9 Awards
Award Winning Restaurant in Orlando
Nine awards. Zagat rated. Over 35 years of authentic Italian cuisine on Westwood Boulevard.
Nine Awards Over Three Decades
Awards are not given to restaurants that are simply good enough. They are given to restaurants that stand apart. Ciao Italia Ristorante has earned nine of them, including Zagat recognition, across more than 35 years of continuous operation. In a city where most restaurants close within the first five years, that track record says everything.
The Navarra family did not chase awards. They chased perfection on the plate. They brought recipes from southern Italy, opened the doors at 6149 Westwood Boulevard in 1991, and focused on one thing: making food the right way, every single night. The awards came as a consequence of that discipline. The award-winning restaurant in Orlando that people talk about today was built one handmade pasta dish at a time.
The Standard Behind the Awards
Every pasta on the menu is made fresh in-house, every day. The Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu is slow-cooked for hours. The Risotto alla Pescatora is prepared to order with the freshest available seafood. The Lobster Ravioli is hand-filled and sealed. The wine list is entirely Italian, curated over decades to complement the food. The tiramisu is made fresh every morning. These are not special-occasion extras. This is the baseline.
The service matches the food. The Navarra family is still present in the restaurant, still overseeing the kitchen and the dining room. After 35 years, they have not handed things off to a management company or diluted the experience. That personal investment is what separates an award-winning restaurant from one that simply stays open.
Location and Reservations
Ciao Italia is located at 6149 Westwood Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32821, near SeaWorld, International Drive, and the Orange County Convention Center. Free self-parking is available for all guests. Open seven days a week from 5 PM to 10 PM.
Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (407) 354-0770 or through OpenTable. Private dining accommodates up to 60 guests, with full restaurant buyouts available for up to 110.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many awards has Ciao Italia won?
Ciao Italia Ristorante has earned 9 awards over its 35+ year history, including Zagat ratings and recognition from local and national dining guides. The restaurant is one of the most decorated independently owned Italian restaurants in Orlando.
Is Ciao Italia Zagat rated?
Yes. Ciao Italia has earned Zagat recognition for its authentic Italian cuisine, consistent quality, and warm atmosphere. The Zagat rating is one of 9 awards the restaurant has received since opening in 1991.
What makes Ciao Italia award winning?
Ciao Italia earns awards through handmade pasta made daily, fresh seafood, family recipes from southern Italy, an Italian wine list, and over 35 years of consistent quality under the Navarra family's ownership.
How long has Ciao Italia been open?
Ciao Italia opened in 1991 and has been family-owned and operated by the Navarra family for over 35 years. It is one of the longest-running independently owned Italian restaurants in Orlando.
