Christmas Day · International Drive Orlando
Best Restaurants Open
Christmas Day International Drive
Family-Owned Since 1991 • 4,000+ Reviews • Dec 25, 5–10 PM • (407) 354-0770
Scroll
Christmas Day · International Drive Orlando
Family-Owned Since 1991 • 4,000+ Reviews • Dec 25, 5–10 PM • (407) 354-0770
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
Best Christmas Day Dining
Choosing a Christmas Day restaurant involves more than finding somewhere with available seating. Food quality, reputation, menu selection, atmosphere, and convenience are all important when planning a holiday meal. Ciao Italia Ristorante has been family-owned by the Navarra family since 1991, offering an established Italian dining experience along Orlando's International Drive.
With a reported 4.6-star rating and more than 4,000 reviews across Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor, our restaurant has a substantial history of customer feedback. Ciao Italia focuses on scratch-made Italian dishes and attentive dining-room hospitality rather than a limited holiday buffet. On Friday, December 25, 2026, we will welcome guests from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM in an upscale yet casual environment with no dress code.
Our menu gives guests the freedom to choose an Italian dinner suited to the occasion. Australian rack of lamb and veal piccata offer appealing selections for guests seeking a substantial main course, while fresh seafood and risotto provide additional options. Scratch-made pasta, chicken parmigiana, and lasagna bolognese reflect the traditional Italian comfort food that has helped shape our restaurant's identity.
The complete regular dinner menu will remain available on Christmas Day, with specials of the day offering further variety. No separate Christmas menu or mandatory prix fixe package is required. Families with younger children can order from our $13 kids menu, which includes gelato, and adults can choose wine or beer. Our menu allows guests to enjoy familiar favorites or select something more elaborate for the holiday.
Ciao Italia is located at 6149 Westwood Boulevard on International Drive, 1.4 miles from SeaWorld Orlando and just 0.5 miles from Aquatica Orlando. Guests visiting from the Orange County Convention Center area can reach the restaurant in approximately three minutes, covering 0.9 miles. We are also directly across the street from DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld.
Free on-site parking is available, and guests are welcome to wear shorts rather than formal holiday clothing. These conveniences can make a difference when planning dinner with children, visiting relatives, or family members staying in different locations. Christmas Day reservations are available through OpenTable or by calling (407) 354-0770. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability, but advance booking is encouraged.
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
"Best Italian we've had in Florida. The lasagna was unreal and the staff made us feel like regulars on our first visit."
— Nicole & Chris W. — Google"We made Ciao Italia our holiday tradition. Every year the food is perfect, the atmosphere is warm, and the Navarra family makes us feel like we belong."
— Verified Guest — Google"Fantastic food and wonderful service. The veal piccata was outstanding and the tiramisu was the best I've ever had. A hidden gem on International Drive."
— David R. — TripAdvisor
Located 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 has been family-owned by the Navarra family since 1991, offering more than 35 years of scratch-made Italian cuisine. With a 4.6-star average rating and over 4,000 reviews across Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor, our restaurant has a substantial track record. On Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2026, we serve our complete regular dinner menu from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM with no prix fixe and no special pricing.
No — we serve our regular full Italian dinner menu on Christmas Day. There is no prix fixe, no special holiday pricing, and no limited menu. Guests can choose from veal piccata, chicken parmigiana, lasagna bolognese, rack of lamb, fresh seafood, scratch-made pasta, and more. Open 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on December 25.
Reservations are strongly recommended for Christmas Day dinner. Ciao Italia is one of the most popular holiday dining destinations on International Drive. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability, but advance booking is encouraged. Call (407) 354-0770 or reserve through OpenTable.
Ciao Italia is located at 6149 Westwood Blvd on International Drive, Orlando, FL 32821. We are directly across from DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, approximately 0.9 miles (3 minutes) from the Orange County Convention Center, 1.4 miles from SeaWorld Orlando, and 0.5 miles from Aquatica Orlando.
No — Ciao Italia serves wine and beer only on Christmas Day and every night we are open. We do not offer cocktails, mixed drinks, or a full bar. We have a curated Italian wine list by the glass and bottle, plus imported and domestic beer.
Yes — free on-site parking is available right in front of the restaurant on Westwood Blvd, just off International Drive. Parking is always complimentary, including on Christmas Day, December 25.
Explore more holiday dining options at Ciao Italia on International Drive
Open December 25 • 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM • Free Parking
