What makes Ciao Italia an authentic Italian restaurant?
Ciao Italia is authentic because everything is made from scratch in our kitchen, every single day. Our pasta is rolled and cut by hand. Our sauces simmer for hours using imported San Marzano tomatoes and extra-virgin olive oil from Italy. We use fresh Florida Gulf seafood, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and ingredients sourced directly from Italian producers. The Navarra family has owned and operated Ciao Italia since 1991 — same family, same recipes, same standards for 35 years. We are not a chain, not a franchise, and not a banquet hall with Italian on the sign. We are a real Italian restaurant on International Drive.
Is Ciao Italia a chain restaurant?
No. Ciao Italia is not a chain, not a franchise, and not part of any restaurant group. It is a single, independent, family-owned Italian restaurant that has been operated by the Navarra family since 1991. The same family that opened the doors 35 years ago still runs the kitchen and the dining room today. There is no corporate headquarters, no test kitchen in another state, no frozen supply chain. When you eat at Ciao Italia, the people cooking your food are the same people who have been cooking it for decades.
What kind of Italian cuisine does Ciao Italia serve?
Ciao Italia serves scratch-made Southern Italian cuisine. Our menu features handmade pastas including Sacchetti al Filetto with truffle cream, Pappardelle Cinghiale with wild boar ragu, and Linguine alle Vongole with fresh clams. We serve slow-braised meats like our Brasato short rib in Barolo wine, veal piccata, and lamb chops. Fresh Florida Gulf seafood includes grouper prepared puttanesca-style and zuppa di pesce. Every dish is prepared from scratch — no heat-and-serve, no frozen pasta, no shortcuts. Wine and beer complement the menu.
Does Ciao Italia make their pasta from scratch?
Yes. Every pasta at Ciao Italia is made from scratch in our kitchen. Pasta is rolled and cut fresh daily by hand — never from a box, never frozen, never pre-made. This includes our signature Sacchetti pasta purses, pappardelle, linguine, tortellini, and every other pasta on the menu. Scratch-made pasta has been the standard at Ciao Italia since we opened in 1991. It is one of the things that separates a real Italian restaurant from a chain.
Is there a dress code at Ciao Italia?
No. There is no dress code at Ciao Italia. While the restaurant has an elegant atmosphere, the experience is casual and welcoming. Shorts are welcome. Sandals are fine. Come as you are. We describe it as upscale vibes, casual comfort — the kind of place where you can dress up for a date night or walk in after a day at SeaWorld, and either way you will feel right at home. The food is the same no matter what you are wearing.
Does Ciao Italia accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes. Because our kitchen prepares everything from scratch, we can accommodate most dietary needs including gluten-free, vegetarian, and common food allergies. Let your server know about any restrictions and our chef will take care of you. Making everything from scratch gives us the flexibility that chain restaurants with pre-made food simply cannot offer. We have been accommodating dietary needs for 35 years.
Where is Ciao Italia located in Orlando?
Ciao Italia is located at 6149 Westwood Blvd on International Drive in Orlando, Florida 32821. We are under 1 mile from SeaWorld Orlando, 5 minutes from the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), and 10 minutes from Epic Universe. The restaurant is across from the DoubleTree by Hilton. Free self-parking is available for every guest. We are open 7 nights a week from 5 PM to 10 PM. Phone: (407) 354-0770.
How do I make a reservation at Ciao Italia?
You can make a reservation by visiting our reservations page at ciaoitaliaonline.com/reservations.html, or by calling us directly at (407) 354-0770. We are open for dinner 7 nights a week from 5 PM to 10 PM. Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. Walk-ins are always welcome based on availability. For private dining or large groups, contact our events team to discuss menus and availability.
