Best Seafood International Drive
Fresh Italian seafood on International Drive. Homemade pasta, family recipes, free parking. Since 1991.
The Best Seafood on I-Drive Is Italian
International Drive is packed with restaurants, but most of them serve the same reheated, generic food. If you want real seafood — fresh, made to order, with homemade pasta and sauces — Ciao Italia Ristorante is the place.
We are located on Westwood Boulevard, on International Drive. The risotto alla pescatora ($36) is our signature seafood dish — Arborio rice with clams, mussels, shrimp, and calamari. The linguine alle vongole ($25) is fresh clams in white wine and garlic. The cernia alla puttanesca ($43) is Gulf grouper you will not find at any chain on I-Drive.
We have been a neighborhood favorite since 1991. Over 4,000 reviews. Nine awards. Family-owned and operated every single night.
- Risotto alla Pescatora — clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari ($36)
- Linguine alle Vongole — fresh clams, white wine, garlic ($25)
- Cernia alla Puttanesca — Gulf grouper, olives, capers ($43)
- Salmone Toscano — pan-seared salmon, Tuscan herbs ($32)
- Ravioli di Pesce — seafood ravioli, tomato cream ($27)
- Linguine con Scampi — shrimp scampi, garlic butter ($26)
- Zuppa di Pesce — clams, mussels, calamari, shrimp ($20)
Skip the Chains, Eat Real Seafood
I-Drive has Red Lobster. It has a dozen other places that microwave their seafood and call it dinner. Ciao Italia is the antidote to all of that.
Our kitchen makes everything from scratch. The zuppa di pesce ($20) is clams, mussels, calamari, and shrimp in cherry tomato broth. The salmone toscano ($32) is pan-seared with Tuscan herbs. The ravioli di pesce ($27) and linguine con scampi ($26) are made with fresh pasta rolled that morning.
The restaurant is casual and comfortable. Tourists and locals eat here side by side. Parking is free in front. Walk-ins are welcome every night.
Practical Details
Cuisine
Zagat-rated Italian. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, veal, lamb, and classic preparations.
Hours
Open 7 days a week, 5 PM to 10 PM. Walk-ins welcome.
Parking
Free self-parking lot right in front of the restaurant. No meters or garages.
Location
6149 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821. Near SeaWorld, I-Drive, and the Convention Center.
Reservations
Book online through OpenTable or call (407) 354-0770. Walk-ins always welcome.
Private Dining
Private room seats up to 60. Full venue buyout up to 110. Custom menus available.
About Dining Near I-Drive
International Drive runs through the center of Orlando's tourism district. It connects SeaWorld, Aquatica, ICON Park, the Orange County Convention Center, and dozens of hotels. Every night, thousands of visitors walk the strip looking for dinner.
Most of what they find are chain restaurants with corporate menus and frozen ingredients. The Italian restaurants on I-Drive tend to be the usual suspects: Olive Garden, Carrabba's, Buca di Beppo. They are fine for what they are, but they are not authentic Italian cooking.
Ciao Italia is different. Located on Westwood Boulevard on International Drive, it is a family-owned restaurant where the Navarra family has been making everything from scratch for over 35 years. The sauteed calamari, the handmade pasta, the Risotto alla Pescatora, the Australian lamb chops — this is real Italian food, not a chain interpretation.
The restaurant is casual and welcoming, perfect for families, couples, and groups. The kids menu is $13 and includes gelato. Beer and wine are available to pair with dinner. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are always welcome.
How to Get to Ciao Italia from I-Drive
From International Drive, take Westwood Boulevard south. Ciao Italia is on International Drive at 6149 Westwood Blvd, on the right side, with a free parking lot directly in front. It is on International Drive and on the same road as SeaWorld's main entrance.
More Questions About Dining Near I-Drive
Is Ciao Italia casual or dressy?
Ciao Italia is casual and welcoming. Guests come in everything from shorts and sandals to dressed-up date night attire. There is no dress code. The atmosphere is warm and family-friendly.
What are the most popular dishes at Ciao Italia?
Guest favorites include Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Bolognese, Pappardelle al Cinghiale, Risotto alla Pescatora, and the Australian Lamb Chops. The sauteed calamari is also a popular starter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best seafood restaurant on International Drive?
Ciao Italia Ristorante, on International Drive on Westwood Blvd, serves fresh Italian seafood nightly. Family-owned since 1991 with over 4,000 reviews.
What seafood can I get at Ciao Italia?
Risotto alla Pescatora ($36), Linguine alle Vongole ($25), Cernia alla Puttanesca ($43), Salmone Toscano ($32), Ravioli di Pesce ($27), Linguine con Scampi ($26), and Zuppa di Pesce ($20).
Is Ciao Italia on International Drive?
We are on Westwood Blvd, on International Drive. About a 2-minute drive from the main I-Drive strip.
Is the seafood fresh?
Yes. All seafood is fresh and made to order. Nothing frozen, nothing pre-made.
Does Ciao Italia have free parking?
Yes. Free parking lot right in front at 6149 Westwood Blvd.
Is Ciao Italia family-friendly?
Absolutely. Kids menu is $13 with gelato. Casual atmosphere. Highchairs available.
What are the hours?
Open nightly from 5 PM to 10 PM, seven days a week.
Does Ciao Italia have dessert?
Yes. The dessert menu includes tiramisu, panna cotta, gelato, and cannoli. Kids meals include gelato automatically.
More From Ciao Italia
The Best Seafood on I-Drive
Homemade pasta. Fresh seafood. Family-owned since 1991.
Published by Ciao Italia Ristorante, family-owned by the Navarra family on International Drive since 1991. Over 35 years of authentic Italian hospitality in Orlando, Florida.