Near I-Drive
Best Italian on International Drive
Forget the chains on I-Drive. Real Italian is five minutes away. Since 1991.
I-Drive Has Quantity. We Have Quality.
International Drive is fourteen miles of restaurants, and most of them are designed to process tourists as efficiently as possible. The Italian options on I-Drive serve breadsticks from a bag, pasta from a box, and sauce from a can. They seat four hundred people and treat your dinner like a transaction. If that is what you want, you have plenty of choices. If you want something better, you drive five minutes to Ciao Italia.
The Navarra family opened Ciao Italia in 1991, not on International Drive, but on Westwood Boulevard, where serious restaurants do not need foot traffic to survive. They need regulars. They need word of mouth. They need 3,000+ reviews from people who drove past a dozen chains to get here. Ciao Italia is the best Italian on International Drive for the simple reason that it is better than everything on International Drive.
The I-Drive Alternative
At Ciao Italia, the Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu is slow-cooked from family recipes. The Risotto alla Pescatora features fresh seafood, not frozen. The Lobster Ravioli is hand-filled. The Vitello Piccata is pounded and prepared to order. The wine list is entirely Italian, curated by people who know what they are pouring. The tiramisu is made in-house every day. Nothing on the menu was designed by a corporate committee.
The atmosphere is the opposite of I-Drive. It is quiet. The tables are spaced for conversation. The lighting is warm. The staff knows your name if you have been here before, and they treat you like a regular even if you have not. After the noise and neon of International Drive, Ciao Italia is where Orlando's dining actually happens.
Getting Here from I-Drive
Ciao Italia is located at 6149 Westwood Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32821, just minutes from International Drive. Whether you are staying at a hotel on I-Drive, visiting the theme parks, or attending a convention, the restaurant is easily accessible. Free self-parking is available for all guests.
Open seven days a week from 5 PM to 10 PM. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist season. Call (407) 354-0770 or book through OpenTable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Italian restaurant on International Drive?
Ciao Italia Ristorante is widely considered the best Italian near International Drive. Located minutes away at 6149 Westwood Blvd, it has earned 9 awards including Zagat recognition, 3,000+ reviews, and has been family-owned since 1991.
How far is Ciao Italia from International Drive?
Ciao Italia is just minutes from International Drive by car, located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. It is easily accessible from all parts of the I-Drive tourist corridor with free self-parking available.
Why choose Ciao Italia over I-Drive chain restaurants?
Ciao Italia is independently owned by the Navarra family, serves handmade pasta made daily, has a curated Italian wine list, and offers an intimate atmosphere. Unlike chain restaurants, every dish is prepared from scratch using family recipes from southern Italy.
Does Ciao Italia have parking near International Drive?
Yes. Ciao Italia offers complimentary self-parking for all guests. Unlike many I-Drive restaurants that charge for parking or require valet, parking at Ciao Italia is always free.
