Ciao Italia Ristorante
Best Italian Food Near SeaWorld Orlando
Authentic Italian cuisine served every evening, just minutes from SeaWorld. Family recipes since 1991.
The Italian Restaurant SeaWorld Visitors Keep Coming Back To
When you are visiting SeaWorld Orlando, you deserve better than a chain restaurant for dinner. Ciao Italia Ristorante has been serving authentic Italian food on Westwood Blvd since 1991, and it sits just minutes from the park. The Navarra family brought their recipes from Italy and built a restaurant that locals and visitors have trusted for over 35 years.
The menu covers everything you would expect from a real Italian kitchen, and then some. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal prepared several ways, chicken parmigiana, eggplant parmigiana, and classic Italian desserts. Every dish is made from scratch, every sauce simmers for hours, and the ingredients are sourced with the same care the family has maintained since day one.
A Full Italian Menu, Not Just Pasta
While the handmade pasta is exceptional, Ciao Italia's menu goes far beyond that. The veal piccata is tender and perfectly balanced with lemon and capers. The chicken marsala features a rich Marsala wine sauce that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken breast. The risotto pescatore, loaded with shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari, is one of the most-ordered dishes on the entire menu.
For lighter appetites, the appetizer menu includes bruschetta, calamari fritti, mozzarella caprese, and a burrata that melts the moment you cut into it. And for dessert, the tiramisu and cannoli are made in-house and finish the meal exactly the way it should end.
Why This Restaurant Has Lasted 35 Years
Restaurants near the Orlando theme parks come and go constantly. The ones that survive are the ones that refuse to cut corners. Ciao Italia has never chased trends or tried to be something it is not. It is an Italian restaurant run by an Italian family, using Italian recipes, and doing it the same way every single night. That consistency is why they have earned more than 3,000 reviews, 9 awards, and a Zagat rating.
The location is convenient for anyone staying near SeaWorld, Aquatica, the Orange County Convention Center, or anywhere along the I-Drive corridor. Free self-parking, open seven nights a week from 5 PM to 10 PM, and private dining available for groups up to 60. Full restaurant buyout accommodates 110 guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best Italian food near SeaWorld Orlando?
Ciao Italia Ristorante, located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, is widely considered the best Italian restaurant near SeaWorld Orlando. Family-owned since 1991, the restaurant serves handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, chicken, and classic Italian dishes with recipes passed down through the Navarra family.
What kind of Italian food does Ciao Italia serve?
Ciao Italia serves a full menu of authentic Italian cuisine including handmade pasta dishes, risotto pescatore, veal piccata, chicken marsala, chicken parmigiana, shrimp scampi, eggplant parmigiana, fresh fish, lobster ravioli, and classic Italian desserts like tiramisu and cannoli.
Is Ciao Italia close to SeaWorld Orlando?
Yes. Ciao Italia is approximately 5 minutes by car from SeaWorld Orlando, located on Westwood Blvd near the intersection with International Drive. Free self-parking is available.
Does Ciao Italia near SeaWorld take reservations?
Yes. Ciao Italia accepts reservations and recommends them, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season. Walk-ins are also welcome. The restaurant is open 7 days a week from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
