone china in Business Class or a delightful paneer makhani in Economy, Emirates ensures quality and variety at every level. The airline's indulgent desserts, such as the chocolate truffle cake, and a thoughtful selection of wines and beverages, including sparkling Chandon in Premium Economy, elevate the dining experience. This blend of diverse offerings and attention to detail places Emirates at the forefront of sky-high gastronomy.

Turkish Airlines

Seasonality and freshness define Turkish Airlines' in-flight dining experience. Select flights boast the luxury of flying chefs who prepare world-class meals right above the clouds. The menu includes regional Turkish appetizers and grilled delicacies such as Adana kebab. Bread lovers can rejoice in the new variety, including sourdough and sesame pita. Economy Class isn't left behind, offering gourmet hot sandwiches infused with unique flavors like pesto and Girit ezme.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines takes dining at 30,000 feet to new heights. Understanding cabin pressure can alter taste perceptions, the airline's culinary team meticulously tests and adjusts their chefs' creations in a simulated pressurized environment. This dedication ensures that every flavor is tailored to be enjoyed at its best in the skies. Plus, the airline has a "Book the Cook" service where those in premium cabins on select flights can pre-order dishes that otherwise wouldn't be available onboard.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific is fully embracing the trend toward wellness and sustainable luxury. Onboard, you can sip freshly brewed coffee high above the clouds. Or, enjoy "Betsy," a craft pale ale specially brewed for high altitudes. Meanwhile, first-class passengers can indulge in sustainable caviar served on elegant mother-of-pearl spoons. Everything about the onboard experience is a marriage of exquisite tastes and eco-conscious sophistication.

Qatar

Although Qatar Airways lost the top spot this year, it's still among the top picks for many reasons. First, you can feast on your schedule. The airline's on-demand à la carte menu in first and business class means you can indulge in delights like freshly baked bread, burrata salad, or a duo of lamb whenever you wish. Vegan? Business Class offers a variety of plant-based dishes, too.

Air France

The French take their cuisine seriously, and Air France is no exception. Transforming each flight into a gastronomic festival, the airline collaborates with a constellation of France's greatest chefs. Whether in La Première or Business Class on long-haul flights, you can enjoy meals from a rotation of culinary stars like Arnaud Lallement and Anne-Sophie Pic. That's in addition to the airline's commitment to fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients served in eco-friendly packaging.

Korean Air

In-flight dining has become an art form on Korean Air, as it uses fresh, seasonal ingredients that echo the essence of your destination. Passengers can dine on rich Korean flavors with dishes like bibimbap and braised mackerel. The airline's commitment to flavor and quality even snagged it the prestigious Mercury Prize. And the wines are handpicked by none other than Marc Almert, 2019's ASI World's Best Sommelier.

ANA

You don't have to venture out of your airplane seat to taste meals by some of the world's top chefs. For example, ANA works with Toru Okuda to curate its Japanese cuisine and Ryuta Iizuka to whip up elegant French dishes. The menu features crab and avocado salad in a kumquat; stem lettuce, styled like Japan's New Year kadomatsu; and Ankimo, an anglerfish liver dish, slow-cooked with exotic Arima sansho pepper and winter vegetables.

Etihad

Etihad is redefining in-flight dining with a farm-to-tray approach. It's partnering with UAE and regional farms to serve you ultra-fresh, locally grown produce. That means salad greens are harvested just hours before you taste them on your flight. In business class, passengers can dive into an a la carte menu whenever hunger strikes, while first class gets perfectly prepared eggs or steak.

Delta

Delta didn't even make the list last year, but the airline is upping the in-flight dining game in a big way. Now, you can cozy up with a cup of Thrive Farmers tea, knowing you're supporting sustainable farming. And if you're flying first class on longer flights, prepare for mouth-watering meals like ginger beer-braised osso bucco and barbecue beef short ribs from Atlanta favorite Fox Bros. BBQ. Oh, and don't forget to save room for dessert — the strawberry, rhubarb, and pretzel tart is a game-changer.

Plus One: La Compagnie

Our expert panel couldn't pass up an opportunity to highlight La Compagnie's dining options. With Chef Christophe Langrée at the helm, every flight between Paris/Nice and New York is a culinary delight with four-course meals and organic wines selected by Bettane x Desseauve. Plus, regularly updated menus and contributions from celebrated chefs make each journey with La Compagnie a unique gastronomic experience.

Global Tastemakers is a celebration of the best culinary destinations in the U.S. and abroad. We asked more than 180 food and travel journalists to vote on their favorites, including restaurants and bars, cities, hotels, airports, airlines, and cruises. We then entrusted those results to an expert panel of judges to determine each category's winners. In many categories, we've included a judge's pick, hand-selected by our expert panel, to shout out more culinary destinations we don't want our readers to miss. See all the winners at foodandwine.com/globaltastemakers.

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