Shop Overview
Sunshine Diner by Chef Art Smith brings a chef-led, Florida-inspired comfort-food vibe to Orlando International Airport (MCO). Expect a diner-style menu that leans into Southern favorites—done with a bit more polish than typical fast food—making it a reliable choice when you want a real meal before boarding.
The experience is usually “quick but not rushed”: you’ll find familiar diner staples alongside Chef Art Smith’s signature Southern touches. This is a great fit for families, theme-park travelers, and anyone who’d rather sit down with something hearty than grab a snack-and-go.
What to Buy
- Breakfast plates: If you’re flying in the morning, go for the most filling option available (think eggs, potatoes/grits, and a protein). Airport breakfasts can be pricey elsewhere, but here you’re at least getting a substantial portion.
- Southern-style comfort mains: Look for the classic Chef Art Smith calling cards—often centered on fried chicken and homestyle sides. These tend to travel well if you’re taking food to the gate.
- Shareable sides: When traveling with kids or a group, ordering a couple of sides for the table can be more cost-effective than multiple smaller snacks from convenience kiosks.
- Non-alcoholic specialties: If there are house lemonades/iced teas or seasonal specials, they’re typically better value than bottled drinks purchased at newsstands post-security.
Price perspective: This is not duty-free and airport pricing applies. Compared with grab-and-go outlets, you’ll usually pay more than a quick-service chain—but you’re paying for a cooked-to-order meal and a more relaxed dining break.
Location & Hours
Location: Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando, United States. Sunshine Diner is a dining venue; exact gate/terminal placement can vary by airport listing, so use the official MCO interactive map or directory search for “Sunshine Diner by Chef Art Smith” right before you travel.
Directions: After you clear your terminal’s main security checkpoint, follow signage toward your gate concourse and look for the central food court/restaurant cluster—Chef-driven concepts are typically positioned in high-traffic post-security areas.
Hours: Airport restaurant hours often track flight schedules and can change seasonally. Plan a buffer and confirm day-of in the MCO directory.
- Peak times: 6:30–9:30am (breakfast rush) and 4:30–7:30pm (evening departures).
- Quieter times: Late morning (after 10am) and mid-afternoon (2–4pm) are usually your best bet for faster service.
Shopping Tips
- Duty-free reminder: Not applicable here—this is a restaurant, so there are no duty-free savings or customs allowances to plan around.
- Timing strategy: If you want a sit-down meal, arrive at the restaurant 60–90 minutes before boarding during peak periods; for a quicker bite, target quieter windows mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
- Take-to-gate option: Ask whether items can be packaged to-go; comfort-food mains and sides generally hold up better than delicate plated dishes.
- Returns & issues: Food outlets typically don’t offer “returns,” but if something is incorrect, flag it immediately—airports are busy and fixes are easiest on the spot.
- Payment & currency: Expect standard U.S. airport acceptance—major credit/debit cards and mobile wallets; keep a card handy for fastest checkout.
Category
dining