Orlando Airport Terminal Dining Guide: Best Restaurants & Quick Bites at MCO
Whether you are grabbing a quick coffee before an early flight, sitting down for a pre-cruise meal, or looking for kid-friendly food courts, Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers a wide variety of dining options. From classic national chains to acclaimed local Central Florida restaurants, MCO’s food scene caters to every budget and schedule.
This complete dining guide breaks down the best places to eat pre-security in the main atrium, gate-by-gate options across the North Complex (Terminals A & B), and the flagship culinary offerings inside the South Complex (Terminal C).
At-a-Glance: MCO Dining Locations
| Terminal / Location | Security Status | Top Dining & Drink Spots | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Atrium (Terminals A/B) | Pre-Security (Level 3) | Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Starbucks, Dunkin’, Chili’s Too | Eaters before TSA screening |
| Gates 1–29 (Airside 1) | Post-Security | Firehouse Subs, Le Grand Comptoir, On The Border, Zaza | Fast bites & craft cocktails |
| Gates 30–59 (Airside 2) | Post-Security | Camden Food Co., GastroHub, Nature’s Table, Wendy’s | Healthy bowls & sit-down dining |
| Gates 70–99 (Airside 3) | Post-Security | Outback Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Vino Volo | Sit-down meals & wine bars |
| Gates 100–129 (Airside 4) | Post-Security | Cask & Larder, FarmAir Market, Jersey Mike’s | Southern comfort & local craft beer |
| Terminal C (South Complex) | Post-Security (Palm Court) | Wine Bar George, Sunshine Diner, Desano Pizzeria, Shake Shack | Chef-driven & Disney Springs favorites |
1. Terminals A & B Main Atrium (Pre-Security)
The central hub on Level 3 between Terminals A and B features a large central food court and several sit-down options. This area is accessible to anyone—including family members or non-ticketed visitors meeting arriving passengers.
- Central Food Court Options: Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Panda Express, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Sbarro, Auntie Anne’s, and Cinnabon.
- Sit-Down Dining: Chili’s Too, City Pub, and Macaroni Grill (located in the West Hall).
- Hemisphere Restaurant: Located on the top floor of the Hyatt Regency inside the main terminal, offering upscale dining with views of the airfield.
- Coffee & Breakfast: Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, and Carvel.
2. Airside Gates 1 through 129 (Post-Security)
Once you clear TSA security and take the monorail APM train to your gate concourse, you will find additional sit-down restaurants, markets, and fast-casual options:
Gates 1–29 (Airside 1)
Features Zaza Cuban Comfort Food (popular for Cuban press sandwiches, empanadas, and café con leche), On The Border Mexican Grill, Le Grand Comptoir wine bar, Firehouse Subs, and McDonald’s.
Gates 30–59 (Airside 2)
Offers GastroHub for full-service American dining, Camden Food Co. for organic grab-and-go salads and wraps, Wendy’s, and Nature’s Table.
Gates 70–99 (Airside 3)
Home to a full-service Outback Steakhouse (plus an Outback Outpost for fast takeaway), Bahama Breeze Island Grille, Vino Volo wine bar, and Burger King.
Gates 100–129 (Airside 4)
Anchored by Cask & Larder—a James Beard Award-nominated local Southern comfort eatery and brewhouse created by the team behind Disney Springs’ The Polite Pig. Also features FarmAir Restaurant & Bar, Jersey Mike’s, and Chipotle.
3. Terminal C Culinary Highlights (South Complex)
MCO’s Terminal C was built with a strong focus on local Florida flavors, featuring airport outposts of famous Disney Springs and Orlando chef concepts:
- Wine Bar George: Brought to MCO by Master Sommelier George Miliotes (same team as Disney Springs). Offers 75+ wines by the glass, charcuterie boards, cheese plates, and small-plate entrees near Gate 241.
- Sunshine Diner by Chef Art Smith: A Florida-inspired diner and bar created by celebrity Chef Art Smith (famous for Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ at Disney Springs). Features fried chicken, waffles, and classic Southern breakfast items.
- Cask & Larder Public House & Provisions: Local craft beers, smoked meats, and upscale southern grab-and-go boxes located in the main Palm Court area.
- DeSano Pizzeria: Authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in wood-fired ovens.
- Shake Shack & Chick-fil-A: Popular quick-service options located post-security in the Palm Court.
- Coffee & Juices: Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Co., raw JUCE, Harvest & Grounds, and Starbucks.
Pro Tips for Dining at Orlando Airport
- Sunday Chick-fil-A Warning: Chick-fil-A locations in the Main Atrium and Terminal C are closed on Sundays. Plan for Chipotle, Shake Shack, or Cask & Larder instead.
- Pre-Security vs. Post-Security: If you are flying out of Terminal C, note that pre-security dining options are limited. It is best to clear TSA security first to access the main Palm Court dining area.
- Theme Park Nostalgia: If you missed out on Disney Springs dining, Terminal C’s Wine Bar George and Sunshine Diner offer nearly identical food and beverage menus in a relaxed airport setting.