Best Orlando Restaurants Outside Disney World
Orlando's best independent Italian restaurant. 20-25 minutes from Disney parks.
Orlando Has a Restaurant Scene Beyond Disney
Most Disney visitors never discover Orlando's real restaurant scene. They eat inside the parks, grab dinner at Disney Springs, and go home thinking that is what Orlando food is about. But Orlando has a vibrant independent dining culture that has been thriving for decades, and some of the best restaurants are within 20 minutes from Disney of every Disney park.
Ciao Italia Ristorante is a prime example. Located on Westwood Blvd near SeaWorld and International Drive, this family-owned Italian restaurant has been open since 1991. The Navarra family makes everything from scratch. The pasta is handmade daily, the sauces simmer for hours, and the recipes have been passed down through generations. With 4,000+ reviews and 9 awards, it has earned its place among Orlando's best.
Dishes Worth the Drive
The menu at Ciao Italia is built around quality ingredients and traditional techniques. The Pappardelle al Cinghiale features wild boar ragu with porcini mushrooms and pecorino. The Linguine alle Vongole comes with fresh clams in white wine garlic sauce. The Risotto alla Pescatora is a seafood showcase with clams, mussels, shrimp, and calamari.
Beyond pasta, the Australian lamb chops are a signature, served with mashed potatoes and asparagus. The sauteed calamari is tender and perfectly seasoned. And the homemade tiramisu is the kind of dessert that makes you forget you ate anything at a theme park earlier that day.
The Real Orlando Experience
Eating at Ciao Italia is eating in the real Orlando. The prices reflect quality, not location premiums. The service is personal because the family is there every night. The atmosphere is intimate and comfortable, not themed or engineered. This is what dining in Orlando actually looks like when you step outside the Disney gates.
Free parking. $13 kids menu with gelato. Beer and wine with dinner. Open every night 5 to 10 PM. Private dining for up to 60 guests. Call (407) 354-0770.
Practical Details
Cuisine
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic preparations.
Hours
Open nightly 5 PM to 10 PM. Seven days a week.
Parking
Free self-parking right in front of the restaurant.
About Orlando's Restaurant Scene Outside Disney
Orlando's food scene has grown dramatically, with acclaimed independent restaurants along Sand Lake Road (Restaurant Row), International Drive, Mills 50, and Winter Park. Visitors who venture off Disney property discover a diverse culinary landscape that rivals any major city.
Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd has been part of Orlando's dining scene since 1991. The Navarra family serves handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, lamb chops, and sauteed calamari in an intimate setting. 4,000+ reviews. 9 awards. 20-25 minutes from all Disney parks. Beer and wine. Free parking. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
How to Get to Ciao Italia from Disney World
Take I-4 East from Disney World to Exit 74A (Sand Lake Road). Head south on International Drive, turn right onto Westwood Blvd. Ciao Italia is at 6149 Westwood Blvd. About 20-25 minutes from any park. Free parking.
People Also Ask About Orlando Restaurants Outside Disney
What are the best Orlando restaurants outside Disney?
Ciao Italia Ristorante is among Orlando's highest-rated independent restaurants, with 4,000+ reviews, 9 awards, and 35+ years of family ownership. Handmade Italian pasta 20-25 minutes from all parks.
Where do Orlando locals eat near Disney World?
Many locals frequent restaurants along International Drive and Sand Lake Road. Ciao Italia on Westwood Blvd has been a local favorite since 1991.
Is Orlando food better outside Disney World?
Many food critics and visitors find that Orlando's independent restaurants offer more authentic and creative cuisine than on-property Disney options, often at lower prices.
About Dining Near Orlando Restaurants Outside Disney World
When you are visiting Orlando Restaurants Outside Disney World in Orlando, finding a genuine Italian dinner can feel impossible among the chains and tourist traps. Ciao Italia Ristorante has been the answer since 1991 — a family-owned Italian restaurant on Westwood Boulevard where everything is made from scratch.
The Navarra family runs the kitchen personally. Handmade pasta, fresh sauces, bread baked daily, and housemade desserts. The menu includes classics like lasagna and chicken parmigiana alongside refined dishes like pappardelle with wild boar ragu and risotto alla pescatora.
With 4,000+ reviews, 9 awards, and over 35 years of service, Ciao Italia is one of the most trusted Italian restaurants in the Orlando area. Italian wine and beer are available with dinner. Kids eat for $13 with gelato. Free parking. Walk-ins welcome nightly 5 to 10 PM.
How to Get to Ciao Italia from Orlando Restaurants Outside Disney World
Ciao Italia is about 20 minutes from Orlando Restaurants Outside Disney World. Head toward International Drive and continue to Westwood Boulevard. The restaurant is at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821, with free parking right in front. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
More Questions About Dining Near Orlando Restaurants Outside Disney World
What is a good Italian restaurant near Orlando Restaurants Outside Disney World?
Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd is a family-owned Italian restaurant about 20 minutes away. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, and lamb since 1991. Over 4,000 reviews. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
Where can I have dinner near Orlando Restaurants Outside Disney World?
Ciao Italia is about 20 minutes away and serves authentic Italian food made from scratch. Italian wine and beer with dinner, free parking, kids menu with gelato. Walk-ins welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I eat outside Disney World in Orlando?
Off-property restaurants offer better value, more authentic food, shorter waits, and a chance to experience Orlando's real dining culture beyond the theme park bubble.
How far is Ciao Italia from Disney World?
20 minutes from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, 25 minutes from Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom via I-4.
Is Ciao Italia one of the best restaurants in Orlando?
With 4,000+ reviews, 9 awards, and 35+ years of continuous operation under the same family, Ciao Italia is among Orlando's most established and highly rated Italian restaurants.
Do I need reservations at Ciao Italia?
Reservations are recommended on weekends but not required. Walk-ins are welcome every night. Call (407) 354-0770.
What should I order at Ciao Italia?
Top dishes include Pappardelle al Cinghiale, Risotto alla Pescatora, Australian lamb chops, sauteed calamari, and homemade tiramisu.
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Discover Orlando's Real Italian Restaurant
20-25 minutes from Disney World. Family-owned since 1991. Open tonight.
Published by Ciao Italia Ristorante, family-owned by the Navarra family on Westwood Boulevard since 1991. Over 35 years of authentic Italian hospitality in Orlando, Florida.