Guess where we went on a date night recently? The Orlando International Airport. Wait, what? Yup, we found an amazing hidden gem right within the MCO terminal: Hemisphere Restaurant. Being aviation enthusiasts we couldn’t wait to experience the elevated culinary menu, crafted cocktails, and of course some epic airport views. Read on to learn about our first class dinner experience found inside the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport hotel…
The Hyatt Regency hotel entrance from the outside.
The Hyatt Regency hotel from inside the terminal.
About Hemisphere Restauant
A defining dining experience. Hemisphere will engage your senses with an inspiring array of culinary delights and incredible panoramic views. Floor-to-ceiling views of planes etching the night sky, spectacular launches from Cape Canaveral, and cityscapes will be your backdrop to an elevated dining experience.
Inside, Hemisphere’s atmosphere is equally spectacular with Illuminated wine walls, custom wine cuvees and a central lounge, making it perfect for intimate evenings, larger groups, or sharing this signature setting in the private dining room.
Led by Executive Chef Jeffrey Powell, Hemisphere’s culinary team has designed a menu that infuses robust international flavors, seasonal local ingredients, and careful pairings of select wines and cocktails from complementing hemispheres, to create a fusion of modern flavors from around the world.
“We have embraced the unmatched, panoramic views of one of the most active international airports as the focal point of Hemisphere. Guests are transported into a world of travel-rich sights, sounds and tastes, to create an unforgettable experience filled with dynamic views, thoughtful service, and memorable food and drinks.”
Bruce McDonald, General Manager – Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
LOCATION:
MCO Terminal
9th Floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel
HOURS:
Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday - Saturday: 5PM-10PM
RESERVATIONS:
RESERVE NOW
(407)825-1234
It’s also good to note that Hemisphere has a private room for special parties/events.
PARKING:
For locals that are visiting for a meal the Hyatt offers complimentary valet parking. Simply let them know you are dining at Hemisphere. Drive towards Terminal B, once you pass the departures you will see a sign on the Left for Hyatt check-in/valet.
The entrance to Hemisphere Restaurant.
We loved the aviation inspired details.
Vintage wall graphics meet modern decor.
A view from the upper level at Hemisphere restaurant.
A place setting at Hemisphere restaurant.
The Views at Hemisphere
One of the biggest reasons we were stoked to visit were the views. With Andrew being a pilot he loves watching planes take-off and land on the runway. The restaurant features huge floor to ceiling glass windows for viewing. Our table was situated right next to the window too. There probably isn’t a bad seat in the house, and the bar seemed a great place to come enjoy the views with a drink as well.
The view from our table.
The bar offers great seats too.
During our visit it started raining and we saw this rainbow!
Drinks at Hemisphere
The Hemisphere bar offers a wide range of drinks. They have a very large wine list and a special corking system to allow tasting high-end wines. We decided to try a couple specialty cocktails from the list.
Thyme To Go $16
Grey Goose vodka, Elderflower, grapefruit, thyme infused simple syrup, fresh lime juice
This was a perfect drink for Julie as she loves high-end vodka and grapefruit. It was a refreshing drink and she loved the pretty pink color too.
Zaquiri $16
Zacapa rum, citrus bubble, simple syrup, fresh lime juice
Andrew’s fave rum is Zacapa so he was excited to try this recipe. It was a different twist on his usual but he enjoyed the citrus addition to the rum and the bubble added a fun touch to the presentation.
Hemisphere drink menu (click to enlarge)
Thyme To Go and Zaquiri cocktails at the Hemisphere.
The Menu at Hemisphere
The chef curated menu at Hemisphere while it seems small at first actually has a lot of variety. We could see stopping in for many small plates or enjoying a full multi-course meal. The menu has somewhat of an international flare with Asian, Mexican, and traditional American dishes. They even have items like octopus! Check out everything we ordered…
The menu at Hemisphere Restaurant (click to enlarge)
STARTERS
Burrata Mozzarella $14.95
seasonal fruit, nut crumble, endive, buttery brioche, local honey, mustard seeds
We love finding burrata, I mean who doesn’t love creamy cheese? This dish was great with all the extras to pair with the cheese too like endive and citrus. While a small plate, it was still the perfect size for two to share.
Kalbi Short Rib Sliders $14.95
daikon & carrot pickle, steamed bao bun
Andrew absolutely loved this short rib (and wants to try the full entree next time!). The little bar buns were pillowy and the toppings fresh. A great little starter for two (you will probably need to order more for more people than that.)
Burrata Mozzarella at Hemisphere
Kalbi Short Rib Sliders at Hemisphere
SALADS
Chipotle Caesar $13.95
romaine hearts, celery leaves, manchengo, corn salsa, smoked almonds
Andrew loves Caesar salad and Chipotle so he had to try this dish. The toppings really made this a unique salad that he really enjoyed.
Chipotle Caesar at Hemisphere.
Roasted Baby Beets $15.95
whipped goat cheese, shaved fennel, pistachios, citrus zest, tarragon
How gorgeous is this colorful salad? Julie loves beets and goat cheese and this dish was exceptional with mixed color beets, citrus and more.
Roasted Baby Beets at Hemisphere.
ENTREES
Chicken Mole $37.95
roasted quarter chicken, mole rojo, benne seed, carolina gold rice, pomegranate pickled onion
Andrew loves a good Mole sauce since it has so many underlying flavors. This chicken and sauce was really really good. The only complaint is next time we would ask for a bit more sauce to add to the rice. Yum.
Chicken Mole at Hemisphere.
Grilled Salmon $39.95
black lentils with chorizo and sweet peas, caper cream, spiced heirloom carrots
Julie went with the grilled salmon that was cooked to perfection with a subtle spice profile. Loved the addition of lentils and veggies to mix it up from a standard rice on the side like most places. A healthy and satisfying meal.
Grilled Salmon at Hemisphere.
DESSERTS
Basque Cheesecake ($12)
vanilla orange scented burnt basque style cheesecake with Grand Mariner golden raisins
This cheesecake was Andrew’s favorite with a rich flavor. There were a ton of little raisins too with Grand Mariner goodness. Plus how pretty is that sugar sculpture?
Passion Fruit Bombe $12
white chocolate lemon mousse, cranberry gelee, passion fruit glaze, sweet potato shortbread cake
Julie loves tropical fruits and this Passion Fruit Bombe was the bomb. It was a light, creamy, and a great balance of sweet/tart. A great size too for someone wanting a little dessert.
Dark Chocolate Tower $12
devils food cake, dark chocolate mousse, blackberry gelee, cashew crumble, blackberry sorbet
You can never go wrong with a dessert like this for chocolate lovers like Andrew. Julie loved the addition of berry flavors too.
Hemisphere dessert menu (click to enlarge)
Passion Fruit Bombe
Basque Cheesecake
Dark Chocolate Tower
Our Final Thoughts
We may have found a new favorite to add to our list. With a great atmosphere, upscale menu options, and the views Hemisphere blew us away. The aviation views couldn’t be beat for Andrew too. We would absolutely do another date night here (and love that there is free valet!). We also think this is a spot we will now pop into for drinks and small plates before a flight too. Thank you Hemisphere for having us and we can’t wait to fly in again soon.
