Best Restaurants Near Element by Marriott Orlando International Drive
Homemade Italian just 2 minutes away. Family-owned since 1991. 4,000+ reviews.
Family-Owned Italian — Since 1991 — 6149 Westwood Blvd
The Best Restaurant Near Element by Marriott Orlando International Drive
When 4,000+ reviewers agree, the choice is clear. Ciao Italia is 5 minutes from Element by Marriott Orlando International Drive — a family-owned Italian restaurant that has been making everything from scratch since 1991. Zagat rated, 9 culinary awards, and the kind of food that turns a hotel stay into a trip worth remembering.
What Makes It the Best

Better Than Hotel Dining
Hotel restaurants charge hotel prices for food that was prepped hours ago. Ciao Italia charges neighborhood prices for food that was made by hand today. The Fettuccine Alfredo, the Chicken Parmigiana, the Risotto alla Pescatora — everything is cooked to order in a kitchen that has been perfecting these recipes for more than 35 years. 6149 Westwood Blvd. (407) 354-0770.
Practical Details
Address
6149 Westwood Blvd
Orlando, FL 32821
Hours & Phone
Open Nightly 5–10 PM
(407) 354-0770
Parking
Free parking lot
right in front
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
Is there free parking at Ciao Italia?
Yes. Ciao Italia has a free parking lot directly in front of the restaurant. No meters, no garages, and no validation needed. It is one of the few restaurants near I-Drive with its own free lot.
How many awards has Ciao Italia won?
Ciao Italia has earned 9 dining awards over its 35+ years in operation, including Zagat recognition. The restaurant also has over 4,000 reviews across Google, TripAdvisor, and OpenTable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ciao Italia family-friendly?
Absolutely. Casual and welcoming with a $13 kids menu that includes gelato for dessert. Highchairs available.
Do I need a reservation?
Walk-ins are welcome every night. For groups of 6+, call ahead at (407) 354-0770.
Does Ciao Italia have wine?
Yes. Ciao Italia offers an Italian wine list and beer selection curated to pair with the food.
Does Ciao Italia have free parking?
Yes. Free parking lot right in front of the restaurant.
What are Ciao Italia hours?
Open nightly from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week.
More From Ciao Italia
Best Restaurant Near Element
Walk-ins welcome. Free parking. Homemade Italian.
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.