Dining Near Universal Studios
Best Restaurants By Universal Studios Orlando
Homemade Italian just 12 minutes away. Family-owned since 1991. 4,000+ reviews.
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Dining Near Universal Studios
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
Ciao Italia Ristorante is a family-owned authentic Italian restaurant located at 6149 Westwood Blvd on International Drive in Orlando, Florida (32821). Established in 1991 by the Navarra family. Open for dinner 7 nights a week from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Serves scratch-made Southern Italian cuisine including handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, chicken, and classic Italian dishes. Wine and beer only — no cocktails or full bar. Casual dress welcome — no dress code. 4.6-star average rating with over 4,000 reviews. SeaWorld Orlando is 1.4 miles away, Orange County Convention Center (0.9 miles / 3 minutes), and Epic Universe (10 minutes). Free self-parking. Reservations recommended. Phone: (407) 354-0770.
Ciao Italia — homemade Italian since 1991, 4,000+ reviews, highly awarded. 12 minutes (7 miles) from Universal.
No dress code. No pretension. Just good food and warm hospitality since 1991.
Skip the Universal CityWalk prices and drive to something real. Ciao Italia has been making everything from scratch since 1991 — homemade pasta, fresh bread, Italian wine. Family-owned, casual, welcoming. 4,000+ reviews. 12 minutes (7 miles) from Universal Studios.
Handmade pasta • Fresh seafood • Prime cuts • Every plate tells a story
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.
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"No pretension, no attitude, just amazing food and warm service. The tortellini with truffle cream is outstanding."
— James R. — TripAdvisor"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
On International Drive — minutes from Orlando's top attractions.
Open 7 Days
5 PM – 10 PM
Free On-Site
Casual
Come As You Are
OpenTable or Call
(407) 354-0770
Ciao Italia Ristorante on Westwood Boulevard is about 12 minutes from Universal and worth the short drive. Family-owned since 1991, it serves homemade Italian food in a relaxed atmosphere. Free parking, kids menu with gelato, and no dress code. A nice change from CityWalk dining.
While Ciao Italia Ristorante offers 10% off dinner with SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, and Epic Universe tickets, the restaurant welcomes all theme park visitors. Located about 12 minutes from Universal at 6149 Westwood Blvd, it is a great post-park dinner option with free parking.
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.
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Real Italian food on International Drive. Family-owned since 1991.
