25 new restaurants coming to Orlando airport
New restaurants are set to transform Orlando International Airport (MCO) with 25 new dining locations featuring local favorites and national brands. We’ve got the full list.
Dining at most airports means realizing you’ve paid $18 for a turkey sandwich that has the structural integrity of a wet napkin and the flavor profile of a library book. However, compared to the desolate snack-scapes of most airports, Orlando’s MCO has always offered better dining options. In fact, that is about to get better as the terminal continues to expand its culinary reach, proving that even in transit, you don’t have to settle for a sad, soggy wrap.
New dining concepts set to elevate travel through MCO from summer 2026 through 2028
Photo by Matt Roseboom
Orlando International Airport is turning layovers into culinary adventures with a sweeping expansion of restaurants and eateries as part of the airport’s multi-phase concession master plan. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has now approved Phase 2 of the project, building on Phase 1 openings and bringing even more local flavor and national favorites to MCO’s terminals.
Travelers can expect more than 40 new Orlando Airport restaurants & retail locations across Terminals A and B, with phased openings beginning in summer 2026 and continuing through late 2028 as construction wraps and new concession spaces debut.
New Orlando Airport restaurants and food concepts approved for MCO
Below is an overview of the restaurants approved to date for Phases 1 and 2 of MCO’s expansion plan. This includes a total of 44 dining concepts with at least 25 brand-new options for travelers:
Phase 1 restaurants
These concepts were among the first wave approved under the airport’s master plan:
- 4Rivers Southern Smokehouse
- Black Bean Deli
- Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay
- BrewDog + Peet’s Coffee
- Cabrita
- Eola Wine Company
- Green Leaf’s
- Hinkley’s Fancy Meats
- Intercept Wine Bar
- Jam-Eng
- Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream
- Maxine’s on Shine
- MOD Pizza
- Old Jailhouse
- Otto’s High Dive
- Seito Sushi
- Smoke & Donuts BBQ
- SoDough Detroit Pizza
- Stasio’s Italian Deli
- Starbucks
- The Halal Guys
- The Milkhouse
- Tobu
- Villa Pizza
- Zaza
Phase 2 restaurants
- Bahia Bowls
- Bricks & Bowls
- Cava
- Chick-fil-A
- Citrus Market featuring Winery & Tasting Room powered by Brewlando
- Crisp & Green
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
- Just Love Coffee Cafe
- McDonald’s (additional airport location)
- Naya Middle Eastern Counter & Grill
- Panda Express
- Piggza
- Plum Market
- Raising Cane’s
- Sambazon
- Shake Shack
- Starbucks (additional location)
- Velvet Taco
New Orlando Airport restaurants: What this means for travelers
This new lineup brings local Orlando favorites, international flavors, and comfort classics to MCO terminals in increasing numbers and quality. From Southern-style barbecue and sushi to modern salad bowls, gourmet pizza, and globally inspired counter service, there’s something for every appetite. This includes whether you’re arriving, departing, or connecting between flights.
Phase 2 specifically focuses on a mix of well-known national brands and fresh concepts to enhance convenience and variety for busy travelers. Concepts like Cava, Raising Cane’s, Velvet Taco, and Plum Market add both quick-serve and sit-down options across the airport.
New Orlando airport restaurants: When to expect openings
Photo courtesy of MCO
The exact opening dates for each restaurant haven’t been finalized. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority officials say the phased rollout will begin in summer 2026 and continue through late 2028 as kitchen buildouts and interior finishes are completed. Travelers flying through MCO over the next few years can look forward to a constantly evolving culinary landscape with more choices than ever before.
Not flying, but looking to check out MCO?
An Orlando International Airport (MCO) visitor pass program is now available for guests to enter, even if they aren’t flying anywhere. Guests can check out the new Orlando Airport restaurants with this pass. Additionally, based on the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s long-term plan, VR & AR rides are coming to the airport as well. Those things, along with the expanding dining scene at Orlando International Airport, promise to give travelers yet another reason to arrive early for their flights.
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