By Kate Cohen
August 7, 2025
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the country.
It’s a travel hub for people around the world, many of whom come to the area to experience The City Beautiful’s world-class restaurants, entertainment, and attractions.
While Orlando is known for big names like Disney and Universal, small businesses are at the heart of our incredible city.
Soon, travelers will be able to experience some of the best Orlando local businesses without ever leaving the airport.
Between MCO’s three terminals, there are already over 140 dining options, including popular spots like Chick-fil-a, McDonalds, and Outback Steakhouse.
Construction will begin soon on satellite locations of several “landmark Central Florida restaurants” that showcase some of the best local restaurants around.
Here is a closer look at some of the new Orlando restaurants coming to MCO.
Key Takeaways
Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream
Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream is one of the best places in Central Florida to grab a flavorful sweet treat.
This quickly growing local business is known for their sensational lineup of ice cream flavors, including banana pudding, cookie monster, and chocolate PB brownie.
Their signature pink and white stripes can be found at scoop shops and Foxtail coffee shops throughout Orlando – and now at MCO, too!
Stasio’s Italian Deli & Market
Located in Orlando’s funky Milk District, Stasio’s is an incredible Italian deli and market.
It’s a go-to for locals craving authentic pasta, sandwiches, meatballs, sweet Italian pastries, and so much more.
Soon, travelers at MCO will be able to enjoy epic Italian menu items that carry a delicious Orlando legacy.
Smoke & Donuts
Smoke & Donuts began as a pop-up-turned-food-truck venture whose delicious barbecue and decadent donuts earned them plenty of local acclaim.
They opened their first brick-and-mortar store in 2023 and have been serving some of the city’s best barbecue platters, sandwiches, and, of course, donuts ever since.
Soon, you’ll be able to enjoy local succulent barbecue and innovative donuts before or after a flight.
4 Rivers Smokehouse
4 Rivers Smokehouse has been making award-winning barbecue in Orlando for over 15 years.
Voted the best barbecue in the southeast by Southern Living Magazine in 2021, 4 Rivers is known for their smoked meats, signature sauces, and southern style sides and desserts.
As 4 Rivers continues to grow throughout Florida, visitors from around the world can try their exceptional barbecue while passing through MCO.
SoDough Square Detroit Pizza
SoDough Square has brought thick-crust, rectangular, Detroit-style pizza to Orlando with fresh toppings and innovative flavor combos.
Voted the best restaurant of 2023 and best pizza of 2024 by the Orlando Sentinel, SoDough is quickly becoming one of the city’s go-top pizza spots.
You can experience Orlando’s best pizza with 24-hour fermented dough and a proprietary shredded brick cheese blend for yourself soon at MCO.
Otto’s High Dive
Otto’s High Dive is a neighborhood rum bar that combines the styles of old Cuba and modern Florida.
Another Milk District mainstay, Otto’s is known for its refined Cuban-inspired cocktails made with rums from around the world.
As you sip, you can also savor fresh menu items like flavorful ceviche, mojo chicken, and tender lamb lollipops.
Make your journey feel a little more worldly with a pit-stop at the new Otto’s High Dive location at MCO.
Milkhouse
Milkhouse is a culinary market in the Milk District that features a variety of local Orlando eateries in one convenient location.
At MCO, you can sample food and drinks from establishments like Swine & Sons, Ravenous Pig Brewing, Foxtail Coffee, and even Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Enjoy barbecue, craft cocktails, freshly brewed coffee, or a frozen sweet treat, all in one convenient MCO location.
Jam-Eng
Jam-Eng is a blend of Jamaican and English cuisine with deep roots in the Orlando community.
This family-owned restaurant sources local ingredients to use in family recipes, inviting new and returning diners in to share a delicious meal as friends.
Whether you enjoy a meal from Jam-Eng at their downtown restaurant or their soon-to-open MCO location, you’ll be helping them support important causes like the homeless community in Orlando.
The House on Lang
In need of a little retail therapy? The House on Lang is the perfect place to shop.
House on Lang is a sweet bungalow in Orlando that sells a curated assortment of art, gifts, jewelry, clothing, and more.
Now, you can browse an assortment of unique items as you travel, picking up last-minute souvenirs or treating yourself to something special.
Experience the Best of Local Orlando Restaurants and Retailers when you Stay at Rosen Shingle Creek
Rosen Shingle Creek is a beautiful hotel only 15 minutes from MCO and a short drive from the original locations of each of the local businesses listed above.
As our guest, you’ll enjoy comfortable and spacious accommodations, a variety of fabulous amenities, and plenty of delicious onsite dining to appease your taste buds.
Plus, our resort is only a mile away from the brand-new Universal’s Epic Universe theme park, – and we offer our guests free shuttle transportation to and from the park.
Rosen Hotels & Resorts has been an Orlando institution for over 50 years. Stay with us for a taste of authentic Orlando during your next adventure.
