Food at Orlando Airport (MCO): Your Guide to the Best Dining Options

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is not just a gateway to world-famous theme parks; it’s also a destination for diverse and delicious food. Whether you’re craving a quick bite before your flight, seeking a taste of local cuisine, or desiring a relaxing sit-down meal, MCO’s food scene has something to satisfy every palate and preference. Navigating airport dining can be overwhelming, but this guide will walk you through the best Food At Orlando Airport, ensuring a pleasant and tasty travel experience.

Quick Bites and Familiar Favorites

For travelers on the go, MCO offers a plethora of quick and convenient options. Familiar fast-food chains are readily available throughout the airport. You can grab a classic burger and fries at McDonald’s or Burger King, both reliable choices for a speedy meal. Chick-fil-A provides its popular chicken sandwiches and nuggets, perfect for a quick protein fix. For coffee and donuts, Dunkin’ Donuts is a 24-hour option in multiple locations, ensuring your caffeine needs are met any time of day. If you’re in the mood for sandwiches, Firehouse Subs and Jersey Mike’s offer a variety of hearty subs. Pretzels from Auntie Anne’s and cinnamon rolls from Cinnabon are ideal for satisfying sweet cravings.

Explore International Flavors at MCO

MCO’s culinary landscape extends far beyond American fast food, offering a taste of global cuisines. Panda Express serves up classic Chinese-American dishes, while Manchu Wok provides another option for Chinese cuisine. For Italian flavors, Romano’s Macaroni Grill offers a sit-down experience, and Sbarro and Villa Italian Kitchen provide quick pizza options. Moe’s Southwest Grill and QDOBA cater to Tex-Mex enthusiasts with burritos and bowls. For a taste of the Caribbean, Bahama Breeze (located in Gates 70-99) offers a vibrant menu with fresh fish tacos and island-inspired dishes, making it a highly-rated choice for those seeking something beyond the ordinary airport fare. Asian Chao offers another option for Asian cuisine in Gates 100-129.

Savor Local and Southern Tastes

To truly experience Orlando, don’t miss the opportunity to try local flavors right within the airport. Zaza Cuban Café and Sunshine Diner offer authentic Cuban coffee and empanadas, providing a genuine taste of Florida’s culinary influences. Cask & Larder, specializing in craft beers and Southern cuisine, stands out with its elevated Southern dishes and takeout options, located in Gates 100-129 and Terminal C. FarmAir Restaurant/Bar focuses on farm-to-table cuisine, emphasizing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients for a healthier and gourmet airport dining experience, also in Gates 100-129 and Terminal C. Orlando Brewing and Orange County Brewers, with multiple locations, offer a relaxed bar atmosphere and local craft beers, perfect for unwinding before your flight and sampling Orlando’s craft beer scene.

Healthy and Fresh Choices for Travelers

For health-conscious travelers, MCO provides several options focusing on fresh ingredients and balanced meals. Freshens offers smoothies, salads, and yogurt, ideal for a light and refreshing meal. FarmAir Market/To Go and FarmAir Restaurant/Bar prioritize fresh, farm-sourced ingredients. Nature’s Table offers salads and sandwiches with a focus on healthy ingredients. Green Leaf’s specializes in customizable salads, allowing you to create a nutritious and personalized meal. RAW Juce in Terminal C (pre-security) offers organic food and juices for a health boost before your journey. Camden Food Co in Gates 40-49 and 50-59 also provides gourmet market options with potentially healthier choices.

Gourmet and Upscale Dining Experiences

If you have more time and desire a more refined dining experience, MCO has upscale options to consider. Hemisphere in the Public Area of the North Complex offers steaks and seafood in a more formal setting. Wine Bar George in Terminal C is a notable wine bar for connoisseurs looking to relax before their flight. Le Grand Comptoir in Gates 20-29 also offers a wine bar experience. McCoy’s Bar & Grill in the Public Area of the North Complex provides American cuisine and sushi and is open 24 hours. Outback in Gates 70-99 is another sit-down option for steak lovers.

24-Hour Food Options at Orlando Airport

For those with late-night or early-morning flights, MCO ensures you won’t go hungry. Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s, and Starbucks (East Hall location in the Public Area) are reliable 24-hour options for coffee, drinks, and quick bites. McCoy’s Bar & Grill and Eola Market (Terminal C, pre-security) also operate 24 hours, providing more substantial meal options around the clock.

Directory of Food Options at MCO by Location

To help you easily find specific restaurants, here is a detailed directory organized by airport area:

Public Area of the North Complex

Image: A bustling food court at Orlando International Airport’s North Terminal, showcasing various fast-food and casual dining options.

