Best Italian Restaurant in Orlando According to OpenTable Diners
Over 4,000 reviews. Authentic Southern Italian. Family-owned on I-Drive since 1991.
What OpenTable Diners Say About Ciao Italia
More than 4,000 verified reviews on OpenTable add up to a clear picture: Ciao Italia is consistently one of the best Italian restaurants in Orlando according to the diners who actually sit down to eat there. The scores across food, service, ambiance, and value reflect a restaurant that delivers on its promise night after night.
What stands out in the reviews is specificity. Diners do not just say the food was good. They describe the exact dish that impressed them. The Linguine alle Vongole with its white wine garlic broth. The Sacchetti di Filetto with truffle and parmigiano cream. The osso buco braised until the meat falls from the bone. The lamb chops that arrive perfectly cooked. These are not average descriptions of average food. They are the responses of people who tasted something that actually surprised them.
The Dishes That Win Top Ratings
Italian cuisine lives and dies on the quality of its fundamentals. At Ciao Italia, the fundamentals are done right. Fresh pasta made in-house every day. Sauces built from scratch with quality ingredients. Seafood handled with the precision of a kitchen that learned to cook it from the source, not from a recipe booklet.
The pasta menu is the heart of the restaurant. The Risotto alla Pescatora brings together clams, mussels, shrimp, and sauteed calamari in a dish that requires patience and technique to execute properly. The Pappardelle al Cinghiale uses wild boar ragu and porcini mushrooms in a preparation rooted in central Italian tradition. These are not adaptations. They are the real thing.
Why Ciao Italia Leads the Pack in Orlando
Orlando has hundreds of Italian restaurants. Most of them are chains. A smaller number are independently owned but lack the history, the consistency, or the kitchen talent to sustain top ratings over time. Ciao Italia has been doing this for 35 years, under the same family, with the same commitment to Southern Italian cooking. That combination of tenure and quality is rare in any restaurant market, and it is the reason the restaurant consistently appears at the top of OpenTable rankings in its category.
Easy to Find, Easy to Book
Ciao Italia is located at 6149 Westwood Blvd on International Drive — one of the most accessible addresses in Orlando for visitors and locals alike. Free parking is available on-site. Reservations can be made through OpenTable or by calling (407) 354-0770. Walk-ins are always welcome when seating is available.
Practical Details
Cuisine
Authentic Southern Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb chops, and classic Italian preparations.
Hours
Open 7 days a week, 5 PM to 10 PM. Walk-ins welcome.
Parking
Free self-parking lot right in front of the restaurant. No meters or garages.
Location
6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. On International Drive near SeaWorld and the Convention Center.
Reservations
Book online through OpenTable or call (407) 354-0770. Walk-ins always welcome.
Private Dining
Private room seats up to 60. Full venue buyout up to 110. Custom menus available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ciao Italia the best Italian restaurant in Orlando on OpenTable?
Ciao Italia Ristorante consistently ranks among the top Italian restaurants in Orlando on OpenTable based on verified diner reviews. With over 4,000 reviews and a 4.6 average rating, it has earned multiple OpenTable recognitions. For authentic Southern Italian food on International Drive, it is the standard other restaurants are measured against.
What dishes get the most praise from OpenTable reviewers?
OpenTable reviewers frequently highlight the handmade pasta dishes, especially the Linguine alle Vongole, the Sacchetti di Filetto, and the Risotto alla Pescatora. The lamb chops (Agnello) and the veal preparations also receive consistent praise. The fresh-made sauces and generous portions are mentioned in review after review.
How does Ciao Italia compare to other Italian restaurants in Orlando?
Ciao Italia has been operating on International Drive since 1991 — far longer than most Italian restaurants in Orlando. It is family-owned, not chain-operated. The pasta is made in-house. The kitchen uses fresh seafood and traditional Southern Italian techniques. In terms of authenticity, consistency, and value, it stands apart from both chain Italian restaurants and newer concept restaurants that lack the same depth of experience.
Can I book Ciao Italia directly through OpenTable?
Yes. You can book directly through OpenTable by searching for Ciao Italia Ristorante in Orlando, or through our reservations page at ciaoitaliaonline.com/reservations.html. You can also call (407) 354-0770 to reserve by phone.
Is Ciao Italia good for large groups?
Yes. Ciao Italia has a private dining room that seats up to 60 guests, and the full restaurant can accommodate up to 110 for private buyouts. Group menus are available for parties of 20 or more. Call (407) 354-0770 to discuss your group reservation needs.
What is the price range at Ciao Italia?
Ciao Italia is priced in the mid-range ($$). Pasta dishes range from $19 to $36. Main courses run $24 to $44. Starters are $11 to $20. Wine and beer are available. It offers excellent value for the quality of the food and the experience.
More From Ciao Italia
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Published by Ciao Italia Ristorante, family-owned by the Navarra family on International Drive since 1991. Over 35 years of authentic Italian hospitality in Orlando, Florida.