Most cities have one or two airports serving them; New York has three. Normally this would mean they have three times the amount of mediocre airport food. Fortunately, there are standouts at each one to save you from devouring another plastic-wrapped sandwich or overpriced fast food in times of need.

In JFK's new Terminal 5, 5ivesteak is your savior. Contemporary in both decor and its style of steaks — think Craftsteak, not Peter Luger — even just the burger is a stand-out. Right next door, Piquillo brings tapas to the terminal; the egg salad sandwich looks pretty good. You might want to check out of Sheraton JFK Airport Hotel a little early just to have dinner before your flight.

At LaGuardia, Figs promises gourmet food despite the airport setting, and it delivers. Opened in 2000 by celebrity chef Todd English, Figs is at its best with its wood-fired pizzas — the fig and prosciutto one being a standout, naturally. Finish with the white chocolate bread pudding before heading to your gate or the Sheraton LaGuardia East.

Don't forget Newark. An outpost of New York's Gallagher's Steakhouse promises prime aged steaks and classic sides in Terminal C, while Vino Volo is a breath of fresh air as far as airport bars go — a well-curated selection of wines at reasonable prices, in an atmosphere that takes the edge off the typical terminal mayhem, which is a small bonus when traveling.

[Image courtesy of Jetblue]