Best Restaurant Near the Convention Center in Orlando
Skip the hotel restaurant. Authentic Italian cuisine 5 minutes from the Orange County Convention Center. Family-owned since 1991.
Why Convention Visitors Keep Coming Back
Many of Ciao Italia's regulars are repeat convention visitors. They discovered the restaurant during one trip and now make it a tradition every time they are in town. The reason is simple. After a day surrounded by thousands of people, fluorescent lighting, and conference food, walking into a warm, dimly lit Italian restaurant with handmade pasta and attentive service feels like a reward.
The atmosphere is refined without being fussy. The wine list is thoughtful. The portions are generous. And unlike the restaurants along International Drive, Ciao Italia does not feel like it was designed for tourists. It feels like a neighborhood restaurant that happens to be close to one of the busiest convention centers in the country.
The Menu
The kitchen at Ciao Italia works from family recipes brought over from southern Italy. The Risotto alla Pescatora features fresh seafood in a light tomato broth. The Pappardelle with Wild Boar is slow-simmered and rich. The Vitello Piccata comes with capers and artichokes. The Salmone alla Griglia is simple and perfectly executed. And the tiramisu is made in-house, not ordered from a supplier.
For convention groups looking to share a meal, the menu offers enough variety to satisfy everyone at the table. Seafood, pasta, veal, chicken, and vegetarian options are all available, and the kitchen can accommodate dietary requests with advance notice.
Practical Details for Convention Visitors
Ciao Italia is located at 6149 Westwood Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32821. It is 5 minutes from the OCCC, and free self-parking is available. After paying for convention parking all day, free parking at dinner is a small but welcome detail.
The restaurant is open seven days a week from 5 PM to 10 PM. Reservations are strongly recommended during major convention weeks and can be made by calling (407) 354-0770 or through OpenTable.
Practical Details
Cuisine
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic preparations.
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
Leaving the convention center, take International Drive south. Pass the hotels and attractions, and turn right on Westwood Blvd. Ciao Italia is 2 miles from the OCCC at 6149 Westwood Blvd. Free parking lot right in front. Five minutes from the show floor to your table.
More Questions About Dining Near the Convention Center
What kind of food does Ciao Italia serve near the convention center?
Ciao Italia serves authentic Italian cuisine including handmade pasta, sauteed calamari, fresh seafood, veal, lamb chops, and braised short rib. Everything is made from scratch daily. Beer and wine are available with dinner.
Does Ciao Italia offer group menus for convention attendees?
Yes. Group menus are available for parties of any size, with customizable options for appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The private dining room accommodates up to 60 guests. Call (407) 354-0770 for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ciao Italia from the Orange County Convention Center?
Ciao Italia Ristorante is approximately 10 minutes by car from the Orange County Convention Center. The restaurant is located at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821.
Does Ciao Italia offer free parking for convention attendees?
Yes. Ciao Italia offers free self-parking for all guests, which is a welcome relief for convention attendees who have been paying for parking all day.
Can Ciao Italia accommodate a group dinner after a convention?
Yes. Ciao Italia regularly hosts group dinners and can accommodate parties of various sizes. For larger groups, private dining arrangements are available. Call (407) 354-0770 to discuss your needs.
Is Ciao Italia open during convention week?
Ciao Italia is open seven days a week from 5 PM to 10 PM, including during all major convention weeks. Reservations are strongly recommended during busy convention periods.
Does Ciao Italia offer group dining for convention attendees?
Yes. Ciao Italia has a private dining room for groups up to 60 and offers customizable group menus. Call (407) 354-0770 or visit the Private Events page.
More From Ciao Italia
Escape the Convention Food
Authentic Italian cuisine 5 minutes from the OCCC. Free parking. Open every night.
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.