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Ah, Miami. Magic City.
Art Deco, South Beach, and, Pitbull. It’s the home of sunscreen, the only major American city founded by a woman, and city that that “keeps the roof blazin,” per Big Wilie Style.
It’s also a healthy city. In fact, MindBody ranked it the second-healthiest city in the country this year. Part of the reason for that is the plethora of health-focused eateries like Pura Vida, Planta Queen, and, for those willing to dish out some serious dough, Michelin-starred sushi spot Azabu.
But the airport is another story altogether. Just like in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, good options in the city do not translate to the terminals. Luckily, we’ve taken the guesswork out with this helpful guide.
So, as we head into the holidays and the snowbirds flock to South Beach, here are the places to hit when traveling through Vice City.
North Terminal
Concourse D (all American Airlines)
The go-to: Fig & Fennel
This is a “no frills” sort of healthy spot. Nothing special, though it will get the job done in an airport pinch.
What to order: Get the Quinoa Veggie Bowl, and throw in a Mezze Platter if sharing with someone or feeling extra hungry.
The backup: Corona Beach House
This place is a typical airport restaurant, though it has some surprisingly decent options.
What to order: We go with the Kale + Quinoa Salad with dressing on the side. Then we get sides of broccoli and black beans, add them to the salad, and put some hot sauce on top. Don’t hate the passengers, hate the airport.
Central Terminal
Concourses E, F and G
The backup: Chili’s Too
It’s a sad, sad day when our best option is Chili’s, but that’s the case if you’re in MIA’s Central Terminal.
What to order: For meat eaters, get the salmon entree with steamed broccoli and rice or a Grilled Chicken Salad. Not bad. Plant-based travelers like us can staple together sides of black beans and broccoli, add a side of Mexican rice, grab some hot sauce, and dream about being back home.
The backup: Subway
Are we in The Twilight Zone? Are we taking crazy pills? Nope. We simply added Subway to our to guide you through the horrors of airport eating. And the new bowls at this traditionally unhealthy classic are something to check out.
What to order: Subway’s new protein bowls are basically a sandwich in a bowl with extra veggies and lettuce…AKA…salads. We get the Veggie Delight Bowl and add smashed avocado. This is also what former New England Patriot Rob Gronkowski orders: his famous“Avocado Spike Bowl.”
South Terminal
Concourses H and J
The go-to: Gilbert’s Food Bar and Bakery
It doesn’t look like much, but Gilbert’s—much like Corona Beach House in Concourse D—provides several solid options for any airport, especially one this with this few healthy options.
What to order: We like the Vegan Chickpea Wrap, which includes bulgur wheat, spinach, roasted peppers and onions. Our other favorite option is the Vegetarian Salad and a side of fruit. Meat-eaters should go with the Almond Chicken Salad.
The backup: Subway (again) 😢
Don’t miss Gilbert’s.
Fun facts about MIA
- Miami sees the second-highest number of international flights of any airport in the country and offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other American city.
- When feeling some stress, visit MIA’s therapy dogs. That’s right, The Miami Hound Machine sends dogs like Brody to find people in the airport that look stressed and cheer them up. Yes, please.
- For another stress-reducer, check out the North Terminal’s non-denominational chapel to pray or meditate.