Best Italian Restaurant Near Convention Center Orlando

The Convention Center Deserves Better Than Hotel Food

The Orange County Convention Center brings millions of visitors to Orlando every year. Trade shows, conferences, expos, corporate summits. And after a full day on the convention floor, those visitors end up eating at the hotel restaurant or grabbing something on International Drive. That is a mistake. The best Italian restaurant near the Convention Center is 5 minutes away on Westwood Boulevard, and it has been there since 1991.

Ciao Italia Ristorante is family-owned by the Navarra family, who brought their recipes from southern Italy and never stopped cooking them. Every pasta is handmade daily. The Risotto alla Pescatora, the Pappardelle with Wild Boar, the Vitello Piccata, and the house-made Tiramisu have earned the restaurant Zagat ratings, 9 awards, and more than 4,000+ reviews from guests who keep coming back convention after convention.

Corporate Dining Done Right

Convention week means dinners with clients, team celebrations, and deal-closing meals. Ciao Italia handles all of it. The atmosphere is refined without being stiff. The service is attentive and professional. The wine list is Italian-focused and curated to pair with every course. This is the kind of restaurant where a handshake over dessert actually means something.

Whether you are hosting a table for four or organizing a dinner for your entire sales team, Ciao Italia delivers the experience that hotel banquet rooms cannot. Real food, real service, real Italian hospitality.

Private Events for Convention Groups

Ciao Italia offers private dining for groups up to 60 guests in a dedicated space. For larger events, a full restaurant buyout accommodates up to 110 guests. This is ideal for corporate dinners, award ceremonies, client appreciation events, and team celebrations during convention week. Custom menus can be arranged in advance by calling (407) 354-0770.

The private dining experience includes personalized menu planning, dedicated service staff, and a curated wine selection. No projector screens, no fluorescent lights, no conference room energy. Just an intimate Italian restaurant where your group can relax and enjoy a meal together.

Menu Highlights

The menu at Ciao Italia reflects decades of refinement. Handmade pastas are the foundation. The Risotto alla Pescatora features fresh seafood in a light tomato broth. The Pappardelle with Wild Boar is rich and slow-cooked. The Vitello Piccata is tender veal in a lemon-caper sauce. Vegetarian options, fresh fish, chicken, and lamb round out the menu. Every dessert, including the Tiramisu, is made in-house.

The wine list features Italian and international selections chosen to complement the food. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to recommend pairings for any course.

Getting Here from the Convention Center

Ciao Italia is located at 6149 Westwood Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32821, 5 minutes from the Orange County Convention Center. Head south on International Drive, turn onto Westwood Boulevard, and you are there. Free self-parking is available for all guests. No meters. No garages. No fees.

Open seven days a week from 5 PM to 10 PM. Reservations are strongly recommended during major conventions and can be made by calling (407) 354-0770 or through OpenTable.

About Dining Near the Convention Center

The Orange County Convention Center is the second-largest convention facility in the United States. Every year, it hosts hundreds of trade shows, conferences, expos, and corporate events that bring millions of attendees to Orlando. When those long days on the show floor end, everyone needs a place to eat.

The dining options immediately surrounding the OCCC are limited. Most are hotel restaurants with inflated prices and uninspired menus, or fast-casual spots designed for speed rather than quality. Finding a genuinely good dinner near the convention center takes a little local knowledge.

Ciao Italia Ristorante is 5 minutes south of the OCCC on Westwood Boulevard, just off International Drive. The Navarra family has operated this restaurant since 1991, serving handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, lamb chops, and authentic Italian cuisine every night. It is the dinner convention attendees remember.

The private dining room seats up to 60 guests with group menus available for corporate dinners and team events. Free parking eliminates the hassle of convention center garages. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended during major shows.

How to Get to Ciao Italia from the Convention Center

From the Orange County Convention Center, head south on International Drive for about 2 miles. Turn right onto Westwood Boulevard. Ciao Italia is at 6149 Westwood Blvd on your right, with free parking in front. The entire drive takes about 5 minutes, even during convention traffic.

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