Best Restaurants Near Restaurant Row

The Restaurant That Outlasted Restaurant Row

Restaurants on Restaurant Row come and go. Concepts launch with big budgets, remodel after a few years, and eventually close when the lease expires. The turnover rate along Sand Lake Road is significant. But one restaurant, just one block south, has been operating since 1991 without interruption.

Ciao Italia Ristorante is not technically on Restaurant Row. It is on Westwood Boulevard, which is exactly why it has survived. Lower overhead, a dedicated private lot, and a family that owns and operates the restaurant every single night. The Navarra family does not answer to a corporate headquarters. They answer to the people sitting at their tables, and they have been doing that for over 35 years.

What Earns 4,000+ Reviews

You do not accumulate 4,000+ reviews by being average. Ciao Italia has earned its reputation through consistency. The handmade pasta tastes the same whether you visit in January or July. The Chicken Parmigiana is always freshly breaded and fried to order. The Fettuccine Alfredo is always made with real butter and aged cheese. The sauteed calamari is always tender, cooked in olive oil with garlic.

The restaurant has also won 9 awards over the years, recognizing everything from food quality to hospitality. But what matters most to the Navarra family is the repeat customer. The family that comes every Friday. The couple that celebrates every anniversary here. The convention attendee who comes back every year for the same table.

Understanding Restaurant Row

Restaurant Row is the local name for the dining corridor along Sand Lake Road in Orlando's Dr. Phillips neighborhood. The stretch between International Drive and Turkey Lake Road features major chains like The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Yard House, Bahama Breeze, and Bonefish Grill. There are also several independent restaurants, though they are outnumbered by corporate concepts.

The corridor serves a massive population of tourists, convention-goers, and locals. During peak periods, the restaurants along Sand Lake Road can have wait times exceeding an hour. Parking in shared lots can be challenging, particularly on weekend evenings.

Ciao Italia sits just off this corridor and benefits from all the traffic without the headaches. Its own parking lot, its own building, and its own family-run kitchen. Five minutes from Restaurant Row and 3 minutes from SeaWorld, it offers the convenience without the chaos.

How to Get to Ciao Italia from Restaurant Row

From Restaurant Row (Sand Lake Road), head south on Westwood Boulevard toward SeaWorld. Ciao Italia is at 6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. About 5 minutes by car with free parking in the private lot.

More About Restaurant Row Dining

About Dining Near Restaurants Restaurant Row

When you are visiting Restaurants Restaurant Row 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 Restaurant Row

Ciao Italia is about 5 minutes from Restaurants Restaurant Row. 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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