Ciao Italia Ristorante
Best Calamari Near International Drive
Lightly breaded, crispy fried, tender inside. Cut fresh and prepared to order.
Calamari That Is Actually Tender
Calamari is one of the most ordered appetizers at Italian restaurants, and one of the most frequently disappointing. At most places near International Drive, the calamari arrives rubbery, over-breaded, and drowning in a generic marinara that tastes like it came from a can. It is the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you bothered ordering it in the first place.
At Ciao Italia Ristorante, the calamari is different. The squid is cut fresh in the kitchen, lightly dusted with a thin breading, and fried at the right temperature until the outside is golden and crispy while the inside stays tender. It is served with house-made marinara, and the difference between this and the frozen, pre-breaded version you get at a chain is obvious from the first bite.
The Perfect Start to Your Meal
Calamari is one of the most popular ways to start a meal at Ciao Italia. It pairs well with everything on the menu, from the risotto pescatore to the chicken marsala to the pappardelle wild boar ragu. Many families order it for the table to share while they decide on their entrees. The portion is generous, and the dish arrives hot from the kitchen.
Beyond the calamari, the appetizer menu at Ciao Italia includes bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil, creamy burrata with house-made pesto, handmade meatballs in marinara, lobster bisque, and insalata caprese. Every starter is made fresh, and every one of them sets the bar for what follows.
A Quick Drive from I-Drive, a Different Experience
Ciao Italia is located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, just a few minutes from International Drive. The restaurant has been owned and operated by the Navarra family since 1991. Over 3,000 guests have left reviews praising the food, the service, and the atmosphere. Nine culinary awards hang on the wall. Free self-parking is available, and the restaurant is open seven nights a week from 5 to 10 PM.
If you are staying near I-Drive and want calamari that is actually worth ordering, the short drive to Ciao Italia is the best decision you will make for dinner.
