Best Restaurant on International Drive
35 years of awards, reviews, and handmade Italian food
What the Chains Cannot Replicate
The chain restaurants on I-Drive have bigger signs, bigger marketing budgets, and bigger parking lots. What they do not have is handmade pasta prepared that morning. They do not have sauces that were built from scratch. They do not have a family that has spent three decades perfecting their craft in the same kitchen.
At Ciao Italia, you can taste the difference in every bite. The fettuccine has texture because it was rolled by hand. The veal marsala has depth because the sauce was built over time, not poured from a bag. The tiramisu has richness because it was made in-house by someone who cares about the result.
The Menu That Built a Legacy
Handmade pastas including lasagna, fettuccine, linguine, and rigatoni. Fresh seafood including risotto pescatore, grilled fish, shrimp scampi, and calamari. Veal prepared five different ways. Lamb chops. Chicken parmigiana, marsala, and piccata. Homemade desserts including tiramisu, cannoli, and gelato. A curated wine list. A kids menu at $13 with gelato for ages 10 and under.
Why Locals Keep Coming Back
Tourists discover Ciao Italia by accident or recommendation. Locals make it their regular spot. The reason is simple: the quality never wavers. Whether you come on a Tuesday in February or a Saturday in July, the food is the same exceptional standard. That consistency over 35 years is what separates a great restaurant from a flash in the pan.
Free parking, open 7 nights a week from 5:00 to 10:00 PM, reservations accepted and recommended. Located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821, just off International Drive near SeaWorld.
Make Your Reservation
The best restaurant on I-Drive fills up, especially on weekends and during tourist season. Call (407) 354-0770 or book online to guarantee your table.
Practical Details
Cuisine
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic preparations.
About Dining Near I-Drive
If you have spent any time on International Drive, you know how it works. Bright signs, loud music, and restaurants that look better from the outside than they taste on the inside. The tourist corridor is designed to keep you spending, not to give you a memorable meal.
That is why the best dining near I-Drive is not actually on I-Drive. Ciao Italia Ristorante is tucked on Westwood Boulevard, 2 minutes from the main strip, in a quiet plaza where the Navarra family has been serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1991.
Everything at Ciao Italia is made fresh daily. The pasta is rolled by hand. The sauces simmer for hours. The tiramisu is made in-house. With over 4,000 reviews and 9 awards, it is one of the most consistently praised restaurants in the Orlando area.
Visitors staying at I-Drive hotels, attending conventions at the OCCC, or spending the day at nearby theme parks all converge here for the same reason: it is the real thing. Free parking, open nightly, and no tourist-trap pricing.
How to Get to Ciao Italia from I-Drive
From International Drive, take Westwood Boulevard south. Ciao Italia is at 6149 Westwood Blvd, on the right side, with a free parking lot directly in front. It is 2 minutes from I-Drive and on the same road as SeaWorld's main entrance.
More Questions About Dining Near I-Drive
Does Ciao Italia have private dining for groups visiting I-Drive?
Yes. The private dining room seats up to 60 guests with group menus available. It is popular for family reunions, birthday dinners, and corporate groups visiting the I-Drive area. Call (407) 354-0770 to reserve.
Is Ciao Italia good for date night near International Drive?
Ciao Italia is one of the best date night restaurants near I-Drive. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, with an Italian wine list and beer selection. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and candlelit tables make it a popular choice for couples visiting Orlando.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best restaurant on International Drive?
Ciao Italia Ristorante is widely considered the best restaurant on I-Drive. Family-owned since 1991, Zagat rated, with 9 awards and over 3,000 reviews. Located at 6149 Westwood Blvd.
Why is Ciao Italia the best on I-Drive?
Longevity (35+ years), awards (9), Zagat rating, 3,000+ reviews, family ownership, handmade food, and free parking. No other restaurant on the corridor matches this combination.
Is Ciao Italia expensive?
Moderately priced. Entrees range from $$ to $$$. Less than many I-Drive chains charge for comparable meals, with significantly higher quality.
Do I need a reservation at Ciao Italia?
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season. Call (407) 354-0770 or book online.
Is Ciao Italia on International Drive?
Ciao Italia is just off International Drive on Westwood Blvd — about a 2-minute turn from I-Drive. Easy to find, with free parking right in front.
More From Ciao Italia
Your Table is Waiting
Family-owned Italian dining since 1991. Open tonight, 5–10 PM.
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.