Since 1991 • Zagat Rated • 9 Awards
Best Restaurants in Orlando
Restaurants come and go. The great ones stay for 35 years. Handmade Italian food from the Navarra family, every night since 1991.
35 Years in a City That Eats Restaurants Alive
Orlando is one of the toughest restaurant markets in America. Seventy-five million tourists a year. Thousands of restaurants fighting for their attention. New places open every month and half of them close within two years. The competition is relentless.
Ciao Italia opened in 1991 and is still here. Same family. Same location. Same commitment to making every dish from scratch. In a city where restaurants come and go like weather, lasting 35 years means something. It means the food is good enough and the experience is consistent enough that people keep coming back. Four thousand reviews do not happen by accident.
The Navarra family came from southern Italy and brought their traditions with them. Handmade pasta. Fresh sauces made daily. Proteins cooked to order. No shortcuts, no microwaves, no corporate supply chain. Just a family cooking the food they grew up eating.
What Puts Ciao Italia Among Orlando's Best
The Food
The Risotto alla Pescatora takes time to make properly. Fresh shrimp, clams, and mussels stirred slowly into creamy Arborio rice. Most restaurants do not bother because it is too labor-intensive. At Ciao Italia, it is on the menu every night because that is what real Italian cooking looks like.
The Brasato is a braised short rib that has been slow-cooked for hours until it falls apart. The Pollo Marsala is a classic done right, tender chicken in a rich wine sauce with mushrooms. The Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp is made with real butter and Parmigiano Reggiano, not the cream-based imitation you get at chains.
The Legacy
Nine awards. Zagat recognition. Four thousand reviews and counting. But numbers only tell part of the story. The real measure of a great restaurant is whether people come back. At Ciao Italia, they do. Families celebrate the same birthdays here year after year. Couples return for anniversaries. Convention visitors make it their first dinner reservation every time they are in town.
For Everyone
The best restaurants are not just for special occasions. They are for Tuesday nights and birthday parties and post-theme-park dinners with tired kids. The $13 kids menu with gelato makes it easy for families. Private dining for up to 60 guests handles celebrations. Catering menus at $60, $70, and $80 per person cover corporate events and group dinners.
Open 5 PM to 10 PM every night at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. Free self-parking. Takeout on Uber Eats and DoorDash. Call (407) 354-0770 or book through OpenTable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ciao Italia one of the best restaurants in Orlando?
Ciao Italia has been recognized as one of Orlando's best restaurants for over 35 years. With 4,000+ guest reviews, 9 awards including Zagat recognition, and a commitment to handmade Italian food, it consistently ranks among the top dining destinations in the Orlando area.
How long has Ciao Italia been in Orlando?
Ciao Italia has been in Orlando since 1991, making it one of the longest-running independent restaurants in the area. The Navarra family opened the restaurant over 35 years ago and continues to operate it with the same commitment to quality and traditional Italian cooking.
Can Ciao Italia host large groups or private events?
Yes. Ciao Italia offers private dining for up to 60 guests and full restaurant buyouts for up to 110 people. Group catering menus are available at $60, $70, and $80 per person. The restaurant is popular for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate dinners, and family celebrations.
What is the dress code at Ciao Italia?
Ciao Italia has a casual to smart casual atmosphere. There is no strict dress code. Guests are welcome in everything from nice jeans to dressy attire. The restaurant is welcoming to families, couples, tourists, and business diners alike.
