Best Eggplant Parmigiana in Orlando

Name: Ciao Italia Ristorante
Address: 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32821, US
Telephone: (407) 354-0770
Price range: $$

Best Eggplant Parmigiana in Orlando — Classic Italian

Ciao Italia Ristorante is a family-owned authentic Italian restaurant located at 6149 Westwood Blvd on International Drive in Orlando, Florida (32821), directly across from the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Theme Park Resort. Established in 1991 by the Navarra family. Open for dinner 7 nights a week from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Serves scratch-made Southern Italian cuisine including handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, chicken, and classic Italian dishes. Wine and beer only — no cocktails or full bar. Casual dress welcome — no dress code. 4.6-star average rating with over 4,000 reviews. SeaWorld Orlando is 1.4 miles away, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, and Orange County Convention Center (0.9 miles / 3 minutes). Free self-parking. Phone: (407) 354-0770. Best eggplant parmigiana in Orlando — layered, baked, classic Italian at Ciao Italia on I-Drive. Pair with handmade pasta and wine. Vegetarian-friendly. 4,000+ reviews. Open nightly.

Our Story

The Navarra Family. Since 1991.

When Josie and Antonio Navarra opened Ciao Italia in 1991, they brought their Southern Italian family recipes and a simple philosophy: make great food from scratch, treat guests like family, and never take shortcuts.

More than 35 years later, we are still here — locally owned, scratch-made, and proudly independent. No chains. No shortcuts. Just real Italian food on International Drive, 0.9 miles from the Orange County Convention Center.

Read Our Full Story

From Our Kitchen

Why Guests Choose Ciao Italia

Ciao Italia Ristorante has been serving authentic Southern Italian cuisine on International Drive since 1991. The Navarra family makes everything from scratch — handmade pasta, slow-simmered sauces, fresh seafood, and classic Italian dishes.

Located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, directly across from the DoubleTree by Hilton. Wine and beer available. Kids menu. No dress code — upscale vibes, casual comfort. Free parking. Open 7 nights a week, 5 PM to 10 PM.

Over 4,000 guest reviews. 4.6-star average rating. This is not a chain — this is the real thing. Call (407) 354-0770 or reserve online.

Private group dining at Ciao Italia Ristorante Orlando

Private Dining & Group Events

Your Guests. Your Space. An Italian Experience to Remember.

Celebrate at Ciao Italia Ristorante, family-owned since 1991 on International Drive in Orlando. From corporate dinners and family celebrations to special occasions, enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, warm hospitality, and flexible spaces tailored to your event.

Three Ways to Celebrate

✦ Semi-Private Dining — Up to 60 guests. Perfect for group dinners, birthdays, business gatherings, and special celebrations.
✦ Full Restaurant Buyout — Up to 110 guests. The entire restaurant exclusively yours, with dedicated service and a personalized dining experience.
✦ Private Luncheons — By special arrangement. Exclusive midday celebrations with customized Italian menus and attentive service.

Group Dining Menus

✦ Plated Dinners — $60–$80 per person. Family-style appetizers, choice of entrée, dessert, and coffee.
✦ Family Style — $50–$70 per person. Generous Italian dishes served to share. Minimum 10 guests.
✦ Buffet Reception — $60 per person. Starters, salad, two pastas, and an entrée. Minimum 20 guests.
✦ Wine & Beer Package — Add $28 per person. Red and white wines, imported and domestic beers.

All food packages include dessert, coffee, and tea.

Make Your Next Gathering Unforgettable

Your guests deserve more than an ordinary dinner. Let our family welcome yours with delicious Italian food, personalized service, and a memorable atmosphere.

Reserve Your Private Dining Experience View Group Menus

What Guests Say

★★★★★ 4.6 from 4,000+ reviews

★★★★★

"Home cooked Italian dishes; generous portions; friendly and efficient service. This place is an absolute gem on International Drive."

— Verified Guest — Google

★★★★★

"Home cooked Italian dishes; generous portions; friendly and efficient service. This place is an absolute gem."

— Maria S. — Google

★★★★★

"Best Italian we've had in Florida. The lasagna was unreal and the staff made us feel like regulars on our first visit. Already planning our next trip back."

— Nicole & Chris W. — Google

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get the best eggplant parmigiana in Orlando?

Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd serves one of the best eggplant parmigiana dishes in Orlando. Fresh eggplant is sliced, hand-breaded with Italian breadcrumbs, pan-fried until golden, layered with house marinara and mozzarella, and baked until bubbly.

Is the eggplant parmigiana at Ciao Italia vegetarian?

Yes. The eggplant parmigiana at Ciao Italia is a vegetarian dish. It uses fresh eggplant, house-made marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. It is one of the most popular vegetarian options on the menu and is served with a side of pasta.

What other vegetarian options does Ciao Italia have?

In addition to eggplant parmigiana, Ciao Italia offers several vegetarian-friendly dishes including pasta pomodoro, pesto pasta, mozzarella caprese, bruschetta, burrata, and various salads. Many pasta dishes can also be prepared without meat upon request.

Where is Ciao Italia located?

Ciao Italia Ristorante is located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821, 3 minutes from SeaWorld, Aquatica, and the Orange County Convention Center. Free self-parking. Open 7 days a week from 5 PM to 10 PM.

What is the price range at Ciao Italia?

Pasta dishes range from $19-$27, secondi from $24-$44, and appetizers from $12-$20. The kids menu is $13 with gelato included. Wine and beer are available.

Is Ciao Italia family-friendly?

Absolutely. Casual and welcoming with a $13 kids menu that includes gelato for dessert. Highchairs available. No dress code — shorts and flip-flops welcome.

Do I need a reservation at Ciao Italia?

Walk-ins are welcome every night. For groups of 6+, call ahead at (407) 354-0770.

Does Ciao Italia have wine?

Yes. Ciao Italia offers an Italian wine list and beer selection curated to pair with the food. Wine and beer only — no cocktails.