Dining Near Helios Hotel
Best Restaurants By Helios Universal
Homemade Italian just 12 minutes away. Family-owned since 1991. 4,000+ reviews.
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Dining Near Helios Hotel
Homemade Italian just 12 minutes away. Family-owned since 1991. 4,000+ reviews.
Our Story
When Josie and Antonio Navarra opened Ciao Italia in 1991, they brought their Southern Italian family recipes and a simple philosophy: make great food from scratch, treat guests like family, and never take shortcuts.
More than 35 years later, we are still here — locally owned, scratch-made, and proudly independent. No chains. No shortcuts. Just real Italian food on International Drive.
Read Our Full Story
Every dish made from scratch • No shortcuts since 1991
Helios Hotel
Staying at Helios Grand Hotel near Universal? Ciao Italia is 12 minutes away — family-owned Italian making everything from scratch since 1991. Homemade pasta, fresh bread, Italian wine. Not a chain. 4,000+ reviews. Free parking.
Handmade pasta • Fresh seafood • Prime cuts • Every plate tells a story
What Guests Say
"We have been coming here for 10 years every time we visit Orlando. The food never changes and that is the highest compliment."
— The Rossi Family — OpenTable"Best Italian we've had in Florida. The lasagna was unreal and the staff made us feel like regulars on our first visit. Already planning our next trip back."
— Nicole & Chris W. — Google"A hidden gem on International Drive. Skip the tourist traps. The veal piccata and pappardelle are incredible."
— David K. — TripAdvisor
On International Drive — minutes from Orlando's top attractions and hotels.
Open 7 Days
5 PM – 10 PM
Free On-Site
Casual
Come As You Are
OpenTable or Call
(407) 354-0770
Ciao Italia Ristorante is about 12 minutes south of Universal Studios on Westwood Boulevard. It is a family-owned Italian restaurant with homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and classics like chicken parmigiana and lamb chops. Free parking, walk-ins welcome, open nightly 5 to 10 PM.
Yes. Ciao Italia Ristorante is about 7 miles south of Universal on Westwood Boulevard. The Navarra family has been making fresh pasta and Italian dishes since 1991. The restaurant has highly awarded, over 4,000 reviews, and Zagat recognition. It is a genuine Italian restaurant, not a theme park dining experience.
Absolutely. Casual and welcoming with a $13 kids menu that includes gelato for dessert. Highchairs available.
Walk-ins are welcome every night. For groups of 6+, call ahead at (407) 354-0770.
Yes. Ciao Italia offers an Italian wine list and beer selection curated to pair with the food.
Yes. Free parking lot right in front of the restaurant.
Open nightly from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week.
Explore more dining guides for Helios Hotel guests and nearby hotel visitors
Private Dining & Group Events
Celebrate at Ciao Italia Ristorante, family-owned since 1991 on International Drive in Orlando. From corporate dinners and family celebrations to special occasions, enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, warm hospitality, and flexible spaces tailored to your event.
All food packages include dessert, coffee, and tea.
Your guests deserve more than an ordinary dinner. Let our family welcome yours with delicious Italian food, personalized service, and a memorable atmosphere.
Real Italian food on International Drive. Family-owned since 1991. Free parking.