AUNTIE ANNE’S: Food Court. 6:00 am – 10:00 pm. Pretzels.
CARVEL: Food Court. 6:00 am – 10:00 pm. Icecreams.
CHICK-FIL-A: Food Court. 5:00 am – 10:00 pm (Mon-Sat). Chicken.
CHILI’S TOO: West Hall. 10:00 am – 8:00 pm. Grill & Bar.
CINNABON: Food Court. 6:00 am – 10:00 pm. Cinnamon rolls.
DUNKIN’ DONUTS & BASKIN ROBBINS: North Walk. 24 hours. Coffee and donuts, Ice Cream.
FIREHOUSE SUBS: Food Court. 6:00 am – 10:00 pm. Sandwiches.
HEMISPHERE: East Hall. 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Tue-Sat). Steaks and seafood.
LOBBY BAR: East Hall. 12:00 pm – 11:59 pm. Small plates and beverages.
MCCOYS BAR & GRILL: East Hall. 24 hours. American cuisine and sushi.
MCDONALD’S: Food Court. 24 hours. Burgers.
MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL: Food Court. 6:00 am – 10:00 pm. Tex-Mex.
ORANGE COUNTY BREWERS: East Hall. 6:00 am – 10:00 pm. Bar.
ORLANDO PRIDE CITY PUB: West Hall. 6:00 am – 10:00 pm. Bar.
PANDA EXPRESS: Food Court. 8:00 am – 9:00 pm. Chinese.
ROMANO’S MACARONI GRILL: West Hall. 11:00 am – 10:00 pm. Italian.
SBARRO: Food Court. 6:00 am – 10:00 pm. Pizza.
STARBUCKS: Level 2 A-Side / Level 1 B-Side / East Hall. 6:00 am – 10:00 pm / 6:00 am – 10:00 pm / 24 hours. Coffee and tea.
SWEET BUBBLES AND BUNS: South Walk. 10:00 am – 9:00 pm. Meals, drinks, specialties.

Gates 1-29

BURGER KING: Food Court. 4:00 am – last flight. Burgers.
COLD STONE CREAMERY: Food Court. 4:00 am – last flight. Icecreams.
FAMOUS FAMIGLIA: Food Court. 4:00 am – last flight. Pizzeria.
LA MADELEINE: Food Court. 4:00 am – last flight. Bakery.
LE GRAND COMPTOIR: Gates 20-29. 5:00 am – last flight. Wine bar.
ON THE BORDER: Gates 1-29. 6:00 am – last flight. Cantina, Mexican grill.
STARBUCKS: Gates 1-29. 4:00 am – last flight. Coffee and tea.
URBANCRAVE: Gates 1-9. 5:00 am – last flight. Street food.
ZAZA: Gates 10-19. 4:30 am – last flight. Cuban coffee.

Gates 30-59

CAMDEN FOOD CO: Gates 40-49 / Gates 50-59. 5:00 am – last flight. Gourmet market.
FRESHENS: Food Court. 5:00 am – 8:00 pm. Smoothies & Yogurt.
GASTROHUB: Gates 30-59. 4:00 am – last flight. American cuisine.
MANCHU WOK: Food Court. 5:00 am – last flight. Chinese cuisine.
NATURE’S TABLE: Food Court. 3:00 am – 9:00 pm. Salads, sandwiches.
QDOBA: Food Court. 4:00 am – last flight. Mexican food.
WENDY’S: Gates 30-59. 3:00 am – last flight. Burgers.
ZAZA: Gates 30-59. 4:30 am – last flight. Cuban coffee.

Gates 70-99

AUNTIE ANNE’S: Gates 70-99. 7:00 am – last flight. Pretzels.
BAHAMA BREEZE: Gates 70-99. 4:00 am – last flight. Caribbean.
BURGER KING: Gates 70-99. 4:00 am – last flight. Burgers.
CARVEL: Gates 70-99. 4:00 am – last flight. Icecreams.
CIBO EXPRESS: Gates 70-79 / 80-89 / 90-99. 5:00 am – last flight. Gourmet market, bar.
MCO | MKT: Gates 70-99. 4:00 am – last flight. Soups, salads, sandwiches.
NATHAN’S: Gates 70-99. 4:00 am – last flight. Hot dogs.
OUTBACK: Gates 70-99. 4:00 am – last flight. Steaks.
STARBUCKS: Gates 70-99. 4:00 am – last flight. Coffee and tea.
TACOS LOCOS: Gates 70-99. 4:00 am – last flight. Tacos.
VINO VOLO: Gates 70-99. 9:00 am – 9:00 pm. Wine bar.

