Forget everything you know about traditional airport lounges. Capital One Landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) isn’t a place to find sprawling workstations or quiet nooks for a nap. Instead, it’s a bold and innovative concept that is, first and foremost, a restaurant. Through a standout partnership with world-renowned Chef José Andrés, Capital One has created a pre-flight experience that prioritizes high-quality, sit-down dining over the typical buffet and self-serve bar.
The Concept: Elevated Dining at the Gate
Located in Terminal 2’s National Hall (post-security, near the entrance to the D gates), the “Landing” immediately distinguishes itself from a “Lounge.” Upon entry, a host greets you and assigns you to a specific table, much like a traditional restaurant. The space, while stylish and modern with excellent tarmac views, is compact, seating just over 90 guests. The focus is clear: this is a place to enjoy an exceptional meal before your flight.
Food & Drink: The José Andrés Masterstroke
The culinary experience is the undeniable star of the show. The menu, designed by the José Andrés Group, features a selection of Spanish-inspired tapas. Ordering is done seamlessly via a QR code at your table.
- Hot & Cold Tapas: Expect an array of delicious small plates. Hot dishes like Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp in garlic), Croquetas, and the highly-praised Carne Asada are made-to-order and arrive quickly. A self-serve tapas bar offers cold selections like high-quality Spanish meats (jamón, chorizo), cheeses, salads, and exquisite Pan con Tomate.
- Signature Drinks: The bar offers a full selection of cocktails, wine, and beer. Don’t miss the signature Gin & Tonic, often prepared tableside from a roaming cart, or the creative espresso martinis.
- Surprise & Delight: Adding to the unique experience, staff circulate with trolleys offering special items like caviar cones or Basque cheesecake, creating memorable moments for travelers.
- Full menu can be found here.
Ambiance & Amenities
The design is sleek and contemporary, with warm lighting and comfortable seating. While it’s not designed for long-term lounging, essential amenities are well-executed. You’ll find power outlets at every seat, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, and clean, private restrooms. Luggage can be conveniently stowed in nooks beneath the bench seating.
For those in a hurry, there is a separate “On the Fly” grab-and-go counter located outside the main entrance. It offers sandwiches, salads, and drinks for purchase, with Venture X cardholders receiving a 50% discount. Note that these items are not complimentary.
Access & Verdict
Access is a key consideration.
- Complimentary Access: Capital One Venture X and Venture X Business primary cardholders receive complimentary access for themselves and one guest.
- Paid Access: Other Capital One cardholders and the general public can enter for a fee (typically $45 and $90, respectively), space permitting.
- Reservations: Uniquely, reservations can be made via the Capital One app, which is highly recommended due to the limited capacity.
Capital One Landing is a game-changer for airport dining. It successfully trades the multi-purpose lounge model for a focused, high-end culinary experience. While it may not suit travelers looking for a quiet place to work for hours, it’s an absolute must-visit for anyone who appreciates excellent food and drink. For eligible cardholders, it’s arguably the best pre-flight perk available at any U.S. airport. The quality of the José Andrés-curated meal alone makes it worth arriving at the airport early.
Read Venture X review to learn more about the travel credit card.