Messina's Runway Cafe

Messina's Runway Cafe is a hidden gem located in the beautifully restored 1933 terminal of the New Orleans Lakefront Airport. As diners enjoy their meals, they can watch aircraft take off and land, adding a unique backdrop to the dining experience. Customer reviews consistently praise the inviting atmosphere, enhanced by ample natural light and charming decor that evokes a nostalgic sense of time. The menu is a highlight, featuring a range of offerings from delicious breakfast items to savory lunch options. Enthusiastic patrons rave about the poached eggs Benedict, which are perfectly executed, and the light, fluffy omelets. One standout recommendation is the gumbo, loaded with crabmeat, showcasing the cafe's commitment to quality ingredients and flavorful dishes. Service is frequently noted as attentive and friendly, ensuring a pleasant outing even during busy hours. For those seeking a delightful dining experience paired with the thrill of aviation, Messina's Runway Cafe emerges as a top choice in New Orleans. It beckons food lovers with its quality fare, picturesque views, and relaxing ambiance—truly a must-visit for anyone near the lakefront.

Accessibility
- Has wheelchair-accessible car park
- Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Has wheelchair-accessible seating
- Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
- Offers takeaway
- Serves dine-in
- No delivery
Highlights
- Has fast service
- Serves great cocktails
- Serves great coffee
- Serves great dessert
Popular for
- Popular for breakfast
- Popular for lunch
- Good for solo dining
Offerings
- Serves alcohol
- Serves beer
- Serves cocktails
- Serves coffee
- Serves comfort food
- Serves food
- Serves healthy options
- Quick bite
- Serves spirits
- Serves vegetarian dishes
- Serves wine
Dining options
- Serves breakfast
- Serves brunch
- Serves lunch
- Has catering
- Serves dessert
- Has seating
Amenities
- Has bar on site
- Has toilet
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
- Historic
- Upmarket
Crowd
- Family friendly
- Good for groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Popular with tourists
- Transgender safe space
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Accepts credit cards
- Accepts debit cards
- Accepts NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs available
- Has kids' menu
Parking
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Plenty of parking

Derrick Diggs

May 26,2025

Absolutely beautiful dining room area. Try to get a seat near the bar so you can observe the runway and the planes taking off and landing. Now let’s get to the food. One of the Best breakfast spots in the city of New Orleans. I highly recommend this restaurant-

Andrea F

May 6,2025

Updated review: everything is lovely still. Great service, great food. Talk about a step back in time with the decor. In the building for the Lakeside Airport, it has been refurbished almost back to its original state. Impressive and lots of natural light. Watch small aircraft take off and land while dining in a fine establishment. Wait staff are efficient and friendly. I love coming here. Reasonable prices, everything is neat and clean.

David Thomas

Apr 11,2025

Talk about hidden away. It was not far from the marina we were staying at but it seems fairly unknown. What a great place to go. It is in a 1933 renovated classic airport building that is gorgeous. The atmosphere is very relaxing and the food is just fantastic. I have had eggs Benedict at many other restaurants, but these were the best. Eggs poached to perfection, hollandaise buttery, rich and creamy. The grits with the smoked cheese, the omelets were wonderful. Can't wait to go again. My compliments to the chef and full staff.

Candace

Mar 1,2025

My new favorite weekend brunch place. Sitting by the window, we had spectacular views of so many types of aircraft. Our server was delightful and attentive, even when she was so very busy. The gumbo was delicious and filled with crabmeat. The omelettes were light and fluffy and those potatoes are worth a second visit. Thanks for everything.

Kelly Trail

Feb 26,2025

Fantastic place to enjoy a beautiful days. Best place to sit in the dining room that faces the runway. Awesome bacon lettuce and tomato with fried green tomatoes. The pork chop special was very good. The best meal is Fried Chicken on Tuesdays

Robert Belous

Feb 25,2025

By far a true gem in the Big Easy don’t let this slip away without visiting - regardless of what the Blue Plate is - get it

Matthew Thompson

Feb 16,2025

Fly in! Dine in! Fly out! A taste of New Orleans and doing it in style. Great crab cakes Benedict and burgers. Great service. Really neat atmosphere in a redone art deco building.

Paul Bobo

Feb 14,2025

Love visiting this beautiful art deco terminal, make sure you spend some time looking around. The Runway cafe is fantastic, great views of all the planes, so much natural light and great service. Food was great, I really enjoyed the fried shrimp ceaser salad.

Amenities and More

Photos

Reviews For Messina's Runway Cafe

Add a Review

Location

Appreciated by Others