We are rarely big fans of airport or airplane food, especially when you’re traveling on long-haul flights. Orlando is a pretty touristy place, and consequently, the airport sees plenty of travelers, many of them hungry. So, if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a proper sit-down meal, Orlando has it all. We’re taking a look at the top restaurants near Orlando Airport and what they offer.
Travelers from Orlando are lucky because there are several restaurants within a few miles of Orlando International Airport (MCO). Of these, many may satisfy even the most discerning guests. Whether you’re on your way to catch a flight or returning to Florida after a vacation, here are some of the top-rated restaurants near Orlando Airport in no particular order.
Best restaurants near Orlando airport
Hemisphere Restaurant – 1 mile from Orlando Airport
Customers call it a ‘hidden gem.’ Located on the ninth level of the Hyatt Regency Orlando, Hemisphere’s Chef de Cuisine Jason Moltz’s seasonal meals include handcrafted dishes that combine fresh, local ingredients with modern world flavors. Hemisphere also has a fantastic wine collection and cuvées. It has easy access to downtown Orlando, the Interstate 4 business and tourism corridor, and the nearby Lake Nona region. If you’ve pre-booked your Orlando Airport parking spot and don’t have a lot of luggage, you can even stroll over to/from the airport. Also, there’s complimentary valet parking!
Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen – 3.6 miles from Orlando Airport
Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen is located in Lake Nona Town Center. It features a colorful array of nibbles, starters, and communal plates such as deviled eggs, goat cheese balls, flatbreads, and charcuterie boards. Steaks, lamb, and jambalaya are among the more substantial main courses. In addition, the broad bar menu includes a variety of local and craft beers – including some brewed just next door at Park Brewing – as well as handcrafted sodas, specialty cocktails, and exquisite wines. The lively bar and lounge at Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen create the perfect setting for travelers to dine and unwind before or after their flight.
Nona Blue – 3.5 miles from Orlando Airport
Nona Blue Modern Tavern is easy to find due to its convenient location. Its main advantages are its excellent service and knowledgeable employees. Clients also appreciate this location because of the reasonable costs. If you’re hungry for expertly cooked marinated tuna, calamari strips, meatloaf, or New York cheesecake, Nona Blue is the spot you’re looking for. Many guests order tasty Pinot Grigio, strawberry beer, or martinis. Great fruit tea, fruit juice, or mint tea may also entice you to visit again.
Fish on Fire – 2.7 miles from MCO Airport
Fish on Fire, a Florida-style smokehouse and grill, is west of Orlando International Airport. It’s open daily for lunch and supper, with meals served until 1 a.m. on weekends, and a brunch menu is available for those who arrive earlier in the day. Try something unique to Central Florida, such as the fried Gulf Grouper Fingers Basket or the Allies Gator Basket, including real alligators!
Bacán – 1.6 miles from MCO Airport
Bacán is approachable, imaginative, and just a little bit unexpected. The cuisine is influenced by the diverse tastes of Central and South America and focused on a dramatic open theatre kitchen. An outdoor area overlooks a sculpture garden, ideal for travelers wanting to relax in the open air. This is another restaurant that’s pretty close to the airport and Orlando Airport parking lots.
Rock & Brews – 2.2 miles from Orlando Airport
Rock & Brews, as their name indicates, has live music, a rock-themed ambiance, and pretty great food. Great burgers and sandwiches are served here. You’ll also find a diverse range of local microbreweries on tap. Hungry travelers can order delectable steak sandwiches, BBQ ribs, and blue burgers from the menu. You could also try some delicious Brezeln, beignets, and bread pudding while you’re there.
LongHorn Steakhouse – 2 miles from the airport
Longhorn Steakhouse, located close to the Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando Airport Hotel, caters to meat enthusiasts. It serves burgers, steaks, salads, and sandwiches for lunch and dinner. During the day, order a lunch combo or consider splurging on one of the chain’s so-called “Legendary Steaks.” This location has “Call-Ahead Waiting,” which means you can add your name to the waitlist before your arrival.
Bonchon Orlando – 2.1 miles from Orlando Airport
Cure your jet lag with some Korean fried chicken from Bonchon Orlando, a casual chain restaurant located north in Gateway Village. It has plenty of options for individuals searching for a quick fix, such as fried chicken and chicken wings. What’s more, you can purchase these in large batches of 30 if you’re starving. Take advantage of one of the combo lunch specials, or keep it light with a soup and salad. Cooking time for the chicken might range from 15 to 30 minutes. So plan ahead of time if you’re eating before a flight.
Denny’s – 1.9 miles from Orlando Airport
Looking for the perfect diner? Look no further. Open 24 hours, Denny’s welcomes you with a variety of staple diner menus for the whole family. Fluffy pancakes, eggs any way you like them, and the famous Grand Slam are great breakfast items after late-night arrivals or early departures. Portions are generous, and most importantly, the prices won’t leave a hole in your wallet.
Tabla Indian Restaurant – 5 miles from Orlando Airport
If you’re in the mood for some authentic Indian flavors, Tabla Lake Nona is the one for you. Whether you’re a curry lover or looking to try something new, Tabla has something to ease you in, like Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh, and Paneer Tikka. The chic, modern design with an open kitchen offers a relaxing atmosphere that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a travel day.
High Tide Harry’s – 4.8 miles from MCO
Frequently voted as Best Seafood in Orlando, this spot has a casual coastal vibe with a menu packed with fresh catches, fish tacos, and cold drinks. Settle in with a seafood platter, their famous chargrilled oysters, or the daily happy hour specials to decompress from the long flight, or if you’re looking to experience the “local” vibe.
Tijuana Flats – 7.4 miles from Orlando Airport
Tijuana Flats near MCO, specifically on Narcoossee Road, is a local Tex-Mex chain with customizable tacos or quesadilla options so you can build it just the way you like it. This location is located a few miles south of the 528 expressway, making it easily accessible for travelers. Don’t forget to try their free selection of hot sauces that range from mild to extremely spicy!
Miller’s Ale House – 1.1 miles away from the Orlando Airport
Whether you’re chilling after a flight or killing time before one, you can’t go wrong with their Zingers chicken wings, a rack of ribs, or a loaded burger. Numerous TVs are found everywhere, making it the perfect place for a lively yet casual environment with a mix of food and drinks.
Hot Tip: If you want to grab a bite to eat at a restaurant near Orlando Airport, make sure you book your MCO parking spot well ahead.
