Best Restaurants Outside Disney World

The Best Meal of Your Disney Trip Is Not Inside Disney

Walt Disney World has over 300 places to eat. Most of them are designed for convenience, not quality. The sit-down restaurants that are actually good require advance reservations months ahead and charge prices that would make a New York steakhouse blush. Meanwhile, 20 minutes down the road, some of Orlando's best independent restaurants are waiting with empty tables and better food.

Ciao Italia Ristorante is one of those restaurants. The Navarra family opened it in 1991 and has been serving handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, and lamb chops every night since. With 4,000+ reviews and 9 awards, it has built the kind of reputation that Disney restaurants spend millions trying to manufacture.

What Sets This Place Apart

Everything at Ciao Italia is made from scratch daily. The pasta is handmade. The sauces simmer for hours. The bread comes out of the oven fresh. The Pappardelle al Cinghiale with wild boar ragu is the kind of dish you talk about for years. The Risotto alla Pescatora, loaded with clams, mussels, shrimp, and calamari, is a showpiece. The Australian lamb chops are perfectly prepared every time.

The dining room is intimate and comfortable. Beer and wine are available with dinner. The kids menu is $13 with gelato included. Free parking right in front. No shuttles, no monorails, no waiting for a bus. You drive up and walk in.

Closer Than You Think

Ciao Italia is about 20 minutes from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, 25 minutes from Magic Kingdom, and 25 minutes from Animal Kingdom. All routes are straightforward via I-4. After a full day in the parks, the drive is a welcome chance to decompress before sitting down to a proper dinner.

The restaurant is open every night from 5 to 10 PM. Walk-ins are welcome. Reservations recommended on weekends. Private dining available for up to 60 guests. Call (407) 354-0770.

About Dining Outside Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World covers 25,000 acres in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and includes four theme parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs. While on-property dining is convenient, many visitors choose to explore off-property restaurants for better value, shorter waits, and more authentic culinary experiences.

Ciao Italia Ristorante at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando is 20-25 minutes from all Disney parks via I-4. The Navarra family has owned this authentic Italian restaurant since 1991. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, veal, lamb chops, sauteed calamari, and homemade desserts. 4,000+ reviews. 9 awards. Beer and wine. Free parking. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.

How to Get to Ciao Italia from Disney World

From any Disney World park, take I-4 East toward Orlando. Exit at Sand Lake Road (Exit 74A), head south on International Drive, then turn right onto Westwood Blvd. Ciao Italia is at 6149 Westwood Blvd, approximately 20-25 minutes depending on which park you are leaving. Free parking.

People Also Ask About Restaurants Outside Disney World

About Dining Near Restaurants Outside Disney World

When you are visiting Restaurants Outside Disney World in Orlando, finding a genuine Italian dinner can feel impossible among the chains and tourist traps. Ciao Italia Ristorante has been the answer since 1991 — a family-owned Italian restaurant on Westwood Boulevard where everything is made from scratch.

The Navarra family runs the kitchen personally. Handmade pasta, fresh sauces, bread baked daily, and housemade desserts. The menu includes classics like lasagna and chicken parmigiana alongside refined dishes like pappardelle with wild boar ragu and risotto alla pescatora.

With 4,000+ reviews, 9 awards, and over 35 years of service, Ciao Italia is one of the most trusted Italian restaurants in the Orlando area. Italian wine and beer are available with dinner. Kids eat for $13 with gelato. Free parking. Walk-ins welcome nightly 5 to 10 PM.

How to Get to Ciao Italia from Restaurants Outside Disney World

Ciao Italia is about 20 minutes from Restaurants Outside Disney World. Head toward International Drive and continue to Westwood Boulevard. The restaurant is at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821, with free parking right in front. Open nightly 5 to 10 PM.

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