Gates 100-129

ASIAN CHAO: Gates 100-129. 8:00 am – last flight. Chinese.
AUNTIE ANNE’S: Gates 100-129. 7:00 am – last flight. Pretzels.
BANANAS: Gates 100-129. 4:30 am – last flight. Shakes and frozen yogurt.
CASK & LARDER BAR: Gates 100-129. 7:00 am – last flight. Bar, Southern.
CASK & LARDER MARKET: Gates 100-129. 5:00 am – last flight. Grab & Go.
CHIPOTLE: Gates 100-129. 8:00 am – last flight. Mexican.
FARMAIR MARKET/TO GO: Gates 100-109 / 120-129. 5:00 am – last flight. Grab & Go.
FARMAIR RESTAURANT/BAR: Gates 100-109 / 120-129. 5:00 am – last flight. Farm cuisine.
GREEN LEAF’S: Gates 100-129. 4:30 am – last flight. Salads.
JERSEY MIKE’S: Gates 100-129. 4:30 am – last flight. Sandwiches.
MARKET BY VILLA: Gates 100-129. 4:30 am – last flight. Gourmet market.
MCDONALD’S: Gates 100-129. 5:30 am – last flight. Burgers.
STARBUCKS: Gates 100-129. 4:00 am – last flight. Coffees and teas.
VILLA ITALIAN KITCHEN: Gates 100-129. 4:30 am – last flight. Italian.

Terminal C – Pre-security

BARNIE’S COFFEE & TEA: Baggage claim. 6:00 am – 0:00 am. Coffees and teas.
EOLA MARKET: GTF Bridge. 24 hours. Grab & Go.
HARVEST & GROUNDS: Ticketing area. 3:30 am – 8:00 pm. Coffee, snacks.
RAW JUCE: Ticketing area. 3:30 am – 8:00 pm. Organic food.
STARBUCKS: Baggage claim. 8:00 am – 1:00 am. Coffees and teas.

Terminal C – Post-security

Image: A modern and spacious food plaza in Terminal C of Orlando International Airport, featuring a variety of restaurants with ample seating.

AUNTIE ANNE’S: Palm Court. 4:00 am – last flight. Pretzels.
CASK & LARDER: Palm Court. 5:00 am – last flight. Bar, Grab & Go.
CHICK-FIL-A: Palm Court. 4:00 am – last flight (Mon-Sat). Chicken.
CINNABON: Palm Court. 4:00 am – last flight. Cinnamon rolls.
CUCINA & CO.: Gates 230-239. 3:30 am – last flight. Italian.
DESANO PIZZERIA: Palm Court. 8:00 am – last flight. Neapolitan pizza.
EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS: Gates 230-238. 4:30 am – 9:00 pm. Bagels, coffee.
GREENBEAT: Palm Court. 8:00 am – last flight. Salads.
OLDE HEARTH BREAD CO.: Palm Court. 5:00 am – last flight. Bakery, sandwiches.
ORANGE COUNTY BREWERS: Gates 240-245. 7:00 am – last flight. Bar.
ORLANDO BREWING: Gates 230-238. 5:00 am – last flight. Bar.
SHAKE SHACK: Palm Court. 4:00 am – last flight. Burgers, fries, shakes.
STARBUCKS: Palm Court. 4:00 am – last flight. Coffee and tea.
SUMMER HOUSE: Palm Court. 3:30 am – last flight. Florida fresh food and drinks.
SUNSHINE DINER: Gates 230-238. 5:00 am – last flight. Southern-Floridian cuisine.
WINE BAR GEORGE: Palm Court. 5:00 am – last flight. Wine bar.

South Travel Plaza

BASKIN ROBBINS: South Travel Plaza. 5:00 am – 10:00 pm. Icecreams.
DUNKIN’ DONUTS: South Travel Plaza. 5:00 am – 10:00 pm. Coffee and donuts.

Conclusion

Orlando International Airport offers a surprisingly wide array of food at Orlando Airport, catering to every taste and schedule. From quick and familiar fast-food options to diverse international cuisines, local Southern flavors, and healthier choices, MCO ensures that travelers have access to quality dining experiences. Whether you’re looking for a gourmet meal before a long flight or a simple snack on the go, take the time to explore the culinary offerings at Orlando Airport and make your travel day a little more delicious. Remember to check the operating hours and locations of restaurants to best plan your dining experience at MCO.