Authentic Italian Food in Orlando
Traditional recipes from southern Italy. Handmade pasta. Fresh seafood. Every dish made from scratch by a family that knows the difference.
If you are searching for a real Italian food experience in Orlando, this is where the search ends.
The Food That Sets Ciao Italia Apart
The menu at Ciao Italia reads like a tour of traditional Italian cooking. The Risotto alla Pescatora is a classic seafood risotto made with fresh shrimp, mussels, and clams, cooked slowly until the rice is creamy and the flavors are layered. This is not a quick dish. It takes time and attention, which is why most chain restaurants do not attempt it.
The Linguine alle Vongole is another standout. Fresh clams tossed with linguine in a sauce that lets the seafood speak for itself. The Pappardelle with Wild Boar is a slow-cooked ragu that develops its depth over hours. The Vitello Piccata is finished with capers and artichokes in a way that balances richness with brightness.
These are not Americanized Italian dishes. They are traditional preparations made the way they would be in Italy, by people who grew up eating this food.
The Difference Between Fresh and Frozen
At most Italian restaurants in the Orlando tourist area, the pasta arrives in boxes, the sauces come premade, and the kitchen is essentially an assembly line. At Ciao Italia, the kitchen is a kitchen. Sauces are made daily. Pasta is prepared fresh. Proteins are cooked to order. There is no microwave involved.
You can taste the difference in the first bite. The textures are different. The flavors are more complex. The food feels like it was made for you, because it was. That is what traditional Italian cooking in Orlando looks like when it is done right.
A Family That Knows the Tradition
Josie and Antonio Navarra came from southern Italy. They did not learn Italian cooking from a culinary school or a corporate training program. They grew up with it. It was in their homes, their families, their daily lives. When they opened Ciao Italia in 1991, they brought that tradition to Orlando and it has not changed since.
Their children have continued the work, running the restaurant with the same commitment to quality that their parents established. The wine list features Italian and California wines chosen to pair with the menu. The atmosphere reflects a Mediterranean warmth that feels natural, not forced.
Open seven days a week, 5 PM to 10 PM at 6149 Westwood Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32821. Free self-parking. Call (407) 354-0770 or book through OpenTable.
Practical Details
Cuisine
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ciao Italia authentic Italian food?
Yes. Ciao Italia was founded by the Navarra family, who immigrated from southern Italy. The recipes are traditional family recipes brought from Italy, and every dish is made from scratch using authentic Italian cooking methods. The restaurant has been serving these same recipes since 1991.
What makes Italian food authentic versus Americanized?
Authentic Italian food uses fresh ingredients, makes sauces and pasta from scratch, and follows traditional regional recipes. Americanized Italian food often relies on heavy cream sauces, oversized portions, and pre-made ingredients. At Ciao Italia, the recipes come directly from southern Italy and are prepared the traditional way.
What authentic Italian dishes does Ciao Italia serve?
Ciao Italia serves traditional dishes including Risotto alla Pescatora (seafood risotto), Vitello Piccata, Pappardelle with Wild Boar ragu, Linguine alle Vongole (clam linguine), Brasato (braised short rib), and handmade Tiramisu. Every dish is prepared to order from scratch.
Does Ciao Italia make its pasta fresh?
Yes. Ciao Italia makes pasta fresh and prepares every dish to order. The kitchen uses traditional Italian methods, and the recipes have been part of the Navarra family for generations.
What is the most popular dish at Ciao Italia?
The Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Parmigiana, and Lasagna Bolognese are consistent favorites. For seafood lovers, the Risotto alla Pescatora is a standout.
More From Ciao Italia
Taste Real Italian
Experience authentic Italian cuisine the way it was meant to be.
Published by Ciao Italia Ristorante, family-owned by the Navarra family on Westwood Boulevard since 1991. Over 35 years of authentic Italian hospitality in Orlando, Florida.